Desean Solomon, a member of the Bloods gang, has been sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 20 years following his conviction on charges of racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO) and firearms offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the sentencing after Solomon was found guilty by a federal jury.
Lisa D. Kirkpatrick emphasized the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to tackle gang-related violence in Minneapolis: “Three years ago—as violent crime raged out of control—the U.S. Attorney’s Office made a decision to use every tool at our disposal to go after the gangs… We hope that today’s sentence—life in prison plus twenty years—sends a message in the strongest possible terms.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. from FBI Minneapolis commented on Solomon’s criminal activities: “Solomon chose violence as a way of life — trafficking in fear, intimidation, and death… Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes committed.”
Court documents reveal that Desean James Solomon, also known as Black, aged 34, was convicted alongside two other individuals in October 2024. Evidence showed his affiliation with the Minneapolis Bloods street gang since at least 2020 and involvement in violent crimes for their benefit, including two premeditated murders.
One incident detailed at trial occurred in June 2020 when Solomon and fellow gang members attacked a rival gang member at a nightclub, leading to a gun battle outside where Solomon fatally shot another rival member.
Another incident took place on April 23, 2022, when Solomon participated in initiating a large fight at an Uptown bar that ended with him shooting and killing another rival gang member.
Judge Susan R. Nelson presided over Solomon’s sentencing in U.S. District Court, stating: “I was searching for a kernel of hope that you could be trusted to not be a danger to society,” but concluded he remains “a threat to public safety.” Judge Nelson expressed hope that this sentence would deter similar gang activities.
The investigation leading to this case was conducted by both the FBI and the Minneapolis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian Weir represented the government during the sentencing hearing.
