Following a tense two-week trial, a federal jury in Minneapolis yesterday delivered guilty verdicts for three Minnesota men involved with the violent street gang known as the Highs and a gang-related murder that occurred on August 7, 2021.
Keon Pruitt, 22, Dantrell Johnson, 32, and Gregory Hamilton, 29, all of Minneapolis, were convicted of Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death.
The convictions mark a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat gang violence in the city. Authorities emphasized the senseless nature of the crime and the terror inflicted upon the community by the Highs gang.
READ: Tennessee Man Charged With Felon In Possession Of Firearm Following Police Surveillance
“These defendants participated in a senseless murder and other acts of violence that terrorized their community,” stated Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction sends a message to gang members in Minneapolis that there is no glory in gun violence. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the Department is committed to prosecuting criminal enterprises that use violence and intimidation to exert power in our cities — dismantling violent gangs and securing justice for the victims and their loved ones.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick for the District of Minnesota echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-standing impact of Minneapolis criminal street gangs.
“Minneapolis criminal street gangs have inflicted devastating harm on our community for far too long,” she said. “Since then, we have brought large RICO cases against three criminal street gangs — charging them as the violent enterprises they are. Make no mistake: we will not stop. Criminal street gangs in Minneapolis will continue to see federal justice. The citizens of Minnesota — the many victims of these crimes — deserve no less.”
READ: Florida Man, Formerly Of Pennsylvania, Gets Over 3 Years For Massive Healthcare Fraud Scheme
The evidence presented at trial detailed the inner workings of the Highs, a criminal enterprise that controlled territory north of West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. According to court documents, the gang engaged in a wide range of illegal activities, including multiple murders, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, burglaries, assaults, and robberies. Members were expected to retaliate against the rival Lows gang, which operated south of West Broadway Avenue.
The events leading to the murder unfolded following the shooting death of a prominent Highs member by a Lows member at the Winner gas station, a known Highs hangout, on August 7, 2021. The next day, Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton attended a memorial at the gas station where firearms were distributed, and members encouraged retaliation.
Later that day, Johnson and Hamilton drove to Wally’s Foods, a Lows hangout, and shot a Lows associate who survived. Approximately two hours later, the three defendants traveled to Skyline Market, another Lows hangout, with the intent to shoot another rival gang member. Inside the market, they mistakenly shot an innocent man, a scene captured on store surveillance. The victim fled the store into the street, pursued by two juvenile members who had been riding with Pruitt in a stolen Porsche. These juveniles chased the victim into a nearby alley and fatally shot him at least eight times.
READ: Missouri Pair Sentenced To Federal Prison For Armed Dollar Store Robberies
Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the ATF St. Paul Field Division emphasized the significance of the RICO statute in dismantling such violent organizations. “This conviction sends a strong message that violent street gangs will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Riddle. “Through the power of the RICO statute, ATF agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, have been able to target the violent criminal activity of the Highs gang. This conviction is a direct result of the tireless work by our agents who are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations and ensuring that those who use violence to control neighborhoods are held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis described the crime as “cold-blooded, calculated violence meant to control through fear.” He added, “They believed violence gave them power—but today’s conviction proves that justice is stronger. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and holding violent offenders accountable.”
READ: Florida, Georgia, And New York Lawmakers Launch American-Made Medicines Caucus
“Minneapolis has seen a significant drop in violent crime, especially gun violence, thanks to the outstanding work of MPD officers and our law enforcement partners,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “Most notably, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been instrumental in helping us target the small number of individuals driving violence, without causing harm to the broader communities we serve. Together, we’re not just reducing crime — we’re rebuilding trust,” Chief O’Hara stated.
Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office, underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to combating violent crime. “The verdict marks a decisive victory in the fight against violent criminal organizations,” said Covington. “Reducing violence in this community has required a change in tactics, and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are perfectly poised to support our law enforcement partners in this effort. Our agents will continue to apply their financial expertise and investigative skills to bring justice to those who endanger our communities and threaten our way of life.”
Pruitt, Johnson, and Hamilton each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. Their sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
