TYVION WAYNE BENSON, Gun Conspiracy, Minnesota 2023

Five Members of Saint Paul Gang Indicted for Gun Conspiracy

TYVION WAYNE BENSON, a/k/a 'Tavi,' along with MICHAEL TREVINO, a/k/a 'Mike Mike,' JOHN WELSEY EPPS, a/k/a 'King Savage,' DAMARIUS DANTE GILBERT, a/k/a 'Boss Sleep,' and KENDALL DVONTAE PRUITT, a/k/a 'Tinki,' have been charged with conspiring to illegally possess firearms. The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jim Modzelewski, and Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell, highlights the ongoing gang violence in Saint Paul's Westside neighborhood.

According to the indictment, the Hit Squad gang, which originated in 2010, aims to prevent rival gang members from entering or being within their 'territory.' Members of the gang obtain money through various crimes, including armed robbery, illegal drug distribution, burglary, theft, and other violent crimes. They use the proceeds to purchase firearms, steal them, trade drugs for guns, and share guns with one another.

The five indicted gang members conspired to jointly possess at least 14 handguns between July 2014 and November 7, 2016. During this period, they were involved in a gang war with rival gangs, including the 'Ho's and Money' (HAM) Crazy gang, resulting in the shooting of several gang members from both sides. The indictment also alleges that they were involved in drive-by shootings and other shootouts in Saint Paul, often near the Arlington Hills Recreation Center.

U.S. Attorney Luger emphasized that this indictment is part of an innovative strategy to combat gang violence in the state. The ATF, Saint Paul Police Department, and Washington County Sheriff's Office worked together to investigate and secure the indictment. Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell stressed that gang and gun violence is an insidious problem that rips at the fabric of their community.

The indictment charges TYVION WAYNE BENSON, MICHAEL TREVINO, JOHN WELSEY EPPS, DAMARIUS DANTE GILBERT, and KENDALL DVONTAE PRUITT with conspiracy to illegally possess firearms. The case is ongoing, and no sentence or outcome has been determined yet.

The case highlights the need for continued efforts to address gang violence in Saint Paul and surrounding areas. The agencies involved in the investigation will continue to work together to make the community safer and hold accountable those responsible for gang-related crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/saint-paul-gang-members-indicted-gun-conspiracy