Man Charged In Shootings, Officer Accused Of Funneling Him Money

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) -- A 21-year-old man has been charged with ten separate criminal counts in connection with a series of drive-by shootings prosecutors say were gang-related. The shootings happened during October 2013 in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, according to the criminal complaint.

Among the locations were investigators believe Ramone Davay Smaller was involved in shootings were the 800 block of Carroll Avenue in St. Paul on Oct. 24, the 600 block of Stryker Avenue in St. Paul on Oct. 29, near Hall and Baker Avenues in St. Paul on Oct. 30, and along West Lake Street in Minneapolis on Oct. 31.

According to the criminal complaint, DNA evidence tied the gun believed used in this string of incidents to Smaller.

The complaint alleges Smaller is affiliated with a Selby Side gang involved in an ongoing dispute with another area gang. Smaller is currently at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. He earlier pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted murder.

Meanwhile, a St. Paul police officer faces three forgery-related charges for allegedly using someone else's identity to funnel money to Smaller in prison.

Thirty-eight-year-old Ruby Diaz was charged in Hennepin County. She is a school resource officer at Humboldt High School and was placed on leave.

The complaint says that while police were investigating a shooting, they discovered Diaz had a relationship with Smaller. Authorities said she sent him money under a different name.

Smaller's attorney on the attempted murder case says he's surprised by the new charges.

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