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Press Release

Native Mob Gang Member Charged With Attempted Murder In Aid Of Racketeering, Witness Retaliation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a six-count federal indictment against DAKOTA JAMES LAFAVE, aka “Biggs,” 29, for attempting to murder an individual in retaliation for their testimony given at an official court proceeding. LAFAVE, who was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota, will remain in detention pending further proceedings.

According to the allegations in the indictment, LAFAVE is a member of the Native Mob gang, a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engage in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, and threats of violence in order to preserve and protect power, territory, reputation, and profits of the enterprise. Members and associates of the Native Mob meet regularly to discuss, among other things, acts of violence and crimes committed against rival gang members, gang rules and by-laws, law enforcement interactions, and to share with one another the identities of individuals who might be cooperating with law enforcement and propose actions to be taken against those individuals.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on or about October 27, 2017, LAFAVE, using a firearm, attempted to murder an individual with the intent to retaliate against that person for their testimony given at an official court proceeding. LAFAVE, who was previously convicted of three violent felonies and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition at any time, is subject to the federal Armed Career Criminal Act, which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement to specifically target and combat gun and gang crimes.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Winter.

 

Defendant Information:

DAKOTA JAMES LAFAVE, aka “Biggs,” 29

Fond du Lac, Minn.

Charges:

  • Attempted murder in aid of racketeering, 1 count
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, 1 count
  • Witness retaliation, 2 counts
  • Using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence, 1 count
  • Felon in possession of ammunition – armed career criminal, 1 count

 

 

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

 

 

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated August 24, 2018

Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Violent Crime