A federal jury in Minneapolis has convicted five members of the Highs gang on various federal charges, including RICO and murder. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced the verdict following a three-week trial. The Highs, a prominent street gang in Minneapolis, have been involved in activities such as gang-related murders, shootings, and narcotics distribution.
"The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder into our community," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. "This verdict represents yet another step in our fight against gang violence."
The defendants Tyreese Giles, Trevaun Robinson, William Banks, Gregory Brown, and Josiah Taylor were found guilty of various charges related to their involvement with the Highs gang. Giles was also convicted of committing a murder for the benefit of the gang.
"This is the second of several trials in this case," noted ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle from the St. Paul Field Division. "The jury’s verdict rightfully recognizes the seriousness of the violence inflicted upon our Minneapolis communities."
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis commented on the impact of this conviction: "For too long, this violent street gang operated with a ruthless disregard for human life — they poisoned the streets with drugs and left neighborhoods living under the shadow of gunfire and murder."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed satisfaction with these developments: "These guilty verdicts send a powerful and unmistakable message: we are serious about ending violent crime in our cities."
Ramsey E. Covington from IRS Criminal Investigation highlighted their role: "Our special agents are experts in exposing how criminal organizations move and hide their profits... These convictions are a critical step in restoring safety and stability to the streets of Minneapolis."
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Carla Baumel along with Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein from Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section prosecuted this case.
