A Chicago jury found the two former traders guilty on Wednesday of manipulating gold prices.
Michael Nowak, the former head of global metals trading at the bank, was found guilty of wire fraud and commodities fraud.
Buying and selling orders are quickly placed and withdrawn to create a false impression of demand. In 2010 it was banned by the Dodd-Frank Act.
RICO laws target organized criminal groups instead of Wall Street banks, which is why Nowak and Smith were acquitted. Three ex-JPMorgan employees were cleared of charges.
"While we are pleased that the jury acquitted Mr Nowak of all charges, we are extremely disappointed by the jury's verdict on the whole, and will continue to seek to vindicate his rights in court."
The Department of Justice has made cracking down on financial crime its top priority.
The company will pay a fine of $920 million in 2020.
The bank admitted to manipulating precious metals futures and US government bonds. Two other ex-JPMorgan traders were convicted of spoofing.
"Today's jury verdict shows that those who attempt to manipulate our public financial markets will be held accountable and brought to justice," the assistant attorney general said. The Department's commitment to prosecuting those who undermine the public's trust in the integrity of our commodities markets is underscored by these convictions.
A request for comment was not responded to by the company.
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