On February 26, 2025, the final defendant in a significant gang investigation involving the Only My Brothers (OMB) street gang was sentenced to federal prison. The investigation led to charges against 17 defendants for various crimes, including RICO conspiracy, fentanyl distribution, possessing machineguns, straw purchasing firearms, firearms trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.
Court documents and evidence indicated that the defendants were members or associates of the OMB gang. The group emerged in early- to mid-2021 and engaged in criminal activities such as attempted murders, drug distribution, and armed robberies. Their actions included at least 30 shootings and distributing over 22 kilograms of fentanyl in Des Moines.
The OMB was responsible for several shootings from November 2021 to August 2022 in Des Moines. These incidents involved multiple gunfire exchanges at residences and public places. To obtain firearms for their activities, OMB used straw purchasers who were often drug customers or family members of gang members.
Dawn Ellease Robinson purchased guns for her son Santiz Langford, an OMB member who either used them himself or distributed them within the gang. Deon Cooper and Johnetta Strode also acquired firearms for their relatives involved with OMB.
The investigation identified over 90 guns linked to OMB-related shootings, with more than 70 seized by law enforcement. Defendants received sentences ranging from 18 months to 444 months based on their involvement in crimes such as racketeering conspiracy and firearm offenses.
United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal announced the sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Herrera and Mallory Weiser prosecuted the case.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Des Moines Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation with assistance from Iowa state agencies.
This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated approach involving multiple agencies.
Additionally, this case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which seeks to reduce violent crime by fostering community trust and supporting prevention efforts while setting strategic enforcement priorities.