Following a three-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis convicted three men from Minnesota of RICO conspiracy and premeditated murder. The charges stem from their involvement in the violent Minneapolis street gang known as the Highs and the gang-related murder of Darryl Wells on August 7, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick remarked on the impact of street gangs in Minneapolis, stating, “Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long.” She emphasized that the U.S. Attorney's Office initiated a federal violent crime initiative to address rising crime rates three years ago. "Make no mistake: we will not stop," she added.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Department’s Criminal Division, commented, “These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community." He highlighted the Department's commitment to dismantling violent gangs.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis noted the calculated nature of the violence, stating, "This was cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear." Winston asserted that the conviction demonstrates that justice prevails.
Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the ATF St. Paul Field Division explained that the RICO statute played a key role in targeting the Highs gang. “Today’s conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities,” Riddle stated.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara acknowledged the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in reducing violent crime, especially gun violence, and in rebuilding trust within communities. "Together, we're not just reducing crime — we're rebuilding trust," said O'Hara.
Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, referred to the verdict as "a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations.”
Court documents revealed that Keon Pruitt, 22, Dantrell Johnson, 32, and Gregory Hamilton, 29, were members of the Highs, a gang that operated north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. Evidence showed that the Highs committed several violent acts, including retaliatory actions against rival gang members. On August 8, 2021, the day after a Highs member was killed, Johnson and Hamilton shot a Lows gang member and later mistakenly targeted Darryl Wells, believing him to be associated with the Lows. Wells was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries.
The jury found Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton guilty of RICO conspiracy and using a firearm to cause death. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, with sentencing dates yet to be scheduled.
The trial is the first involving charges against a total of 28 defendants related to the Highs gang's activities. Sixteen additional defendants are awaiting trial.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and others, with assistance from federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Key contributors to the case included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Lopez-Calhoun, Albania Concepcion, and Rebecca Kline, along with Trial Attorney Brian Lynch from the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section.
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