Minnesota State Wire

Nine individuals have been indicted on federal charges related to fentanyl distribution and firearms offenses in connection with the "Big Sip Drug Trafficking Organization" in Minneapolis. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced the charges, stating that the organization operated out of several apartment buildings near 36th Avenue North and North Penn Avenue.

“Today marks the federal takedown of yet another dangerous criminal organization. And we will not stop,” said Thompson. He emphasized that the organization brought violence and illegal drugs into residential areas, impacting local communities negatively.

The defendants include Larry McGee, Danielle Robberstad, Maurice Montgomery, Dameon Collins, Marcus Lucious, Romell Vann, Bobby Nolan, and Jeremy Lucious. They face charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl under Title 21 United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Additionally, Montgomery, Collins, and Vann are charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking under Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c). Seven defendants appeared in court today; one is scheduled for tomorrow; another remains under seal.

Court documents reveal that McGee and Robberstad led the Big Sip DTO since summer 2023. The operation involved selling fentanyl from five apartment buildings in Minneapolis while contributing to crime spikes including shootings and homicides from August 2023 through June 2025.

ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle stated: “Time and again, violent drug trafficking rings try to take root in our communities... ATF... will be there to dismantle their operations.” FBI Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. added: “These drugs... bring death... As this coordinated operation demonstrates, those who poison... will face justice.”

Chief O’Hara highlighted a significant increase in violent crime around the intersection of 36th and Penn over recent years: “In 2024... shooting victims within a one-block radius quadrupled compared to previous averages.” He expressed hope that these arrests would restore safety for residents.

Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt praised law enforcement efforts: “These defendants are suspected of some of the worst crimes wreaking havoc on our community.” She noted contributions from various agencies throughout this investigation aimed at disrupting harmful activities affecting neighborhoods.

This case results from collaborative efforts by ATF, FBI Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Hennepin County Sheriff's Office among others—prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney William C Mattessich—and serves as part ongoing initiatives ensuring public safety across affected regions like Twin Cities area through comprehensive legal actions against organized crime networks such as Big Sip DTO operating locally within urban settings nationwide involving narcotics trade alongside associated illicit activities posing threats towards societal well-being overall despite challenges faced therein continuously over time until resolution achieved ultimately thereby safeguarding interests common good long-term basis consistently upheld accordingly always without exception whatsoever regardless circumstances encountered necessarily inevitably arise during course proceedings undertaken judiciously responsibly whenever warranted appropriately justifiably deemed necessary expedient requisite 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