Derrick Thompson Found Guilty of Federal Drug and Firearm Charges, Faces Homicide Case

Derrick Thompson, the son of former Minnesota state representative John Thompson, was found guilty on October 11 of federal charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm as a felon, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug crime.

The verdict came as Thompson faces separate state charges related to a deadly June 2023 crash that killed five women in Minneapolis.

Thompson’s state charges include criminal vehicular homicide and third-degree murder. In September, the Hennepin County Attorney’s office added the murder charge, citing Thompson’s “lengthy record of dangerous driving” and the devastation he has caused.

The fatal crash occurred when Derrick Thompson, speeding off I-35, ran a red light and collided with a vehicle carrying five young women. The victims, 17-year-old Sabiriin Ali, 20-year-old Sahra Gesaade, 20-year-old Salma Abdikadir, 19-year-old Sagal Hersi, and 19-year-old Siham Adam, were all killed in the accident.

Following the crash, Thompson was arrested, and authorities discovered a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, along with over 2,000 fentanyl pills, cocaine, MDMA, and other drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, leading to federal charges.

Thompson’s federal sentencing has yet to be scheduled, and he remains in custody at the Sherburne County Jail. His defense team argued that the firearms belonged to his brother, Damarco John Thompson, who was also present in the vehicle during the crash but fled the scene. Damarco has not been arrested or charged in connection with the incident.

Authorities recovered three phones from the vehicle, including one that contained incriminating messages documenting Derrick Thompson’s involvement in illegal drug sales. Court records indicate that Thompson broke his hip in the crash but declined surgery.

He allegedly expressed remorse to a nurse at the hospital and admitted to driving during the crash. Despite his injuries, Thompson did not attempt to flee from police after the accident.

In September, Thompson was offered a plea deal that would have required him to plead guilty to five to ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide. In exchange, the state would drop five other charges of vehicular homicide for gross negligence. The plea deal would have seen Thompson serve 32 to 38 years in prison.

Thompson had been released from jail just six months before the deadly crash in Minneapolis, raising further scrutiny over his lengthy criminal record and history of reckless driving.