Department of Justice

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal superseding indictment against JOSHOAMEI DEANGELO RICHARDSON, 19, JAMES BROCK WILLIAMS, JR., 20, ISAIAH STACY ALSTAD, 22, CLIFTON GERMAINE WALKER, JR., 23, JORDAN SYDNEY SHAMAH RHODES, 22, and ERIC TROY BALLARD, JR., 18, for conspiracy, firearms violations, and carjacking. All six defendants have been ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald stated, “This past summer the Twin Cities saw a disturbing trend of shootings and carjackings. This criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities. Federal law enforcement, in concert with our state and local partners, is committed to holding accountable the perpetrators of this violence.”

According to the allegations in the superseding indictment and documents filed with the court, from at least May 2020 through January 2021, the defendants maintained active membership in the street gang known as the “Top 5.” The purpose of the gang was to make money for its members through criminal acts, including thefts, robberies, and distribution and sale of controlled substances. Proceeds of the money obtained through the commission of criminal acts were distributed among the Top 5 members. Top 5 members would use, carry, and possess firearms to commit these criminal acts as well as carry out acts of violence against rival gang members, including shootings and assaults. Top 5 members used social media to discuss criminal activity, recruit new members, and display cash, firearms, and controlled substances.

According to the allegations in the superseding indictment and documents filed with the court, on August 25, 2020, at approximately 2:30 a.m., WILLIAMS and BALLARD, carjacked a 2006 black BMW 530i, near the 1200 block of Jackson Street, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at gunpoint and physically assaulted the driver of the vehicle. That same day, at approximately 6:50 a.m., RICHARDSON, WILLIAMS, ALSTAD, WALKER, and BALLARD, carjacked a 2012 Dodge Charger, at gunpoint, from the parking lot of a restaurant near White Bear Avenue in St. Paul. That same day, at approximately 9:00 a.m., RICHARDSON, WILLIAMS, ALSTAD, and BALLARD carjacked a 2012 blue Subaru Outback, at gunpoint, from Maria Avenue near Metropolitan State University in St. Paul. During the time period alleged in the superseding indictment and documents filed with the court, the defendants illegally possessed 10 semiautomatic pistols and committed other violent acts and crimes.

These cases are the result of investigations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Saint Paul Police Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Columbia Heights Police Department, and the South Saint Paul Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.

The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

JOSHOAMEI DEANGELO RICHARDSON, a/k/a Yoshi, a/k/a Yodaa Ballard, 19
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:

• Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
• Aiding and abetting carjacking, 2 counts
• Aiding and abetting using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 2 counts

JAMES BROCK WILLIAMS, JR., a/k/a Jackboy, a/k/a J, 20
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:

• Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Aiding and abetting carjacking, 3 counts
• Aiding and abetting using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 3 counts

ISAIAH STACY ALSTAD, a/k/a Zay, a/k/a Lil Zay, a/k/a Zay Money, 22
Columbia Heights, Minn.
Charges:

Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

• Felon in possession of a firearm, 2 counts
• Aiding and abetting carjacking, 2 counts
• Aiding and abetting using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 2 counts

CLIFTON GERMAINE WALKER, JR., a/k/a K-Killa, a/k/a Clif, 23
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:

• Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Aiding and abetting carjacking, 1 count
• Aiding and abetting using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count

JORDAN SYDNEY SHAMAH RHODES, a/k/a 2 3, 22
White Bear Lake, Minn.
Charges:

• Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Unlawful Controlled-Substance User in Possession of Firearms, 3 counts

ERIC TROY BALLARD, JR., a/k/a Donk, a/k/a Lil Donk, a/k/a Tray Williams, 18
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:

• Conspiracy to use, carry, and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
• Aiding and abetting carjacking, 3 counts
• Aiding and abetting using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 3 counts

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