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https://www.justice.gov › usao-mn › pr › 45-minneapolis-gang-members-and-associates-indicted-federal-charges

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45 Minneapolis Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Federal Charges

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District of Minnesota | 45 Minneapolis Gang Members and Associates ...​

May 3, 2023
Newly Unsealed Indictments Include RICO Conspiracy, Murder, and Drug Trafficking Offenses

MINNEAPOLIS – Two indictments were unsealed today in the District of Minnesota charging 30 members and associates of two Minneapolis-based street gangs – the Highs and the Bloods – with racketeering (RICO) conspiracy involving alleged murder, attempted murder, robbery, obstruction of justice, and drug trafficking. Additional charges include the use of a firearm to commit murder and drug trafficking. In addition to these indictments, separate charging documents have been brought against an additional 15 Highs or Bloods members on drug and gun charges.
“Today’s announcement marks a fundamental change for federal law enforcement. We are now addressing gang violence for what it is: organized criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “As alleged, these defendants engaged in an unrelenting trail of violence, resulting in today’s federal RICO charges and related charges. The aggregate nature of a RICO prosecution has a deeper impact and carries a stronger deterrence message, with the ultimate goal of reducing violence and returning peace to our communities.”
“Violent gangs wreak havoc on local residents, engaging in bloody street wars and peddling dangerous drugs that devastate communities and families,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As today’s announcement demonstrates, the Criminal Division is deploying its resources and expertise in close coordination with our partners to target the specific drivers of violent crime and hold gang members and associates accountable for their offenses.”
“When rival gangs declare war on each other in the streets in any city, it is the innocent bystanders that suffer the greatest consequences,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the ATF. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and all of our law enforcement partners involved in bringing this case.”
“Today's indictment of numerous Highs and Bloods gang members is the result of an exhaustive investigation conducted with our local, state, and federal partners,” Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “No American should be forced to live in perpetual fear of being a victim of violent crime. These arrests demonstrate our efforts are turning the tide against organized crime in the Twin Cities and the upper Midwest.”
“For too long, criminal gangs have wreaked havoc on our streets, leaving in their wake tragedy and trauma that threatens to destroy families, neighborhoods, and communities. When we refrain from utilizing the full force of laws available to hold these bad actors accountable, we allow for this horrific behavior, and its impact on residents, to continue to be normalized. The behavior of these bad actors is outrageous and entirely unacceptable,” said Chief Brian O’Hara of the Minneapolis Police Department. “The most vulnerable in our communities are often those most impacted by gun violence and criminal gang activity. Our most vulnerable residents are entitled to the same protections and safety as everyone else in society. These arrests are just the beginning. For the first time ever, we have embedded Minneapolis police officers in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will continue to develop future cases. Today we are standing shoulder to shoulder with all of law enforcement and making clear that this behavior will not be tolerated. If you intend to engage in violent crimes in our city, we will find you, we will track you down, and we will bring you to justice.”
Highs Enterprise Indictments
Twenty members and associates of the Highs Enterprise are charged in a 12-count indictment with RICO conspiracy involving five separate murders, over 10 attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking. Five additional defendants are charged in this indictment with separate drug and gun charges.
As alleged in this indictment, the Highs have been operating primarily in the north side of Minneapolis since approximately 2008. The Highs congregated at specific businesses and residences located at or near the West Broadway Avenue and Lyndale Avenue North intersection. Prospective Highs members proved their loyalty to the gang by “putting in work,” i.e., committing acts of violence for the benefit of the gang or offering other benefits such as introducing a source for drugs or firearms. Highs members were expelled from the gang and physically assaulted for failing to “put in work.” The Highs leaders, or “shot callers,” determined the quantity of drugs bought and sold and the locations where members were permitted to sell the drugs. The shot callers sometimes took the lead in obtaining and distributing firearms to other Highs members.
The indictment alleges a years-long pattern of violence including murders, numerous shootings and acts of retaliation against rival gang members, dealing in fentanyl, and robberies. Between April and September 2021, Highs members are alleged to have committed five murders.
Minneapolis Bloods Enterprise Indictments
Five members and associates of the Minneapolis Bloods charged in a separate indictment, including two who are charged with RICO conspiracy involving two separate murders, over 10 attempted murders, robbery, and drug trafficking. The remaining three defendants are charged with separate drug and gun charges, including using a firearm in a killing for two separate murders.
As alleged in this indictment, the Minneapolis Bloods chapter has been in existence for several decades, controlling and operating territory on the south side of Minneapolis. The hierarchy of the Bloods includes a head or leader of the gang, senior leaders, street-level leaders, and other members or associates. New recruits (called “YGs” or young gangsters) must fight, shoot, or make money to gain respect and increase their position in the gang. The next level in the gang is “OG” (original gangsters), who are well-respected members of the gang, and the highest level is “double OG.” All OGs are equal in rank and can direct “shots” or orders. “Enforcers” carry out the OG’s “shots” or orders by beating or assaulting the offender. Members of the Bloods often wear red clothing, display gang signs, and obtain tattoos that identify the Bloods, its members, or territory.
This indictment alleges a pattern of violence, including a 2020 shootout and murder at the 200 Club in north Minneapolis. In April 2022, Bloods members physically attacked, shot at, and murdered an individual outside of William’s Pub in Uptown. The indictment also alleges other criminal acts, including numerous instances of narcotics trafficking.
The following defendants are charged in the Highs indictment, with all defendants being from Minneapolis, unless otherwise noted below.
  • Montez Brown, aka Tez Blood, 31, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Dantrell Johnson, aka Trell Moe, 30, is charged with RICO conspiracy and with using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Gregory Hamilton, aka Lil’ Lord, 27, is charged with RICO conspiracy and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Keon Pruitt, aka KenKen, 20, is charged with RICO conspiracy and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Jovan Knight, aka 23, aka JoJo, 23, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Tyreese Giles, aka Reese, 22, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
  • Josiah Taylor, aka Joker, 29, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Douglas Mobley, aka Nut, 35, of St. Paul, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Jarrett Robinson, aka Gator, 25, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
  • Trevaun Robinson, aka Tricky Tre, 27, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Isaac Hodge, aka Ike, 46, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Christopher Finch, aka Twin, 22, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Tony Jelks, aka BD, 29, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Cortez Blakemore, aka Tez, 33, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Randy Tate, aka “Randy,” aka 32, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Trevoneia Felton, aka Tre, 21, of St. Paul, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Chase Robertson, aka Chase Loco, 25, of St. Paul, is charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Malcolm Samuels, aka Reggie, 24, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • William Banks, aka Bear, 33, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Ronald Washington, aka Black, 36, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
  • William Johnson, aka Lil’ Will, 32, is charged with using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Dashaun Morris, aka Mush, 21, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Ernest Boyd, aka Shaky Shawn, 42, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Maron Bailey, aka Boonie, 25, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • Isaiah Bell, 20, of St. Paul, is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Additionally, the following defendants are Highs members or associates who were charged in individual indictments:
  • Montrell Shief, 23, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a machinegun.
  • Deon Williams, aka Ghost, 28, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Dennis Mobley, aka Diddy, 34, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The following defendants are named in the Bloods indictment:
  • Desean James Solomon, aka Black, 33, is charged with RICO conspiracy and two counts of using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Michael Allen Burrell, aka Skitz, 42, is charged with using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
  • Leontawan Lentez Holt, aka Leon, aka Shotta, aka Shot Dog, 25, is charged with using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of murder.
Additionally, the following defendants are Bloods members or associates who were charged separately:
  • Theodore Harold Bobo Jr., aka Boo, 37 of St. Paul, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon of possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Jordan Kenneth Edwards, aka J-Bird, 34, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, being a felon of possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Isaiah Lamuel Elisha Ferguson, 26, is charged with firearm conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Josiah Ferguson, 24, is charged with firearm conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Demarcus Cortez Garner, 24, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
  • Andrew Dayjon Griffin, 32, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Obuatawan Holt, aka Bone, 47, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Latoya Bea Smith, 47, is charged with knowingly transferring firearms to a felon.
  • John Eric Solomon, aka Eastside, 33 of Minneapolis, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Traigh Sean Tillman, 29, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
  • Nathan Walz, aka Fat Nate, aka Fat Blood, aka Fat Boy, aka White Boy Nate, 34, of Prior Lake, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy involving acts of murder, using a firearm to commit murder, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the cases, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies contributed to this investigation through reports or evidence control.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha H. Bates, Justin A. Wesley, Esther Soria Mignanelli, and Joseph S. Teirab for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorneys Brian W. Lynch and S. Benjamin Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the cases.
 
 
 
 
 
2012 DEFINITIVE SOURCE.
IT IS WORSE NOW.

SNIPPED

  • https://www.lrl.mn.gov › docs › 2013 › other › 130488.pdf

  • Minnesota Gang, Drug Drug & Violent Crime Task Forces​

    The Surenos 13 is the fastest growing gang in Minnesota. This is a gang that has a history of violence and connections to drug cartels in South America. Another growing gang threat in Minnesota, particularly within the Twin Cities and Rochester areas, is from the evolution of Somali gangs. Somali gangs are believed to be responsible for crimes ...

  • GANG AND VIOLENT CRIME ASSESSMENT
    According to many task force reports, gang activity related to the sale and distribution of narcotics
    continues. In addition to narcotics violations, weapons violations appear to be the criminal activity
    of choice. Prostitution and other forms of human trafficking and victimization of women are also
    criminal ventures for some street gangs. Investigators continue to see evidence that some gang
    members have moved away from collective activity to a more individualized criminal enterprise.
    Members from once rival gangs are reported to be working together, on an individual basis, in
    narcotics sales and stolen goods. These gang members appear to prioritize monetary gain over
    turf and membership issues.
    Many regions are reporting intensified recruiting efforts by gangs, and many gang members from
    major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit are moving into rural regions
    for criminal purposes.     The Surenos 13 is the fastest growing gang in Minnesota. This is a gang that
    has a history of violence and connections to drug cartels in South America. Another growing gang
    threat in Minnesota, particularly within the Twin Cities and Rochester areas, is from the evolution
    of Somali gangs. Somali gangs are believed to be responsible for crimes ranging from drive by
    2012 TASK FORCE ANNUAL REPORT - 6 -
    shootings to drug activity. It has been difficult for law enforcement to penetrate these gangs due
    to language and cultural barriers as well as the “closed network” in which they operate.
    Both metro and rural task forces are experiencing an increase in the size and violence of hybrid
    gangs     as they attempt to gain power. Individuals may join one or more of these loosely affiliated
    “gangs” that have no organized leadership or code of conduct. In the case of hybrid gangs, rival
    gang members are more apt to work together in criminal endeavors. The metro area reports that
    currently, gangs tend to be smaller and more factionalized with violence becoming less about drug
    territory and more about on-going feuds.
    The primary distributors of the three most common drugs (cocaine, meth and marijuana) are
    Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs).     As a result, illegal drugs are becoming available in
    increasing amounts. The use of extreme violence by DTO’s is well documented as they advance their
    interests in Mexico as well as the United States. Some of these organizations have connections to
    the La Familia gang and there are multiple cells operating within the northern portion of Dakota
    County. It is only logical that their presence will continue to grow in the twin cities area.
    Outlaw motorcycle gangs operate throughout the state and prison based gang members reside in
    many parts of the state.     Gangs operating in Minnesota include the Sons of Silence, Hells Angels,
    Hells Outcasts, Las Valientes and Outlaws. Task forces see an increase in the recruiting of new
    members by all the motorcycle gangs and clubs. The Supreme White Power “SWP” prison gang
    members are active in the Iron Range area after recently being paroled. Members of the local task
    force (with assistance from the MN BCA) are continuing to monitor and attempting to build a case
    against a number of Supreme White Power “SWP” members that are suspected in
    methamphetamine sales throughout the Iron Range area. Several members of this group have
    lengthy and violent criminal histories and pose a serious safety threat.
    Native gangs pose significant threats on tribal lands and in parts of the Twin Cities. There has been
    a significant increase in gang violence in the state and local areas involving the Native Mob and
    associates. During the past 12-18 months Native Mob members and associates have been the
    victim of drive-by shootings, assaults and other violence. It has been reported that as older
    members of the Native Mob are being released from prison the gang is becoming more structured
    and organized throughout the state. This is substantiated by Department of Corrections
    investigations and informant information. There has also been an increase in 'council' meetings
    for the Native Mob across the state.
    Violence in the community has increased and in many cases is violence for the sake of violence.
    Task forces report increases in armed robberies and burglaries. The frequency of weapons seized
    during investigations continues to increase. High capacity guns are not unique. The firearm issue
    has resulted in task forces using a variety of tactics to promote officer and community safety.
    Whenever possible, suspects that have potential to be violent or have access to weapons are
    arrested in tightly controlled situations. It is not unusual for some gang members, particularly
    members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, to have a permit to carry a firearm. Removal of guns and
    gun permits through felony criminal charges is a strategy used to disrupt structures within gangs.
    2012 TASK FORCE ANNUAL REPORT - 7 -
    In discussing the escalating violence being encountered, one task force reported that “We
    continue to seize many handguns during our operations and search warrants. The suspects we are
    arresting are more willing to flee, fight and use any means possible to evade arrest or injure
    officers. During one of our operations in the first quarter of 2012 an officer had to shoot a suspect
    who pointed a gun at him during an arrest. Two guns were recovered from two suspects along
    with a large amount of meth.”
    Task forces have also noted that they are experiencing more shoplifting, check forgery, burglaries,
    auto thefts and thefts from autos over the last two years.     They speculate that these crimes are
    often related to repeat offenders who commit these crimes to obtain drugs by trading or selling
    the stolen property. Home invasions are also becoming more common and drug “rips” can be
    lucrative and low risk due to infrequent reporting by the victims.




 
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