Trying to catch up. Disclaimer: The following posts are posted as we see them. Some we have the whole story and some you have to hit the link to read the whole story. We pass judgment on nobody and understand how the press can blow stuff out of proportion.
Any member of any club can correct these stories in the comments section or mail the info to us directly. We will not print any info mailed by anonymous. We will with hold your personal info if asked. We won't print anything flaming other clubs.
Ex-head of motorcycle club gets 35 years in prison
March 14, 2011, 4 p.m. EDT
Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) — The former president of a Detroit motorcycle club has been sentenced to 35 years in prison by a judge who says the group caused a "reign of terror" on the city's southwest side.
A lawyer says the punishment Monday for 56-year-old Joseph Whiting could become a life sentence because of his age and health problems.
Known as "Little Joe," Whiting was one of six members of the Highwaymen convicted last summer of a racketeering conspiracy. Four more were convicted in December. Prosecutors describe the Highwaymen as a violent gang involved in drugs, robbery and other crimes.
WEST CHESTER – Two members of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Gang went on trial in Common Pleas Court here for their alleged role in a $5 million crystal methamphetamine drug trafficking ring.
Jeffrey J. “Death Row” Hampton, 37, of Berlin N.J., and Charles D. “The Panhead” Rees, 55, of Norristown, were charged in August 208 as part of a drug investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office known as “Operation Ice Breaker.”
In the months since, dozens of the 40 suspected drug dealers arrested in the operation have pleaded guilty before Judge Howard F. Riley Jr., and are either awaiting sentencing or have been sentenced. But Hampton and Rees, who is acting president of the Outlaws, have steadfastly maintained their innocence.
On Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Andrew Rongaus, in his opening statement to the jury of seven men and five women hearing the case, urged them to use their common sense in fitting the testimony they will hear over the next week to fit the behavior of the two men with the actions of a drug ring.
Rongaus said that much of the evidence in the case would be recordings of wire tapped phone conversations between Hampton and a Philadelphia meth dealer named William Lees. Timothy J. Deery, the state Bureau of Narcotics Investigation agent who led the investigation into the massive drug ring, which saw drugs shipped from Latin America to Philadelphia, would lead them through the maze of drug jargon they would hear, he said.
“This case is not one of your typical drug cases,” where a police informant would testify about buying drugs from a dealer. Instead, the jury would hear testimony that Rongaus said were conversations about shipments of meth, cocaine and marijuana coming in, an those drugs being picked up
A lawyer says the punishment Monday for 56-year-old Joseph Whiting could become a life sentence because of his age and health problems.
Known as "Little Joe," Whiting was one of six members of the Highwaymen convicted last summer of a racketeering conspiracy. Four more were convicted in December. Prosecutors describe the Highwaymen as a violent gang involved in drugs, robbery and other crimes.
WEST CHESTER – Two members of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Gang went on trial in Common Pleas Court here for their alleged role in a $5 million crystal methamphetamine drug trafficking ring.
Jeffrey J. “Death Row” Hampton, 37, of Berlin N.J., and Charles D. “The Panhead” Rees, 55, of Norristown, were charged in August 208 as part of a drug investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office known as “Operation Ice Breaker.”
In the months since, dozens of the 40 suspected drug dealers arrested in the operation have pleaded guilty before Judge Howard F. Riley Jr., and are either awaiting sentencing or have been sentenced. But Hampton and Rees, who is acting president of the Outlaws, have steadfastly maintained their innocence.
On Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Andrew Rongaus, in his opening statement to the jury of seven men and five women hearing the case, urged them to use their common sense in fitting the testimony they will hear over the next week to fit the behavior of the two men with the actions of a drug ring.
Rongaus said that much of the evidence in the case would be recordings of wire tapped phone conversations between Hampton and a Philadelphia meth dealer named William Lees. Timothy J. Deery, the state Bureau of Narcotics Investigation agent who led the investigation into the massive drug ring, which saw drugs shipped from Latin America to Philadelphia, would lead them through the maze of drug jargon they would hear, he said.
“This case is not one of your typical drug cases,” where a police informant would testify about buying drugs from a dealer. Instead, the jury would hear testimony that Rongaus said were conversations about shipments of meth, cocaine and marijuana coming in, an those drugs being picked up
Fight between motorcycle gang members leads to stabbing
March 7, 2011
ANDERSON, Ind. — A fight between rival motorcycle gang members led to a local man being stabbed at a strip club Sunday morning.According to police, Jason A. Simmons, 36, was arrested Sunday at the VIP Show Club on suspicion that he stabbed Jesse Stone, a member of a rival motorcycle gang.
Stone was taken to Community Hospital with two stab wounds, including one that may have struck a major artery and Stone’s lung, according to doctors.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Simmons said in a videotaped statement that a friend of his had previously been shot by members of the Outlaw motorcycle club.
Simmons reported that his own family is part of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle club.
Simmons told police that he got into a fight with Stone over the insignia on the jacket Simmons was wearing. “He said they had come there to kill him,” the report notes.
Doctors told police that Stone was stabbed twice, which led to abdominal hemorrhaging. Stone was then transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
The Herald Bulletin tried to get an update of Stone’s medical status but Anderson police Detective Mitch Carroll was unable to provide the information at press time.
Simmons was charged with Class B felony aggravated battery and Class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
NM Biker Gang Resurfaces In Stabbing
POSTED: 6:19 pm MST March 1, 2011UPDATED: 10:51 am MST March 2, 2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A man is stabbed 20 times in downtown Albuquerque after, police said, he started a brawl outside a strip club.Albuquerque police said they are more concerned with a biker gang the man is connected with.Police said the instigator, Ervin Halmayr, and his friend admitted they are members of the Banditos biker gang that has been around the city for a long time. Investigators said the gang has been quiet for several years, and now that one of the members is behind bars, authorities are worried his fellow gang members could retaliate.Albuquerque police swarmed Knockouts at Third Street and Central Avenue late Monday night after a bloody fight in the club's back alley landed four people in a hospital.Police said Halmayr and his friend attacked two brothers leaving the club. A police report said Halmayr threw a bottle at them and pulled out a knife to attack the men. But one of the brothers grabbed the weapon and stabbed Halmayr 20 times in self-defense, police said.Police said Halmayr was arrested in connection with the incident, but they still have a lot of questions about the case. Police said the biker gang's members don't typically go downtown, and their crimes haven't been frequent.“I'm not aware of anything they've been involved in recently or that we've come across,” said Trish Hoffman, of the Albuquerque Police Department.Hoffman said they are still investigating if the incident was gang-related or an isolated incident.Police said all four men were treated at hospitals across Albuquerque. Halmayr was taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center and was facing a number of charges, including aggravated battery with great bodily harm.
Alleged Rebels gang member charged with gun trafficking 16 Mar 11
A WATTLE Grove man with alleged links to the Rebels motorcycle gang has been charged after a major drug trafficking operation yesterday. The man, 21, was charged with four offences including unlawfully selling firearms three times or more within 12 months, dealing with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. He was also charged with making collusive agreement with a member of the police service, and he will faced Liverpool Court today.
A second man, 28, was arrested at Hinchinbrook and charged with seven offences including two counts of selling a prohibited firearm to unauthorised person, supplying a prohibited drug, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. He was refused bail to face Liverpool Court on Tuesday, April 19.
The two men were among six people arrested across Sydney yesterday.
Four men arrested at Marrickville, Strathfield, Villawood and Homebush have now been charged.
Asian Crime Squad detectives executed nine search warrants, and dismantled two clandestine drug laboratories at Marrickville and one at Homebush.
A .38 calibre revolver, a replica pistol, an air rifle, a large quantity of ammunition, small amounts of ice, heroin and cannabis, fake credit cards, and cash were seized during the raids.
Asian Crime Squad commander Det-Sup Scott Cook said: ``Police have so far put a significant dent in an organised network allegedly involved in the trafficking of extremely dangerous weapons and a variety of prohibited drugs.’’
A second man, 28, was arrested at Hinchinbrook and charged with seven offences including two counts of selling a prohibited firearm to unauthorised person, supplying a prohibited drug, knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime and participating in a criminal group. He was refused bail to face Liverpool Court on Tuesday, April 19.
The two men were among six people arrested across Sydney yesterday.
Four men arrested at Marrickville, Strathfield, Villawood and Homebush have now been charged.
Asian Crime Squad detectives executed nine search warrants, and dismantled two clandestine drug laboratories at Marrickville and one at Homebush.
A .38 calibre revolver, a replica pistol, an air rifle, a large quantity of ammunition, small amounts of ice, heroin and cannabis, fake credit cards, and cash were seized during the raids.
Asian Crime Squad commander Det-Sup Scott Cook said: ``Police have so far put a significant dent in an organised network allegedly involved in the trafficking of extremely dangerous weapons and a variety of prohibited drugs.’’
'Hells Angels prospect' indicted in brutal beatingMarch 16, 2011
BRENTWOOD – A Chester man identified by police as a Hells Angels prospect has been indicted on charges he struck a Deerfield man in the face with a pistol and repeatedly kicked him in the head, according to court documents. Joseph Decosta, 36, of 683 Fremont Road, has been indicted on three counts of first-degree assault and a felony count of criminal threatening for allegedly beating the victim, Jeffrey White, on Sept. 13.
Decosta is facing a potential 7 1/2. to 15 years in state prison on each of the assault charges if he is convicted in Rockingham County. Tom Reid, deputy county attorney, said that Decosta's bail was revoked in Hillsborough County after he was charged with the assault in Deerfield.
Reid said he could not comment further on the case.
Police and court documents say White suffered a skull fracture from the beating and was airlifted to a Boston hospital after being attacked. White told police he was with another man on South Road around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 when Decosta sped toward him in an SUV belonging to White's ex-wife, according to police.
Decosta walked up to White and allegedly pistol whipped him using a semi-automatic handgun. White fell to the ground and Decosta kicked him in the head multiple times, and said at one point, "I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it," according to indictments.The assault took place on undeveloped land owned by White in the vicinity of 95 South Road, north of Old Candia Road, according to police.
Decosta will be arraigned later this month in Rockingham County Superior Court.
Reid said he could not comment further on the case.
Police and court documents say White suffered a skull fracture from the beating and was airlifted to a Boston hospital after being attacked. White told police he was with another man on South Road around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 13 when Decosta sped toward him in an SUV belonging to White's ex-wife, according to police.
Decosta walked up to White and allegedly pistol whipped him using a semi-automatic handgun. White fell to the ground and Decosta kicked him in the head multiple times, and said at one point, "I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it," according to indictments.The assault took place on undeveloped land owned by White in the vicinity of 95 South Road, north of Old Candia Road, according to police.
Decosta will be arraigned later this month in Rockingham County Superior Court.
Man demanded gang patch at crash site
3-15-2011
A Lone Legion Motorcycle Club gang member demanded that emergency services give his patch back while he was lying on the ground seriously injured after a crash in South Canterbury.
The Marlborough Express understands Michael McGlynn, 38, of Renwick, was injured when his BMW motorcycle crashed into a car on State Highway 1 north of Rakaia about 12.30pm on March 3.
It is understood Mr McGlynn suffered serious leg and head injuries and was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Christchurch Hospital. He was later transferred to Wairau Hospital and is in a stable condition.
The motorcycle's pillion passenger was also seriously injured and flown to hospital. Her condition is unknown.
A person from the car was taken to hospital by St John Ambulance with moderate injuries.
Rakaia Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Murray Smith said Mr McGlynn and his passenger were thrown from their south-bound motorcycle when it collided with a car also going south.
The pair came to rest about four metres away from the motorcycle, Mr Smith said.
When the brigade arrived the bike was badly damaged and "both [passengers] were coherent, but definitely had severe injuries", he said.
A source has revealed that Mr McGlynn demanded his gang patch back after emergency services cut his jacket off to relieve pressure on his injuries.
"He wouldn't leave without that patch," the source said.
A Leeston police spokesman said he could give no further details about the crash, because the officers involved were not available.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board spokesman Katherine Rock said Mr McGlynn declined to talk to The Express.
The Lone Legion Motorcycle Club, is part of the A-Team, an alliance of several biker groups.
The motorcycle club has been based in Blenheim for almost 30 years and has had several encounters with the law.
Mr McGlynn has denied charges of unlawful assembly, threatening behaviour and unlawfully being in an enclosed yard after an incident in Stuart St on November 28.
A Lone Legion Motorcycle Club gang member demanded that emergency services give his patch back while he was lying on the ground seriously injured after a crash in South Canterbury.
The Marlborough Express understands Michael McGlynn, 38, of Renwick, was injured when his BMW motorcycle crashed into a car on State Highway 1 north of Rakaia about 12.30pm on March 3.
It is understood Mr McGlynn suffered serious leg and head injuries and was airlifted by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Christchurch Hospital. He was later transferred to Wairau Hospital and is in a stable condition.
The motorcycle's pillion passenger was also seriously injured and flown to hospital. Her condition is unknown.
A person from the car was taken to hospital by St John Ambulance with moderate injuries.
Rakaia Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Murray Smith said Mr McGlynn and his passenger were thrown from their south-bound motorcycle when it collided with a car also going south.
The pair came to rest about four metres away from the motorcycle, Mr Smith said.
When the brigade arrived the bike was badly damaged and "both [passengers] were coherent, but definitely had severe injuries", he said.
A source has revealed that Mr McGlynn demanded his gang patch back after emergency services cut his jacket off to relieve pressure on his injuries.
"He wouldn't leave without that patch," the source said.
A Leeston police spokesman said he could give no further details about the crash, because the officers involved were not available.
Nelson Marlborough District Health Board spokesman Katherine Rock said Mr McGlynn declined to talk to The Express.
The Lone Legion Motorcycle Club, is part of the A-Team, an alliance of several biker groups.
The motorcycle club has been based in Blenheim for almost 30 years and has had several encounters with the law.
Mr McGlynn has denied charges of unlawful assembly, threatening behaviour and unlawfully being in an enclosed yard after an incident in Stuart St on November 28.
Va. biker gang member sentenced to 5 years
By The Associated Press
Published: January 18, 2011
Published: January 18, 2011
RICHMOND -- A man who was instrumental in helping the Outlaws motorcycle gang establish a foothold in Virginia was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday. Mark Steven Fiel pleaded for leniency from his wheelchair after his lawyer argued that lengthy sentence could mean the ailing 59-year-old, known by his biker cronies as "Snuff," might die in prison.
"I'm imploring the court not to give him the maximum, because it means he may not ever see the light of day," Fiel's attorney, John Flannery II, told U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Flannery said Fiel has many health problems, including emphysema, diabetes, chronic pain from a work injury and, most recently, kidney stones that put him in the wheelchair. Fiel also asked for a sentence at or below the low end of the guideline range of 51 to 63 months, telling Hudson he had begun to turn his life around because of the positive influence of his girlfriend before he was arrested last summer in a sweeping federal investigation of the Outlaws.
"I know I screwed up," Fiel said. "But if you can show enough mercy to make it just a few years, I promise you'll never see me again. Stick a fork in me, I'm finished."
Hudson, however, noted that Fiel spent 12 years in prison for crimes committed as part of another motorcycle gang, then joined the Outlaws shortly after his release and helped start the gang's chapter in northern Virginia.
"It's unfortunate you didn't have this change of life earlier in life," Hudson said.
He said Fiel joined the Outlaws "almost in defiance" of court orders not to affiliate with another violent motorcycle gang. "You went into this with your eyes wide open," Hudson said.
Fiel is among 27 biker gang members indicted in June on racketeering and other charges. More than half entered guilty pleas. Five others, including national Outlaws president Jack Rosga, were convicted and three acquitted in jury trials.
One of the men charged was killed in a gun battle with federal agents trying to arrest him in Maine.
"I'm imploring the court not to give him the maximum, because it means he may not ever see the light of day," Fiel's attorney, John Flannery II, told U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson.
Flannery said Fiel has many health problems, including emphysema, diabetes, chronic pain from a work injury and, most recently, kidney stones that put him in the wheelchair. Fiel also asked for a sentence at or below the low end of the guideline range of 51 to 63 months, telling Hudson he had begun to turn his life around because of the positive influence of his girlfriend before he was arrested last summer in a sweeping federal investigation of the Outlaws.
"I know I screwed up," Fiel said. "But if you can show enough mercy to make it just a few years, I promise you'll never see me again. Stick a fork in me, I'm finished."
Hudson, however, noted that Fiel spent 12 years in prison for crimes committed as part of another motorcycle gang, then joined the Outlaws shortly after his release and helped start the gang's chapter in northern Virginia.
"It's unfortunate you didn't have this change of life earlier in life," Hudson said.
He said Fiel joined the Outlaws "almost in defiance" of court orders not to affiliate with another violent motorcycle gang. "You went into this with your eyes wide open," Hudson said.
Fiel is among 27 biker gang members indicted in June on racketeering and other charges. More than half entered guilty pleas. Five others, including national Outlaws president Jack Rosga, were convicted and three acquitted in jury trials.
One of the men charged was killed in a gun battle with federal agents trying to arrest him in Maine.
February 28, 2011
*** In Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany a Hells Angels member has been sentenced to nine years in prison for killing a police officer who was executing a search warrant in connection with an investigation into the motorcycle club's suspected role in the Westerwald red light district.
*** Police fear biker war in NSW, Australia following mass defections from Bandidos to Hells Angels: "It is understood Bandidos were paid to defect and all were granted full membership, which usually takes at least a year. Some got Harley-Davidson motorbikes as a reward."
*** Two Hells Angels members from Manitoba, Canada chapter sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to participation in a criminal organization: the two admitted "overseeing the Zig Zag Crew -- the so-called 'farm team' of the Hells Angels -- and recruiting new members to commit criminal activity."
*** Phoenix, AZ chapter of Hells Angels provides local tv station with access to funeral services for member in public relations move.
*** A conservative British politician is outed as an alleged member of the Outlaws.
*** Warlocks member convicted of murder in shooting death of man who ran over motorcycles in Orange County, FL.
*** Former national vice president for the Pagans gets nearly five years in prison following racketeering conviction in Charleston, WV.
*** Police fear biker war in NSW, Australia following mass defections from Bandidos to Hells Angels: "It is understood Bandidos were paid to defect and all were granted full membership, which usually takes at least a year. Some got Harley-Davidson motorbikes as a reward."
*** Two Hells Angels members from Manitoba, Canada chapter sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to participation in a criminal organization: the two admitted "overseeing the Zig Zag Crew -- the so-called 'farm team' of the Hells Angels -- and recruiting new members to commit criminal activity."
*** Phoenix, AZ chapter of Hells Angels provides local tv station with access to funeral services for member in public relations move.
*** A conservative British politician is outed as an alleged member of the Outlaws.
*** Warlocks member convicted of murder in shooting death of man who ran over motorcycles in Orange County, FL.
*** Former national vice president for the Pagans gets nearly five years in prison following racketeering conviction in Charleston, WV.
February 8, 2011
The four motorcycle gangs most active in Norway – Hells Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws and Coffin Cheaters – are growing and represent a “serious social problem” in the country through organized crime, claims a new police report.Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) reported this week that the internationally infamous so-called “clubs” have seen their membership double in the last few years, and are now believed to claim around 256 members and associates nationwide. Gang members are alleged to have been involved in violence, the handling of stolen goods, drug trafficking and other serious economic and violent crimes.
Beyond motorcycle enthusiasts, the gangs are believed to be recruiting more and more young criminals into so-called ”support groups” that are concerned only with the illegal affairs of the clubs. The clubs are believed to impose strict loyalty on their members, who reportedly follow set honour codes within a clearly delineated hierarchy.
The Hells Angels, estimated to be the biggest and most stable of all the gangs, established themselves in Norway in 1982, and now have chapters in Trondheim, Oslo, Stavanger, Hamar, Skien, Tromsø and Drammen, in addition to a prospective club in Bergen looking to achieve recognized status.
“When we look at the growth in the groups, this represents little by little a serious social problem,” police inspector Atle Roll-Mathiesen told NRK. The police are asking for further powers and resources to tackle expansion of the motorcycle gangs.
ORLANDO --
A member of a biker gang will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of murder.
James Bedsole, 40, was found guilty Friday of killing Chad Brickey in 2009.
Bedsole shot Brickey after prosecutors say Brickey ran his truck over a bike outside a bar in Lockhart.
At the time, Bedsole was watching the bikes as part of his initiation into the Warlocks motorcycle club.
The life sentence was mandatory based on the crime.
Last Updated: January 24. 2011 1:02PM
Ex-Highwaymen Motorcycle Club vice president sentenced
Robert Snell / The Detroit News January 24. 2011
Detroit— A former vice president of the Detroit Highwaymen Motorcycle Club was sentenced to 37 years in prison today. Aref "Steve" Nagi showed no emotion as U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds issued the sentence to the lead defendant in one of the largest indictments ever brought in the Eastern District of Michigan.Edmunds said she was deeply disturbed by the motorcycle club's actions and influence over southwest Detroit, where the club operates out of a building along Michigan Avenue. She cited drug dealing by members, property thefts, arsons, attempted murders and physical attacks.
"It's not an exaggeration to say that the organization terrorized that part of the city," Edmunds said. "I don't think you can live in southwest Detroit without being traumatized by the actions of the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club.
A South Side man charged with fatally shooting two people and wounding five others at a motorcycle club was ordered held without bail today.
Ervin tried to escape through a back door of the South Side club but was unable to open it and instead fled through the front door, Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini said in court.
Martin, 53, of Sandusky, is on trial for the June 7, 2010, strangulation death of 25-year-old Gibson, whose body was discovered in Groton Township near a pond by some fishermen.
Erie County Prosecutor Kevin Baxter questioned Kotsopoulos about the investigation that led deputies to arrest Martin.
Baxter said when police got a warrant to search the home of Martin’s girlfriend on July 12, they found a letter from Martin stating he knows she has a lot of questions and he was going to answer them.
Kotsopoulos testified about the letter yesterday, Baxter said. In the letter, police learned Martin admitted to picking up Gibson and taking her to his Sandusky house to pick up possessions stored there and help her move, Baxter said last night.
“Martin wrote while she was putting her stuff in his truck he went to take a bath for about 45 minutes. After his bath he went outside to check on Gibson and saw her dead body and a truck pulling away,” Baxter said.
“Martin also wrote he recognized the man driving the truck, who is one of the Outlaws and they were trying to kill him and killed Gibson instead,” according to Baxter. “Martin said he panicked and then disposed of her body. The next day June 8, Martin and his girlfriend went out to party with the Outlaws,” Martin wrote in the letter.
New biker gang moving in
Last Updated: January 8, 2011 8:00pm
There’s a new biker gang in town, the Vagos — and it’s growing fast.And so is the threat of a deadly war with its traditional rivals the Hells Angels, law enforcement sources say. “They’re at war with the Hells Angels in California” and any other place where each have chapters, share the same territory, Ontario Biker Enforcement Unit Det.-Sgt. Len Isnor says.
“If they spread into Canada, the Ontario Hells Angels will do whatever it takes to support their brothers in California,” he says. “So there could be violence.”
A state of animosity between the Vagos and Hells has existed since the 1960s — mostly over turf and drugs but sometimes it’s because they simply hate each other. “I think it comes into the machismo thing. I think it’s as simple as that in a lot of cases,” says a source with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
The most recent violent spat between the Vagos and Hells Angels was in Chino Valley, Ariz., last July when members exchanged about 50 rounds in a street gun battle.The U.S. Department of Justice alleges in a fact sheet the Vagos have been implicated in assault, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering, murder, vehicle theft, witness intimidation and weapons violations.”
Vagos members in Canada, known as the Nomads chapter, are so far only wearing soft patches, such as T-shirts and hoods with gang insignia, but it’s expected members soon will be officially patched — wearing the traditional vest with the logo on the back.The California-based 1% biker gang known as Green Machine or Green Nation absorbed nine Toronto-area Rock Machine members, including its founder, in November. (The term “1%” refers to biker gangs who live beyond the law and shun society’s rules.)
The Ontario members of the Rock Machine — a gang reborn three years ago with some surviving members of the now defunct Bandidos — were ousted in a nationwide vote among members on Nov. 23. The members were kicked out in “bad standing,” including the founder of the reborn Rock Machine and then-national president, Sean “Dog” Brown. The explanations for the vote vary, but sources say those who remain with the Rock Machine wanted to expand faster than Brown did.
The Rock Machine spread from the GTA to include Winnipeg, Alberta, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and a Montreal chapter. They are also in Australia, the U.S., and Indonesia.
Brown took pains not to provoke the Hells, and wanted to stay out of Quebec, concerned it could rekindle old animosities.
The original Rock Machine and the Quebec Hells were locked in a deadly drug-fuelled feud in the 1990s that left about 160 bodies on the streets. In 2008, Brown relaunched the Rock Machine, using the same eagle-head logo but different colours.He took pains to publicly declare the group is no threat to any other gang, particularly the Hells Angels, and was reportedly staying clear of drugs and Quebec.
Brown envisioned a return to the “glory days” of the 1940s and 1950s before the focus turned to drugs and money.During the three years he ran the Rock Machine, they generally stayed out of trouble, both with the law and Hells. But when a Rock Machine chapter recently formed in Montreal, it was an early sign Brown was losing control. And since the Nov. 23 ouster of the Ontario members, a Rock Machine member in Edmonton was murdered.
Andrew Block, also known as Rock or Blaklistid, was found shot to death in mid-December and the slaying appears to be biker-related. Contacted by the Sun, Brown refuses to comment about the ouster from the Rock Machine or the arrival of the Vagos. “I have no comment on this matter,” Dog says.
However, piecing together Internet chatter on both the Rock Machine and Vagos websites, it appears Ontario’s Rock Machine members were considering jumping ship as early as last summer.
“Happy holidays to all my brothers around the world from all of us in the Green Nation Canada,” Brown wrote Dec. 23, using his nickname.
“It was many long months in the making my brothers and all our love goes out to the Vagos brothers who helped make this happen.”
“Canada’s finally gone Green! Live Vagos, Die Vagos,” Brown posted.
Other posts suggest American Rock Machine members also patched over in the summer.
Brown was successful at expanding the Rock Machine, so it’s not surprising the Vagos want him on board. And it seems his building skills have already had an impact.
It’s believed the Vagos’ first Canadian chapter has already swelled from the nine bikers who joined with him to about 25, including members and prospects. Originally called the Psychos and the Los Vagos, the Vagos were formed in the mid-1960s, incorporating an image of Loki, the Norse god of mischief, in its patch.Add to Technorati Favorites
No comments:
Post a Comment