14 Defendants Charged in RICO Conspiracy and Murder of 10 People in Minneapolis

Strategic Insights -

Fourteen members or associates of the violent street gang known as the Lows, operating in north Minneapolis since 2004, were charged with racketeering conspiracy involving murder, firearms trafficking, and more. The indictment alleges the gang committed 10 murders, including drive-by shootings, and used threats, intimidation, and violence to protect their territory and power. The charges follow an investigation by ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lows gang has operated in north Minneapolis since 2004 and is alleged to have committed 10 murders as part of their racketeering activities.
  • The indictment charges 14 members or associates of the Lows gang with racketeering conspiracy involving murder, using a firearm to commit murder, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
  • The gang allegedly used threats, intimidation, and violence to protect their territory, reputation, illicit proceeds, and power.
  • The superseding indictment lists eight specific shootings that resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including rampage-style shootings in public spaces such as a gas station, barbershop, and food truck.
  • The defendants face 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 investigation was conducted by a joint effort of various law enforcement agencies, including ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections.
  • Marques Armstrong Jr., Davant Moore, and Jahon Lynch were among the newly charged this week and have made initial appearances in the District of Minnesota.
  • Opened fire into groups of people, killing one victim.
  • Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division's Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
  • An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Statistics:

  • 14 defendants, 14 counts of racketeering, attempting to murder, robbery, and other weapons offenses.
  • 10 murders by the Lows gang since 2004
  • Since 2004, Lows members operated from a wing of the community youth center.
  • Several involved youth although gang asserted a mask of family and business due to the legitimacy.
  • Shooting spree, which began in a corner store near the Northside home, moving the intense effort of foot soldiers on four corners.
  • Investigating agencies are comprised of a total of 10 law enforcement departments, including ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Sources:

  • *News Release*: Three More Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy and Murder
  • The U.S. Department of Justice