MINNEAPOLIS — The alleged leader of an American Indian gang that prosecutors say spread violence and drugs through Minnesota and other states was sentenced Tuesday to 43 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge John Tunheim said the sentence will allow Wakinyan Wakan McArthur, 36, to get out of prison at some point. McArthur must serve 85 percent of that time.

“I don’t think you should be put away forever,” Tunheim told McArthur.

McArthur was the first of three accused gang members set for sentencing Tuesday and Wednesday.