Following an eight-day jury trial, a federal jury has convicted two individuals involved with the Highs street gang. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced that Cortez Davon Blakemore, 35, and Robert Lesure, 23, were found guilty of federal RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
The court documents revealed that Blakemore and Lesure were significant drug traffickers for the Highs gang, operating in North Minneapolis. The area was described as being under the control of the Highs gang, which had turned it into an open-air drug market. This criminal organization has been linked to violent activities including murder and kidnapping.
Joseph H. Thompson remarked on the verdict: “These convictions bring justice not just to the victims of the Highs gang, but to an entire community that has endured years of violence, fear, and loss.” He added that this case demonstrates a strong collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Travis Riddle from ATF emphasized their ongoing efforts: “This isn’t just another trial; it’s a continuation of our full-court press to dismantle the Highs street gang.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara highlighted a drop in violent crime due to these collaborative efforts: “The outstanding work of MPD officers and our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been instrumental.”
Jason Bushey from IRS focused on financial investigations tied to criminal activities: “When violent gangs push drugs and fear into our communities… those who profit from chaos and pain will be held accountable.”
Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Special Agent in Charge in Minneapolis stated: “In the wake of the guilty verdicts… it becomes abundantly clear that the efficacy of our justice system hinges not merely on the application of law but on the transformative power of collaborative law enforcement partnerships.”
The case is part of a larger investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez, Albania Concepcion, Carla Baumel along with Attorney Brian Lynch are prosecuting this case.
