Start Tribune Article on Metro Gang Strike Force

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This recent Star Tribune Article (PDF) provides details of the rampant corruption of the Metro Gang Strike Force that was involved in Philip's case.

It was with surprise and gratitude that I read the article inspired by reader Shawn Basset’s question to Curious Minnesota on Sunday, 12/8/24, titled, “Did Anyone Go to Jail for Strike Force Scandal?” which outlines the crimes committed by the police of the Metro Gang Strike Force from 1998 to 2009.  Although they were investigated and found guilty by the FBI - evidence was destroyed, and the state went about the business of moving forward with officers back at their jobs or in other policing positions. No one went to jail!  

Who else was impacted besides the 96 victims who were uncovered by the FBI?  I can tell you about one of them.  Philip Vance was railroaded by these same officers who manufactured a case against him with no evidence, and then lied at the hearing where he was wrongfully convicted in 2004. He has now been in prison for almost 22 years for a crime he did not commit!  If you want to see more details of this disturbing story here’s the link: www.freephilipvance.com 

Because of our knowledge of the Metro Gang Strike Force’s role in our friend’s wrongful conviction and imprisonment, we must wonder if there are others who’ve been grievously harmed because these police officers were never held accountable for their crimes. One lawyer said this about the fallout from the 2009 corruption probe; “Nobody talks, and everybody walks.”  It’s time to shine sunlight on the truth, which is the first step in bringing accountability and justice!  We ask the State of Minnesota to investigate all the cases brought forward by the Minneapolis and St. Paul police officers who were members of the Minnesota Gang Strike Force. 

- Denise Konen and the FreePhilipVance Campaign