10 Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms and Drug Trafficking

MINNEAPOLIS – Ten members of a south Minneapolis street gang have been charged in federal court for various crimes including illegal possession of firearms, possession of a machinegun, and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

“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 U.S. Attorney Andrew 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.”

The Minneapolis street gang known as the 10z are involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking in south Minneapolis, as well as violent crime throughout the Minneapolis metropolitan area. The focal point of the 10z criminal activity is the area around Peavey Park at the intersection of Franklin and Chicago Avenues. The 10z are affiliated with another gang, the 20z, which operate in the same south Minneapolis territory.

The following ten members of the 10z/20z gang are charged with firearms violations and fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking:

• Don Buddie Austin, 32, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
• Albert William Bratton, 28, is charged with possession 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.

These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C.S. Weir.

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.