Albert Bratton, Drug Trafficking, Minneapolis MN, 2022

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A surge in violent crime plaguing the intersection of Chicago and Franklin Avenues in south Minneapolis has led to federal charges against seven men, authorities announced today. The crackdown, a joint effort between multiple agencies, targets a network allegedly involved in drug trafficking, carjacking, and illegal gun possession.

The initial spark for the investigation came on June 10, 2021, when Minneapolis Police officers conducting surveillance observed suspected drug deals. Albert Walter Bratton, III, 26, attempted to evade arrest, stumbling during his flight. Officers recovered a Glock model 43, 9 mm semiautomatic pistol from his waistband, along with approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine, pre-packaged for street-level distribution. Bratton has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

Just five days later, on June 15, 2021, Marion Quintel Ware, 19, allegedly committed carjacking, forcibly taking a 2007 Ford Focus from its owner. Ware is now facing a charge of aiding and abetting carjacking. The brazen act is part of the pattern of escalating violence that prompted the multi-agency response.

The investigation deepened with the arrest of Namiri Love Laquandas Tanner, 21, on July 21, 2021. Tanner was found in possession of a .40-caliber Glock pistol illegally modified with a “glock switch” – a device that transforms a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun. He’s been indicted on one count of possession of a machine gun. The proliferation of these illegal conversion devices is a growing concern for law enforcement.

Rounding out the indictments are Shamar Jamareus Scott, 21, charged with one count of possessing a firearm as a felon; Anthony Shaquan Kemp, Jr., 22, also facing a charge of possessing a firearm as a felon; and Devon Martell Harmon and Tiray Yvonne Dyson, both 38, each charged with one count of possessing ammunition as a felon. All four men have prior felony convictions, barring them from legally owning firearms or ammunition. These aren’t first-time offenders; they’re repeat players contributing to the city’s crime problem.

All seven defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz earlier today. The cases are being prosecuted under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program focused on reducing violent crime through coordinated enforcement and community-based prevention efforts. Whether this initiative will finally break the cycle of violence in Minneapolis remains to be seen, but authorities are promising a full and aggressive prosecution of these defendants.

Related Federal Cases