Black Pistons MC leader sentenced to jail for Drug Operation
SAINT CHARLES, CANADA (October 12, 2016) The head of the Black Pistons motorcycle club, described by
family as “kind and compassionate,” will spend over seven years in jail for his
role in a large drug smuggling operation.
While Judge Joseph Henderson noted Randy McGean has a strong
and supportive relationship with his family, he said the father of three was a
leader in a conspiracy to bring large quantities of heroin and marijuana into
Niagara and should face a harsh penalty.
“Heroin has been described as a pernicious, dangerous,
highly-addictive drug that often ruins the lives of those who use it,” the
judge said Wednesday in a Superior Court of Justice in St. Catharines.
The judge said McGean was not a drug addict himself, but
someone out to make a profit.
The 45-year-old was sentenced to 11 years behind bars but
was given credit for the 1,000-plus days he had spent in pre-trial custody.
Once the pre-trial custody was factored in to the sentence, he was left with a
seven-year, one-month jail term.
During an earlier court appearance, McGean was convicted on
eight charges including trafficking in cocaine and heroin, conspiracy to
traffic, and weapons-related charges that involved a taser and a switchblade
knife.
Federal prosecutor Tanit Gilliam had sought a 14-year
sentence, saying it was an appropriate disposition for someone like McGean, who
has an extensive criminal record including four previous drug convictions.
McGean and a number of other individuals were arrested
following a seven-month Niagara Regional Police investigation dubbed Project
Resurgence. Items seized included $70,000 in cash, $150,000 worth of vehicles,
marijuana with a potential street value of $18 million, $30,000 in heroin and
some weapons.
The Black Pistons had set up a clubhouse at 80 Page St. in
St. Catharines. Some of its members were preparing to be patched over as
full-fledged members of the Outlaws, another motorcycle club.
SOURCE: Niagara Falls Review