Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force receive 2012 Minnesota State Association of Narcotic Investigators (MSANI) Task force of the year award

On May 25, 2012, the Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force received the 2012 Minnesota State Association of Narcotic Investigators (MSANI) Task force of the year award. This recognition was conferred during the State meeting held in Brainerd, MN. The FBI-funded Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force (HSTTF) was recognized for their work on a significant Federal Racketeering Influenced Organized Crime (RICO) case involving members of the Native Mob living in northern Minnesota.

A federal indictment unsealed on January 24, 2012 charged 26 alleged members of the Native Mob gang with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity and numerous other crimes. Crimes charged included attempted murder, distribution of illegal drugs, witness intimidation, and felon in possession of a firearm. Native Mob members also financially supported other members who were incarcerated, used firearms during the commission of crimes of violence, and obstructed officials attempting to apprehend those wanted by the law.

21 suspects have since pled guilty for conspiring over a period of years to conduct criminal activity to preserve, protect, promote, and enhance the gang’s power, territory, and financial gains.

Task Force members were recognized by MSANI for their outstanding initiative, teamwork, and investigative acumen. The HSTTF operates in the heart of what the federal government refers to as Indian Country and mainly targets criminal activity relating to the three reservations in the task force area. This blow against the Native Mob has helped improve public safety in the region.

The Task force members are from the Beltrami, Hubbard and Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Offices; Bemidji and Park Rapids City Police Departments; Leech Lake and White Earth Tribal Police; the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and US Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).

Sheriff Phil Hodapp

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office