MINNEAPOLIS — Five people have been sentenced to prison for violent gang activity, including trafficking cocaine and illegal possession of firearms.
Erica MacDonald, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, announced the conviction and sentencing of Alkwan Kwame Lawson-Holiday, 30, Le'Keith Ali Du'Juan Rayford, 28, Kenneth Lamont Thompson, 34, Maurice Jerry Johnson, 29, and Lenardo Alexzander Woodard, 32, who are believed to be connected with the 10z/20z south Minneapolis gang.
“Violent groups who use guns to carry out their drug trafficking operations bring death and destruction to our communities," said MacDonald. "This type of criminal activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. All five of these individuals have faced justice and must account for the serious crimes they have committed.”
According to court documents, the five men maintained active memberships with the 10z/20z south Minneapolis gangs with the intent to illegally make money for the gang, including by distributing crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
While distributing, the five men carried and used firearms, according to the documents filed.
The documents also say Rayford, Thompson, Johnson and Woodard were involved in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance to dealing drugs.
