MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three members of a violent American Indian gang are facing trial in what prosecutors say is one of the largest gang cases to come out of Indian Country.
Thirty-four-year-old Wakinyon Wakan McArthur is an alleged “chief” of the Native Mob. Authorities say he and two others were part of a criminal enterprise that used violence to keep the gang in power. All three are accused of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Frederick Goetz is McArthur’s attorney. He says the allegations aren’t racketeering, but rather sporadic, individual acts carried out by disaffected youths.
The trial starts Tuesday with jury selection and will take several weeks. Prosecutors will call about 300 witnesses — including current and former Native Mob members, victims and rivals. Evidence could include recordings collected by undercover informants.
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