Minnesota Mobsters: Inside the Native Mob

Summary

On March 4, 2010, Amos Leduc was shot while walking with his daughter, triggering a federal investigation into the Native Mob gang. This criminal organization, born from the Vice Lords, grew amidst poverty and violence in Minnesota's Native communities. Joaquin 'Khan' MacArthur emerged as a leader, uniting the gang despite internal conflicts. Following Leduc's shooting, the FBI intensified efforts, leading to RICO indictments against several members, including MacArthur. The trial exposed deep-rooted issues of loyalty and betrayal within the gang, culminating in lengthy prison sentences for its leaders. The narrative reflects systemic challenges faced by Native Americans and the cycle of violence perpetuated by socio-economic factors.

Takeaways

• 😀 The group was convicted of racketeering and received decades-long prison sentences.
• 😀 Their sentences are currently under appeal, which may lead to reduced time served in the future.
• 😀 In 2019, Dakota James Lafave, a native mob member, was sentenced to 366 months in federal prison.
• 😀 Lafave's conviction was related to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.
• 😀 The assault incident involved witness retaliation against someone who had testified against the mob.
• 😀 The victim of the retaliation was shot in the back but managed to survive the attack.
• 😀 Authorities have withheld the name of the victim, only releasing their initials in court records.
• 😀 The charges stem from a RICO trial that highlighted the mob's criminal activities.
• 😀 The ongoing legal processes may lead to further developments in the case against the group.
• 😀 The story illustrates the complexities of organized crime and the consequences for those involved.

Q & A

What were the primary charges against the group mentioned in the transcript?

The group was primarily charged with racketeering and other related offenses.

What were the potential outcomes for the group's sentences?

Their sentences are still up for appeal, meaning it's possible they could receive reduced time in the future.

Who is Dakota James Lafave and what was he sentenced for?

Dakota James Lafave is a native mob member who was sentenced to 366 months in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

What incident led to Lafave's sentencing?

Lafave's sentencing stemmed from a case of witness retaliation, where he was in a car with a man who had previously testified against the Native Mob.

What happened to the victim of the incident involving Lafave?

The victim was shot in the back but managed to survive the attack.

What information about the victim has been released by authorities?

Authorities have not disclosed the victim's name but provided his initials in the charging records, suggesting who he might be.

What does RICO stand for, and how is it relevant to this case?

RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which was used in the trial where the victim testified against the Native Mob.

What does the term 'witness retaliation' imply in the context of organized crime?

Witness retaliation refers to actions taken by criminal organizations to intimidate or harm individuals who testify against them, often as a means of enforcing silence.

How does the legal system address appeals in cases involving racketeering?

In cases of racketeering, defendants can file appeals to challenge their convictions or sentences, which may result in reduced sentences if the appeal is successful.

What might be the implications of reduced sentences for individuals involved in organized crime?

Reduced sentences could lead to earlier releases, impacting the ongoing issues of organized crime and potentially allowing individuals to rejoin criminal networks.