United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging MICHAEL CORTEZ REED, 25, with the attempted robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy, as well as drug-trafficking and firearms violations.[1] REED was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Magistrate Judge Becky R. Thorson in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the indictment, on Aug. 27, 2017, REED used force, violence, and fear of injury in an attempt to steal controlled substances from a Walgreens pharmacy located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Between Sept. 13, 2017 and September 5, 2018, REED was found to be in possession of five or more grams of methamphetamine and three firearms, including a Ruger model P95DC nine-millimeter semi-automatic firearm, a Phoenix Arms model Raven 25.25-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Kahr Arms model P380.380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Because he is a felon, REED is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm at any time.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce. If convicted, REED faces potential maximum penalties of 10 years to life in prison.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Saint Paul Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Benjamin Bejar are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
MICHAEL CORTEZ REED, a/k/a “Hyphy," 25
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:
* Attempted interference with commerce by robbery, 1 count
* Felon in possession of a firearm, 3 counts
* Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
* Carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
