Following an eight-day jury trial, two individuals were convicted for their involvement in the Highs street gang, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Cortez Davon Blakemore and Robert Lesure were found guilty of federal RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The sentencing hearing will be scheduled later.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Blakemore and Lesure were significant drug traffickers for the Highs gang, distributing fentanyl at a North Minneapolis location turned into an open-air drug market by the gang. The Highs is described as a violent group responsible for numerous crimes, including murder.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated, “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 emphasized the collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in bringing peace to Minneapolis.
Travis Riddle from ATF remarked on the continued efforts to dismantle the Highs gang: “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 noted a decrease in violent crime in Minneapolis due to joint efforts with law enforcement partners: “The outstanding work of MPD officers and our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been instrumental.”
Jason Bushey from IRS highlighted efforts against financial gains from criminal activities: “When violent gangs push drugs and fear into our communities, our agents work relentlessly.”
Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Special Agent in Charge, emphasized collaborative partnerships: “In the wake of the guilty verdicts…the efficacy of our justice system hinges not merely on the application of law.”
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez, Albania Concepcion, Carla Baumel along with Attorney Brian Lynch prosecuted this case.
