10 more alleged Minneapolis gang members face federal charges as part of violent crime crackdown
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal and state authorities in Minnesota announced charges Tuesday against 10 alleged gang members.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said members of a south Minneapolis gang face federal firearm and drug charges.
"Recently, gang investigators form the Minneapolis Police Department working with the FBI brought to our attention that the 10z/20z gang members were seeking to reemerge in south Minneapolis after a period of less activity," Luger said. "It immediately became a priority of law enforcement and our office to bring charges quickly to ensure that the 10z/20z could not reemerge and would not be in a position to increase violence in Minneapolis this summer."
The new charges are part of a crusade begun two years ago by federal and local authorities, which has yielded charges for over 70 people to date, Luger said.
"Much of the violence they perpetrate on our residents can be directly attributed to actions related to the distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics, illegally possessing firearms and just in general terrorizing our community," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said.
Authorities recovered "significant quantities" of multiple drugs, including fentanyl, in the course of arresting the alleged gang members, O'Hara said. In addition, officials seized 13 illegal guns, including one equipped with an auto sear to increase its rate of fire.
The 10z/20z gang primarily operates in the Ventura Village neighborhood of Minneapolis, authorities said, particularly near Peavey Park.
Luger says it was members of the Minneapolis Police Department gang unit that brought the resurgence of the 10z/20z to his attention. Working with the FBI, they were able to quickly identify members.
"This group has been the focus of numerous prior investigations by law enforcement," O'Hara said. "Much of its membership have previously been convicted on federal offenses. And, like previous takedowns, they are amongst the worst of the worst."
Luger says the alleged gang members are not charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says it will continue to focus resources on investigating and prosecuting those who threaten the safety of innocent citizens.
