Mexico arrested a military officer suspected of passing information to drug traffickers

Mexico arrested a military officer suspected of passing information to drug traffickers as part of a government sweep to rout out corruption, the attorney general’s office said in a statement on Friday.Mexico’s liaison to Interpol and the former head of the country’s organized crime bureau were also arrested in recent weeks for alleged drug ties. Another 30 anti-drug police have been fired on suspicion of corruption.

Raid on the Finks Balga clubhouse

Gang Crime detectives uncovered a stash of weapons including a stun gun and swords after they descended on the Olney Court property, police said.A quantity of amphetamines and cocaine was also allegedly discovered.On Monday December 15, police raided the God's Garbage clubhouse in Kelmscott, seizing a sawn-off rifle, ammunition and weapons including a baton.A quantity of white powder and smoking implements were also seized.A 43-year-old Kelmscott man has been charged with drug and weapons offences and will appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on January 12.On December 11, heavily armed police, supported by officers from Australian Customs Service and Australian Federal Police, stormed the Coffin Cheaters' Baywater clubhouse.There, they allegedly seized a cache of weapons, including five loaded semi-automatic handguns, two sawn-off shotguns, ammunition, three swords and various weapons with blades attached to them.A large amount of cash, steroids and small quantities of cannabis and amphetamine paste were also recovered.Assistant Commissioner (specialist crime) Wayne Gregson said police would continue to target organised crime.``The result of these searches provides further evidence of the criminal nature and activities of these types of motorcycle gangs,'' Mr Gregson said.
``Western Australia Police will continue in our current efforts to dismantle and disrupt all such groups in Western Australia.''The raids follow escalating tension between bikie gangs following the arrival in WA of notorious eastern states-based gang The Finks, and the shooting wounding of one of its members at Wooroloo, east of Perth in October.

names of the biker gangs involved in the melee are not being released

It happened Saturday at the Special Memory Wedding Chapel in Downtown Las Vegas. The Manager of the chapel said they'd inadvertently scheduled the ceremonies back-to-back, not knowing the gang members were going to be there. As the first ceremony was finishing, another wedding attended by rival gang members, was scheduled. As the rival gang members arrived it wasn't long before the scuffle was underway.
That's when two people were stabbed in the melee. The extent of the injuries or where the injured were taken is not known.Metro quickly descended on the scene and the Gang Unit is said to have taken over the investigation. Lieutenant Richard Fletcher with Metro says there is video of the incident, "We have some video that we are reviewing. It won't be released at this time. It has been turned over to detectives."The names of the biker gangs involved in the melee are not being released. The investigation into the brawl is continuing.

One of the jurors who acquitted two Hells Angels bikers of attempted murder says factors that influenced the verdict

One of the jurors who acquitted two Hells Angels bikers of attempted murder says factors that influenced the verdict included people being led by emotion and a conflict in the state's evidence.After deliberating over three days, the Sioux Falls jury found Chad Wilson of San Diego and John Midmore of Valparaiso, Ind., not guilty of sparking a 2006 gunfight at Custer State Park.Three Outlaws Motorcycle Club members and two women with them were injured. Midmore is out on bail, but Wilson is charged in federal court with a gun crime.The state still wants to try the men on a conspiracy charge but the judge hasn't ruled on that.

Rival gangs the Rebels and Bandidos have been targeting each other

Rival gangs the Rebels and Bandidos have been targeting each other in 13 drive-by shootings since October.Another shooting occured at a house on Hewinson Avenue in Green Valley last night.Police have tried to get the two sides talking, but those attempts have failed and there are now concerns the violence will escalate.NSW Detective Chief Superintendent Ken McKay told News Ltd the gang’s attacks had simply been “cowardly”.“It’s just the lowest level of cowardly acts to drive past a place in the middle of the night and spray it with bullets,” Superintendent McKay said.“Don’t forget a lot of these places contain children and women.”

Two of the three Road Dog Cycle defendants who remain in custody will be home for Christmas

Two of the three Road Dog Cycle defendants who remain in custody will be home for Christmas, if defense attorneys have their way.They appeared in a federal courtroom in Fresno on Monday morning, with their attorneys and many co-defendants who were released earlier this year, to ask for a hearing to present evidence about why they should be freed.But, with Christmas fast approaching, prosecutors told the court they didn't know if their witnesses would be available in time. U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger said attorneys should try to schedule the hearing for Dec. 23.
"As with any pretrial detainees, they certainly would like to be with their families at Christmas," said Jai Gohel of San Francisco, who represents Ray M. Heffington.
Heffington, 40, of Chowchilla, was identified by federal prosecutors as the Merced chapter president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. He has been in custody since July, when he was indicted with about a dozen others on charges relating to suspected illegal operations going back to 1997 at a Denair motorcycle shop.Ex-deputy still in custodyProsecutors say Robert C. Holloway III, a retired sheriff's deputy, and his son, Brent F. Holloway, 35, of Modesto, ran a racketeering enterprise at the shop. Prosecutors say Robert Holloway encouraged threats and violence against customers who didn't pay bills, operated a chop shop and extended credit to customers illegally.Holloway, 61, of Turlock remains in custody; his son was released on bond in August. The business has been closed since their arrest.
Another defendant still in custody who hopes to be released is a Manteca man prosecutors have identified as Alky Haulers motorcycle club chapter vice president Michael J. Orozco, 51. Orozco faces charges of making extortionate extensions of credit; collecting credit by extortionate means; and criminal forfeiture.Pretrial Services, an agency that makes recommendations regarding whether defendants should be released, said last summer that Orozco should be released, said his attorney, Mac McGinnis of Fresno."But somebody scared the judge into saying, 'I'm not going for it,' " McGinnis said Monday. "You're supposed to go on the evidence. I think they went on something else."McGinnis said his client is only "peripherally involved" in the case. He said Orozco verbally vouched for a "snitch" who bought a motorcycle from Robert Holloway.Many of the men were arraigned Monday on a revised indictment, filed in late November, that added several defendants and charges to the case. All who entered pleas -- including both Holloways, Orozco and Heffington; Reynaldo W. Sotelo, 52, of Gilroy; Alfredo F. Rincon, 37, of Manteca; Stephen J. Johnson, 60, of Linden; and David A. Swanson, 52, Modesto -- said they were not guilty.Swanson was charged in July with making false statements to investigators; in November, prosecutors added a count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.Swanson is a former deputy who was a court bailiff with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department during the investigation.
Modesto attorney Robert L. Forkner, who represents Swanson, said he expects his client to be acquitted of all charges."Once again, the government is piling on charges for somebody who won't cooperate or enter a plea to a lesser offense," Forkner said. "It's a vindictive prosecution."

The tattoo can only be worn if the member has committed violent acts against Hells Angels members.

Expert on outlaw motorcycle gangs testified in court Tuesday, explaining that three of four men implicated in the non-fatal shooting of a suspected Hells Angels member appear to be patch-wearing Mongols gang members. Chris Cervantes, a Montebello police detective and ATF investigator, was brought from the Los Angeles area to provide expert testimony at a preliminary hearing for the men suspected of shooting 43-year-old Robert Thompson. Authorities have seized the men's property, including clothing reportedly emblazoned with the gang's logo and an application to join the Mongols Motorcycle Club -- an outlaw motorcycle gang the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has labeled as the most “violent and dangerous” in the nation.
On Nov. 8, authorities responded to shots fired on Third Street in downtown Eureka. There, police found Thompson lying in an intersection, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. Later that night, authorities located a dark-colored van, similar to one witnesses saw at the scene, and arrested Eric Gunner Lundin, 28, Dustin Christopher Liebes, 36, Brad Lee Miller, 26, and Redding resident Eric Dean Garcia, 28. Upon searching the van, investigators reportedly located a disassembled semi-automatic hand gun. The four have pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm and participating in a criminal street gang. Three of the suspects bear tattoos, which Cervantes said linked them to the gang. Lundin, Liebes and Garcia all have diamond-shaped “1%” tattoos inked on their necks. Called the “one-percenter” tattoo, Cervantes said, it has been adopted by the Mongols and refers to the traditional concept that 99 percent of motorcyclists are law-abiding citizens. Lundin has the letters “MFFM” -- or Mongols Forever Forever Mongols -- tattooed on his knuckles, and has the traditional Mongol head on his chest and right arm. The Mongol head, a Genghis Khan look-alike wearing sunglasses, is also tattooed on Garcia's forearm. The letters “RFFN” -- Respect Fear Fear Nothing -- are displayed across Liebes' chest. Cervantes said that tattoo can only be worn if the member has committed violent acts against Hells Angels members. As the story goes, the Mongols were formed in the 1970s by a small group of Latinos who were denied entry to the Hells Angels due to their ethnicity, he testified. There are now between 500 and 600 members in chapters throughout the United States, including California, Oregon, Nevada and Florida. The Mongols Web site declares the organization's support of a new chapter that has opened in Italy. Although the Mongols' regional presence is not strong enough to warrant a Humboldt chapter, Cervantes testified there is a Northern California chapter. No matter where the chapters are, they are governed by the “Mother Chapter” which hands down orders, many of which are based on the gang's constitution. The long-standing rivalry between the Hells Angels and the Mongols began early on, emanating from similarities between patches worn by the two gangs, he said. The violence escalated over time into a bloody gang war, with the Mongols perpetrating the majority of the attacks.
”This is a war. These guys are trying to kill each other, and the Mongols are winning,” Cervantes said. “There are a lot of (Hells Angels) dying at the hands of (Mongols') knives and guns.” On Oct. 22, a U.S. District Court judge granted an injunction banning gang members, family and any associate from wearing, licensing or distributing the Mongols' logo. With the banning of the Mongols' trademark, officers have ordered members to stop wearing the logo, Cervantes testified. However, during a search of a storage unit rented by one of the suspects, authorities located Mongols paraphernalia, including a T-shirt with “prospect,” which is worn by someone intending to be initiated into the gang, and a gang application, he said.
The application had been mailed to “The Mayor,” which Cervantes said is Lundin's moniker, leading him to believe “Lundin is the president of this Northern California chapter.” During recorded interviews taken at the jail, Lundin reportedly told officials he would be willing to give up his patch as a “bargaining chip,” Cervantes said. ”I have a really hard time believing he would be giving up his patch if he didn't have a patch,” he said. All the suspects were returned to the Humboldt County jail, where they remain on $500,000 bail. Their preliminary hearing is expected to end today.

Three German members of a Hells Angels biker gang were jailed and 11 more received suspended sentences

Three German members of a Hells Angels biker gang were jailed and 11 more received suspended sentences on Tuesday in what was billed as the country's largest trial of its kind.The sentences were handed down on the second day of a trial of the 14 Hells Angels members after the defendants reached a plea bargain deal with prosecutors on charges of assaulting and robbing members of a rival gang.The Hells Angels, wearing spiked helmets and wielding axe handles, raided the headquarters of a rival gang, the Bandidos, in the town of Stuhr in March 2006, brutally beating five rival gang members and stealing money and a laptop, the court found.Insignia were taken as trophies to decorate their own headquarters.The trial was held amid tight security. Police with sniffer dogs combed the courthouse and squad cars patrolled the highways leading into town to prevent renewed clashes between the rival gangs.Three of the accused received respectively 34, 32, and 30 month prison sentences, while 11 others were handed two year suspended prison sentences.Biker gangs including the Bandidos and the Hells Angels, both of which have members all over the world, have been involved in bloody feuds in recent years and are suspected by authorities of heavy

Gary Young, aged 36, said he was merely a probationary member of the Hells Angel chapter

Gary Young, aged 36, said he was merely a probationary member of the Hells Angel chapter, even though it was his fingerprints police found on a box containing cartridges. Young, of Blossom Farm, gave evidence on his own behalf at Swansea crown court and told the jury about the Hell's Angels. He said the west Wales chapter had its own president, vice president and sergeant at arms. He named Paul Willis as the president but said he had no idea who held the other two positions. He said they met regularly at Bethany House on the Old Hakin Road in Haverfordwest, a property owned by the group of motorcycle enthusiasts. He said the house was protected with barred windows and CCTV cameras. The jury has heard how police raided the house on September 6th, 2007. Among the rafters of a detached garage they found a loaded handgun fitted with a silencer and with the safety catch already switched off.
They also discovered ammunition for the weapon and another type for a Berretta style pistol. Young, who denies charges of possessing the gun, silencer and the two lots of ammunition, said he had been invited to visit Bethany House and eventually became a probationary member, or "prospect." He paid £20 a week for membership and attended about four times a week. He explained that meetings of those with full membership took place "upstairs" and he was not allowed to attend. Young said he was regularly asked to clear up the house and, two days before the police raid, had noticed the gun and ammunition while working in the garage. He said he left them where they were but contacted Paul Willis. Mr Willis, he said, assured him he would "sort it out."
On the day of the police raid he was contacted by another member who called an emergency meeting of the chapter at his flat. About a month later, said Young, that member was "kicked out" of the Hell's Angels. Questioned by Geraint Walters, prosecuting, Young denied that he was the sergeant at arms. Young agreed that police had found an air rifle at his farm which also had a silencer fitted, but explained that without such a device "the first shot at a rabbit makes the others run away."

Hell's Angel has been cleared of possessing a lethal handgun found at the motor cycling enthusiasts' base

Hell's Angel has been cleared of possessing a lethal handgun found at the motor cycling enthusiasts' base in Haverfordwest. But Gary Young, aged 36, was warned he still faced a prison sentence for offences he had already pleaded guilty to.
A jury at Swansea crown court took more than six hours to find Young not guilty of possessing the 8 millimetre gun, a silencer and two batches of cartridges.
They were all found at Bethany House on the Old Hakin Road, a property owned by the west Wales chapter of the Hell's Angels and used as a clubhouse. Police raided the house in May, 2007, and found the gun hidden in the rafters of a detached garage. The silencer was fitted, a bullet was in the chamber and the safety catch was turned off. Young's fingerprints were found on a plastic box containing some of the cartridges. He told the court he had touched the box while tidying the garage but had never owned or used the weapon. After the verdicts it was revealed that Young, now of North Court, Haverfordwest, had admitted possessing an over-powerful air rifle, an offensive weapon (a knuckleduster) and a small quantity of cannabis. Judge Huw Davies granted Young bail but warned him that the starting point at the sentencing hearing in January was jail.

Johnny Montani is accused of shooting dead former Club Dero turned Coffin Cheater, Kevin Woodhouse, outside an aquatic centre in Bayswater

Johnny Montani is accused of shooting dead former Club Dero turned Coffin Cheater, Kevin Woodhouse, outside an aquatic centre in Bayswater in May 2004.The jury in the trial of a man accused of wilfully murdering a former bikie gang member in Perth has resumed its deliberations.The jury retired to consider its verdict yesterday afternoon.The trial was set down for five weeks, but ran for six and heard from more than 50 witnesses.During the trial, the Supreme Court heard the men were friends for 20 years, but had a falling out a couple of weeks before the killing.Prosecutors allege Mr Woodhouse uttered the name of his killer as he lay dying.Mr Montani denies any involvement in the murder, and his lawyer, Phillip Urquhart, says the victim was a marked man after earlier switching bikie gangs.

Hells Angels have complete control in the whole Niagara region. Anyone who steps in there, they'll kill him pointblank

Hells Angels member-turned-informant has warned that anyone who dares to sell cocaine in the Niagara Region faces certain death from the biker gang, a Superior Court judge said yesterday. Stephen Gault, former secretary of the Angels' Oshawa chapter, made the comment while testifying at the drug trial of Gerald "Skinny" Ward, Justice John McMahon said in reading his judgment convicting Ward of having proceeds of crime, trafficking in cocaine and benefitting a criminal organization.
Ward, 60, the executive and founding member of the Angels' Niagara chapter, will be sentenced Feb. 27. "They (Angels) have complete control in the whole Niagara region. Anyone who steps in there, they'll kill him pointblank," McMahon quoted from the testimony of Gault, who was paid more than $400,000 as a police agent. "You don't play with their game ... all their lives are built upon drug dealing," Gault said in his testimony while explaining the workings of the biker gang. Gault testified that people join the Angels for "the power of the patch" -- which provides them protection -- but must pay the club 10% of their criminal proceeds and monthly dues for a legal defence fund for those facing prosecution. Members must vow not to cheat anyone on drug deals, court heard. The judge ruled yesterday Ward was directing the sale of cocaine to Gault for the bikers. Gault made 27 drug buys from various gang members, including four that involved Ward from May 2005 and Sept. 28, 2006.

Rebels and the Bandidos is being linked to as many as 13 shootings on Sydney streets

Rebels and the Bandidos is being linked to as many as 13 shootings on Sydney streets in just over two weeks.A new elite police unit, originally set up to investigate the night-time shooting of a gang member in Seven Hills last month, is widening its net to examine the outbreak of violence among the outlaw gangs.Codenamed Highcro and made up of gangs squad officers, the strikeforce will examine the series of shootings in western Sydney.On November 28, a 25-year-old was shot several times in the head and chest while a passenger in a car driving on the Prospect Highway. The car was hit by about 19 bullets fired from at least two high-powered rifles. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition.The Highcro detectives are using that incident as a springboard to look at 12 other shootings they believe may be linked to the warring bikie gangs, who have a history of enmity that often boils over into street warfare.A prominent Bandido was murdered in Melbourne in October and rumours of a planned "hit" marred the Friday extradition hearing in New Zealand of a Rebel member accused of a vicious bashing in Queensland last year.Only four days after the Seven Hills shooting, a Gypsy Joker was shot and knocked from his bike as he rode on the Great Western Highway before midnight.In the early hours of the same day, December 2, a tattoo parlour in Belmore and a Bass Hill house were fired at. No one was injured in either shooting. Since then there have been nine shootings across Sydney's west.The NSW violence comes on the back of a flare-up between the two gangs in Victoria. On October 22, a Bandidos enforcer, 51-year-old Ross Brand, was shot dead outside the gang's Geelong clubhouse.Two brothers, both members of the Rebels, have been charged with his murder.The continuing gang violence has also led to high security during an extradition hearing for New Zealander and Rebel member Peter Douglas Rauhina, 37.The first Sydney arrests in relation to the feud occurred on Wednesday night, when police pulled over four men in a Holden Commodore for a routine check and discovered two semi-automatic rifles, one loaded.Half an hour before the road stop, a house in Sadlier, believed to be linked to the Rebels, had been shot at. The four men, aged 21 to 46, are understood to be Bandidos associates.

Mongol Motorcycle Gang discovery of a trove of weapons, ammunition, explosives and drugs

Search of a north Visalia residence today led to discovery of a trove of weapons, ammunition, explosives and drugs, Visalia police said.Police added they also found indictation of the Mongol Motorcycle Gang at the residence, in the 1700 block of North Tipton Street. Visalia Police Sgt. Steve Phillips said the Mongol Motorcycle Gang was a once-dominant biker gang in Tulare County that now has few adherents.
In addition, police said, they stopped and later arrested a Visalia man as he drove away from the home. He was identified as Edward Aguirre, 46. Police said they found a zip gun and methamphetamine. He was held on drug and weapons charges.Inside the house, police said they found 30 firearms, 2,000 rounds of ammunition and other unspecified weapons and explosives, plus methamphetamine, marijuana and $746 in cash.

California Hells Angels Chad Wilson, 33, is charged with being a nonimmigrant alien in possession of a firearm

Chad Wilson, 33, is charged with being a nonimmigrant alien in possession of a firearm, according to the indictment.It accuses him of being admitted into the United States under a nonimmigrant visa and unlawfully having several guns.
U.S. Attorney Marty Jackley wouldn’t comment further.“This remains an ongoing investigation and therefore I’m not providing further information at this time,” he said.Wilson, from San Diego, could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if convicted.After deliberating over three days, jurors on Nov. 18 found Wilson and fellow Hells Angels biker John Midmore, 35, of Valparaiso, Ind., not guilty of trying to murder five people affiliated with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club during the Sturgis motorcycle rally.Midmore has dual citizenship in Canada and Australia but is a resident alien. He was released on bail that evening.Bond was also posted for Wilson, but he remains in the county jail in Sioux Falls. Attorneys earlier said he faced deportation to Canada upon his release.At the trial, Wilson testified that he fired several rounds with a .40-caliber handgun in self-defense after nine Outlaws members confronted him and Midmore at Legion Lake Resort, near a campground where the Outlaws were staying.Prosecutors argued the two Hells Angels attempted to kill the Outlaws, injuring three of the rival bikers and two women with them.Jurors cleared the men of five counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of commission of a felony while armed.
Wilson is a member of a California Hells Angels chapter and Midmore is a prospect of a British Columbia group.According to the indictment, Wilson illegally possessed two .40 caliber pistols, a Heckler & Koch 9 mm caliber pistol, an FEG 7.62 x 39 caliber rifle and a Calico 9 mm caliber rifle.Wilson testified at his trial that the guns were in his F-350 Ford pickup.In another court document filed Wednesday, prosecutors asked that Wilson be transferred to Rapid City for an appearance on the indictment.Wilson and Midmore have a separate civil lawsuit pending there against 19 federal agencies and officials, claiming they’re withholding information showing Outlaws were targeting Hells Angels.Tracy Kelley, Custer County state’s attorney, said she also plans to try Wilson and Midmore on a more serious charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, which carries a punishment of life in prison if convicted.The Outlaws injured were Thomas Haas, Allen Matthews and Danny Neace. They and two women with them, Claudia Wables and Susan Evans-Martin, testified at the trial.

Gypsy Jokers bikie gang member shot at a number of times from a dark-coloured sedan just before midnight

The man and his pillion passenger were riding a Harley Davidson east along the Great Western Highway in Mays Hill when they were shot at a number of times from a dark-coloured sedan just before midnight, a police spokesman said.The man was hit a number of times, causing him and his passenger to fall from the bike.They were taken to Westmead Hospital but their injuries were not considered life threatening, police said.The Harley Davidson had a sticker that said "Respect your local Gypsy Joker", News Ltd said.But police could not confirm whether the rider was a member of the Gypsy Jokers bikie gang.The incident follows a spate of shootings in Sydney in 24 hours.Two shots were fired into a house in Bass Hill, in Sydney's south-west, in the early hours of Tuesday.A short time later, 10 shots were fired into a tattoo parlour in Belmore.At 1.30pm yesterday, a man aged about 30 was shot in the arm in St Clair. A man was later charged with reckless wounding.

Robert J. Shannon, of Maple Ridge, B.C.,British Columbia man pleaded guilty this morning in U.S. District Court in Seattle to drug charges

Robert J. Shannon, of Maple Ridge, B.C.,British Columbia man pleaded guilty this morning in U.S. District Court in Seattle to drug and money-laundering charges for his role in selling drugs on behalf of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.According to the indictment originally filed in the case, Shannon was in charge of distributing the narcotics on behalf of the Hells Angels and others. Drugs were hidden inside hollowed-out logs on trucks, within the false walls of cargo containers and vehicles, within loads of commercial lumber and beauty bark, inside large PVC pipes, and within the interior of a propane tanker. Some loads were carried on foot across the international border between the U.S. and Canada.Last month, co-defendant Devron D. Quast, 38, of Abbotsford, B.C., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and conspiracy to engage in money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Seven members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang were jailed today for life for murdering a Hell's Angel.

The entire South Warwickshire chapter of the Outlaws was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court after being convicted of shooting Gerry Tobin as he rode along the M40 on August 12 last year.Seven members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang were jailed today for life for murdering a Hell's Angel.Two shots were fired at the 35-year-old biker from two different handguns as he returned to his London home from the Hell's Angel Bulldog Bash festival in Warwickshire.One of the bullets skimmed the base of Mr Tobin's helmet, lodging in his skull and killing him instantly.During the seven weeks of evidence, the jury was told that the mechanic was targeted by the rival gang simply because he was a "fully-patched" Hell's Angel.Rivalry between the gangs originated in the late 1960s when a series of brutal murders took place in north America.Simon Turner, 41, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was given a minimum term of 30 years for murder and two firearms offences.Coventry man Dane Garside, 42, received a minimum 27 years for the same charges.Sean Creighton, 44, from Coventry, will spend a minimum of 28 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to murder and two firearms charges.Malcolm Bull, 53, from Milton Keynes, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for murder and possessing a shotgun.Dean Taylor, 47, from Coventry, will spend at least 30 years in prison for the same charges.Karl Garside, 45, from Coventry, was given at least 26 years and Ian Cameron, 46, also from Coventry, received at least 25 years for murder.
Sentencing, Mr Justice Treacy told the defendants: "This was an appalling murder. A totally innocent man was executed with a firearm in broad daylight on a busy motorway for no reason other than that he belonged to a different motorcycle club than yours."Gerry Tobin was a person with his own work life, his own social life, his own private life, none of these lives, which he enjoyed, was entitled to continue to enjoy, in any way impinged upon your lives."Gerry Tobin was a decent man of good character."He was a total stranger to you."The utter pointlessness of what you did makes his murder more shocking."Mr Justice Treacy described how the life of Mr Tobin's fiancee, 26-year-old Rebecca Smith, had been "utterly changed" by their actions.He said: "She had hoped to marry him, have a family life with him, to have children with him."

He added that Mr Tobin's parents had found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that their only son had been "cold-bloodedly executed".

The judge added: "None of you has showed the remotest feeling, consideration or remorse for what you did.
"This dreadful crime, in my judgment, falls into a particularly high category of seriousness because it involved the use of a firearm and because of its cold-blooded and ruthless nature."He said the "scouting" carried out by the defendants was done with "murder in your hearts".About 100 members of the Outlaws motorcycle gang waited outside while the sentencing hearing took place.Dozens of armed police officers patrolled the court precinct.During the trial against six of the defendants, the jury was told that Creighton and Turner, the gang's president and sergeant-at-arms, were in a Rover car when they pulled up alongside Mr Tobin's Harley-Davidson and opened fire.The court heard that the fatal shot was fired as both Mr Tobin and the two gunmen sped along the M40 at about 90mph.The shooting followed three days of "scouting" by all seven men.Dane Garside, a lorry driver and father of seven, was at the wheel of the Rover and manoeuvred the vehicle so that the fatal shot could be fired.Three other defendants - Karl Garside, Taylor and Cameron - acted as "back-up" on the day of the murder, patrolling the M40 in a white Range Rover.Bull, driving a Renault Laguna, was also in the area when Mr Tobin fell victim to the "military-style" operation.Mobile telephone evidence proved that the occupants of the Rover contacted the "units" in the Range Rover and the Renault and ordered them to stand down moments after the murder.All seven men returned to the Coventry area and the Rover was set alight in a country lane north of the city.At the beginning of the hearing, the court was told that police received intelligence of a possible attack on Malcolm Bull while he was inside the dock.
The judge ruled that all seven defendants must be handcuffed as he passed sentence.Opening the case against Creighton, who pleaded guilty on the first day of the nine-week trial, Timothy Raggatt QC told the court his plea had been had been a "tactical" one.He said Creighton, accepted by the court as the gunman who fired the fatal shot, had been disguising his appearance in the days leading up to the killing.
When police arrested him in Coventry on August 22 last year, a dummy was recovered - believed to have been used for target practice, the court heard.Mr Raggatt said: "It may not be that it was a matter of chance that the shot that killed Mr Tobin, if it was fired by Creighton, was not just a lucky shot - it may have been a shot he had been practising for some time."
He added that Creighton, thought to be the president of the South Warwickshire chapter of the Outlaws, was "a central figure and a leading light", both in the motorbike gang and the murder plot."This was a meticulously planned operation and central to this planning was Mr Creighton," he said.Mr Raggatt said Mr Tobin, from Mottingham, south London, was "beyond question an innocent victim", adding: "Mr Tobin has been described in some quarters recently as Gentleman Gerry. That is a fair description.
"Mr Tobin was a man of good character in a positive sense and all of those who gave statements who knew him attested to that fact.
"He was not only an obvious target but an easy target in the sense that he was not surrounded, as some might have been, by his colleagues.
"He was in that sense not only a prime target but also a soft target."

Rebels Club President, 39-year-old Nickolas Martin and Sergeant At Arms of the Rebels, 43-year-old Errol Munro made no application for bail.

Rebels Club President, 39-year-old Nickolas Martin and Sergeant At Arms of the Rebels, 43-year-old Errol Munro made no application for bail. They appeared on charges including causing grievous bodily harm and deprivation of liberty.
They were remanded in custody to appear at a later date. Police arrested six people, including four members of the motorcyle gang, following a lengthy investigation into the club's activities.

Dean Taylor, 47, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of killing biker Gerry Tobin of Mottingham,

Dean Taylor, 47, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of killing biker Gerry Tobin of Mottingham, south-east London, who was shot dead on the M40 motorway in Warwickshire in August last year.The jury at Birmingham Crown Court, which is still considering the case against two other men accused of murder, also found Taylor guilty of possessing a shotgun.The Crown alleged that Taylor, a divorcee who ran a motorcycle supplies outlet in Coventry, took part in "scouting" for a target prior to the fatal shooting.He told the court that he knew nothing about the murder and had refused to speak to police because of "club rules".Jurors, who have been deliberating for seven days, have already convicted three other members of the Outlaws biker gang of the murder of mechanic Mr Tobin.Simon Turner, 41, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and Dane Garside, a 42-year-old from Coventry, were found guilty of the killing and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life on Monday.Malcolm Bull, a 53-year-old road sweeper from Milton Keynes, was found guilty of murder and possessing a shotgun on Tuesday.The remaining defendants, who each deny murder and possessing a shotgun, are Karl Garside, 45, and Ian Cameron, 46, both from Coventry.Mr Tobin died almost instantly when he was shot as he rode along the M40 at about 90mph on August 12 last year. The trial has been told that he was targeted simply because he was a "fully-patched" Hells Angel by members of the Outlaws' South Warwickshire chapter. A seventh defendant, 44-year-old Coventry man Sean Creighton, pleaded guilty to murder and firearms charges before the trial began.

Simon Turner, 41, from Nuneaton, and Dane Garside, found guilty today of murdering a Hell's Angel who was shot dead on the M40.

Two members of a biker gang were found guilty today of murdering a Hell's Angel who was shot dead on the M40. Simon Turner, 41, from Nuneaton, and Dane Garside, a 42-year-old from Coventry, were also convicted by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The jury is still considering its verdicts on four other men who deny murdering Gerry Tobin, who was shot in the head near Warwick Services in August last year. Turner, who told the court that he was at a workshop in Coventry at the time of the killing, was also unanimously convicted of possessing two shotguns which were found in the city following the murder.
Garside admitted during the eight-week trial that he was the driver of the Rover car from which Mr Tobin was shot, but denied playing any role in the killing. Mr Tobin, a mechanic from Mottingham, south east London, was returning from the Bulldog Bash bikers' festival when he was shot as he travelled along the M40 at around 90mph on 12 August last year. The trial has been told he was targeted simply because he was a "fully patched" Hell's Angel by members of the rival Outlaws motorcycle gang.

cleared a Hells Angels member and a club prospect still face conspiracy charges that could result in life sentences

cleared a Hells Angels member and a club prospect of attempted murder charges, both men have been freed from jail.But they still face conspiracy charges that could result in life sentences if convicted. Their lawyer Friday lashed out at prosecutors for pursuing those charges, calling the plan "despicable."Hells Angel Chad Wilson, 33, of San Diego, and prosect John Midmore, 35, of Valparaiso, Ind., were found not guilty of attempted murder in the Aug. 8, 2006, shootings of five members of the rival Outlaws at Custer State Park.One day after the verdict was read, little is known about the jury members involved in the trial. They will remain anonymous because of a new law that went into effect Nov. 1. And while the feud between the Hells Angels and Outlaws probably will continue, it's unlikely to resurface at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally again, law enforcement officers say.Prosecutors said they still plan to try both men on a more serious charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, which carries a punishment of life in prison if convicted. Lawyers have until Dec. 10 to submit legal briefs on whether that would be double jeopardy.
Defense lawyer David Kenner said if there's no attempted murder, there can be no conspiracy."I think this is a despicable act by the state," he said of the decision to keep the charge alive.Wilson also has an immigration hold and probably will be deported to Canada, said Custer County State's Attorney Tracy Kelley, one of the prosecutors in the case.The Outlaws and the Hells Angels have long been rivals and have violently clashed several times. Thursday's verdict in Sioux Falls probably will not change that, said Robert Boland, resident agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Sioux Falls."I can't predict the future, but I don't anticipate this is the end of anything between these two groups," he said.But South Dakota and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally would be unlikely locations for further violence between the two gangs, Boland said. Violence is more apt to occur in places where the two gangs have overlapping territory, he said.
"These two groups don't claim (South Dakota) as part of their territory," Boland said.Since March 2006, violence between the Hells Angels and Outlaws has escalated, mostly because of the expansion of Outlaws' activity in states controlled by the Hells Angels, according to an FBI intelligence bulletin issued a few months before the Custer State Park shootings.The bulletin, filed in a federal court case, said "a potential war" may be developing between the two groups.It also singled out the 2006 Sturgis Rally as a possible site for violence."The two most significant upcoming summer events that could lead to violence are the HAMC World Run in July 2006 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August 2006," the bulletin states.Wilson and Midmore's case also was unusual among the two groups because the Outlaws are infrequent participants at Sturgis rallies, Boland said. The Outlaws have shown up in significant numbers only twice, in 1990 and 2006, he said. The FBI report said leaders of the Outlaws ordered members to attend Sturgis in 2006, threatening them with $500 fines and possible demotions in rank if they didn't show up.Most years, though, the Outlaws "don't typically come out west anyway," Boland said. "We don't anticipate them coming back anytime soon."The Hells Angels, however, regularly have a large presence at the rally, he said.
"We have concerns about the Hells Angels all the time. That's a constant," Boland said.If jurors felt intimidated, rule keeps that a secretA new rule that took effect Nov. 1 will protect the identities of jurors who acquitted the men in the Sioux Falls trial.From the start, prospective jurors in the case expressed fear of revenge.
During jury selection, one prospective juror expressed concerns whether "one or the other gangs would take revenge on jurors. Another said "They, I'm sure, stick together. They might seek revenge."However, the new rule may have a downside as well. Without knowing who the jurors are, it's not possible to find answers to a key question: Did fear of retaliation influence their decision?The South Dakota Supreme Court this year decided that all records created during jury selections should be closed to the public unless the trial judge rules otherwise. The rule was partly the result of concerns about identity theft and fears of someone trying to embarrass jurors for the way they answered questions.
Judge Gene Kean on Friday denied an Argus Leader request for names of the jurors in the biker trial, said Court Administrator Karl Thoennes.

Hells Angels attempted murder trial brought nearly two dozen motorcycle club members into a Sioux Falls courtroom

The bikers are gone but at its peak, the Hells Angels attempted murder trial brought nearly two dozen motorcycle club members into a Sioux Falls courtroom. It also brought extra security to the Minnehaha County Courthouse.
And, even with the not guilty verdict, the Sheriff is calling the case a success.
When Hells Angels members swarmed the Minnehaha County courthouse, Sheriff Mike Milstead prepared for the worst. Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead says, "We always knew that if nothing happens we probably did too much. If something happened, somebody would probably say we didn't do enough, but I think we did the right level." On any given day Milstead says 12 different agencies were present in and around the courthouse in uniform and undercover. All the extra metal detectors, officers and patrols were all part of the plan to keep the peace.
Milstead says, "I wouldn't want to get into exactly how many there were, but I will say that you saw some of them, but not all of them. Certainly we were geared up as we felt appropriate to make sure that we'd have a safe environment for a trial."
Now that the trial is over, Milstead says his deputies and local law enforcement can learn from the security lockdown. Milstead says, "We've had a good experience here in operating certain systems and certain plans, and I think it will be beneficial for us in the long run." As for how much the three week trial cost the county, Milstead says they're still totaling up those bills. But, because the case was moved from Custer county all of the overtime, jail expenses and court costs will be sent to Custer county.

Miller rides with the Redliners,fight then complete and total chaos, with men and women running in all directions and people screaming wildly

Belmont man treating his girlfriend to a late-night meal at Faneuil Hall Marketplace was beaten bloody with a hammer by two brawling brutes, one of whom Boston police suspect is a Hells Angel.The scene at the tourist hot spot just before 2 a.m. Sunday was “complete and total chaos, with men and women running in all directions and people screaming wildly,” according to an incident report.
The 28-year-old victim suffered serious head wounds when police say alleged outlaw biker Russell Miller Jr., 21, of Providence and William Giles, 21, of Sandwich, jumped him. In addition to a blood-soaked hammer, investigators recovered an open switchblade.Prosecutors allege Miller and Giles were fighting and fell into the couple as they walked by munching on sausages. When the couple protested, Miller and Giles allegedly turned their wrath on them.Police said Miller was wearing a black leather vest with an “81” patch - “significant,” they said, in identifying Hells Angels because the number 8 corresponds with the letter H, and the number 1 with A.
Miller claimed he rides with the Redliners, a motorcycle gang police said is an affiliate of the Hells Angels.

We've executed a search warrant here at the Rebels Geelong clubhouse

Police are investigating the killing of Bandidos enforcer Ross Brand, 51, who was killed outside the Bandidos' clubhouse last month in a drive-by shooting. Another Bandido was injured in the shooting.Brand's killing is part of a brutal turf war between the two gangs. He was suspected of several attacks on Rebels members and their associates in the months before his death.
Police yesterday raided the Geelong headquarters of the Rebels motorcycle gang in the hunt for the killer of a member of a rival gang.Homicide detectives aided by Special Operation Group members searched the fortified property on a North Geelong industrial estate and later arrested two Rebels associates, a man, 34, at the clubhouse for firearms offences and a man, 25, at another address for a parole violation With a helicopter hovering, police went to the clubhouse, which has a metal plate with loopholes in place of a window, about 10.30am.The head of the homicide squad, Inspector Steve Clark, said: "We've executed a search warrant here at the Rebels clubhouse."One associate of the Rebels has been arrested in relation to firearms offences, and will be taken back to Geelong (police station) for interview and we've seized a number of items that will be examined over the coming week to see whether there's any association between those items and Ross Brand's murder."Inspector Clark said police seized ammunition at the clubhouse, but he would not specify what else had been taken away. He emphasised that both the men in custody had been arrested for offences "other than the murder of Ross Brand".
Other Rebels arrived at the clubhouse, next to a party hat shop, later in the morning but police allowed only one to enter. Detectives spent 20 minutes examining the four-wheel-drive in which the men arrived.Inspector Clark said there might be other raids this week."Outlaw motorcycle gangs are not renowned for co-operating with police, and this investigation has been no different," he said."Obviously there has been ongoing history between the two motorcycle gangs. We're hoping that our raid here will uncover some evidence that will lead to us solving the murder of Ross Brand."Clearly we're throwing a large number of resources at this particular investigation. We're hoping that that gives some comfort to the residents of Geelong, but the job of the homicide squad in relation to this matter is to solve our unsolved murder."Yesterday's raid follows revelations last week that CCTV footage of Brand's shooting showed two vehicles could have been involved.
Police believe the shots were fired from a white Toyota HiLux dual-cab utility. A white Hyundai Terracan station wagon could be seen outside the clubhouse 10 minutes earlier.

Nathan Frasier says he had a gun but did not shoot at two Hells Angels

Outlaws biker member from Michigan says he had a gun but did not shoot at two Hells Angels in 2006 at Custer State Park in South Dakota. Nathan Frasier of Grand Rapids, testified today at the Sioux Falls trial of Chad Wilson of Lynnwood, Wash., and John Midmore of Valparaiso, Ind.They're charged with trying to kill five Outlaws.But their lawyer has argued they fled to save their lives after Frasier and other Outlaws fired the first shots.Frasier disputed that, saying he and other Outlaws were walking in the parking lot when someone started shooting at them.Frasier says when officers took his gun he told them it had a 10-round clip, and he didn't fire a shot but acknowledged there were only nine bullets in a police photo of it.

Sydney'sTurf war between Hells Angels and the Comancheros

Turf war between rival bikie gangs after three drive-by shootings and an arson attack on businesses in Sydney's south in recent months.
Detectives from NSW Police's gang and organised crime squads are investigating the string of incidents, which culminated in the firebombing of a Brighton-Le-Sands tattoo parlour last night.The store, Angel's Cosmetic Tattooing, was extensively damaged in the blaze that broke out when three men smashed in the front window about 11.30pm.Police say last night's attack is linked to two drive-by shootings at the Bay Street business - on June 24 and July 10 - as well as an attack on a tanning salon at nearby Rockdale later that night.Locals say the disturbances are part of a power struggle between rival gangs the Hells Angels and the Comancheros.Police today confirmed rumours, but stopped short of naming either gang."There is little doubt these incidents are part of a battle over turf between rival gangs," St George Local Area Commander Helen Begg said.Superintendent Begg said the incidents, including one drive-by shooting that occurred at 5pm, put members of the public at risk and would not be tolerated."These crimes will be aggressively investigated by strike force detectives," she said.Angel's Cosmetic Tattooing opened for business in September.
But a manager in a nearby business said trouble had been brewing in the suburb for some months, ever since the business owner applied to set up shop."When the application was approved that's when we thought there was going to be trouble," the woman, who did not want to be named, said.Since the store opened, up to six Comancheros members had taken to circling the block on their bikes in broad daylight on at least four separate Saturdays, she said."There's five or six of them and they circle like vultures," the manager said."There's a group of the Hells Angels standing out the front of the shop with their arms folded, looking tough.
"They wear their colour, their branded jackets, then the police come and drive around. It's like Keystone Cops," she said.

Timothy J. Silvia, an alleged member of the Brockton chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, and alleged partner Todd Donofrio of Stoughton

Timothy J. Silvia, an alleged member of the Brockton chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, and alleged partner Todd Donofrio of Stoughton showed up to pick up their cocaine in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn at Brockton's Westgate Mall in July 2007, they were in for a surprise. Instead of leaving with cocaine, they left in handcuffs.The dealer was an informant for the FBI, who had recorded numerous conversations with Silvia. Those conversations were detailed in an affidavit filed by an FBI agent.The 43-year-old Silvia last month pleaded guilty in US District Court in Boston to conspiracy with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum of life, along with a fine of up to $4 million. Sentencing for Silvia, who is in custody and could not be reached for comment, has been scheduled for February. Donofrio's case is still in court.The arrest of Silvia, along with 13 members and associates of the Outlaws chapter in Taunton on separate drug charges, was part of Operation Roadkill, a two-year investigation by federal, state, and local police agencies into the motorcycle gang.The operation provided a glimpse into the workings of the Outlaws, an international gang that has been involved in numerous shootings and killings in the United States, particularly involving other gangs. The gang's motto is, "God forgives, Outlaws don't."The Brockton chapter operates from a house on Hunt Street, near Snow Park. The decrepit two-story building is covered with battered gray shingles. A sign on the tall fence surrounding the property announces "Outlaws parking only."The gang's logo, a skull on crossed pistons, adorns the fence. The locked fence gate is constructed from one sheet of heavy-grade metal, which looks as if it could resist a battering ram. Video cameras are mounted on a pole at a corner of the lot. No one responded during a reporter's recent visit.The sting operation started in March 2005, when the Boston office of the FBI, along with state and local police, targeted the Taunton chapter. (The gang also has a chapter in East Boston.)
An undercover officer infiltrated the Taunton chapter and developed a relationship with the chapter president, Joseph Noe. The agent's cover was that he was a "semi-legitimate businessman from Texas who visited Massachusetts on a monthly basis," according to an affidavit filed by FBI agent Timothy Quinn, who was the co-case agent on the investigation

Hassan "Sam" Ibrahim, the former head of the Parramatta chapter of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang, was released from Long Bay jail

Hassan "Sam" Ibrahim, the former head of the Parramatta chapter of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang, was released from Long Bay jail after being granted $200,000 bail.The 43-year-old was met at the gates by friends and family, including his younger brother, Kings Cross nightclub entrepreneur John Ibrahim.Ibrahim's lawyer Brett Galloway yesterday successfully applied for bail in Parramatta Local Court. The application was not opposed by police.As part of Ibrahim's bail conditions, he must not associate with any Nomads or attend any Nomads clubhouse. He would live with either his mother or his wife, with whom he planned to reconcile, Mr Galloway told the court.Last month, Ibrahim and two other Nomads, including national president Scott Orrock, were acquitted in the District Court over an alleged shootout at Islington, in Newcastle, in 2004.He still faces 11 weapons and property charges over a police raid of his Parramatta unit in December, 2006, when he was arrested by gangs squad detectives over the Islington shooting.According to court papers, Ibrahim was found in possession of a number of weapons including a .22 calibre five-shot revolver, and 223 rounds of ammunition, including 75 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition. He is also charged with having a ceramic bullet-resistant vest which was stolen from NSW Police.Police also allegedly uncovered a "walking stick sword", nunchuks and an illegal poker machine.Last week, Ibrahim told the court he planned to plead not guilty to the charges. He is due to face Parramatta Local Court again on December 22.Since he has been in prison, the Nomads Parramatta chapter was disbanded following a firebombing of the club's Granville clubhouse.His release follows last month's shooting murder of a long-term family friend, nightclub security manager Todd O'Connor, in Tempe.

Detectives have arrested a total of 12 people, and seized 17 firearms, more than $100,000 in cash, three Mercedes Benz motor vehicles, a transit van,

Detectives have arrested a total of 12 people, and seized 17 firearms, more than $100,000 in cash, three Mercedes Benz motor vehicles, a transit van, Honda wagon, and drugs with an estimated potential street value of more than $500,000. Detectives also seized stun guns, batons, ballistic vests, knuckle dusters, machetes, illegal knives, and handcuffs. Investigation for the alleged manufacture of illicit drugs in New South Wales by people alleged to be members and associates of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, as well as the alleged trafficking of illicit drugs between New South Wales and South Australia. Co-ordination between NSW State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad, Australian Crime Commission and South Australian Police resulted in the arrest of six people in Adelaide on Thursday 6 November.Subsequent search warrants were conducted by South Australian Police at three locations including Enfield, Blair Athol and Adelaide CBD. Police located and seized three sawn-off shotguns, two .22 calibre rifles, a pen-gun, two batons, prohibited knives, capsicum spray, body armour, and drugs, as well as explosive arrow-heads and a bow.A 19-year-old Blair Athol man was charged with trafficking amphetamine, and unlawfully possess prescription drug. A 33-year-old Blair Athol man was charged with trafficking amphetamine, and possess prescription drug (steroid). A 38-year-old Blair Athol man was charged with trafficking amphetamine, illegal possession of firearms, possess prohibited weapons, and resist police. A 17-year-old Blair Athol man was charged with trafficking amphetamine, illegal possession of firearms, possess prohibited weapons, and resist police. All four men appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday 7 November. Two men - a 22-year-old from Elizabeth South and a 23-year-old of no fixed address - were charged with drug-related offences.

Brawl between members of the Finks and Hells Angels gangs erupted at the Royal Pines Resort after Finks member Nicholas Forbes attacked

Brawl between members of the Finks and Hells Angels gangs erupted at the Royal Pines Resort after Finks member Nicholas Forbes attacked former friend, Hells Angel and convicted Melbourne gunman Christopher Wayne Hudson. Thirty-one-year-old Tyson James Ward and 35-year-old Ross Glen Thomas today pleaded guilty to their roles in the brawl. Ward was convicted of unlawfully assaulting Hudson after he had been shot in the face while Thomas pleaded guilty to affray. Acting judge Brian Devereaux fined Ward $3,000 and recorded a conviction while Thomas was fined $500 and no conviction was recorded.

Wayne Ordakowski also known as “Lumpy,” is charged with assisting fellow gang members

Wayne Ordakowski, 48, a member of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August and arrested Oct. 21 in a nationwide sweep, which included 10 other arrests in Denver.Ordakowski, also known as “Lumpy,” is charged with assisting fellow gang members and preventing agents from apprehending his alleged co-conspirators. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives said Mongols gang members Benjamine Maestas and Leonard Martinez executed a scheme in August 2007 to defraud Loud Financial LLC by using false representations to illegally secure a $25,000 loan for a 2006 chopper at Hacienda Harley-Davidson in Scottsdale, Ariz.Shortly after law enforcement officers began their investigation into the wire fraud, Maestas sent several text messages to Ordakowski, who had direct knowledge of the scheme. Maestas allegedly told him to “act stupid” if the “cops call,” and promised Ordakowski a post as vice president of the Okane Park Chapter of the Mongols for withholding vital information from authorities. Maestas also offered three chapter prospects to work free “hard labor” for Ordakowski, the indictment says.Mass arrests of Mongols members were made in Los Angeles, where 79 defendants are being prosecuted, 73 of which face racketeering charges, a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver said. Federal search and arrest warrants were executed in seven states, including Colorado, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Florida and Ohio.In addition to the California arrests, agents served six federal search warrants throughout the Denver area and confiscated a stolen .25 caliber pistol, Colt .38 revolver, shotgun, Taurus .380 pistol, ammunition, Mongols paraphernalia, cell phones and a computer. The Parker Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
The Denver area gang members face charges of drug trafficking, federal firearms violations, wire fraud, witness tampering, and trafficking in vehicle parts with serial numbers removed. Some higher-ranking members in Los Angeles face up to 40 years in prison and $2 million in fines.“These types of investigations are part of the ATF’s overall enforcement strategy to target the most violent offenders within our communities,” said ATF special agent in charge Richard Chase. “[Last week’s] success is the result of a combined federal, state, and local law enforcement effort and good police work.”The Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, formed in Montebello, Calif. in the 1970s, claims 600 members nationwide. Many of the Mongols were allegedly recruited from some of the most violent street gangs.The name “Mongols,” which is emblazoned on a patch that members wear on their motorcycle jackets, was trademarked by the gang. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California obtained a court order last week that immediately prevents gang members from using or displaying the Mongols name or logo.Ordakowski’s next scheduled court date was not immediately available.Parker man withheld information from fedsOrdakowski faces 15 years in prison

Paul Fontaine, informant Stéphane (Godasse) Gagné talked of the planning that went into the slaying of provincial prison guard

Paul Fontaine, 40, a Hells Angel member, informant Stéphane (Godasse) Gagné talked of the planning that went into the slaying of provincial prison guard Pierre Rondeau on Sept. 8, 1997.The Crown's case alleges Fontaine wanted to kill prison guards on orders from Hells Angels leader Maurice (Mom) Boucher.Gagné told the jury Fontaine called off their initial plans to kill prison guards at least four times before Rondeau was shot while driving an inmate transfer bus. Rondeau's co-worker Robert Corriveau was also on the bus but was not injured in the ambush.Gagné said that early on the day of the shooting, he and Fontaine waited near a Rivière des Prairies detention centre for a bus whose route they had traced previously. Fontaine was to open fire on the vehicle when it arrived at an intersection. Gagné's job was to wait in a stolen Dodge Caravan so he and Fontaine could drive off after the shooting.
But Gagné said he recalled something important while they waited. "I had ridden in those buses a lot, so I knew if two guards were on the bus, one would be armed," Gagné said.Fontaine immediately told Gagné he, too, would have to open fire on the bus. When the bus pulled up to the intersection, both attackers got out of their van and stood in front of the bus.Gagné said he and Fontaine fired into the bus's windshield. He also recalled that within seconds Fontaine was already heading back to the van. Gagné said he turned to follow while still firing his semi-automatic pistol.From there, their plan continued to fall apart. The pair drove to a residential part of Pointe aux Trembles where they were supposed to transfer to a Mazda and torch the Caravan.But, Gagné said, he noticed a man delivering newspapers and warned Fontaine the potential witness could connect a flaming Caravan to their Mazda.They drove both vehicles away; Gagné doused the Caravan with gasoline and tossed in a match. Flames leapt out of the window and singed Gagné's face.

Brian Jeffrey was the chapter's "sergeant at arms." was found guilty yesterday of trafficking drugs for the benefit of a criminal organization.

High-ranking member of the Hells Angels Simcoe chapter was found guilty yesterday of trafficking drugs for the benefit of a criminal organization.According to prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos, Brian Jeffrey was the chapter's "sergeant at arms."
He pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking and to possession of the proceeds of a crime, but not guilty to criminal organization charges on the basis, his lawyers argued, that the Hells Angels are not a criminal organization.

Port Noarlunga to Victor Harbor 90 Hells Angels bikies made their way south for their annual poker run.

90 Hells Angels bikies made their way south for their annual poker run.The run, which took the bikers from Port Noarlunga to Victor Harbor, disrupted traffic for most of the afternoon. Dozens of police, including a team from the Crime Gangs Taskforce, followed the run to manage traffic and monitor behaviour.
Roads were blocked, traffic stopped and light sequences were changed to allow the group to make their way south safely.Random drug and alcohol tests and vehicle inspections were conducted at different locations during the run, a police spokeswoman said.Bikes were checked one by one at 15 stations, with riders forced to show their licences and have their motorbikes inspected.A number of bikes were defected and there were seven arrests for offences including unruly behaviour. Amateur photographer Jason Pine – who captured the action for the Sunday Mail – was driving north along South Rd to a personal engagement."I actually thought it was going to get ugly because there were a lot of cops – probably one cop per person," he said of the congested scene he witnessed.Mr Pine pulled his car over to take the photographs and spoke to a man claiming to be a Hells Angels member who had not joined the run."There were actually bikies that were watching from the side and I actually spoke to one of them and he said that they knew the cops were there and they had done it anyway," he said."He told me he didn't want to go because he didn't want any trouble."The annual event generally includes stops at five pubs, with players given a card at each.At the final stop each person presents their poker hand.

Funeral of murdered Bandidos member "Rosco" Brand.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to farewell Brand at a service at the Tuckers Funeral Home, followed by a burial service at Geelong Eastern Cemetery. funeral of murdered Bandidos member "Rosco" Brand.
Brand, a senior Bandidos member with a long criminal record, died in hospital after being gunned down while leaving the bikie gang's Geelong clubhouse with three other men last week. A volley of shots was fired from a white twin-cab ute parked outside the clubhouse in an industrial area of the Geelong suburb of Breakwater.
The Bandidos have been involved in a long-running bloody feud with rival bikie gang the Rebels; however, the Rebels have denied having anything to do with Brand's murder. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers would be attending the funeral and procession and were prepared to "assist or intervene to deal with any circumstances that might arise''. The funeral procession begins at midday at the Bandidos clubhouse in Leather St and will travel to the funeral home. After the service, the procession will then travel back towards the clubhouse to the nearby Geelong Eastern Cemetery. "Motorists may wish to organise alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience; however, we are confident any disruptions will be minimal,'' police said. Brand, 51, had prior convictions for violence, firearms and weapons. Homicide Squad detective inspector Steve Clark has said police were keeping an open mind on the shooting and were not necessarily assuming it was carried out by a rival gang.

Mark Stephenson and Remond Akleh, conspired to kill rival Frank Lenti and counselled another biker, Stephen Gault, to do the deed.

Mark Stephenson and Remond Akleh, conspired to kill rival Frank Lenti and counselled another biker, Stephen Gault, to do the deed.Mr. Akleh and Mr. Stephenson have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit murder and counselling to commit murder.Mr. Scott told jurors they'll hear testimony from Mr. Gault, a man who has worked as an agent for police since 2005, that he had discussions with both men about a plot to murder Mr. Lenti.In his opening address to jurors, Mr. Scott said evidence will show Mr. Gault, a full-patch member of the Oshawa chapter of the Hells Angels, appeared to the accused men to be "the perfect, trusted guy" based on his lengthy criminal resume of violent offences."The one piece they didn't know? He'd (Mr. Gault) signed on in April of 2005 as a police agent," Mr. Scott said, telling jurors they'll hear recorded conversations of Mr. Gault meeting with Mr. Stephenson, president of the Oshawa chapter, and Mr. Akleh, a member of the Angels' elite Nomads organization.Those conversations occurred at Mr. Stephenson's home near Sunderland and at Mr. Akleh's Cobourg-area home, jurors heard.The Crown alleges that Mr. Akleh and Mr. Stephenson approached Mr. Gault in June of 2006 with a plan to kill Mr. Lenti, a man with a lengthy history of involvement in outlaw biker gangs. The Angels had failed in attempts to recruit Mr. Lenti and feared his association with the Bandidos -- bitter enemies of the Hells Angels -- could tip the balance of power, Mr. Scott said."Frank Lenti was seen as a threat," Mr. Scott said. "Frank Lenti . . . was someone who could bring people together."The murder plot was never acted on and Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Akleh were arrested in September of 2006 along with several other bikers in a provincewide strike against the Hells Angels. The majority of those arrested as a result of Project Tandem were busted on drug charges, many of them on the strength of evidence provided by Mr. Gault, Mr. Scott said. In fact, the alleged murder plot arose while Mr. Gault was acting as a police agent, buying cocaine from bikers, he said."This (alleged murder plot) just came along, out of the blue," Mr. Scott told jurors.The first witness called to the stand was Sergeant Kenneth Davis of Thunder Bay police, a member of the provincial Biker Enforcement Unit and an acknowledged expert on biker gangs.
The trial, presided over by Superior Court Justice Bruce Glass in Whitby, was interrupted Tuesday when a juror fell ill.

Harold Reynolds, known as "Face," 40, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO)

-- Harold Reynolds, known as "Face," 40, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
-- David Padilla, also known as "Lazy Dave," 36, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with RICO conspiracy, racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
-- Ismael Padilla, also known as "Milo," 33, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
-- William Ramirez, also known as "Moreno," 38, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
-- Jason Hull, also known as "Big Jay," 33, of Las Vegas, charged in federal warrants with RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
-- John Babcock, also known as "Sinister," 43, of Las Vegas, charged in a state warrant with unlawful transfer of a firearm.
-- Gary Lawson, also known as "T.C.," 49, of Las Vegas was taken into custody in California as part of the operation.
"This has effectively dismantled both chapters in Southern Nevada," said Lt. David Logue, head of Metro's intelligence unit. Mongol chapters operated in Las Vegas and Henderson, he said.ro Police said at least nine motorcycles were confiscated, along with five revolvers, a chrome-plated pistol, three shotguns, numerous rifles and semi-automatic weapons. Some weapons and money were on display at a Tuesday news conference, said Bill Cassel, public information officer for Metro Police.
The federal racketeering indictment unsealed in Los Angeles also alleges the name "Mongols," which was trademarked by the gang, is subject to forfeiture.
The massive law enforcement crackdown against the Mongols, dubbed "Operation Black Rain," began three and a half years ago by various agencies, including local police, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said Lt. David Logue, Metro Police intelligence chief.
Four agents outside of Nevada went undercover and earned a patch, becoming Mongol members, Logue said.Former national Mongol president Ruben Cavazos was arrested at his home near South Hills Country Club in West Covina, authorities said.
Law enforcement officers served a total of 110 federal arrest warrants and 160 search warrants in Southern California, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Washington state and Ohio. Seven of those warrants were served in Las Vegas by members of Metro Police, Henderson and North Las Vegas SWAT teams. No one resisted arrest and there were no injuries, Logue said.Mongol members have been involved in previous criminal activity in Las Vegas.Nine men, two of them Mongol members, were named in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed in April 2004 in Las Vegas on 73 counts of murder in connection with a shootout at Harrah's Laughlin casino at a 2002 gathering known as the River Run that left three people dead. Others involved were from the rival Hell's Angels motorcycle gang, authorities said. The shootout killed Salvador Barrera, Robert Tumelty and Jeremy Bell.About a half dozen people formed the gang in the 1970s because they were banned from joining the notorious Hell's Angels motorcycle group due to their Hispanic heritage. The Mongol gang began attracting members with criminal tendencies as it grew and was then labeled "outlaw" by law enforcement officials.The Mongols tend to recruit younger, more violent people from street gangs, said Thomas L. Chittum III, resident agent in charge in the Las Vegas branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Steven Gonzales named in an indictment against dozens of members of the Mongols motorcycle gang has turned himself in.

Steven Gonzales of Denver named in an indictment against dozens of members of the Mongols motorcycle gang has turned himself in.
U.S. Attorney Troy Eid says 40-year-old Steven Gonzales of Denver surrendered at a bail bonds facility Thursday.Eid says that means all 14 people indicted in the Denver case against the Mongols are now in custody.Gonzales was among 79 people named in an indictment released this week against Mongols members. The indictment describes a tightly organized group that routinely engaged in crimes including murder, torture and drug trafficking.It is unknown whether Gonzales has an attorney.

Six Mongols are charged with a shooting at a 2005 Toys for Tots charity drive in Norco that injured three people

Six Mongols are charged with a shooting at a 2005 Toys for Tots charity drive in Norco that injured three people, including a Norco firefighter. The Mongols opened fire after a fistfight with rival Hells Angels members attending the event at the Maverick Steakhouse. Alex Lozano, president of the Mongols' San Bernardino chapter, and members Manuel Armandarez, Rafael Lozano, Ricardo Gutierrez, Andres Rodriguez and Mario Angulo all are charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting, the document states. Other gang members are charged with causing a riot at a 2002 Ultimate Fighting Match at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, where people were attacked with knives and chairs as Mongols members began kicking victims with steel-toed boots. Among those arrested Tuesday was Mongols President Ruben Cavazos. In June this year, he claimed that police were infringing on the Mongols' social organization by arresting several members after they nearly shut down Interstate 15 by performing stunts en route to a rally in San Diego. O'Brien said the evidence compiled in the indictment is proof that the gang is not a social club. "Any social organization willing to use violence poses a significant threat," O'Brien said. "These charges of drug trafficking, murder and mayhem clearly show this is not a recreational club." ATF agents served search warrants at several Inland locations beginning at 5 a.m. Tuesday. At Rafael Lozano's Orange Street home in Redlands, ATF agents broke down a deadbolted door. Agents ransacked the house and said they recovered a gun, ammunition, Mongols clothing and paraphernalia. Lozano had a "Say No to Drugs" sticker on his front door and a sticker of a Redlands police badge. A security camera monitored his front porch as a new Mercedes and a Ford Shelby Cobra sat in the driveway. Lozano had no prior criminal charges in Riverside or San Bernardino counties, other than driving violations. He is charged in the Norco shooting and with methamphetamine sales as part of the Mongols gang. The raids also hit Los Angeles, Washington, Colorado, Florida and Nevada. In the Los Angeles and Inland areas, authorities seized seven pounds of methamphetamine, about 70 motorcycles and about 71 weapons. The Mongols organization was created in Montebello during the 1970s after Hispanics were excluded from the Hells Angels gang, the indictment states. The club now boasts chapters in Canada, Mexico and Italy on its Web site. Mongols members sell methamphetamine and cocaine to raise money to pay dues to the gang leadership, the indictment states. In exchange, they receive protection from a violent feud with the Mexican Mafia and other criminal street gangs, the indictment states. Mongols award a special skull-and-bones patch to members who commit murders or shootings to increase their status in the club, according to an ATF affidavit. All 71 men arrested were expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles Federal Court and will proceed to a jury trial in their next court proceedings, U.S. Attorney's office spokesman Thom Mrozek said

Indictment alleges the Mongols organization was involved in a wide range of criminal activity, including murder, hate crimes against Black people, ass

Indictment alleges the Mongols organization was involved in a wide range of criminal activity, including murder, hate crimes against Black people, assaults, firearm violations and drug trafficking.The organization of the Mongols gang “from top to bottom has been charged and targeted,” said Michael Sullivan, acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.“We believe it puts a stake in the heart of the Mongols,” Sullivan told reporters at a downtown Los Angeles news briefing.Among those taken into custody were former Mongols National President Ruben “Doc” Cavazos, along with several chapter presidents and various officials of local chapters in conjunction with 162 search warrants executed in California, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Florida and Ohio.
Ten other defendants were arrested previously as part of “Operation Black Rain.”The investigation involved four male ATF agents — supported by four female ATF agents — who infiltrated the gang and were involved in “some of the most harrowing undercover work” that U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said he had seen.
The male agents went through the Mongols’ recruitment process and submitted to lie detector tests, according to O’Brien, who said their lives were in danger “virtually every day.”The four female agents accompanied the undercover agents to a number of functions, the U.S. attorney said.Investigators seized more than 70 motorcycles, 86 firearms, one explosive device and a quantity of drugs, including more than six pounds of methamphetamine.The U.S. attorney, who stood in front of about 20 of the seized bikes, said the evidence shows clearly the Mongols are “not a recreational motorcycle club,” and noted the indictment seeks the forfeiture of the trademarked Mongols name.Authorities have filed papers seeking a court order to prevent Mongols gang members from using or displaying the gang’s name and to allow law enforcement officers to stop anyone wearing a Mongols vest and to remove it, O’Brien said.He said the Mongols logo has been used as a source of “intimidation.”
“Our message today is that’s going to stop,” O’Brien said.Some of the defendants are facing life in federal prison if convicted of murder, and most of those arrested are potentially “facing decades” behind bars, the U.S. attorney said, adding that investigators had “dealt a massive blow to the Mongols motorcycle gang.”ATF Special Agent in Charge John Torres said the vision of the undercover investigation was to “literally stop the violence” involving Mongols gang members, which he said has been accomplished.Authorities said the nationwide organization’s membership includes former members of several street gangs.The multi-agency investigation included personnel from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Montebello Police Department, Las Vegas Metro Police Department and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Bandido Boss Ross Brand died in hospital after being gunned down while leaving the bikie gang's Geelong clubhouse

Bandido Boss Ross Brand died in hospital on Thursday after being gunned down while leaving the bikie gang's Geelong clubhouse on Wednesday night with three other men.
A second man was undergoing surgery on Thursday to remove shotgun pellets in his buttocks, thigh and arms while the other two escaped injury and later gave their accounts of the ambush to police.A volley of shots was fired from a white twin-cab ute parked outside the clubhouse as the men left it just after 6pm (AEDT), near the corner of Bayldon Court and Leather Street in an industrial area of the Geelong suburb of Breakwater.Bandidos throughout Australia and around the world have sent condolences to the Geelong chapter of the global gang.Among the messages on the gang's website are several stating "God forgives, Bandidos don't."Police said they were keeping an open mind on the motive for the shooting, although it was well known the Bandidos had been in a bloody feud with rival Geelong gang the Rebels for at least two years.Detective Inspector Steve Clark said police were not assuming it was carried out by a rival gang."It's too early at this stage to determine whether the shooting was linked to any outlaw motorcycle groups," Det Insp Clark told reporters."Certainly we don't have a closed mind and have views that the shooting was necessarily done by another outlaw motorcycle gang."We need to review all the evidence we have got and see where it takes us."He said Mr Brand appeared to the victim of a "targeted shooting".Det Insp Clark said Mr Brand, 51, was a "fully-patched" member of the Bandidos and had prior convictions for violence, firearms and weapons offences.His Torquay home had been shot at earlier this year.Det Insp Clark said police were hopeful gang members would help the investigation and not hide behind a wall of silence."We're pleased with the cooperation so far and have no reason to suspect that people won't talk to us," he said.The shooting is the second on the Bandidos' clubhouse in the past 18 months and bullet holes from the previous attack are still visible in its roller door.In April, the Rebels' Geelong headquarters was firebombed and, in June, two gunmen shot four Rebels gang members at a nightclub in Adelaide.

Adrian Sisneros, 26; Michael Hee, 44; and Thomas Hernandez, 33,Mongol members arrested

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metro Gang Task Force carried out sweeps this week in the metro area, searching for 14 Mongol gang members and their associates, along with evidence, after they were named in federal indictments. With two additional arrests Wednesday, 13 are now in custody. They face numerous criminal counts on allegations of drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession and witness tampering. Similar operations took place in six other states, with the biggest occurring in California. Dozens have been arrested.
Agents continued to search for Steven Gonzales, 40, whose last known address was in Denver. Maestas was arrested on numerous federal counts, including trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and Ecstasy, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A neighbor who befriended Maestas when he and his family moved into the Harvey Park neighborhood recalled federal agents carrying out a raid at the Maestas home about two years ago. But neighbors rarely saw Denver police at the house despite a lot of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.Maestas, 34, is married with two young sons and owns a towing service."He seemed, to me, that he very much separated his time in the club from his home life and maybe even tried intentionally to do that," said the neighbor who asked not to be identified. "But there was a lot of activity at his house. Nobody would be home, and a lot of people I had never seen before would be going into his house, you know. "I think there was always suspicious activity around there, but no indication to me, or just from watching, that anything would be going on."In Fort Lupton, where federal authorities executed a warrant at a home belonging to Ruben Bravo, the police chief said his officers noticed a large Mongols presence in the summer. The indictment does not indicate whether Bravo, one of the two arrested on Wednesday, was a Mongols member or a gang associate. "We had a few daily contacts - but just (because) there were a bunch of them on the weekends when it was warm and they would be riding their bikes with their colors on," Police Chief Ron Grannis said.After checking records, the chief found just one call about six months ago on a domestic violence complaint at the home where Bravo lived. "They did have a few parties . . . during the summer that didn't get out of hand to the point that neighbors had to call us," Grannis said.Grannis plans to meet with federal agents on Friday to learn more about the criminal activities in which the Mongols were allegedly involved.In addition to Maestas and Bravo, the 11 other Mongol members and associates taken into custody on Tuesday and Wednesday were Anthony Shippley, 41; Ernest Salas, 40; Edward Montano, 42; Adrian Sisneros, 26; Michael Hee, 44; and Thomas Hernandez, 33, all of Denver. Also, John Bertolucci, 48, of Lakewood; Cary Weinman, 64, of Centennial; and Wayne Ordakowski, 48, of Parker.Victor Muniz, 27, and Leonard Martinez, 41, no hometowns given, already were in custody.

Anthony Shippley, 41; Ernest Salas, 40; Edward Montano, 42; Adrian Sisneros, 26; Michael Hee, 44; and Thomas Hernandez, 33, Mongol members arrested

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metro Gang Task Force carried out sweeps this week in the metro area, searching for 14 Mongol gang members and their associates, along with evidence, after they were named in federal indictments. With two additional arrests Wednesday, 13 are now in custody. They face numerous criminal counts on allegations of drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession and witness tampering. Similar operations took place in six other states, with the biggest occurring in California. Dozens have been arrested.
Agents continued to search for Steven Gonzales, 40, whose last known address was in Denver. Maestas was arrested on numerous federal counts, including trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and Ecstasy, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A neighbor who befriended Maestas when he and his family moved into the Harvey Park neighborhood recalled federal agents carrying out a raid at the Maestas home about two years ago. But neighbors rarely saw Denver police at the house despite a lot of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.Maestas, 34, is married with two young sons and owns a towing service."He seemed, to me, that he very much separated his time in the club from his home life and maybe even tried intentionally to do that," said the neighbor who asked not to be identified. "But there was a lot of activity at his house. Nobody would be home, and a lot of people I had never seen before would be going into his house, you know. "I think there was always suspicious activity around there, but no indication to me, or just from watching, that anything would be going on."In Fort Lupton, where federal authorities executed a warrant at a home belonging to Ruben Bravo, the police chief said his officers noticed a large Mongols presence in the summer. The indictment does not indicate whether Bravo, one of the two arrested on Wednesday, was a Mongols member or a gang associate. "We had a few daily contacts - but just (because) there were a bunch of them on the weekends when it was warm and they would be riding their bikes with their colors on," Police Chief Ron Grannis said.After checking records, the chief found just one call about six months ago on a domestic violence complaint at the home where Bravo lived. "They did have a few parties . . . during the summer that didn't get out of hand to the point that neighbors had to call us," Grannis said.Grannis plans to meet with federal agents on Friday to learn more about the criminal activities in which the Mongols were allegedly involved.In addition to Maestas and Bravo, the 11 other Mongol members and associates taken into custody on Tuesday and Wednesday were Anthony Shippley, 41; Ernest Salas, 40; Edward Montano, 42; Adrian Sisneros, 26; Michael Hee, 44; and Thomas Hernandez, 33, all of Denver. Also, John Bertolucci, 48, of Lakewood; Cary Weinman, 64, of Centennial; and Wayne Ordakowski, 48, of Parker.Victor Muniz, 27, and Leonard Martinez, 41, no hometowns given, already were in custody.

Mongols member got permission to get the insignia tattooed on his head -- after he shot two rival gang members.

injunction to seize the Mongols' trademarked name, a first for federal authorities. If the order is approved, no member would be able to wear a jacket or ride a bike bearing the gang's name.The Mongols have trademarked their name, which is usually accompanied by their revered emblem of a guy who looks like Genghis Khan, wearing a ponytail and astride a chopper. It's such a big deal to the Mongols that they control their emblem more rigidly than Chanel. The indictment says that one member got permission to get the insignia tattooed on his head -- after he shot two rival gang members.the feds want the United States government to own that trademark. That means anyone caught wearing a Mongols patch without the feds' permission could get busted for it right then and there, evidently for trademark infringement!

Washington Nomads chapter of the Hells Angels and the Bandidos Motorcycle Club motorcycle gang members were arrested for breaking racketeering laws

Dozens of motorcycle gang members were arrested today by federal agents in six states, including Washington, on warrants ranging from drug sales to murder after a three-year undercover investigation in which four agents successfully infiltrated the group.At least 38 members of the Southern California-based Mongol motorcycle gang were arrested under a federal racketeering indictment that included charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, as well as gun and drug violations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesman Mike Hoffman said.During some arrests, sharpshooters stood guard on surrounding rooftops and motorcycles were lined up and confiscated."It's going to be a large hit to their organization, we are arresting many of their top members," Hoffman said.Among those arrested were the gang's former national president Ruben Cavazos.Federal and local agents had 110 federal arrest warrants and 160 search warrants that were being served across Southern California and in Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Washington and Ohio. The sweep, dubbed Operation Black Rain, was to continue throughout the day, agents said.Hoffman said the Mongols had been recruiting members of Los Angeles street gangs to assist in their operations.Four ATF agents infiltrated the gang and were accepted as full members, a difficult process that requires winning the trust of the gang's top leaders over a period of months, Hoffman said.In recent years, federal prosecutors in Washington have used racketeering laws to prosecute dozens of members of the Washington Nomads chapter of the Hells Angels and the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.

Hells Angels biker gang bunker burned down following an explosion

Bunker belonging to the Hells Angels biker gang in southwestern Quebec burned down following explosion Saturday night, in what police said was one of three suspicious fires a few blocks apart.Quebec police spokesman Sgt. Ronald McInnis confirmed Sunday the fire, which sent thick, black smoke billowing into the air, started after a truck slammed into the gang's meeting house at about 9:30 p.m. in Sorel-Tracy, Que."We don't know what kind of truck because it was completely gone in the fire," he said, adding police believe there was no one in the truck at the time it crashed.Police believe the suspect or suspects may have loaded the truck with gasoline, he said.Sgt. McInnis said the building was also destroyed but no one was injured. According to witnesses an explosion went off inside the Hells Angels Quebec headquarters. Residents in the immediate area were forced to leave their homes for a few hours.About two hours earlier, a three-storey commercial and residential building near a hotel caught fire. Police said the blaze started on the third floor but all residents managed to escape before it burned to the ground.Diane Dufour, who works at Mike's restaurant on the same street as the apartment fire said Hydro Quebec cut the power to the entire area for about 15 minutes.Ms. Dufour said she had spoken to some residents who heard "several explosions" at the bunker. She also said she saw flames from the bunker blaze and the air, during the early morning hours in Sorel-Tracy, was dense with heavy smoke. Then, said police, at about 1 a.m. Sunday another fire erupted in a nearby garage in a residential area.Sgt. McInnis said police have no suspects but believe all three were arson. However, he said it was too soon to tell if the fires were related.Fire officials were investigating all three fires on Sunday. The city's mayor Robert Marcel was at the scene of the bunker fire Sunday and was expected to update the media on the investigation into the fires later in the day.The Hells Angels Montreal club is based in Sorel and was Canada's first Hells Angels chapter.Sorel-Tracy is a city located about 90 kilometres north of Montreal.

Chad Wilson and John Midmore charged with a 2006 gunfight at Custer State Park

2 Hells Angels bikers charged with a 2006 gunfight at Custer State Park will be allowed to call a state ballistics expert to testify.Chad Wilson of Lynnwood, Wash., and John Midmore of Valparaiso, Ind., are to stand trial starting Nov. 3 in Sioux Falls.They're charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of commission of a felony while armed for the shootout that injured several rival Outlaws.Defense lawyers earlier made a motion that a firearms expert with the state lab be prevented from testifying.He was questioned by prosecution and defense lawyers today and then the judge ruled that he could testify.A charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder will be handled separately.Defense lawyers earlier asked that Frans Maritz, a firearms expert with the state crime lab, be prevented from testifying.Prosecution and defense lawyers questioned him Friday. Then Judge Gene Paul Kean ruled he could testify and that jurors could weigh his qualifications for themselves.Defense lawyers earlier asked for a trial delay because a federal complaint filed by the men hasn't been resolved and could produce evidence supporting their claim they acted in self-defense because rival Outlaws members targeted them.State prosecutors plan to argue that an ongoing feud between the two clubs was the motive for Wilson and Midmore to fire on the Outlaws, defense lawyers wrote in the complaint, which named 19 defendants, including various federal agencies, officials and the federal government.In September, Kean refused to delay the trial and on Thursday a federal judge filed an order denying the defense's request for a status hearing on the federal lawsuit, though the case will continue.
The trial has been delayed several times, including for an appeal to the Supreme Court that forced a change in judges.Wilson is a member of the Dago Chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club in San Diego and Midmore is a prospect of the Haney Chapter of the Hells Angels in British Columbia, Canada, according to court documents.The five Outlaws Motorcycle Club members who were shot and wounded are Thomas Hass, Al Mathews, Danny Neace, Claudia Wables and Susan Evans-Martin. Another woman, Crystal Schuster, suffered injuries unrelated to a gunshot. Their addresses were not included in court documents.The shooting happened Aug. 8, 2006, at Legion Lake Resort in Custer State Park, where the Outlaws gathered for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 70 miles away.Wilson and Midmore were arrested that evening after they told an off-duty park ranger their pickup had broken down and they needed a ride.According to a federal court document, an Outlaws member who was not wounded said he returned fire at the man who shot at his group.Defense lawyers have said they may call as many 153 witnesses, though some of the names are also on the list of more than 200 people submitted by prosecutors.

ATF Hells Angel

Arrested eight members of an Anaheim biker gang charged them with attempted murder

Arrested eight members of an Anaheim biker gang charged them with attempted murder this morning as part of an ongoing operation, authorities said.The charges stem from a fight last week at a Newport Beach bar between two biker gangs, said Anaheim police Sgt. Tim Schmidt.The group arrested this morning are members of a Christian biker gang named Set Free Soldiers, and the victims are members of the Hells Angels, Schmidt said.The operation, which included SWAT teams, began about 5 a.m. today, Schmidt said. No injuries were reported, Schmidt said, adding that officers served 11 warrants, all on attempted murder charges. On their website, Set Free Soldiers describe themselves as “a group of men who Love Jesus and Love to RIde Hard. We are not your normal motorcycle club. Some say we are too Good for the Bad guys, and too Bad for the Good guys.” “We don’t argue that,” the statement says. “All we Soldiers know is that we take care of our own and help plenty of others along the way. We try to live Right in this Wrong world and let our light shine wherever we may go.”
In addition to videos of the group in action, including some showing members in fistfights with other people, the site offers apparel for sale. A onesie for babies with the words “Soldier Made” written on the front in faux alphabet blocks sells for $30.The address given for those wishing to buy items is in the same Anaheim block raided this morning by authorities.