Nine individuals have been indicted on federal charges related to fentanyl distribution and firearms offenses, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. The group, known as the "Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO)," operated out of several apartment buildings near 36th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue in Minneapolis.
"Today marks the federal takedown of yet another dangerous criminal organization. And we will not stop," said Thompson. He emphasized the negative impact the organization had on the community, citing increased violence and drug-related activities.
The defendants include Larry McGee, Danielle Robberstad, Maurice Montgomery, Dameon Collins, Marcus Lucious, Romell Vann, Bobby Nolan, and Jeremy Lucious. They face charges for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl under Title 21 United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Additionally, Montgomery, Collins, and Vann are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking under Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c). If convicted, they could face life imprisonment.
According to court documents, McGee and Robberstad led the operation that began in summer 2023. McGee managed the organization's operations while Robberstad maintained apartments used for drug storage and sales.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle stated that violent drug rings like this one bring illegal guns and fear into communities but assured that law enforcement would dismantle such operations swiftly.
"This operation disrupted a violent drug trafficking network," added FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., highlighting the commitment to bringing offenders to justice.
Chief O’Hara noted an increase in violent crime around 36th and Penn due to this organization's activities but expressed hope that these arrests would help restore safety.
Sheriff Dawanna Witt thanked various law enforcement agencies for their efforts in tackling what she described as some of the worst crimes affecting their community.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
