by Crime Watch MN
Ten more alleged Minneapolis gang members have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machine gun, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger in a Tuesday press conference.
Luger was joined by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Leah Greeves in announcing charges against the “10z” and “20z” (pronounced “tens” and “twenties”) gang members who they say operate mainly in the area of East Franklin and Chicago avenues in south Minneapolis and are part of a two-year crackdown on gangs in the city.
Luger said that several of the 10z and 20z gang members had recently been released from prison and were seeking to re-establish territory in Minneapolis. The increased criminal activity was noted by gang investigators with the Minneapolis Police Department and FBI recently, who then involved the U.S. Attorney’s Office in seeking charges.
The Minneapolis street gang known as the 10z are involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in south Minneapolis, as well as violent crime throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area. The focal point of the 10z criminal activity is the area around Peavey Park at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago avenues. The 10z are affiliated with another gang, the 20z, which operate in the same south Minneapolis territory, a corresponding press release from Luger’s office said.
Unlike many of the approximately 70 Minneapolis gang members already charged since last year, Luger indicated that this group was not charged under the federal RICO statute, but rather they face individual charges so they could more quickly be removed from the streets.
The following 10 members of the 10z/20z gang are charged with firearms violations and fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking:
- Don Buddie Austin, 32, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
- Albert William Bratton, 28, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon.
- Paul Antonio Early, 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Toraus Marquis Eason, 44, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Billy Ismael Hawkins, 34, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon.
- Jaquan Lavelle Jackson, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Bernard Augusta Mack, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
- Joshua Benjamin Scott, 37, is charged with possession of a firearm.
- Austin Joevon Toy, 22, is charged with possession of a machine gun.
- Armond Quinton Wright, 33, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
“Violent criminals who carry guns pose a deadly threat to communities and, as recent tragedies show, to the law enforcement officers and first responders who are sworn to protect us all,” said Luger. “Our federal resources are focused on holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
Luger indicated that he believed the recent arrests have been effective and will result in “severe consequences” to the operation of gang activity in Minneapolis.
Chief O’Hara was asked if any of the arrests were connected to the recent murder of Officer Jamal Mitchell since the gangs operate in the general area where his murder took place. O’Hara replied that there was no indication at this point that any of the arrested parties had any connection to Mitchell’s death.
All of the newly charged parties appear to be in custody at this point.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Photo “Andrew Luger Press Conference” by U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota.