Two bikers killed and five injured in Bar fights

Biker Trash Network: April 6-7, 2019 -- A bloody weekend for Bikers as two separate fights break out in two separate States leaving two dead and five injured as riding season gets underway in many areas. The first was in Killeen, Texas and the one ending in Indianapolis, Indiana resulted in two deaths.

Both stories are developing 

Killeen, Texas (April 6, 2019) BTN — Two people are hospitalized after a shooting between two rival motorcycle clubs outside of a Killeen bar Saturday morning, according to a Killeen Police Department press release. One victim remains in serious condition at AdventHealth Central Texas, and another is in serious condition at a Baylor Scott and White hospital, according to the press release.

The Killeen Police Department responded to a call around 1:40 a.m. Saturday about a "large" fight on the road outside of MJ's Bar and Grill at 1310 S. Fort Hood Road. As officials were on their way to the scene, two people were shot during the fight, according to the press release.

SOURCE: KCENTV

Indianapolis, Indiana (April 7, 2019) BTN — Two people are dead and another three are injured after an early morning shooting on Indy’s near northeast side. Police referred to the location as a “motorcycle club hangout.” According to the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, the shooting occurred shortly after 1 a.m. in the 3600 block of Roosevelt Avenue at a brown brick building that has no name, but is a known hangout for motorcycle clubs. Police believe at least two or three different motorcycle clubs were inside the building at the time the shooting occurred.

After police arrived on scene, they discovered one male and two females suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One of the female victims was pronounced dead at the scene by Indianapolis EMS. The second female was transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The male victim was also transported, police said, but was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to police, two more victims that were suffering from gunshot wounds associated with the motorcycle club shooting later arrived at the hospital. One of them was listed as being in critical condition.


The severity of the fifth victim’s injury isn’t known at this time. Detectives with the Indianapolis Metro Police Department continue to investigate the shooting. IMPD stated a physical altercation may have lead up to the shooting, but they are still working to try and determine a motive. At least two IndyGo buses were loaded up with potential witnesses to be questioned by IMPD. The names of the deceased have not been released, as next of kin has not yet been notified.

SOURCE: FOX59

Waco Biker massacre cases dismissed

Waco, Texas. USA (April 2, 2019) BTN —  Recently elected District Attorney Barry Johnson said in a release that, "following the indictments, the prior District Attorney had the time and opportunity to review and assess the admissible evidence to determine the full range of charges that could be brought against each individual who participated in the Twin Peaks brawl, and to charge only those offenses where the admissible evidence would support a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In my opinion, had this action been taken in a timely manner, it would have, and should have, resulted in numerous convictions and prison sentences against many of those who participated in the Twin Peaks brawl. Over the next three years the prior District Attorney failed to take that action, for reasons that I do not know to this day."

Johnson said that when he assumed office in January, the statue of limitation expired on most of the offenses.

"I believe that any effort to charge and prosecute these individual charges at this time would only result in further waste of time, effort and resources of the McLennan County judicial system and place a further unfair burden on the taxpayers of McLennan County," Johnson said.

Related | Governor wants new anti-gang center for Waco

Related | Waco: Police Opened Fired On Bikers Witnesses Say

Archive | Waco Shooting History

On May 17, 2015, a shootout erupted at the Twin Peaks located in the Waco Central Texas Marketplace. The shootout was between two motorcycle clubs - the Bandidos and the Cossacks.

Nine bikers died in the shootout and dozens were injured. Following the incident, nearly 200 bikers were arrested.

Of those 177, 155 were indicted with various charges.

The first trial was held in September of 2017. The defendent, Jacob Carrizal, was being charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and directing activities of a criminal street gang. His trial lasted one month and ended with a mistrial.

After his trial, the amount of money spent on these cases totaled more than $1 million.

The results of Carrizal's trial started a domino effect. No other biker was tried, and the district attorney at the time, Abel Reyna, began dropping Twin Peaks biker cases. At one point, 60 cases were dismissed at one time by Judge Strother.

The remaining 24 bikers were re-indicted on a riot charge.

"I do not believe that it is a proper exercise of my judgment as District Attorney to proceed with the further prosecution of what I believe to have been an ill-conceived path that this District Attorney’s Office was set upon almost four years ago by the prior District Attorney, and I do not believe that path should continue to be pursued," Johnson said.

SOURCE: KXXV

Hells Angels and Pagan's scare local police

Rochelle Park, N.J., (March 31, 2019) BTN — Police from several towns are patting themselves on the back after they defused a potential fight between a group of Hells Angels and Pagan's at the Bergen Harley Davidson store in Rochelle Park -- and cops say they expect more trouble in the future. A Hells Angels member was buying a motorcycle at the Essex Street shop on Saturday when a Pagan reportedly told him "this is Pagan territory," according to Rochelle Park police.

They began to argue, after which several members of each club showed up "to support their member," according to a police report. "The situation was de-escalated by a large police presence," the report said.

Rochelle Park police thanked their colleagues from Lodi, Maywood, Saddle Brook, the Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Bergen County Regional SWAT team, who all responded.

"Intelligence obtained after the incident indicates tensions between the two motorcycle gangs [are] going to escalate," they added. "You're going to see a lot more incidents between these [two]," one officer said. "They're fighting for territory."

SOURCE: Daily Voice

No Colors Allowed

Albuquerque, N.M., USA (March 29, 2019) BTN — It's a bold sign: "a gang-free zone, wearing of 'colors' not permitted." It's hanging at the front entrance to Mariscos Altamar at Coors and I-40.
"It is shocking to see that," said Raymond Gallegos. The sign references "gangs," but the symbol represents what is referred to as the "one percenters," also known as bikers who give the community a bad name. "They watch one television show and we're almost all criminals," said Gallegos.

Sign posted on the entrance to Mariscos Altamar restaurant 

Raymond Gallegos is with the New Mexico Motorcyclists Rights Organization. He said the sign is meant to kick out bikers like himself wearing his cut. "What I'm wearing would be considered colors, it's an insignia that represents the club that I'm in," he said. The majority of bikers are in 'bike clubs,' not gangs, and are good people raising money for charities and helping those in need. "To say that we're all gang members, that's a very broad spectrum brush," said Gallegos.


He said this isn't the first time. Ojos Locos in Uptown confirms it has a sign inside too. The NMMRO sends out lists to its members, showing which establishments are "no colors welcome," including places like the Santa Ana Casino and the Cottonwood Mall. "I've been asked several times from managers or staff that they don't allow gang colors," he said.

Albuquerque Police Department records confirm that earlier this month officers were called to Mariscos Altamar for an incident involving a "biker gang," but no police report was ever filed. The manager would only say the owner told him to put up the sign on Friday.

"We all stick together and when we see a business that no longer supports us, we will no longer support them," said Gallegos.

Their Facebook page is below.

Mariscos Altamar

KRQE News 13 did reach out to both Mariscos Altamar and Ojos Locos. Neither would speak to us on camera or comment on why they put up their signs. Gallegos says signs like this are a civil rights violation under the first amendment, but he says it would cost thousands of dollars to take a case to civil court.

SOURCE: KRQE

Hells Angels MC prospect murderer sentenced

Brussels, Belgium (March 28, 2019) BTN — A man convicted of killing a 23-year-old biker last year was sentenced this week to 25 years in jail by the Namur Assize Court. The jury deliberated for more than six hours before finding Francis Estorez (48) guilty of the murder of Marc Dascotte, a Hells Angels prospect.

Marc Dascotte, the victim, was prospecting for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club

The incident took place on 27 August 2017 under a blistering summer sun in a shed decked out for a Hells Angel marriage. Estorez, who was on anti-depression medication and had consumed an enormous quantity of alcohol of various types, was so irked by what he saw as Dascotte’s puerile and exasperating behaviour that he threatened repeatedly to hand in his jacket, the symbol of his membership of the Hells Angels.

A final incident was the last straw for Estorez, who threw his jacket onto the table of his president, thus signifying his resignation from the club, before going to the bar, where he was attacked from behind, receiving multiple cuts on the head from bottles.

Partly blinded by blood, he first wounded a Hells Angel - who had nothing to do with the matter - on the leg, then fired three times at the victim, Marc Dascotte, killing him with a Browning 6.35, a discreet weapon. The trial lasted from 18 to 26 March.

The prosecution had asked for 30 years, along with a period of up to 15 years at the disposal of the sentence enforcement court. Estorez has 15 days to appeal.

SOURCE: The Brussels Times

Hells Angels attend funeral for murdered member

Mississauga, Canada (March 23, 2019) BTN — Dozens of bikers turned out on Saturday afternoon for the funeral of a Hells Angels motorcycle club member shot to death in Mississauga earlier this month. Motorcycle club members from across Ontario and as far away as Quebec and British Columbia attended a service for Michael Deabaitua-Schulde at the Vescio Funeral Home in Woodbridge.

Deabaitua-Schulde, 32, was described by police as a "well-entrenched" member of the motorcycle club's Niagara chapter. He was gunned down in the parking lot of HUF Boxing Gym on March 11, in what investigators called a targeted hit. Police have arrested four men from Montreal in connection with the daylight slaying.

Related | Funeral for murdered Hells Angels member scheduled
Related | Hells Angel MC member killed in shooting

Many Hells Angels, along with members of allied motorcycle clubs — commonly called "support clubs" — were seen milling about outside the funeral home before the service began. There was also a heavy police presence, with officers from the OPP and York keeping a close eye on those in attendance.

Funerals for club members often offer police a rare opportunity to keep tabs on the who's who of the motorcycle club underworld.

The Hells Angels have hundreds of members in Canada. The motorcycle club first moved into Ontario in 2000, after they emerged victorious in a war in Quebec fought against the Rock Machine MC.

SOURCE: CBC

Hells Angels MC brought brother to last rest

Överkalix, Sweden (March 22, 2019) BTN — Several hundred members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club had chosen to attend when a full member was buried. Kent Nilsson recently died after a long-term illness. At the time of his death, the 65-year-old had many years behind Hells Angels. When Kent Nilsson was taken to the last rest on Friday, a large number of Hells Angels members from all over Europe chose to attend the funeral in central Överkalix.

Just over an hour before the funeral service began in the church, Hells Angels members began to gather. Cars filled the parking spaces in the small community while men, dressed in vests with the infamous emblem, stepped off buses and transported them from Luleå. Jörgen Eriksson, president of Hells Angels department in Luleå, and the full member Miika Silvennoinen received those who chose to attend the funeral outside the church. The large number of people who applied for Överkalix came from the 15th century fully-fledged departments located in Sweden.

Alongside them, men from Norway, Finland, Denmark and several other countries in Europe traveled all the way to Norrbotten. A man carried an emblem on his vest which showed that he was the president of the Costa del Sol in Spain. Another represented the organization in Austria. In addition to the large number of full members, there were also minions in the form of members of the clubs' Red and White crew departments in place.

A large number of men from support clubs like Red Devils MC also participated in the funeral in Överkalix. According to one source, the police management chose to keep the guard in Överkalix. To Norrbottens Media says Lars Öberg, Local Police Area Manager in East Norrbotten: - We know it is a funeral of a full Hells Angels member today, and we have a certain guard.

So much can I say. I don't want to say much more. The funeral service took just over an hour before the coffin with Kent Nilsson was carried out to the burial of Jörgen Eriksson.

SOURCE: NSD

Thousands attend funeral for Taco Bowman

Dayton, Ohio, USA (March 17, 2019) BTN — Former Outlaws Motorcycle Club leader Harry ‘Taco’ Bowman’s was laid to rest at Bear Creek Cemetery Saturday. About a thousand members of the club came into town to honor their one-time leader. The ceremonies started at the Montgomery County Fair Grounds with a 24 hour viewing on Friday followed by a funeral service and burial Saturday morning. “There were thousands of people here today. We had a thousand on motorcycles, we had cars everywhere,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck.

The ride from the Fair Grounds to the cemetery proved to be a difficult task for law enforcement. Streck said deputies from his office, Trotwood Police officers, and troopers from Ohio State Highway Patrol made it as smooth as they could.

Related | Harry "Taco" Bowman funeral set for fairgrounds
Related | Outlaws MC: Harry "Taco" Bowman dead at 69

He apologized for the inconvenience it posed to other drivers, though. “At one point west third street from the 49 connector was at a standstill because there were so many vehicles trying to turn onto union to get to the cemetery,” he said. Bowman was the club’s international president in the 1990’s and died in federal prison from cancer.

He at one point was on the FBI’s top ten most wanted list. According to FBI reports, Bowman was convicted on multiple murder charges, including ones stemming from contracted bombings on rival clubs.

The Outlaws are a 1-percenter motorcycle club. That means they separate themselves from the American Motorcyclist Association's statement that 99-percent of all motorcyclists are law abiding. Despite the club’s reputation, Funeral Director Kevin Rogers said they were respectable. “We've actually done about four other Outlaw funerals,” Rogers said. “Every time I've ever worked with them they've been nothing but great.” Bowman is from Michigan and died in North Carolina.

He chose Dayton as his final resting place. “The answer they gave me as to why they chose Dayton is because Bear Creek Cemetery is where a lot of his outlaw brothers were already buried,” said Rogers.

Funeral for murdered Hells Angels member scheduled

Mississauga, Canada (March 15, 2019) BTN — A massive turnout is expected for the funeral of Michael (Diaz) Deabaitua-Schulde, 32, a full-patch Hells Angels member who was murdered in broad daylight at a Mississauga strip mall Monday. All of Ontario's roughly 200 Hells Angels members are required to attend and Hells Angels charters from across the country must also send members, a source said.

A Quebec man with Hells Angels ties is already in custody on first-degree murder charges and police have issued a Canada-wide first-degree murder warrant for another Montreal man who has a history of weapons possession, fraud and possession of false documents, and is awaiting trial for allegedly intimidating someone connected to the court system. The funeral of Deabaitua-Schulde, a father of two, is set for Saturday, March 23 at the Vescio Funeral Home in Woodbridge, according to the funeral home's website.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up in Deabaitua-Schulde's name. "God called Michael on Monday March 11, 2019, at the age of 32," his online obituary begins. "He will be forever missed by his loving spouse, Ashley and his children … He will be held dear in the hearts of his family, relatives, and many friends." As his funeral is being planned, police continue to hunt for Montreal fugitive Joseph Pallotta, 38. Deabaitua-Schulde was shot dead shortly before noon on Monday outside a gym in Mississauga at 700 Dundas St. E., near Cawthra Road. Peel Regional Police chief Chris McCord said that Deabaitua-Schulde was the victim of a targeted attack. Pallotta is considered armed and dangerous.

Related | Hells Angel MC member killed in shooting

Peel Regional Police announced on Thursday that they have arrested two Montreal men and that Pallotta is their third suspect. None of the three suspects are members of biker gangs but they are linked to organized crime, Peel Regional Police acting Supt. Martin Ottaway said at a press conference on Thursday. Marckens Vilme, 28, of Montreal was also charged with first-degree murder for Deabaitua-Schulde's death, Peel Regional police announced on Thursday. Vilme has a lengthy criminal record that shows a long-standing association with a Montreal street gang called the Ruffriders, and connections to Quebec Hells Angels.

The Ruffriders are considered by police to be associated with a larger Montreal street gang called les bleus, who in turn are close to the Quebec Hells Angels. Vilme's record includes convictions for violence and drug trafficking in Pierrefonds and in the west part of Montreal island. Vilme was sentenced to 21 months in jail for drug trafficking in June 2011 and eight months for conspiracy and extortion in February 2014. He also has an outstanding assault charge in Laval.

A third suspect Jonathan Martinez-Seyes, 27, was charged on Wednesday night with complicity after the fact. Deabaitua-Schulde was a member of the Niagara Region charter of the Hells Angels. One of his fellow Niagara Region members has been seen in Montreal several times recently, according to a Quebec source. Peel Regional police recovered a burned blue Honda Civic at the corner of Rymal Road and Tomken Road shortly after the murder on Monday.

SOURCE: The Hamilton Spectator

Harry "Taco" Bowman funeral set for fairgrounds

Dayton, Ohio, USA (March 15, 2019) BTN — Harry Joseph "Taco" Bowman, the former president of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club who was on the FBI's top ten most wanted fugitive's list, will have his funeral on Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Bowman's funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

A procession from the fairgrounds to Bear Creek Cemetery on North Union Road in Madison Twp. will begin at 12 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies will be shutting down North Union Road to Hoover Avenue in Trotwood for the funeral. Additionally, deputies will also partially close down Infirmary Road from the Montgomery County fairgrounds to SR-35 for the procession.

Related | Outlaws MC: Harry "Taco" Bowman dead at 69

Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said officers are not expecting any safety issues but given the size of the crowd and the reputation of the group, they do have contingency plans in place. "There's always concerns when you have get large groups of people who have been known to be violent. They do not try to hide that fact," Streck said. "(But) We don't have any chatter of suspected violence, we don't have any indications that other clubs are going to try and cause trouble at the event." 

Bowman, who was serviving a life sentence in federal prison, died on Sunday at the Federal Medical Center in North Carolina. He was 69 years old. According to the Detroit News, Bowman was considered one of the most infamous motorcycle club leaders in U.S. history. The Outlaws were rivals to the Hell's Angels.


Bowman was placed on the FBI's Most Wanted List in 1998, interrupting what had been a relatively low profile kept by Bowman while serving as leader of the Outlaws. In 2001, he was convicted in a Federal court in Florida of the murders of several rival club members, firebombings, racketeering and conspiracy among other charges.

He was sentenced to two life sentences plus 83 years. Bowman had a long-running feud with Hell's Angels leader Sonny Barger over which club was superior. Several members of the Outlaws were previously interned at Bear Creek Cemetery.

SOURCE: WDTN2 News

Hells Angel MC member killed in shooting

Mississauga, Canada (March 12, 2019) BTN — A full patch member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club was the victim of a fatal shooting Monday in a Mississauga plaza that sent bystanders scrambling for cover in what was described as a "chaotic scene." The shooting outside a popular gym comes amidst a massive shuffling amongst the Hells Angels in Ontario, multiple sources said.

Peel Regional Police are investigating whether a burnt-out car found in the area was the shooter's getaway vehicle. A senior Hells Angels member from London, Ont., has recently moved to the Niagara Region to bolster the club there while Keswick-area Hells Angels have moved to Ottawa, multiple sources said.

Peel Region paramedics and heavily-armed tactical officers with police dogs responded to gunfire at 700 Dundas St. E. near Cawthra Rd., just before 11:20 a.m. on Monday A 32-year-old man was rushed to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries, according to Peel paramedics. Police said he died in hospital. His name has not yet been released. "It's a chaotic scene and we're just waiting in the car," tweeted Joyce Clarissa, who was visiting St. John the Baptist Anglican Church across the street. Clarissa said she saw at least two people running into their vehicles as police were responding to the scene. "They're taping off the whole plaza," she said.


The plaza houses Huf Gym, the Floor Shop and other businesses. The shooting occurred near the gym. Olga Rosa Heron, who owns the gym, said the victim ran into her facility for help after he was shot. Huf Gym employees "helped him out and hopefully they can be an asset to the investigation as well," she said. Peel Const. Iryna Yashnyk said police were investigating a scene near the Bank of Montreal at Dundas St. E. and Tomken Rd., in relation to the shooting. "As far as suspect information, we know that there was one male running east on Dundas towards, which we now know is what we believe is a second associated scene," Const. Bancroft Wright told reporters.

The elite Hells Angels Nomads chapter returned to the Ottawa area this year, three years after the chapter was abruptly dismantled. The Nomads are considered an elite group who require little direction. The Ontario Nomads had run into conflict with Quebec Hells Angels, sources said. The Hells Angels have about 175 Ontario members and 450 members across Canada.

SOURCE: The Star

Hells Angels MC members accused of drug trafficking

Barcelona, Spain (March 10, 2019) BTN —  The Mossos d'Esquadra of the Criminal Investigation Division of Sabadell (Barcelona) arrested 19 people on 26 February as part of a police operation aimed at illicit activities carried out by members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, in its headquarters in Barcelona and Tarragona.

In a statement on Sunday, the Catalan police has reported that the investigation relates to crimes against public health, robbery with violence, coercion, extortion, injury, possession of weapons and membership of a criminal organization . In March 2018, the Central Unit of Criminal Bands learned of an incident in which five members of the band violently broke into a bar in Cambrils (Tarragona), where members of a rival club were violently assaulted with chairs and objects.

The investigation showed that the members of this band in Tarragona "formed a perfectly structured and hierarchical criminal organization with the purpose of trafficking drugs and committing violent crimes." The agents also corroborated that the club applied a strict internal discipline against the members of the group that violated the norms of the organization.

The Hells Angels MC of Tarragona, which have members in Catalonia, Aragon and the Basque Country, exercised violence and intimidation towards other clubs of bikers present in their territory to which they had submitted to their control and supervision.

Regarding drug trafficking, agents showed that the club had marijuana crops in real estate that were rented expressly for this activity and that other members of the club did in their own homes. They also trafficked cocaine, both from the club's headquarters and through businesses related to its members, and it was detected that the headquarters of Hells Angels MC in Barcelona functioned as a point of sale for cocaine.

On February 26 the Mossos made a police device with 13 entries in the headquarters of Tarragona and Barcelona, ​​as well as in homes of the principal investigated and establishments related to the cultivation and trafficking of narcotic substances. Arrested 19 people in Catalonia and the Basque Country , both members of Hells Angels MC and other people related to the organization.

Seized items

At the Tarragona headquarters, various narcotic substances destined for trafficking were confiscated, and a firearm , abundant documentation, computer equipment and electronic devices with information on the operation, structure and internal regulations of Hells Angels MC, as well as objects and material were intervened. related to the organization. The investigation continues open, the detainees went to court on February 28 and the judge decreed imprisonment for two of those arrested and released with precautionary measures for the rest.

SOURCE: El Español

Warlocks MC original member “Grub” dead

Lexington, South Carolina (March 5, 2019) BTN — Thomas “Grub” Freeland, Jr., a founder of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club as died. Freeland was born in Graceville, Florida in 1948. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Lockhart, Florida. From that point on he would say "I am just a little boy from Lockhard, Florida". He attended Lockhart Elementary and Junior High School. He was a junior fireman for Lockhart's Volunteer Fire Department.

 His school days ended at Maynerd Evans High School when he decided to go see what else life had to offer. He joined the Navy at 17. He spent 29 months on the USS Shangri-La where he was a ship fitter. His second Med cruise was cut short by orders to Vietnam.

In 1968 he landed in Saigon and reported onboard the USS Tutillia which was stationed in the Republic of South Vietnam. His 9 months in-country was served working on river water patrol boats as part of The Brown Water Navy.

By the time he got home he had been to 27 countries, fought a war and went 3/4 of the way around the world. While serving on the USS Shangri-La he became one of the original 13 members of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club.

When his tour in Vietnam was over he went home and started the Lockhart chapter of the Warlocks. It became known as The Mother Chapter.

Over 50+ years later the Warlocks MC has become international and is known the world over. His brothers in the club gave him the name Grub. He enjoyed cooking and they were relieved they didn't have to. Grub was always spelled with one "b".

He was quick to point this out and did not tolerate any other nicknames or assumptions. It was Grub because he cooked and it was spelled with one B- period. Got that! During his life Grub owned and rode over 30 Harley Davidson's.

His love for Harley's which he called Davidsons never ended. He was also known to call them "The Big Iron". He was often heard saying, "Let's put the Big Iron in the wind." He took his own advice and rode to damn near every state with his club's Bird on his back.

While not a fan of organized religion he did believe in a higher power. His belief led to his love for his wife, family, club and country.

He was very proud to have all of these in his life. He spent a major part of his life enjoying hunting and fishing. Later in life he said he head earned the right to only hunt at Publix and fish at Red Lobster.

While he was always an old Lockhart country boy at heart, once he had all he could take of Mickey Mouse his father's home state became his own. But even before that South Carolina was always a big part of his life. 

He truly believed he was blessed to experience a life which many do not get the opportunity to.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Freeland; a son, Thomas Morton Freeland III (Trey); and a grandson. His sister, Fran (David) Strawn and brother, Mike (Cathy) Freeland and numerous nieces and nephews. Lastly he will always be survived by his huge Warlock family.

He is predeceased by his father Tom, mother Jimmie and sister Beth. Grub now rides with his Warlock Brothers in the final chapter. Family will receive friends Saturday, March 23rd 2019 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington from 10:00 am to noon with ride to follow to graveside services at Plum Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Plum Branch, SC.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com and to view full obituary.

Mongols Motorcycle Club wins court case

Santa Ana, California, USA (February 28, 2019) BTN — A federal judge has rejected the U.S. government’s unprecedented efforts to gain control of the prized patches that adorn the vests worn by the Mongols motorcycle club, ruling that prosecutors attempts to seize the organization’s trademarks are unconstitutional.

The written ruling, released Thursday morning by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, marks a setback for federal prosecutors who two months ago persuaded a Santa Ana jury to find the Southern California-based club guilty of racketeering. Attorneys for the Mongols described the ruling as a victory for all motorcycle clubs.

At the center of the legal battle was control of the patches that depict the club’s name and an illustration of a ponytailed, Ghengis Khan-type motorcycle rider wearing sunglasses. “The Mongols motorcycle club was able to defend the First Amendment for themselves and all motorcycle clubs,” said Stephen Stubbs, an attorney for the Mongols.

Related | Mongols MC lose federal case against patch 
Related | Jury ready to decide Mongols MC fate over patch

Related | Mongols MC found guilty of racketeering

Related | Feds betting Mongols MC will not survive 

Related | A Motorcycle Club can’t conspire with itself

Related | Mongols MC trademark trial wrapping up 

Related | Jesse Ventura defends Mongols MC in federal court

Related | Feds attempt to seize Mongols MC trademarked logo

Related | Mongols MC: Feds going after clubs colors at racketeering trial

The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not immediately comment on the ruling. Carter’s ruling is unlikely to stand as the final word in a case that has drawn national attention. The first-of-its-kind effort to convict the Mongols organization, rather than specific members, of racketeering in order to strip members of their well-known insignia is almost certain to make its way before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Carter upheld the racketeering conviction and tentatively agreed that the government can keep seized guns and ammunition from the Mongols.

But he ruled that efforts to take control of the Mongols’ insignia and patches violates the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and association protections and the Eighth Amendment’s protection against excessive fines. “Not everything repugnant is unconstitutional,” Carter said. “And what does the government plan to do with the tattoos of the (Mongols’ insignia and patch) on members’ backs, arms and other body parts? …

That certain individual members of the Mongol Nation displayed the symbols while committing violent crimes or were rewarded with other patches for the commission of crimes does not justify the government’s attempts to bootstrap a conviction of the motorcycle club into censorship of uncharged members or supporters.”

Attorneys for the Mongols have described the patches that adorn members’ leather “cuts” as the organization’s “Holy Grail,” and they have said that the government taking control of them would mark a “death penalty” for the group. “I’m happy that this is not a death sentence here,” said Attorney Joseph Yanny, who represented the Mongols in the racketeering trial. “But I don’t like the fact the club has been labeled a criminal organization.”

Prosecutors have argued that taking the Mongols’ trademark is the only way to stop the “cycle of crime” committed by club members. The Mongols have countered that the crimes were committed by “bad apples” who are no longer involved in the club. In December, jurors agreed that the Mongols organization engaged in drug trafficking, vicious assaults and murder.

Much of the violence – which included attacks, some fatal, in bars and restaurants in Hollywood, Pasadena, Merced, La Mirada, Wilmington and Riverside – was tied to a decades-long rivalry between the Mongols and the Hells Angels motorcycle club. Carter noted that the government has spent more than a decade attempting to take control of the Mongols’ trademark, at one point claiming it wanted to be able to stop members of the club and literally take their jackets off of their backs. “The government is not merely seeking a forfeiture of the ship’s sails,” Carter wrote. “In this prosecution, the United States is attempting to use (racketeering laws) to change the meaning of the ship’s flag.”

The Mongols, one of the nation’s largest motorcycle clubs, was formed in Montebello in the 1970s, and is now based in West Covina. Among those who testified on behalf of the club during the recent racketeering trial was Jesse Ventura, a former Minnesota governor and retired pro wrestler who joined the group in 1973 while still on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

The case stemmed from Operation Black Rain, a multi-agency investigation that involved several law enforcement agents infiltrating the Mongols. A separate, earlier case against specific Mongols members resulted in 77 people pleading guilty to racketeering-related charges.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

Mongols MC member suspected in freeway shooting

El Monte, California (February 24, 2019) BTN — A motorcyclist was shot and wounded Saturday on the 10 Freeway in El Monte by a suspected member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, authorities said. Two motorcyclists were riding just east of the 605 Freeway at around 1 p.m. when they were surrounded by four to six riders who likely belong to the Mongols Motorcycle Club, according to the California Highway Patrol.

An alleged Mongols member then shot one of the motorcyclists, who was riding a red Honda CBR 1000, in his right thigh, the CHP said. The wounded motorcyclist exited the freeway at Garvey Avenue and called the police.

He was taken to the hospital. Authorities were still searching for the suspected shooter Sunday night. Witnesses said the man has an unknown tattoo on his forehead and a long ponytail. All westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway at Interstate 605 were closed for an hour while officers attempted to locate evidence, the CHP said. They found two .380 caliber shell casings and shards of a bullet.

The Mongols were formed in the 1970s in Montebello, it has expanded over the decades to include several hundred members in chapters across Southern California and elsewhere.

SOURCE: ABC7

Hells Angels might sell their 3rd Street clubhouse

New York, NY (February 22, 2019) BTN — The word coming from Third Street is that the Hells Angels are selling their clubhouse (No. 77) between First Avenue and Second Avenue with a springtime move planned. According to public records, there's a Memorandum of Contract (the form preceding a contract of sale) dated this past Dec. 21 between Church of the Angels, Inc. (aka — The Church of Angels) and 77 East 3rd LLC .

The document is signed by Bartley J. Dowling, president of the NYC Hells Angels chapter, and the purchaser, Nathan Blatter of Whitestone Realty Group. Attorney Ron Kuby, who has represented the Angels in legal matters through the years, said that he was unaware of any sale. "I have heard nothing about it," he said on the phone yesterday. He also said that he doesn't handle real-estate law. At this time, it's not known where the NYC clubhouse may be relocating or what the reasons are for doing so.

The Hells Angels have had a presence in 77 E. Third St. since 1969. They eventually bought the six-floor building, which includes their clubhouse and member residences, Realtor.com lists 14 units from Birdie Ruderman in the Bronx for a reported $1,900. The deed on file with the city from November 1977 shows the then-dilapidated building changed hands for $10.

Memorandum of Contract

In 1983, chapter president Sandy Alexander took over ownership of the building. The deed from that time states that Alexander, his wife Collette and their family could live on the premises rent free. In addition, in the event that the building was sold, she would stand to receive half of the proceeds. This agreement was later the basis for a legal tussle in 2013 between the clubhouse and Alexander's family. (Sandy Alexander, who spent six years in prison for dealing cocaine, died in 2007.)

According to the Post in 2013: 

They are suing his second wife, Alison Glass Alexander, of Jamaica, Queens and his daughter from another marriage, Kimberly Alexander, of Needles, Calif. to prevent them from making a grab for the property. A source told the Post that the members have no immediate plans to sell 77 E. 3rd St. — which is on the periphery of New York University’s $6 billion expansion plan and in a once-crime ridden neighborhood where one-bedrooms now rent for $3,500 a month — but they wanted to clear up the "cloudy deed." 

Deed in 1977 shows it changed hands for just $10.00

That deed was eventually reversed in April 2018, per public documents.

The U.S. government unsuccessfully tried to seize the building starting with a drug bust in 1985. The feds charged that the clubhouse was used to make drug deals. However, a jury ruled against the forfeiture in February 1994, per The New York Times. At another time we may note more of their legal run-ins here through the years. Most recently, in late December, the Post reported that a deliveryman was allegedly sucker punched by a member when he parked his car in front of motorcycles outside the clubhouse.


And here's a portion of the 1983 documentary "Hells Angels Forever" that highlights the Third Street clubhouse at the two-minute mark.

SOURCE: New York Post
SOURCE: Ev Grieve

Former Hells Angels member a free man again

Quebec, Canada (February 21, 2019) BTN — A former Hells Angel who took part in one of the most notorious crimes committed in Quebec when he and other bikers slaughtered fellow club members three decades ago is a free man again, despite having recently pleaded guilty to assaulting someone during a road-rage incident in Montreal.

Jacques Pelletier, 63, was a full-patch member of the Hells Angels in 1985 when the club decided to slaughter several members of its now-defunct Laval chapter. The club members who were killed in what became known as the Lennoxville Purge were considered unruly drug dealers whose actions affected relations with other organized crime groups, notably the leaders of Montreal’s West End Gang who supplied the gang with cocaine.

On March 24, 1985, five Laval members were shot to death after they were summoned to a Hells Angels’ clubhouse in Lennoxville, just outside Sherbrooke. Several Hells Angels were present that day and played a role in the slaughter, but only four — including Pelletier — were convicted of first-degree murder and received life sentences.

Pelletier was granted full parole in 2013, but returned behind bars a couple of times for parole violations. For example, in October 2017, he was returned to a penitentiary after police noticed his motorcycle parked outside a strip bar frequented by known criminals.

In November, he was returned to a penitentiary again following his arrest, by Montreal police, for his role in a road-rage incident during which he got into a shoving match with another driver on Oct. 18.

According to court records, the incident was considered minor by the judge who ultimately sentenced Pelletier, on Feb. 6, to pay a $1,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault. But Pelletier remained behind bars because he also had to explain himself to the Parole Board of Canada for having violated his release by not keeping the peace.

On Wednesday, the parole board decided to lift the suspension of his parole after having heard Pelletier’s version of events. According to a written summary of the decision, Pelletier feels he was the victim in what transpired in October.

He told the board he was driving home from work when he stopped at a light and the driver of another vehicle got out and challenged him to a fight. The other driver apparently felt that Pelletier had cut him off. He said he tried to discuss things with the man, who grew more aggressive and ended up tearing Pelletier’s jacket. The man pulled out his cellphone and took photos of Pelletier as well as the licence plate on his car.

Pelletier called his parole officer immediately to report the incident, and a co-worker who was riding in his car later told the police that Pelletier wasn’t the instigator in the dust-up. The judge who heard Pelletier’s short trial this month at the Montreal courthouse did not believe the other driver, who claimed Pelletier had punched him. The judge found Pelletier guilty of using excessive force while he tried to take the man’s cellphone from him.

According to the parole board, Pelletier quit the Hells Angels in 1995.

SOURCE: Montreal Gazette 

Hells Angels MC targeted in early morning raids

Quebec, Canada (February 14, 2019) BTN —  A total of 32 people were arrested in a series of early morning raids on Thursday targeting drug-trafficking networks in eastern Quebec and New Brunswick with alleged ties to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

The raids, conducted by the Sûreté du Québec, were carried out in 20 different communities across the two provinces, including in the Lower St. Lawrence region, the Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands.

Among the objects police seized were jackets bearing Hells Angels insignia. (Sûreté du Québec)

The SQ says that, in a period of just four months, the trafficking network brought in $2.4 million, of which $250,000 was given directly to the Hells Angels as a distribution tax.

"The Hells Angels control the territory and allowed networks to sell drugs. Those networks then paid a tax based on the quantity of drugs sold," SQ spokesperson Capt. Guy Lapointe said at a news conference in Quebec City.

"The Hells Angels have a monopoly, which they maintain with a regime of fear, violence and with their colours."

Among those arrested were prominent members of the New Brunswick Hells Angels chapter, police say.

They are still searching for four other alleged participants in the network

The people who were arrested today will appear in the courthouses of the Magdalen Islands, Percé, Rimouski and Quebec City.

Among the objects police seized were:

Six kilograms of cocaine.

More than 232,000 methamphetamine tablets.

More than $640,000.

23 firearms.

Three vehicles.

Eight vests with Hells Angels insignia.

Officers from the SQ's organized crime squad and its North Shore branch were involved in the raids, she said.

The operation, launched in August 2018, is called the Oursin project. More than 150 police officers participated in the investigations.

SOURCE:  CBC

False report leads to Hells Angels raid

Ghent, Belgium (February 12, 2019) BTN —  The police action in the Ghent borough Gentbrugge at the club room of motorcycle club Hells Angels came after a 44-year-old man claimed that he had heard gunshots in a quarrel in the room. Meanwhile, the man confessed that his report was false, reports the Ghent department of the parquet East Flanders.

The 44-year-old man from Ghent phoned the local police around 21.20, stating that he had heard several gunshots in the Hells Angels club room. 'According to the report, there would be a quarrel and some people would have fled the room', says press magistrate An Schoonjans of the Ghent department of the public prosecutor of East Flanders.

There were deployed heavily armed agents, a helicopter and special units (POSA). Certainly two men were taken into a police combination. The police immediately went on the spot. The club room is located on the Brusselsesteenweg in Gentbrugge, near the entrance and exit of the E17.

The traffic coming from the exit was diverted by the special assistance team of the Ghent local police. 'All persons present had to leave the room and the police conducted a search,' says Schoonjans. "Nothing suspicious was found.

The eleven persons present were taken by the police for questioning, but they were allowed to go home after the call was false. ' The police started the action on Monday at 10 pm, which lasted until 0.30 am.

The caller could be identified and arrested by the police. 'During his interrogation last night he confessed that the appeal was false and that he made up the facts', says the press magistrate.

Criminal prosecution

The forty is no stranger to police and justice. He will be prosecuted, says the prosecutor. Should the case come to court, the Hells Angels might claim damages. But it will probably not come that far.

In 2016 there was a shooting at the club room, but the shooter was not found.

SOURCE: VTM NIEUWS

Bandidos MC publicly deny drug bust involvement

Melbourne, Australia  (February 11, 2019) BTN —  Two men faced court over a major $1.3 billion drug bust linked to a Mexican cartel as the Bandidos bikie club made an extraordinary statement condemning meth trafficking.

Federal police revealed on Friday that they had intercepted 1.7 tonnes of methamphetamine bound for Australia – the largest meth seizure ever recorded on US soil and the biggest intercepted drug haul bound for Australia. Police said the record haul demonstrated a clear link between local outlaw bikie clubs and extremely sophisticated Mexican drug cartels.

Bandidos MC Clubhouse in Melbourne

But the Bandidos motorcycle club released an unusual statement on Monday, hotly denying having any link to the major haul. The drugs were "artfully concealed" inside a shipment of loudspeakers on a ship in Los Angeles, US authorities said.

Van Dung Le, 31, and Chi Cuong Vu, 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court after being extradited from Sydney last week.

Mr Vu, who appeared in court wearing a grey T-shirt with the word "obey" on the front, is charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin between October 28 last year and January 23. Mr Le, from the Sydney suburb of Hinchinbrook, is accused of importing methamphetamine to the Victorian town of Donnybrook as recently as last week.

Australian Federal Police display some of the drugs that were seized

He is charged with importing drugs since October last year.

Mr Vu, from Sydney's Bonnyrigg Heights, and Mr Le were remanded in custody.

The court heard Mr Le was withdrawing from cocaine.

Their appearances came after American nationals Nasser Abo Abdo, 52, and Leonor Fajardo, 46, who were both living in the Victorian town of Woodstock, faced court last Friday alongside 31-year-old Tuan Ngoc Tran, of Keilor Downs.

The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald revealed Mr Abo Abdo, 52, had been a prominent figure in the audio equipment industry in California and ran a series of companies selling stereos, speakers, subwoofers and digital amplifiers.

The Alphasonik-branded audio equipment case used to smuggle the methamphetamines

Photos distributed by police showed the intercepted drugs were hidden inside boxes carrying the names Audiobahn and Alphasonik, two of the speaker companies operated by Mr Abo Abdo.

US court records show that Mr Abo Abdo filed for bankruptcy in California in 2008, claiming liabilities of US$4.6 million. His debts were discharged in 2010.

All five men have been remanded in custody and are due to return to court on June 17.

The Bandidos motorcycle club has rebuffed any suggestion it is linked to the drug haul, saying the distribution and possession of ice goes against the club's spirit and culture.

Bandidos MC Statement

"We, like most Australians, shared a sigh of relief that these drugs never reached our shores," the Bandidos said in a statement on Monday.

"The Bandido Motorcycle Club vehemently distance ourselves from this insidious scourge on humanity, in every way, shape and form.

"We categorically refute any suggestion of involvement whatsoever, in this or any other matter concerning ice." 

-Bandidos Motorcycle Club

AFP assistant commissioner Bruce Hill said on Friday a Mexican cartel, which he declined to name, was allegedly behind the drugs.

"The cartel is among one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking syndicates in the world," he said.

SOURCE:  Bay 93.9