Federal authorities in Minneapolis have charged three additional individuals—Marques Armstrong Jr., 30, Davant Moore, 23, and Jahon Lynch, 20—in connection with an ongoing case against the street gang known as the Lows. The new charges bring the total number of defendants in this indictment to fourteen.
The superseding indictment alleges that members of the Lows engaged in racketeering activities including murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking involving fentanyl, and firearms offenses. According to prosecutors, ten murders are included as part of the gang’s alleged criminal conduct.
“These fourteen defendants are allegedly all part of a gang that is responsible for at least 10 murders on the streets of Minneapolis,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These murders, which allegedly took place at a gas station, a barbershop, a food truck, and other public places, terrorized neighborhoods. As this superseding indictment to net additional gang members shows, the Criminal Division will not relent in addressing violent crime.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated: “The Lows are killing our neighbors, and we’re taking them down. RICO charges give us the power to dismantle the violent street gangs that fuel the violence and trap families in fear. Every time we bring one of these cases, shootings drop, neighborhoods calm, and law-abiding families reclaim their streets. This progress is only possible because of the relentless work of our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section. To every family that has lost someone to gang violence: we will not stop until your streets are safe.”
Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division commented: “This violent street gang, the Lows, will not continue to wreak havoc in Minneapolis neighborhoods. Violent groups don’t belong in our communities. These charges demonstrate our overall strategy and relentless determination to eradicate the drug-fueled gang violence plaguing our community. The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue gangs wherever they surface and are steadfast in making sure our communities are a safe place for our citizens.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis said: “For nearly two decades, the Lows have menaced the north Minneapolis community through gun violence and murders. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI has fought tirelessly to end that reign of terror. This new indictment shows that the FBI will never stop working to crush violent gangs like the Lows, save lives, and protect our communities.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted: “Through the relentless efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Minneapolis Police Department, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this outcome represents another significant step in dismantling the gangs that have victimized our city—especially in the neighborhoods most impacted,” he said.“For individuals and families who have endured this violence today’s result brings us closer to justice and accountability.We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting every family and every community.The people of Minneapolis deserve a city that is safe and free from fear.”
Jason Bushey from IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office explained: “This criminal street gang treated gun violence and murder as business tools to maintain power and control,” he said.“IRS-CI special agents followed money to expose how this enterprise was financed uncovering cash flow that allowed them buy weapons traffic drugs sow fear Minneapolis neighborhoods.By tracing their illicit proceeds we gave law enforcement partners evidence disrupt conspiracy hold leaders accountable for violence they inflicted.This case shows how IRS-CI’s financial expertise is critical dismantling organized crime protecting communities from violent threats.”
ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle added: “Street gangs have been a persistent source of violence in Minneapolis,and allegations show toll they continue take on communities,” he said.“ATF has been committed city for decades,and we will continue working keep firearms out hands those prohibited hold accountable those use violence threaten safety neighborhoods.”
DEA Omaha Division Acting Special Agent Rafael Mattei stated:“The line between drug trafficking violence non-existent today’s announcement another reminder fact.Agents DEA remain committed partners law enforcement ensure communities safe places live.”
ICE HSI St.Paul Acting Special Agent Samuel Westbay remarked:“Criminal organizations like Lows pose significant threat public safety,endangering communities through murder,narcotics trafficking include fentanyl ,gang violence other criminal activities.Our agents remain steadfast commitment working alongside law enforcement partners dismantle dangerous criminal enterprises restore safety security neighborhoods.”
Hennepin County Sheriff DeWanna Witt emphasized:“The expansion RICO case include three more defendants suspected most heinous crimes underscores strength ongoing partnership local,state,federal level.We are dismantling violent organization responsible terrorizing communities taking important steps towards justice victims safety neighborhoods.Gang violence no place Hennepin County Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will continue work put criminal organizations out business.”
Bureau Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said:“Minnesotans deserve live without fear gang violence doorstep—of rivalry escalating bloodshed.It has stop resolve make happen never been stronger.”
Postal Inspector Bryan Musgrove stated:“Stopping violent criminals misuse U.S.Postal Service pose risk general public remains top priority U.S.Postal Inspection Service.Today’s superseding indictment sends clear message : If you do harm communities,we find you bring you justice .”
According to court documents,the Lows have operated primarily on north side since about 2004.Allegations indicate group trafficked firearms narcotics—including fentanyl—and used threats,intimidation,and physical force protect territory,reputation,and profits.
Incidents listed within indictment detail several fatal shootings between May 2021 February 2024 at locations such as gas stations,a barbershop,a food truck,and during drive-by attacks.Members face potential life sentences if convicted;sentencing would be determined by federal judge after consideration statutory factors guidelines.
Multiple agencies participated investigation including ATF,FBI ,DEA ,IRS-CI ,HSI ,USPIS ,Minneapolis Police,Hennepin County Sheriff,Minnesota Bureau Criminal Apprehension,Minnesota Department Corrections.U.S.Marshals Service provided assistance.Prosecution led by Assistant U.S.Attorneys Garrett S.Fields David M.Classen District Minnesota Trial Attorney Jared Engelking DOJ Violent Crime Racketeering Section.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
