Nine individuals have been indicted on federal charges related to fentanyl and firearms as part of their involvement in the “Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization” in Minneapolis. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced that this organization operated out of at least five apartment buildings near 36th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue, contributing to local crime from August 2023 through June 2025.
Thompson stated, “Today marks the federal takedown of yet another dangerous criminal organization. And we will not stop.” He emphasized the impact of the Big Sip DTO on the community, highlighting issues such as gun violence and drug trafficking.
Court documents identify Larry McGee and Danielle Robberstad as leaders of the Big Sip DTO. McGee managed operations and finances, while Robberstad maintained sales locations and facilitated logistics. Other members included Maurice Montgomery, Dameon Collins, Marcus Lucious, Romell Vann, Bobby Nolan, and Jeremy Lucious. These defendants face charges for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl under Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Montgomery, Collins, and Vann also face firearm possession charges related to drug trafficking under Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c).
Travis Riddle from ATF’s St. Paul Field Division remarked on the operation’s success in dismantling a violent network: “As soon as these organizations surface…we will be there to dismantle their operations.” FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. added that those responsible for trafficking deadly narcotics would be pursued relentlessly.
Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara noted a significant increase in violent crime around 36th and Penn due to this organization but expressed hope that these arrests would improve safety in the area.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt acknowledged law enforcement efforts that led to these indictments: “We must stop those harming our neighbors…part of that work includes stopping the source.”
This case was investigated by multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office with Assistant U.S. Attorney William C. Mattessich prosecuting.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
