MINNEAPOLIS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Cartrelle Smith, aka “Poo Moe,” pleaded guilty for his role in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. He pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on October 21, 2026.

Smith is one of 14 defendants in the case U.S. v. Alowonle et al. (24-cr-293) and is the third defendant to plead guilty. Sentencing will be set at a later date, and Smith faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Other defendants who have pleaded guilty in the case include:

  • Deontae Jackson, aka “Leef,” pleaded guilty on April 3, 2026, to his role in a RICO conspiracy
  • Damari Douglas, aka “Mari,” pleaded guilty on July 17, 2026, to his role in a RICO conspiracy

According to court documents, beginning in or about 2009 and continuing through at least August 20, 2025, Smith and others were members of and associated with the Lows gang. 

The Lows gang has been in existence in Minneapolis since approximately 2004 and is primarily active in north Minneapolis. The Lows gang is alleged to have engaged in multiple acts involving murder, attempted murder, narcotics distribution, robbery, carjacking, and firearms trafficking, and the gang used intimidation, threats, armed retaliation, social‑media taunting, and shared firearms to maintain its territory and reputation.

Smith admitted that he was a member of and was associated with the Lows, and he intentionally conspired to conduct and participate in the affairs of the enterprise, including multiple acts of murder, narcotics trafficking, firearms trafficking, and carjacking. 

From April to July 2023, Smith arranged to sell fentanyl on at least two occasions. On July 5, 2023, a drug customer contacted Smith about purchasing “blues,” a mutually understandable term referring to M-30 fentanyl pills. Smith told the customer that he “just sold my 500” and “only got like 50 left,” but that he would “be on the block later” and “should have it.”

On July 28, 2023, Smith possessed a firearm as well as fentanyl for sale. On the same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Plymouth, Minnesota. When officers entered the apartment, they encountered Smith in the living room. Law enforcement found Smith in possession of 42 M-30 fentanyl pills in his pocket and a Glock 19 9mm handgun on the ground next to his cellphone. The handgun was equipped with an automatic conversion device, also known as a “switch,” and an extended magazine.

Smith acknowledges that, during his period of involvement, the charged conspiracy involved at least 129.1 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

“This defendant chose to traffic harmful drugs and contribute to a violent criminal enterprise. My office has an unwavering commitment to hold him and every member of this enterprise accountable and to protect Minnesotans by taking down this violent network,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. 

“Accountability has been central to this investigation. For years, members of the Lows gang used firearms and intimidation to harm our neighborhoods and fuel their criminal activity. Every individual who steps forward and takes responsibility moves us closer to breaking that cycle of violence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joseph Persails of the St. Paul Field Division. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their sustained efforts as well as the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office who have carried this RICO case to this point. Together, we’ve worked to identify those driving the violence and ensure they face meaningful consequences.”

“Cartrelle Smith is another cog in the wheel of an organization known for drug trafficking and violence,” DEA Omaha Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “His actions and those of his affiliates have lethal consequences. From the fentanyl pills he sold to the converted handgun he carried, Smith’s goal was clear, invoke fear and threaten violence. Today however, the full weight of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies is undoubtedly placing a strain on the Lows. We will not rest until this organization is dismantled and our streets made safer.” 

“No one should have to plan their life around the fear of being a gang’s next victim,” said Robert J. Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Smith and his fellow gang members trafficked drugs and firearms, and used threats, assaults, attempted murder, and murder to terrorize Minneapolis communities. Their violence stole lives and robbed neighbors of the peace they deserve. IRS Criminal Investigation takes its public safety mission seriously. We will keep working shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state, and local partners to stop violent gangs from deciding who gets to feel safe in their own neighborhood.” 

“This guilty plea reflects the serious consequences of choosing to advance a gang’s criminal agenda,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “For years, the Lows gang used its presence in Minneapolis to promote violence and drug trafficking, including the distribution of fentanyl. HSI St. Paul and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue the individuals who engage in violent criminal activity and endanger our communities.”

“This case shows what strong partnerships among local, county, state, and federal law enforcement, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, can accomplish. Together, we are helping North Minneapolis experience its lowest levels of violence and holding accountable those who threaten community safety,” said Minneapolis Police Department Interim Chief Bill Peterson. “Cartrelle Smith’s admitted participation in a racketeering conspiracy tied to a gang involved in violence and drug trafficking underscores why this work matters: protecting residents and holding people accountable strengthens safety across the community.”

“We remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt gang violence in our communities and hold offenders accountable,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “This guilty plea sends a clear message: Those who choose to engage in gang violence will face the consequences of their actions.”

“The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) worked alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate firearms violations and suspected narcotics trafficking, ultimately leading to the arrest of this individual with alleged gang affiliation and connections to other serious violent crimes, including murder,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County. “Criminal organizations bring violence, fear, and devastation to our communities, with little regard for the lives they impact. This case reinforces the commitment I made: gang activity and the violence that comes with it will not be tolerated in Hennepin County, and we will hold offenders accountable through collaboration and strong partnerships at all levels.”

This case was the result of an investigation by the ATF, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen and Trial Attorney Ryan McCabe of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.

Note: Press releases on the defendant and co-defendants’ indictments on October 28, 2024, and  August 20, 2025, are linked here.