Raids on Willmar residences Friday turn up drugs, illegal handgun stored under infant’s crib

Law enforcement raids on two residences in Willmar Friday turned up drugs and illegal firearms, including a handgun stored under an infants crib.

According to the Willmar Police Department, on Dec. 15, Willmar Police assisted Kandiyohi County Community corrections agents with house visits and searches at residences of people currently on probation.

While at the residence in the 1400 block of 13th Ave NE, agents and officers located a loaded handgun, without a serial number, under the mattress of an infant’s crib (the infant was present in the home). A subsequent search warrant resulted in the seizure of additional ammunition, magazines and a stun gun. Juan Antonio Soto, Jr. age 21 of Willmar was arrested at the scene. The mother of the child was located and took custody of the infant. A child protection report was also filed with Kandiyohi County Child Protection Services.

While at the residence in the 700 block of 4th St SE, agents and officers located a white, powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine. Miguel Alejandro Soto, age 20 of Willmar was later taken into custody for 5th degree controlled substance crime.

Both suspects are currently being held in the Kandiyohi County Jail pending charges.

Agencies involved in the search and arrests included the Willmar Police Department, Kandiyohi County Community Corrections, CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force and the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office.