Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis found three Minnesota men guilty of RICO conspiracy and premeditated murder. The defendants were involved with the Minneapolis-based criminal street gang known as the Highs. They were implicated in the August 7, 2021, murder of Darryl Wells, which was gang-related.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick commented on the ongoing initiative to combat violent crime in Minnesota, stating, “Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long. Three years ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced our federal violent crime initiative to address the skyrocketing and completely unacceptable rates of violent crime in Minnesota. Since then, we have brought large RICO cases against three criminal street gangs—charging them as the violent enterprises they are. Make no mistake: we will not stop. Criminal street gangs in Minneapolis will continue to see federal justice. The citizens of Minnesota—the many victims of these crimes—deserve no less.”
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department’s Criminal Division, remarked on the case, “These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community. Today’s conviction holds accountable members of a violent gang and shows the Department’s commitment to hold accountable criminal enterprises that use murder and intimidation to exert power. We remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantle violent gangs and secure justice for the victims and their loved ones.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis said, "This was cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear. They believed violence gave them power—but today’s conviction proves that justice is stronger. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, are committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and holding violent offenders accountable."
Travis Riddle, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF St. Paul Field Division, noted, “Today’s conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities. Through the power of the RICO statute, ATF agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, have been able to target the violent criminal activity of the Highs gang. This conviction is a direct result of the tireless work by our agents who are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and ensuring that those who use violence to control neighborhoods are held accountable. ATF will continue to lead efforts to take down street gangs and protect the citizens of Minneapolis.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara observed a decrease in crime, attributing this to cooperative law enforcement efforts. “Minneapolis has seen a significant drop in violent crime, especially gun violence, thanks to the outstanding work of MPD officers and our law enforcement partners. Most notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been instrumental in helping us target the small number of individuals driving violence, without causing harm to the broader communities we serve. Together, we're not just reducing crime—we're rebuilding trust.”
Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office remarked, “Today’s verdict marks a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations. Reducing violence in this community has required a change in tactics and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are perfectly poised to support our law enforcement partners in this effort. Our agents will continue to apply their financial expertise and investigative skills to bring justice to those who endanger our communities and threaten our way of life.”
Evidence from the trial confirmed that Keon Pruitt, Dantrell Johnson, and Gregory Hamilton, all Minneapolis residents, were members of the Highs gang, a criminal operation controlling territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Members of the Highs gang were involved in various criminal activities including murder, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies, often in retaliation against the rival Lows gang.
On August 7, 2021, a prominent Highs member was killed by a Lows member, prompting a retaliatory response. The following day, Highs members, including the convicted individuals, gathered at a memorial, distributing firearms and planning vengeance. The day saw further violence when Johnson and Hamilton shot an associate of the Lows gang and later mistakenly killed Darryl Wells, believing him to be a member of the Lows.
The jury’s verdict includes convictions on racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy and using a firearm to cause death, with each defendant facing a potential life sentence. Sentencing will be scheduled soon.
This trial is the first among several in a broader case involving 28 defendants facing various charges associated with their involvement in the Highs gang. The investigation and prosecution have been a coordinated effort involving multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.