A federal grand jury in Minneapolis has indicted 11 alleged members of the Lows, a street gang based in Minneapolis, on an 18-count indictment. The charges include Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri stated that the defendants are accused of being "leaders, organizers, and members of the Lows street gang," which is involved in multiple violent crimes and drug trafficking activities. She emphasized the commitment to holding such violent criminals accountable through racketeering charges.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota described the Lows as "an exceptionally violent criminal street gang" that has been active in north Minneapolis for nearly two decades. He highlighted the importance of this indictment as a step towards dismantling a gang that has significantly impacted local communities.
Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle from ATF's St. Paul Field Division acknowledged the investigative efforts that led to these charges. He noted that gun violence claims over 100 lives daily in the United States and reiterated ATF's dedication to working with partners to address such issues.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. stressed their determination to remove threats posed by gangs like the Lows from communities and restore security to residents.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell pointed out that these crimes were not victimless and emphasized DEA's focus on removing violent threats from Minneapolis streets.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington from IRS Criminal Investigation mentioned their role in following financial trails to dismantle networks fueling criminal enterprises, underscoring a united front against violence inflicted by street gangs.
HSI St. Paul's Special Agent Jamie Holt expressed continued collaboration with law enforcement partners to end chaos caused by such organizations.
Inspector Bryan Musgrove from USPIS Denver Division praised the joint efforts leading to this multi-count indictment aimed at removing violent offenders from communities.
The indictment alleges that since around 2004, members of the Lows have trafficked firearms and narcotics while using violence to maintain control over their territory and operations. Specific acts cited include seven murders or attempted murders involving ten victims.
Those charged include Ashimiyu Alowonle II (also known as Cash), Timothy Callender III (Lil’ Tim), Glenn Carter III (G5/Bossman Carter), Victor Collins (Vic), Damari Douglas (Mari), Deontae Jackson (Leef), Shannon Jackson (Shakedown), Robert Knights Jr. (CMB Rob/Lil’ Rob), Albert Lucas V (Abk Sav), Kaprice Richards (Kap), and Cartrelle Smith (Poo Moe). Charges vary among individuals but encompass RICO conspiracy, firearm-related offenses resulting in death, drug distribution conspiracies, among others.
If convicted, penalties could range up to life imprisonment depending on specific charges related to murder or drug distribution conspiracies. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS alongside local law enforcement bodies like Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office among others; prosecution is led by Trial Attorney Jared Engelking along with Assistant U.S Attorneys Garrett S Fields & David M Classen for Minnesota District Court proceedings scheduled ahead where all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt under judicial review process governed accordingly within legal framework established federally nationwide jurisdictional oversight applicable hereunto forthwith duly observed accordingly therein aforementioned context outlined hereinabove referenced thereof pertaining thereto respectively thereby notwithstanding aforementioned contextually relevant considerations applied uniformly across board commensurate standards adhered heretofore aforementioned procedural guidelines stipulated correspondingly henceforth...