The charges of RICO involve murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and gun trafficking, authorities said.
MINNEAPOLIS — Alleged members of the Minneapolis Street gang the Lows have been charged with RICO Conspiracy. Members are accused of conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, as well as gun and drug trafficking.
Prosecutors and law enforcement announced the charges in a press conference Wednesday. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said the existence of the Lows gang “constitutes a threat to the sanctity of human life.”
“The charges we announce today against the Lows allege a pattern of unthinkable and reprehensible violence, by the Lows, from 2021 into 2024. The pattern of violence on our streets led to the shooting and murder of rival gang members and bystanders — people who just happened to be at the wrong place a the wrong time when the Lows sought revenge on their rivals.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said, speaking of the 11 people charged, “You added to the horror of gun violence by illegally trafficking guns into our communities, and you poisoned and killed our neighbors with fentanyl.”
RICO, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, is used to charge multiple members involved in an alleged criminal enterprise. Lueger said that since May 2023, 80 alleged gang members have been charged by his office and other have been 41 convictions so far. Other gangs with members charged include the Bloods and the Highs.
The 11 Lows members charged are Ashimiyu Alowonle III, 38; Timothy Callender III, 26; Glenn Carter III, 23; Victor Collins, 22; Damari Douglas, 20; Deontae Jackson, 35; Shannon Jackson, 32; Robert Knights Jr., 19; Albert Lucas V, 20; Kaprice Richards, 23; Cartrelle Smith, 27.
The Lows are accused of operating primarily in north Minneapolis since about 2004.
