According to court documents, the defendants engaged in a sustained pattern of racketeering, committing numerous acts of violence, including seven alleged murders and attempted murders affecting ten victims. Each defendant faces grave charges that reflect their involvement in these criminal enterprises.
In a decisive crackdown on gang violence, a federal grand jury has returned an 18-count indictment against 11 alleged members of the Lows, a notorious street gang based in Minneapolis. The charges encompass a range of serious offenses, including RICO conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, gun trafficking, and drug trafficking.
“Today’s indictment provides a stark reminder that violence and drug trafficking go hand-in-hand,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven T. Bell of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division. “These were not victimless crimes. Communities were hurt. The DEA will continue its unwavering focus to remove threats of violence and hold accountable the individuals responsible for inflicting fear on the streets of Minneapolis.”
“The charges in this indictment reflect our unwavering commitment to bringing violent criminals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “For too long, the Lows have inflicted pain and spread fear in north Minneapolis. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are determined to remove this threat from our communities and help restore a sense of security to all who call this city home.”
The indictment highlights the Lows’ violent operations, which have been active in the northside of Minneapolis since around 2004. Known for their brutal tactics, the gang is accused of trafficking firearms and narcotics, including fentanyl, while employing intimidation and violence to maintain control over their territory and illicit activities.
“According to the indictment, these defendants are leaders, organizers, and members of the Lows street gang, a violent gang that allegedly committed multiple murders and attempted murders and trafficked in guns and drugs, including fentanyl,” states Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
According to court documents, the defendants engaged in a sustained pattern of racketeering, committing numerous acts of violence, including seven alleged murders and attempted murders affecting ten victims. Each defendant faces grave charges that reflect their involvement in these criminal enterprises.
The individuals indicted include:
- Ashimiyu Alowonle II, 38 (aka Cash): Charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Timothy Callender III, 26 (aka Lil’ Tim): Also charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Glenn Carter III, 23 (aka G5 and Bossman Carter): Charged with RICO conspiracy, firearm possession in connection with a violent crime leading to death, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He is implicated in a murder committed on May 14, 2022.
- Victor Collins, 22 (aka Vic): Charged with RICO conspiracy, firearm possession linked to violent crime, and drug distribution. Collins faces charges for a murder and an attempted murder on February 27 as part of the RICO conspiracy.
- Damari Douglas, 20 (aka Mari): Charged with RICO conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a machine gun. He is linked to a murder on December 3, 2023.
- Deontae Jackson, 35 (aka Leef): Charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
- Shannon Jackson, 32 (aka Shakedown): Charged with multiple offenses, including RICO conspiracy and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. He is associated with a murder on April 27, 2023.
- Robert Knights Jr., 19 (aka CMB Rob and Lil’ Rob): Charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and firearm possession related to drug trafficking.
- Albert Lucas V, 20 (aka Abk Sav): Charged with RICO conspiracy and firearm possession in connection with violent crime, including multiple murders and an attempted murder on February 27 and May 6, 2021.
- Kaprice Richards, 23 (aka Kap): Charged with RICO conspiracy and firearm possession in connection with a violent crime, including a murder on April 27, 2023.
- Cartrelle Smith, 27 (aka Poo Moe): Charged with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and firearm possession related to drug trafficking.
“The individuals named in this indictment allegedly engaged in homicide, and illegal drug and firearms trafficking, which created an atmosphere of terror and disrupted countless lives in this community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Chicago Field Office. “These charges represent a pivotal milestone in our commitment to restore safety and uphold justice in the communities we serve. Working with their federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, IRS-CI special agents will continue to follow every financial trail to dismantle the networks fueling these criminal enterprises. We stand united against the violence and fear that street gangs have inflicted upon our communities in Minneapolis and elsewhere.”
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, potentially including life sentences for racketeering conspiracy linked to murder, firearm-related offenses, and drug distribution. A federal district court judge will ultimately determine the sentences, guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
This indictment underscores law enforcement’s ongoing commitment to dismantling violent gang operations and restoring safety to Minneapolis communities.
“This multi-count indictment against ranking members of the Lows gang is an excellent example of multiple law enforcement agencies combining their expertise and resources to conduct investigations with the common goal of taking down violent leaders perpetuating street violence involving guns and narcotics,” said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Denver Division. “These RICO charges aim to remove these allegedly violent offenders from our community. U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to continuing our work to dismantle drug trafficking operations to keep USPS customers and employees safe from greedy drug traffickers who favor profit over human lives.”
