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Tim Nelson
St. Paul, Minn.

Gang strike force sued for confiscating property

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A half dozen people are suing the now-disbanded Metro Gang Strike Force in federal court.

They allege that members of the gang unit took thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry and other items, but never acknowleged seizing them.

The lawsuit says the officers didn't give the complaintants the opportunity to clear their names or get their property back.

Their attorney, Robert Hopper, says there could be hundreds of similar cases in the Twin Cities.

"These were all innocent victims. None of them are criminals. None have been part of any gangs. None of them had any involvement in drugs," said Hopper. "Several of them were targeted because of their national origin, which is a violation of federal civil rights laws."

The FBI and an independent panel are reviewing the gang strike force, which included officers from 13 area police agencies.