Joshoamei Deangelo Richardson, Conspiracy, Firearms Violations, Violent Carjackings, Minnesota 2021

Violent Carjackings Plague Twin Cities

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA – In a disturbing trend of shootings and carjackings, six men have been charged with conspiracy, firearms violations, and violent carjackings in the Twin Cities.

According to the superseding indictment, the defendants – 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 – 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.

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.

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.”

The defendants have been ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings. 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

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