Desean Solomon, a member of the Bloods gang, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years following his conviction on racketeering (RICO) and firearms charges. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
“Three years ago—as violent crime raged out of control—the U.S. Attorney’s Office made a decision to use every tool at our disposal to go after the gangs," stated Kirkpatrick. "Together with our federal and state partners, we brought RICO charges against major Minneapolis street gangs. The first of those cases was the Bloods RICO. Defendant Solomon—who committed murder for the benefit of the gang—was the first RICO trial defendant to be sentenced. We hope that today’s sentence—life in prison plus twenty years—sends a message in the strongest possible terms. If you are a Minneapolis gang member, the feds are coming for you. Get out and choose a different path before it is too late.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., from FBI Minneapolis, commented on Solomon's actions: “Solomon chose violence as a way of life — trafficking in fear, intimidation, and death to exert power, feed criminal ambition and expand the Blood’s grip on the streets.” He added that “today’s sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.”
Court documents revealed that Desean James Solomon, also known as Black, 34, was convicted in October 2024 alongside two other individuals for numerous crimes linked to his association with the Minneapolis Bloods street gang since at least 2020. Evidence showed that Solomon committed violent acts benefiting the gang, including two premeditated murders over two years.
The court heard details about incidents involving Solomon and other Bloods members committing violent acts against rival gangs in Minneapolis during 2020 and 2022.
Judge Susan R. Nelson handed down Solomon's sentence at U.S. District Court stating: “I was searching for a kernel of hope that you could be trusted to not be a danger to society” but concluded that due to his actions he remains “a threat to public safety.” She expressed hope that this sentence would serve as a warning to other gangs terrorizing Minneapolis.
This case stemmed from an investigation conducted by both the FBI and Minneapolis Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian Weir representing the government at sentencing.
