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Minneapolis Gang Leader Sentenced for Crack Cocaine Trafficking
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Louis Lee Frasier Banks, 26, a leader of the Minneapolis-based Taliban/Young N’ Thuggin (YNT) gang, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in distributing crack cocaine in the city.
According to court documents, Banks was charged in a seven-defendant indictment with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack) and distribution of crack on March 4, 2015. He pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime on October 13, 2015.
Banks and other members of the Taliban/YNT gang, which claims north Minneapolis as its territory, were involved in a large-scale crack cocaine trafficking operation. The gang members would travel to cities such as St. Cloud, Duluth, and Fargo to sell the drug, often for higher prices than they could get in Minneapolis.
The Taliban/YNT gang was known to carry guns to protect themselves and their money against rival gangs, including the 1-9 Dipset and Stick Up Boys. The gang’s members were also involved in other criminal activity, including violence and intimidation.
Banks was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schultz. Other members of the gang have also been sentenced to prison time, including Carnel Lavel Harrison, who was sentenced to 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release, and Dejuan Pierre Darkyse Washington, who was sentenced to 120 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, and St. Paul Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Steinkamp prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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