A Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy charge means prosecutors say a person agreed with others to take part in an ongoing criminal group (an “enterprise”) that commits a pattern of serious crimes, such as murders, drug trafficking, or robberies. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), the government does not have to prove the person personally carried out every crime—only that they knowingly joined the agreement to further the criminal organization’s activities. RICO is used to treat a gang or criminal network as a single criminal enterprise and allows higher penalties, including up to life in prison when the underlying racketeering acts (like murder) are punishable by life.
“Using a firearm to cause death” in federal cases like this generally refers to 18 U.S.C. § 924(j), which makes it a crime to intentionally kill someone with a gun while committing, or in furtherance of, another federal “crime of violence” or drug‑trafficking crime. To convict, prosecutors must prove the defendant used, carried, or possessed the firearm during that underlying crime and that their actions caused the victim’s death. Section 924(j) allows very severe sentences—up to life imprisonment, and in some circumstances the death penalty—on top of punishment for the underlying crime.
A 451‑month sentence is 37 years and 7 months (451 ÷ 12 = 37 years with 7 months remaining).
The Highs and the Lows are rival street gangs based in north Minneapolis. According to federal court filings, the Highs control territory mainly north of West Broadway Avenue, while the Lows operate mainly south of West Broadway. For years they have been in a violent gang war involving murders, shootings, drug dealing, and retaliatory attacks against each other and people they believe are rivals, leading to multiple large federal RICO prosecutions against members of both groups.
Juveniles involved in gang‑related shootings can face very serious consequences under both state and federal law. In Minnesota, prosecutors can ask to “certify” a juvenile as an adult for violent offenses such as murder or attempted murder; if certified, the youth is tried and sentenced in adult court and can receive long prison terms similar to adults for homicide or shooting cases. Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 5032 allows transfer of juveniles as young as 13–15 to adult federal court for certain violent crimes (including murder committed with a firearm); if transferred and convicted, they face the same federal penalties as adults, including decades in prison or life in the most serious cases.
The investigation was carried out by a large task force including: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, and other local agencies. Federal prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division (Violent Crime and Racketeering Section) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota handled the case in court—drafting charges, presenting evidence at trial, and arguing for sentences. ATF and FBI led the violent‑crime and firearms investigation, IRS‑CI focused on financial and drug‑trafficking evidence, and local and state agencies provided street‑level intelligence, arrests, and support to dismantle the Highs gang.