A federal jury in Minneapolis has convicted five members of the Highs gang on charges including RICO conspiracy and murder. The verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson after a three-week trial. The Highs, a street gang based in Minneapolis, are known for their involvement in gang-related murders, shootings, and drug distribution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated, “The Highs have long terrorized north Minneapolis, bringing drugs, violence, and murder into our community.” He expressed gratitude to the coalition of law enforcement partners involved in the investigation and prosecution.
Defendants Tyreese Giles, Trevaun Robinson, William Banks, Gregory Brown, and Josiah Taylor were found guilty of various charges related to their activities as members of the Highs gang. Giles was additionally convicted of committing a murder for the benefit of the gang.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle commented on the case’s complexity and recognized the jury’s verdict as an acknowledgment of the violence inflicted upon Minneapolis communities. “Together, we remain resolute and will continue to aggressively target and dismantle violent criminal enterprises,” he said.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis highlighted the destructive influence of the Highs gang on local neighborhoods: “For too long, this violent street gang operated with a ruthless disregard for human life.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized that these convictions send a strong message about combating violent crime: “These guilty verdicts send a powerful and unmistakable message: we are serious about ending violent crime in our cities.”
Ramsey E. Covington from IRS Criminal Investigation noted their role in exposing financial evidence against significant fentanyl suppliers linked to criminal organizations.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation among others with assistance from various law enforcement partners.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Carla Baumel along with Brian Lynch and Alyssa Levey-Weinstein are prosecuting this case.
