10 alleged gang members federally charged as violent crime crackdown continues

MINNEAPOLIS — "It's working." 

That's the message from U.S. Attorney Andy Luger, who announced Monday that the ongoing partnership between federal law enforcement, Minneapolis police and other local authorities has yielded new criminal charges against 10 alleged members of what he calls "a re-emerging" street gang. 

Luger said the partnership, which came together two years ago as a focused effort to curb the tide of violence that was gripping Minneapolis, has resulted in dozens of members from the Highs, the Lows, and the Bloods being taken off the street and put behind bars on weapons and guns charges. 

Tuesday's announcement involved charges against a fourth gang - the 10z/20z - who Luger says operate out of south Minneapolis in the vicinity of Chicago and Franklin Avenues, particularly out of Peavy Park. He said task force members received intelligence that the 10z/20z were stepping up activity, and moved quickly to stop the momentum.

“Violent criminals who carry guns pose a deadly threat to communities and, as recent tragedies show, to the law enforcement officers and first responders who are sworn to protect us all,” said Luger. “Our federal resources are focused on holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities. My message to the community: We are working for you, for your families and your children, to make sure violent crime continues to drop and we can all enjoy our beautiful cities this summer.”

Here is the list of those charged:

• Don Buddie Austin, 32, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
• Albert William Bratton, 28, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon.
• Paul Antonio Early, 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
• Toraus Marquis Eason, 44, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
• Billy Ismael Hawkins, 34, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon.
• Jaquan Lavelle Jackson, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
• Bernard Augusta Mack, 29, is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
• Joshua Benjamin Scott, 37, is charged with possession of a firearm.
• Austin Joevon Toy, 22, is charged with possession of a machine gun.
• Armond Quinton Wright, 33, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told reporters that the crackdown against the 10z/20z yielded crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cash and at least 13 firearms. One was equipped with an auto sear, which allows a gun to operate as a fully automatic machine gun. 

When asked if this new round of charges would make a direct impact on violent crime in Minneapolis, O'Hara was cautious not to declare victory. "This is one piece of a complicated problem, that's for sure."

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