MINNEAPOLIS – Eric Troy Ballard Jr., 21, of St. Paul, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for his role in a brazen string of armed carjackings that terrorized the Twin Cities in 2020. The sentencing concludes a case that saw six members of the “Top 5” gang brought to justice for a spree of violence fueled by a thirst for cash and flaunted on social media.
U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced the sentence Monday, stating Ballard and his co-conspirators – Isaiah Stacy Alstad, 24; James Brock Williams Jr., 22; Clifton Germaine Walker Jr., 25; Jordan Sydney Shamah Rhodes, 24; and Joshoamei Deangelo Richardson, 22 – engaged in a widespread crime spree including carjackings, shootings, and robberies. The gang openly advertised their criminal exploits online, posting images of cash, weapons, and even stolen vehicles.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Paul Police Department, revealed the “Top 5” operated as a criminal enterprise focused on generating revenue through illegal activity. Proceeds were divided amongst members, who routinely used firearms – and the threat of violence – to carry out their crimes. Police recovered a total of 10 firearms, along with narcotics and cash, connected to the gang.
On August 25, 2020, the gang unleashed a wave of terror in a single morning. The first victim was carjacked and pistol-whipped near the 1200 block of Jackson Street in St. Paul. Just hours later, a second victim was robbed of their vehicle at gunpoint in a restaurant parking lot on White Bear Avenue. Before the day was out, a third carjacking occurred on Maria Avenue near Metropolitan State University. Ballard was directly involved in at least one of these violent takeovers.
Ballard pleaded guilty in April to one count of conspiracy to use, carry and brandish firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence – specifically, aiding and abetting carjacking. Judge John R. Tunheim handed down the 70-month sentence on August 7th. “We will not tolerate violence in our city,” stated St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with federal agencies like the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
With Ballard’s sentencing, all six members of the “Top 5” are now serving significant federal prison terms, bringing a measure of relief to a community shaken by their ruthless crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Bejar and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez prosecuted the case, demonstrating a commitment to dismantling violent criminal organizations operating in Minnesota.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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