Minneapolis Man And Woman Charged In Violent Twin Cities Carjacking Spree

Acting United States Attorney W. Anders Folk today announced a federal indictment charging JEREMIAH LEE IRONROPE, 24, and KRISANNE MARIE BENJAMIN, 25, with multiple carjackings occurring across the Twin Cities. IRONROPE was also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm, during and in relation to a crime of violence, during one of the carjackings. IRONROPE made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Becky Thorson in U.S. District Court. BENJAMIN made her initial appearances in U.S. District Court on March 25, 2021.

According to the allegations in the indictment, on July 26, 2020, IRONROPE and BENJAMIN, using force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, stole a 2008 Lexus ES350. On August 7, 2020, IRONROPE and BENJAMIN, using force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, stole a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. On August 28, 2020, IRONROPE and BENJAMIN, using force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, stole a 2017 Audi A4. On December 20, 2020, IRONROPE, using force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, stole a 2015 GMC Terrain. During the August 28 carjacking incident, IRONROPE brandished a firearm, namely a Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun, with a sawed-off barrel.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the St. Paul Police Department, the Maple Grove Police Department, the Richfield Police Department, the Edina Police Department, the Roseville Police Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan H. Nelson.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

JEREMIAH LEE IRONROPE, 24

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Carjacking, 4 counts
• Using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count

KRISANNE MARIE BENJAMIN, 25

Minneapolis, Minn.

Charges:

• Carjacking, 3 counts

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600