Defendants plead not guilty of racketeering

The six defendants charged with racketeering for their roles in the so-called Native Mob have all pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them.

Three of the defendants are from the Bemidji area: Cory Gene Oquist, 22, of Bemidji; Dale John Pindegayosh, 29, of Cass Lake; and Justen Lee Poitra, 26, of Cass Lake.

Poitra was released on bond while Oquist and Pindegayosh were ordered by the court to remain in custody, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

They were indicted for conspiracy to participate in racketeering and other charges.

Oquist, known as “Guns,” and Poitra, known as “Justo,” also were charged with conspiracy to use and carry firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Pindegayosh, known as “J.P.,” also was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.