3 gang members guilty under RICO statute

A federal jury convicted three purported members of a Minneapolis street gang on Tuesday of charges stemming from what prosecutors said was a yearslong pattern of violence and murder.

The charges are part of a federal gang crackdown authorities announced in 2023 that ensnared dozens of members or associates of two major Minneapolis gangs. Tuesday’s guilty verdict marks the first conviction in the federal operation with the rare use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. The anti-corruption law is used to target organized crime, and prosecutors compared the defendants’ actions to the mafia.

“The Minneapolis Bloods gang is a violent criminal enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “As the evidence proved, the defendants convicted today were members of that enterprise, and they carried out violence and murder on its behalf. As Bloods members, the rules these defendants lived by superseded all criminal laws and social tenets, such as respect for human life or concern for public safety.”

Jurors convicted Desean Solomon, 34, of RICO conspiracy and using a firearm in furtherance of murder. They also convicted Michael Burrell, 44, and Leontawan Holt, 26, of federal gun charges. Attorneys for the three men argued they acted in self-defense during violent encounters and that the men were members of a loosely affiliated group, not a formal gang.

— Associated Press

Highland Park water tower hosts fall visits

St. Paul’s Highland Park Water Tower will be open for visitors this weekend.

The tower will open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

A visit to the tower includes mounting its 151-step spiral staircase and at the top a view of the Highland Park neighborhood, the Mississippi River and surrounding Twin Cities during fall colors. Cameras can help capture the experience.

St. Paul Regional Water Service employees will be available to give insight into how the municipal water system works.

Meanwhile, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday there will be a Tower After Hours events with light projections on the water tower, “accompanied by soothing sounds,” according to the SPRWS. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the south side of the tower will feature a visual display presented by the Metroplitan Council and artist Con Rice.

Attendees are advised to bring a chair or blanket.

— Staff report