Federal Indictment Delivers Major Blow to 'More Lows' Gang in Minneapolis

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, federal authorities have unsealed a sweeping indictment targeting 18 alleged members of the notorious Minneapolis street gang known as the "More Lows" (MLO). This decisive legal action aims to dismantle a violent criminal enterprise that has plagued the city with drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and, most chillingly, a direct link to four brutal homicides.

The 12-count indictment, leveraging the powerful Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, charges these individuals with conspiracy to commit racketeering.

The charges detail a pervasive pattern of criminal activity, including murder, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, drug trafficking—involving fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine—and illegal possession of firearms. This aggressive prosecution underscores law enforcement's commitment to disrupting the sophisticated operations of gangs that breed fear and violence in urban communities.

Among the most grievous allegations are the connections to four distinct murder investigations within Minneapolis.

While the full details of each case will unfold in court, the indictment highlights the gang’s propensity for extreme violence as a means to protect territory, enforce hierarchy, and retaliate against rivals. Victims have included individuals caught in the crossfire of escalating disputes, tragically illustrating the human cost of gangland warfare.

The "More Lows" gang, as alleged, maintained a structured hierarchy and operated primarily in specific areas of Minneapolis, using a combination of intimidation and violence to assert control over drug markets.

Their illicit activities fueled a cycle of violence, creating a climate of fear for residents. The indictment also sheds light on the gang's use of social media to promote their criminal enterprise, boast about illegal acts, and issue threats, further propagating their dangerous influence.

This massive investigation was the result of a tireless, collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office worked in concert with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota to build this comprehensive case. Officials emphasized that this indictment is a testament to their unwavering dedication to bringing violent offenders to justice and restoring peace to affected neighborhoods.

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Attorney Andrew Luger stated that the indictment sends a clear message: "We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims and our efforts to dismantle violent criminal organizations that destabilize our communities." This prosecution is expected to deliver a significant blow to the "More Lows" gang's infrastructure and serve as a warning to other criminal enterprises operating in the region.

If convicted, many of the defendants face substantial prison sentences, potentially including life imprisonment for the murder-related charges.

The unsealing of this indictment marks a pivotal moment in Minneapolis' ongoing battle against gang violence, offering a glimmer of hope for safer streets and a stronger sense of security for its residents.