Extensive witness intimidation network uncovered
Charges were filed Monday against Lamonte Martin and 10 others, mostly gang members or prison inmates, who made up a witness intimidation network that lasted three years – one of the most extensive networks investigators have ever seen, the Star Tribune reports. Among the tactics used were threats against witnesses' children and beatings, the newspaper reports. One person's throat was slit during a prison fight, Fox 9 reports.
Thousands of hours of investigation over two years were spent unraveling the case, the Star Tribune reports. Prison phone calls, letters and other evidence helped build the case, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says.
Three men, including Martin, were convicted in a 2006 murder and have been operating inside prison.
Martin’s mother and girlfriends of the men charged were among those who were in on the intimidation scheme, WCCO reports:
