MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The head of the “Beat Down Posse” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for racketeering.
Joseph Robert Gustafson, 56, of Minneapolis was using his bail bond business as a front, but was really the leader of the gang, which is based in north Minneapolis.
To be found guilty of racketeering, Gustafson also had to be found guilty of kidnapping, second-degree assault, first-degree arson and accessory after the fact after an aggravated assault. He was found not guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
According to a criminal complaint, Gustafson was known to be the leader of the “Beat Down Posse,” a gang that would assault drug dealers and steal their money. Gang members would also burned one property owned by Gustafson for insurance money, and gang members would be assaulted if they didn’t obey orders.
Gustafson will be held in the Hennepin County Jail without bail until his sentencing, which is set for March 1. He could face up to 20 years in prison just for racketeering.
Gustafson’s son, Joseph Robert Gustafson, Jr., is set to go on trial March 5.
Gustafson also received 150 months in prison for kidnapping, assault, arson and accessory after the fact of an aggravated assault, but those sentences will be served concurrently with the 180 months.
