Keith Brian Donnell, 49, Red Lake, Minn., pleaded guilty on Thursday to two drug trafficking charges, according to B. Todd Jones, Minnesota's U.S. attorney.
He was charged with possessing with intent to distribute more than 2.5 kilograms (about 5.5 pounds) of marijuana and possessing a firearm in support of drug trafficking.
During a search of his home in April 2011, police found five bricks of the marijuana, a .22-caliber rifle and $12,600 in cash. Donnell admitted he had the rifle for protection because the drug trade is so dangerous.
For his crimes, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on the firearms charge, which has a minimum penalty of five years, and five years on the marijuana charge.
