DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Minnesota

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 25, 2015
Andrew M. Luger
, United States Attorney
Contact: Tasha Terry

Three Members of Violent Minneapolis-Based Gangs Indicted on Federal Firearms Charges

United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced a federal indictment charging three members of the Minneapolis-based Taliban gang and the Young N’ Thuggin’ (YNT) gang. All three defendants were charged with conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition, ROBERT WINFIELD ANDERSON, a/k/a "Rob Moe," 26, and ROBERT LEVELLE FRELIX, a/k/a "Lil Rob," 24, were charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon, and SHANE JAMAL JACKSON, a/k/a "Sunny," 23, was charged with possession of firearms by a felon. All three defendants made their initial appearances yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven E. Rau. Detention hearings are set for Monday morning.

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

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, from at least June 2011 through at least June 2015, the defendants participated in the activities of two closely associated street gangs, the Taliban and the YNT ("Taliban/YNT"). The Taliban/YNT are organized for the purpose of making money for the gang members by trafficking in illegal drugs, armed robberies and thefts. In addition to making money through criminal activity, the purpose of the Taliban/YNT is to obtain and use firearms. All three defendants have prior felony offenses that make them ineligible to possess firearms.

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, an ongoing gang war between the Taliban/YNT and their rivals, the 1-9 Dipset and Stick Up Boys gangs, has resulted in the shooting deaths of numerous gang members on both sides of the conflict. Due to the ongoing gang war, and the need for weapons to conduct other illegal activity, the three defendants and other members of the Taliban/YNT conspired to illegally obtain and jointly possess firearms. As an example, on September 21, 2014, FRELIX, JACKSON and another gang member engaged in a gun battle with rival gang members near 24th Street and Aldrich Avenue in North Minneapolis. Following the shootout, law enforcement recovered one Glock .40 caliber pistol and two Glock 9mm pistols from the scene.

This indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Safe Streets Task Force.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp.

Defendant Information:

ROBERT WINFIELD ANDERSON, a/k/a "Rob Moe," 26

Minneapolis, MN

Charges:

  • Conspiracy – Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, 1 count
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 3 counts
  • Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 1 count

ROBERT LEVELLE FRELIX, a/k/a "Lil Rob," 24

Minneapolis, MN

Charges:

  • Conspiracy – Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, 1 count
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 3 counts
  • Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 1 count

SHANE JAMAL JACKSON, a/k/a "Sunny," 23

Unknown

Charges:

  • Conspiracy – Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, 1 count
  • Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

St. Paul Field Division