Department of Justice

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of HAKEEM MALIK DONTAE FLAX, a/k/a “Keem,” 33, to 220 months in prison for crimes related to violent gang activity, including conspiracy, distribution of heroin, and firearms violations.FLAX, who was convicted by a federal jury on February 14, 2019, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota. FLAX’s co-defendants DOMONICK DESHAY WRIGHT, BRIAN FUNTANOUS MACK, and JAMES LAVELL BROWN, have also been sentenced following their guilty pleas to conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

As proven at trial, FLAX and his co-defendants maintained active membership in the 1-9 Block Dipset Gang with the purpose of making money for the gang through criminal acts, including distribution of heroin. As part of the gang’s heroin distribution scheme, FLAX, WRIGHT, MACK, and BROWN and other members of the gang possessed, used and carried firearms in order to protect themselves from rival gang members and maintain their drug distribution territory.

As proven at trial, members of the 1-9 Block Dipset Gang were involved in a violent gang war with rival North Minneapolis gangs, including the Tre Tre Crips and the Young-N-Thuggin gangs, which resulted in the shooting deaths of gang members on both sides of the conflict. Disputes over gang territories and retaliation for prior acts of violence also contributed to the gun violence. As an example, on August 5, 2017, FLAX shot and killed a member of the rival Tre Tre Crips gang in a parking lot outside of a North Minneapolis restaurant.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Minneapolis Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez.

Defendant Information:

HAKEEM MALIK DONTAE FLAX, a/k/a “Keem,” 33

Vadnais Heights, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
• Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
• Discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
• Felon in possession of ammunition, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 220 months in prison
• Five years of supervised release

DOMONICK DESHAY WRIGHT, a/k/a “Freaky,” 31

Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 120 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release

BRIAN FUNTANOUS MACK, a/k/a “B-Mack,” 34

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 120 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release

JAMES LAVELL BROWN, 34

St. Paul, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count

Sentenced:

• 60 months in prison
• Three years of supervised release

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