Following an eight-day trial, a federal jury has found two defendants guilty of all charges related to their involvement in the Highs street gang. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced that Cortez Davon Blakemore, 35, and Robert Lesure, 23, were convicted of federal RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled later.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Blakemore and Lesure were prominent drug traffickers for the Highs criminal street gang. They operated in North Minneapolis, specifically at the intersection of Broadway and Lyndale, turning it into an open-air drug market. The Highs gang has been known for its violent activities in the area, including selling fentanyl and other drugs while enforcing its territory through violence.
Blakemore and Lesure are among 38 defendants convicted from this large RICO indictment involving 40 members of the Highs gang. A final defendant is expected to stand trial in 2026.
“These convictions bring justice not just to the victims of the Highs gang, but to an entire community that has endured years of violence, fear, and loss,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “For too long, this gang terrorized Minneapolis... Today... [the city gets] peace.”
Travis Riddle from ATF emphasized ongoing efforts against the gang: “This isn’t just another trial; it’s a continuation of our full-court press to dismantle the Highs street gang.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara highlighted reduced crime rates: “As the summer progresses... MPD officers... targeting... individuals committing a disproportionate amount of violence.”
Jason Bushey from IRS underscored financial aspects: “Our focus isn’t just on money—it’s on damage that money fuels.”
FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston noted law enforcement collaboration: “[It] becomes abundantly clear that... efficacy... hinges not merely on law application but collaborative partnerships.”
The case involved multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez, Albania Concepcion along with Carla Baumel prosecuted alongside Brian Lynch from Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section.
