Robbery of Wells Fargo Bank in Saint Paul

On August 28, 2012, at approximately 2:48 p.m., a lone, white male entered a Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 1827 Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The robber approached the teller counter with a note that demanded cash. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency, the robber fled from the bank on foot.

The robber was described as a white male, approximately 5’10” to 6’0” in height and having a thin build. The robber appeared to be in his 40s. In addition, the robber wore a dark baseball cap; a light-colored, short-sleeved shirt; and dark pants. The robber also wore dark-rimmed glasses.

Anyone with any information regarding this robbery should contact the FBI at (763) 569-8000 or the Saint Paul Police Department.

Robbery of City County Credit Union in St. Paul

On May 18, 2012, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a bank robbery occurred at the City County Credit Union located at 144 E. 11th Street in St. Paul, Minnesota. The robber approached a bank teller and displayed a note demanding money. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber fled on foot.

The robber is described as a male, approximately 40 years old, approximately 5’8” tall, approximately 140 pounds. He was wearing a red and white baseball cap, brown shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.

If anyone has any information regarding this robbery, they are requested to contact the FBI at (763) 569-8000 or the St. Paul Police Department at 651 291-1111.

St. Paul Man Indicted for Possessing Cocaine, Crack cocaine, and Two Nine–Millimeter Pistols

MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 34–year–old felon from St. Paul was charged with possessing cocaine, crack cocaine and two nine–millimeter pistols. The indictment specifically charges Ronald Louis Trice with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, and one count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug–trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that on March 9, 2012, Trice possessed with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, and unspecified amounts of both cocaine and marijuana. In addition, Trice possessed two nine–millimeter pistols. Trice’s criminal history includes a number of convictions in Illinois: possession of cocaine (1994), felon in possession of a firearm (1997), and manufacture and delivery of cocaine (1998). In addition, Trice was convicted in Ramsey County for terroristic threats (2003) and third–degree sale of cocaine (2007). Because he is a felon, Trice is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time.

Moreover, because Trice’s past felony convictions were for crimes of violence, sentencing in the current federal case is subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, which mandates a minimum of 15 years in federal prison if convicted. The maximum sentence on that charge is life in prison.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, officers found 15 grams of crack cocaine and 26 grams of cocaine inside the pocket of a shirt hanging in a closet when they executed a state search warrant at Trice’s residence. They also discovered in a hidden compartment underneath a dresser drawer 136 grams of crack cocaine and seized from the house and detached garage two loaded firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, more than two pounds of marijuana, another 48 grams of cocaine, more than $10,000, scales, and other drug–packaging materials.

As stated, Trice faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison on the firearms charges, if convicted, and 40 years for possession of controlled substances. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.

Alleged Members of Native Mob Charged in Sweeping Racketeering Indictment

MINNEAPOLIS—A 47-count federal indictment unsealed in part late yesterday charges 24 alleged members of the Native Mob gang with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and other crimes. The Native Mob is a regional criminal gang that originated in Minneapolis in the early 1990s. Members routinely engage in drug trafficking, assault, robbery and murder. Membership is estimated at 200, with new members, including juveniles, regularly recruited from communities with large, young, male, Native American populations. Association with the gang is often signified by wearing red and black clothing or sporting gang-related tattoos.

Six defendants made their initial federal court appearances late yesterday afternoon. They were apprehended earlier Tuesday, during a take-down conducted by between 100 and 150 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement officials. Arrests were made on the White Earth, Mille Lacs, and Leech Lake Indian reservations as well as in the Twin Cities. Of the 18 remaining defendants, 12 are presently in jail or prison on other charges, while six continue to be sought by law enforcement. The six individuals arrested yesterday remain in custody pending their next hearings, scheduled for Jan. 26 and 27.

Earlier today, U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones said of the investigation, “This investigation exemplifies the law enforcement cooperation we are fortunate to experience here in Minnesota. Local, state, federal, and tribal investigators worked side by side to take down some of the most violent criminals in our state and, in the process, disrupt an extremely dangerous gang that diminishes the quality of life for those who live and work in Native American communities. We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved in the investigation. Their efforts have made our streets and communities much safer.”

The indictment alleges that since at least the mid-1990s, the defendants named in this case and others have conspired to conduct criminal activity through an “enterprise,” namely, the Native Mob, in violation of the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The indictment alleges that the primary objective of this “enterprise” is to preserve, protect, promote and enhance the Native Mob’s power, territory, and financial gains.

To that end, gang members purportedly distribute illegal drugs, from crack cocaine to ecstasy. They also reportedly provide monetary support to other members, including those incarcerated; share with one another police reports, victim statements and other case discovery; hinder or obstruct officials from identifying or apprehending those wanted by the law; and intimidate witnesses to Native Mob crimes. Moreover, they purportedly maintain and circulate firearms for gang use and commit acts of violence, including murder, against individuals associated with rival gangs.

Those arrested yesterday, along with their last known residence, include:

■Dale Wesley Ballinger, Jr., 20, Isle, Minn.;

■Damien Lee Beaulieu, 20, Onamia, Minn.;
■Aaron James Gilbert, Jr., 24, Minneapolis;
■Cory Gene Oquist, 22, Bemidji, Minn.;
■Dale John Pindegayosh, 29, Cass Lake, Minn.; and
■Justen Lee Poitra, 26, Cass Lake.

In addition to the racketeering charge filed against all 24 defendants, other charges were levied against some of the defendants. Those charges include conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence; the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence; assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; felon in possession of ammunition; felon in possession of a firearm; armed career criminal in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; distributing a controlled substance; and tampering with a witness. (See the attached chart for a breakdown of charges by defendant. Note, until such time as defendants make their initial appearances in federal court, their names and the specific charges levied against them will not be disclosed.)

If convicted, the defendants face a potential maximum sentence of between 20 years and life in federal prison. Since the federal justice system does not have parole, prison terms would be served virtually in entirety. All sentences will ultimately be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of a long-term, cross-jurisdictional investigation conducted by local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement officers dedicated to making our streets and communities safer. They include the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; the Carlton County, Minn., Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the FBI-funded Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force; the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department; the Minneapolis Police Department; the Minnesota Department of Corrections; and the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force.

These agencies investigated this case with assistance from—in alphabetical order—the Becker County Sheriff’s Office, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, the Carlton County Attorney’s Office, the Cass County Attorney’s Office, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office of Wisconsin, the Duluth Police Department, the Fon du Lac Tribal Police Department, the Fridley Police Department, the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, the LCO Reservation Police Department, the Lower Sioux Tribal Police Department, the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Mille Lacs County Attorney’s Office, the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, the New Brighton Police Department, the North Central Drug Task Force, the Prior Lake Police Department, the Red Lake Tribal Police Department, the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office, Richfield Police Department, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Paul Police Department, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Minneapolis Violent Offender Task Force, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the White Earth Tribal Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Steven L. Schleicher.

Seeking Information on M&I Bank Robbery in Saint Paul

On December 14, 2011, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a bank robbery occurred at M&I Bank located at 522 Snelling Avenue South, Saint Paul, Minnesota. The robber, who was described as a white male, entered the bank and approached the teller counter with a handgun. The robber demanded and received cash from the victim teller. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber fled from the bank.

The robber was described as a white male, approximately 30-40 years of age, who stood approximately 5’11” to 6’0” in height. He wore a black mask, a brownish green coat, blue jeans, dark shoes, gloves, and a grey winter cap. The robber also brandished a small handgun during the robbery.

If anyone has any information regarding this robbery, they are requested to contact the FBI at (612) 376-3200 or the Saint Paul Police Department.

Two Men Sentenced for 2007 Home Invasion and Murders

MINNEAPOLIS—The two men convicted of the March 23, 2007, St. Paul home-invasion murders of Brittany Kekedakis, age 15, Maria McLay, age 32, and Otahl Saunders, age 31, were sentenced earlier today in federal court. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen sentenced Tyvarus Lee Lindsey, age 29, of St. Paul, to life in prison on three counts of murder resulting from possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and ten years in prison on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. Rashad Raleigh, age 33, of St. Paul, received an identical sentence for the same charges.

Because the federal criminal justice system does not have parole, the defendants will serve virtually the entire terms of imprisonment imposed against them behind bars. Judge Ericksen reiterated that fact when, while handing down today’s sentences, she said, “There is nothing that would justify anything other than life in prison. You only get one life, and you will be spending the rest of yours in jail.”

Following today’s court hearing, U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones added, “While all violent crime is despicable, this particular act was even more abhorrent because it involved the forced entry into a private home and the cold-blooded killing of three people in front of two children. Those responsible for that heinous behavior deserve the toughest of sentences, and that’s what they got. Of course, the court’s action will not restore the lives of the victims or their families, but, hopefully, it will provide them with a sense of justice served.”

Both Lindsey and Raleigh were indicted on January 20, 2010, and convicted on June 21, 2011, after an eight-day jury trial. The evidence presented at trial proved that on March 23, 2007, Lindsey, also known as Little Stick, and Raleigh, also known as Shoddy, committed the murders. On that day, officers responded to a call from the 200 block of Burgess Avenue in St. Paul at about 6:40 a.m. Upon arriving at the house that was the subject of the call, officers found Saunders’ body as well as the bodies of Maria McLay, Saunders’ live-in girlfriend, and her daughter, Brittany Kekedakis. McLay’s other two children, ages 7 and 10 at the time, had run to a relative’s house for help. They witnessed much of what happened in the house, although they were not physically harmed.

Both defendants remain in custody. At present, they are serving prison terms on unrelated state charges. Today’s federal sentences will run concurrent to the state sentences. In addition, both defendants were ordered to pay $19,500 in restitution.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Saint Paul Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey S. Paulsen and Christian S. Wilton.

Savage Man Sentenced For Possessing Firearms and Explosives

MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 50-year-old Savage man was sentenced for possessing a machine gun and distributing explosives. United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced Wesley Noah Banks to 151 months in prison on one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of illegal distribution of explosive materials.

Banks was charged on February 14, 2011, and pleaded guilty on March 24, 2011.

In his plea agreement, Banks admitted that on January 29, 2010, he received a model AR-15 machine gun. He also admitted that on June 7, 2010, he distributed two destructive devices to Bruce Wayne Leathart, who was sentenced on November 24, 2010, to 27 months in federal prison on one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. Moreover, Banks admitted that on April 23, 2010, he sold Leathart four explosive devices, commonly known as M-80s.

Following today’s sentencing, Bernard J. Zapor, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said, “Building improvised destructive devices is a self-critiquing activity and one without second chances. These items often kill the bomb maker. In this case, a partnership of dedicated law enforcement officers prevented further risk to the public.”

“Weapons have become a commonly encountered and dangerous component utilized by drug traffickers to protect their illegal operations,” said Dan Moren, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis–St. Paul office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). “In this case, a substantial cache of weapons – machine guns, machine gun components, explosives and chemicals used to produce explosives – were seized at the same location where Mr. Banks operated a large-scale indoor marijuana grow operation. Collaborative efforts with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (‘ATF’) as well as our strong partnership with local law enforcement resulted in an investigation that ceased the growing of marijuana that would have made it to our streets, while also keeping numerous weapons and explosives from potentially being used to perpetrate violence.”

On June 8, 2010, a federal search warrant was executed at Banks’ residence. There, authorities seized additional bombs; chemicals used to manufacture explosives; 29 firearms, including seven suspected machine guns; components to manufacture more machine guns; and an indoor grow operation containing nearly 100 marijuana plants.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA, and the ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Schleicher.

Federal Jury Convicts Two Men for 2007 Home Invasion and Murders

MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, a jury found two men guilty of the March 23, 2007, murders of Brittany Kekedakis, age 15, Maria McLay, age 32, and Otahl Saunders, age 31, following a home invasion in St. Paul. After an eight-day trial, the jury convicted Tyvarus Lee Lindsey, age 29, and Rashad Raleigh, age 33, of three counts of murder resulting from possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.

Upon hearing the jury’s verdict, U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones said, “While no court action can bring peace to the families of those murdered or comfort to the children left behind, we hope this conviction provides a sense of justice. These two dangerous criminals will never victimize another human being again.”

“Our investigation never lost site of its main objective: justice for the three people who were brutally murdered in this senseless crime,” said St. Paul Police Chief Thomas Smith. “I am very proud of our investigators' hard work. Our department is extremely grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its cooperation on this case, and to the jurors whose verdict today will hopefully help the victims' loved ones continue their healing process.”

The evidence presented at trial proved that on March 23, 2007, Lindsey, also known as Little Stick, and Raleigh, also known as Shoddy, committed the crimes charged against them. On that day, officers responded to a call from the 200 block of Burgess Avenue in St. Paul at about 6:40 a.m. Upon arriving at the house that was the subject of the call, officers found Saunders' dead body as well as the bodies of Maria McLay, Saunders' live-in girlfriend, and her daughter, Brittany Kekedakis. McLay’s other two children, ages seven and 10 at the time, had run to a relative’s house for help. They witnessed much of the crime but were not physically harmed.

For their crimes, the men face a potential maximum penalty of life in prison. United States District Court Judge Joan N. Ericksen will determine their sentences at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. Both defendants remain in custody. At present, they are serving prison terms on unrelated state charges.

This case is the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey S. Paulsen and Christian S. Wilton.

Armed Career Criminal Sentenced for Possessing a .22–Caliber Revolver

Earlier today in St. Paul, a 43–year–old armed career criminal was sentenced for possessing a .22–caliber Rohm revolver. United States District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank sentenced Michael James Constantine, of St. Paul, to 215 months in prison on one count of being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm. Constantine was indicted on June 8, 2010, and was convicted on December 2, 2010, following a four–day trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, Constantine possessed the handgun on November 18, 2008. Because he is a felon, Constantine is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time. He was charged as an armed career criminal because he has been convicted of three of more separate violent felonies. His prior felonies include three convictions in Ramsey County for third–degree attempted burglary (1987, 1989, and 1991) and a third–degree burglary conviction in Dakota County in 1989.

This case was the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.

Note, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative launched by the U.S. Justice Department in 2001 to promote a multi–jurisdictional, comprehensive approach to reducing gun crime in America. PSN provides resources to strengthen law enforcement and crime prevention partnerships that are working to make our streets and communities safer

Savage Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms and Explosives

Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 50–year-old Savage man pleaded guilty to possessing a machine gun and distributing explosives. Wesley Noah Banks pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and one count of illegal distribution of explosive materials. Banks, who was charged on February 14, 2011, entered his plea before United States District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson.

In his plea agreement, Banks admitted that on January 29, 2010, he received a model AR–15 machine gun. He also admitted that on June 7, 2010, he distributed two destructive devices to Bruce Wayne Leathart, who was sentenced on November 24, 2010, to 27 months in federal prison on one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. Moreover, Banks admitted that on April 23, 2010, he sold Leathart four explosive devices, commonly known as M–80s.

On June 8, 2010, a federal search warrant was executed at Banks’ residence. There, authorities seized additional bombs; chemicals used to manufacture explosives; 29 firearms, including seven suspected machine guns; components to manufacture more machine guns; and an indoor grow operation containing nearly 100 marijuana plants.

For his crimes, Banks faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison on each charge. Judge Magnuson will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled.

This case is the result of an investigation by the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Schleicher.