15 years for an Idaho felon for Minnesota crime spree

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: September 3, 2009 - 9:47 PM

A 32-year-old felon who came to Minnesota from Idaho with a lengthy rap sheet will spend 15 years in federal prison for possessing a loaded gun while fleeing a traffic stop on a Twin Cities freeway.

At his sentencing Tuesday in federal court, Kory S. Loveland of Boise, Idaho, blamed his crimes on his addiction to methamphetamine.

Among Loveland's tattoos, the Boise Weekly reported during the felon's flight, is "Only God Can Judge Me Now" branded on his chest.

According to Loveland's plea agreement, police pulled him over July 18, 2007, for speeding on Interstate 94 in Washington County. After initially stopping, Loveland took off and led authorities on a long chase, which ended when Loveland's car left the road and got stuck on a berm near County Road 19 in Woodbury. Officers then found the loaded 9-millimeter handgun on the passenger-side floorboard of his vehicle and arrested him.

Loveland had convictions in Idaho for burglary, robbery and battery against a correctional officer. He was released from prison in 2007 and violated parole by fleeing to Minnesota.

In Minnesota, Loveland was the suspect in an armed robbery in Minneapolis three weeks before his arrest. In that case, authorities allege, he put a gun to his victim's head, pistol-whipped him from behind and stole the victim's watch, wedding band, credit cards and $600 in cash.

The doctor who treated the victim said the victim was "lucky to be alive," according to federal authorities.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482