Top Minneapolis Fentanyl Pusher Gets 19.5 Years On RICO Conviction

MINNEAPOLIS — A top fentanyl pusher in Minneapolis was sentenced Wednesday to 235 months in federal prison, or 19.5 years.

Montez Brown, 32, aka “Tez Blood,” was convicted in U.S. court of attempted murder, narcotics trafficking, and possession of a machine gun, as a member of the Minneapolis Highs gang.

"We are addressing gang violence for what it is: organized criminal activity," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger in a news release.

"Minneapolis gangs have caused a staggering amount of damage to the community through retaliatory shootings, narcotics trafficking, and other illicit activity. Individuals who choose to fuel violence and destruction on behalf of a criminal enterprise such as this will be held accountable under federal law."

Brown was a well-respected member and high-level fentanyl trafficker for the Highs gang, a criminal enterprise, authorities said.

Operating on the north side of Minneapolis since 2004, the Highs congregate at businesses and residences located at or near the West Broadway Avenue and Lyndale Avenue North intersection, according to investigators.

Prospective Highs members, authorities said, are required to prove their loyalty to the gang by "putting in work," including:

• Acts of violence for the benefit of the gang
• Introducing a new source for drugs or firearms
• "Hunt" rival gang members

Highs members frequently take to social media to taunt rivals, glorify gang life, and post images of themselves with cash, drugs, and firearms, authorities said.

So far, 13 members and associates of the Highs have pleaded guilty and five have been sentenced in U.S. District Court, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office:

Montez Brown, aka “Tez Blood,” 32, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on November 6, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He was sentenced on April 10, 2024, to 235 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Chase Robertson, aka “Chase Loco,” 25, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty on September 11, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. He was sentenced on February 22, 2024, to 75 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Douglas Mobley, aka “Nut,” 36, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty on October 11, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Christopher Finch, aka “Twin,” 23, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on December 12, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Tony Jelks, aka “BD,” 30, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on November 1, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. He was sentenced on April 10, 2024, to 156 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Randy Tate, 32, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. He was sentenced on April 4, 2024, to 115 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Isaac Hodge, aka “Ike,” 47, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on November 2, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Trevoneia Felton, aka “Tre,” 22, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty on November 9, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. He was sentenced on April 3, 2024, to 82 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Malcolm Samuels, aka “Reggie,” 25, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on December 18, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Ronald Washington, aka Black, 37, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Dashaun Morris, aka “Mush,” 22, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on November 14, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Maron Bailey, aka “Boonie,” 26, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty on October 5, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Isaiah Bell, 21, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty on December 7, 2023, to one count of RICO conspiracy. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.