Author: terry.katz

Hit man who killed Hells Angels associate early in biker war has parole revoked
In 1994, Patrick Call killed a drug dealer in Repentigny who agreed to be supplied with drugs from the Hells Angels.
Author of the article: Paul Cherry • Montreal Gazette Published Mar 13, 2024

A hit man who killed an associate of the Hells Angels early on in Quebec’s biker gang war has seen his parole revoked because he went on the lam to avoid a urine test.

The Parole Board of Canada decided to revoke Patrick Call’s parole this week after learning he decided to go into hiding last summer to avoid having to take the test that would have revealed he had resumed using cocaine, a repeated breach of the conditions imposed on him when he was granted the release years ago.

Call, 57, was scheduled to have a parole hearing on Monday, but he cancelled it at the last minute. The decision was made without his input.

According to a written summary of the decision, Call received help from other criminals after he went into hiding on July 25. He later hid in camping grounds with no running water or electricity and ended up living on the streets.

“Following an offer to be placed in a shelter, you went, but when you arrived you realized you were tired of hiding, needing security, shelter and food. It was only then that you decided to go to the police,” the parole board wrote.

His parole was suspended in December and he was returned to a federal penitentiary. On Monday, the board revoked his release.

“Considering the circumstances leading to this suspension of your release, your case-management team concludes that you represent a high risk of evading the obligations attached to your monitoring.”

n Oct. 19, 1994, Call hid while he waited outside the home in Repentigny where his former friend Maurice Lavoie lived. When Lavoie, 32, arrived in his car with his 22-year-old girlfriend in the passenger seat, Call fired several shots from a pistol into the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Lavoie, who had been struck in the head, died immediately. His girlfriend, injured by three bullets, managed to exit the car and sought help at a neighbour’s home.

Lavoie’s girlfriend recognized Call because he had hung out with Lavoie the previous summer.
Police already suspected Call of being a hit man for the Pelletier Clan, one of a few organized crime groups that resented how, earlier in 1994, the Hells Angels began claiming to have a monopoly on drug-trafficking turf in and around Montreal. Call was arrested within hours and police found ammunition inside his home that matched shell casings recovered near Lavoie’s car.

In what appeared to be the Hells Angels’ reply to Lavoie’s death, Sylvain Pelletier, 32, the leader of the Pelletier Clan, was killed nine days after a bomb planted underneath his Jeep Cherokee went off outside his home, also in Repentigny.

A few people who were involved in the conflict and later became informants said Pelletier’s death was the first clear sign that what came to be known as Quebec’s biker gang war had begun. The conflict stretched from 1994 to 2002 and more than 160 people were killed. The informants also said Lavoie had chosen to side with the Hells Angels when he agreed to buy drugs from them instead of the Pelletier Clan.

Call was first convicted of first-degree murder on May 24, 1996 and automatically received a life sentence with his parole eligibility set at 25 years. He appealed the conviction, underwent a second trial and was convicted on Feb. 15, 2001 of second degree murder, which also carries an automatic life sentence. The difference was that his parole eligibility date was reduced by nine years, making him eligible for a full release in 2010 instead of 2019.

He was granted day parole in February 2016, but he has been a problem for Correctional Service Canada ever since. He breached his conditions nine times by consuming drugs and alcohol. This included how, five days after he was granted full parole in March 2017, he combined three glasses of rum with four opioid pills designed to treat severe pain and sleeping pills. He became unconscious and almost died.
pcherry@postmedia.com

Double killer Wen Hui Cui caught in Hells Angels drug smuggling plot committed suicide in prison – coroner

By Jared Savage NZ Herals (New Zealand) March 11, 2024
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/killer-wenhui-cui-caught-in-400kg-drug-plot-with-hells-angels-committed-suicide-in-prison/O3D3WPBOWFAPDMAS2HRHZLXT6M/

A double murderer fooled by an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent was allegedly conspiring with the Hells Angels to smuggle 400kg of cocaine into New Zealand. He later committed suicide in his prison cell.
Wen Hui Cui, 40, was sentenced to serve at least 19 years in prison after stabbing his ex-girlfriend and one of her friends to death on Auckland’s North Shore in 2003.

The Chinese national was found in a pool of blood at Auckland South Corrections Facility in June 2021, where he was a low-security inmate, and died at Middlemore Hospital soon after.

The death was confirmed as a suicide by Coroner Tracey Fitzgibbon, who said Cui had been experiencing insomnia and anxiety for several months prior in her ruling released this morning.

Cui was an inmate in a residential unit at the private prison, run by Serco, and was scheduled to appear before the Parole Board for the first time in 2022.

During the course of his long imprisonment, Cui had minimal engagement with health staff, but in the months leading up to his death had persistently asked for sleeping pills.

Police investigating his death found Cui’s journals, in which he discussed his past, his fears, his feelings, and how he wished to live with his family upon being released from prison.

There was no discussion in the journals of suicidal ideation.

Fitzgibbon said she considered Cui’s contact with health staff between April and May 2021, and was satisfied no further recommendations were necessary to prevent further deaths in similar circumstances.

“Although Wen Hui raised issues about anxiety and sleeping, there was never any disclosure of suicidal thoughts from Wen Hui, or behaviour which suggested he was mentally unwell,” Fitzgibbon wrote.

“Of significance; on May 26, 2021, he told a nurse he was feeling better and no longer needed any mental health support…Wen Hui denied thoughts of self-harm and said he knew how to contact mental health [services] if needed.
“After this date, there is no further record of Wen Hui seeking help or behaving in a way that would suggest he was unwell.”

However, there was no mention in the evidence before the coroner of Cui’s role in an undercover DEA sting shortly before his death, which could have led to his extradition to the United States to face drug charges with three other New Zealand criminals.

Aucklander Miles John McKelvy, a convicted fraudster and drug importer, was arrested in Auckland in November 2020 for his alleged role in the drug conspiracy.

US authorities want McKelvy to stand trial in Texas alongside two other New Zealanders, Murray Michael Matthews and Marc Patrick Johnson, who were arrested by Romanian police along with the president of the Bucharest chapter of the Hells Angels.

The trio were caught in a sting operation in dramatic footage captured on a drone-mounted thermal image camera, in a raid orchestrated by the DEA in the United States.

Matthews is a patched member of the Auckland chapter of the Hells Angels, while Johnson is a trained chemist with a long history in the drug world as one of the first meth cooks in the country.

Both men are now fugitives after being released on bail by the Romanian courts, the Herald revealed last year.
While their whereabouts is unknown, their alleged co-conspirator McKelvy continues to fight the extradition order granted in the Auckland District Court last year.

The ruling of Judge Peter Winter to send McKelvy to the United States contains new details of the extraordinary DEA operation, including how Wen Hui Cui set the whole chain of events in motion.

Using a smartphone smuggled into prison, Cui started communicating in May 2020 with someone he believed to be a large-scale drug trafficker based in the United States.

The pair contacted each other through Wickr, an encrypted app favoured by the criminal fraternity because law enforcement cannot intercept the communications.

However, the purported drug supplier was in fact an undercover DEA agent.

Cui told the undercover agent he was interested in purchasing a large quantity of cocaine for shipment to New Zealand to supply the Hells Angels motorcycle club.

The double murderer then introduced his business partner, Murray Matthews, and the trio continued to negotiate by Wickr.

As a result of those discussions, $50,000 was transferred into a US bank account – controlled by the DEA – as a deposit for the purported 400kg of cocaine.

Matthews travelled to Bucharest in July 2020 to meet the DEA agent, where they were joined by Marc Johnson. He was introduced as the financier of the planned transaction, and the plans for the drug shipment were made.

The drugs were supposed to be shipped from Peru to Texas, where the cocaine would be repackaged, concealed inside machinery and freighted to Romania, then New Zealand.

Three more payments totalling more than $1 million were deposited into the secret DEA bank account.
Then on September 16, 2020, Matthews gave the undercover agent the contact details of someone who would allegedly receive the cocaine shipment on behalf of the Hells Angels.

This “broker” was Miles McKelvy, who allegedly communicated with the undercover agent about delivering the cocaine shipment to New Zealand.

As part of the DEA sting, the undercover agent told Cui the bank funds deposited as payment for the cocaine shipment had been frozen and another meeting in Romania was necessary.

Soon after the meeting, Murray Matthews and Marc Johnson were locked up in Romania in November 2020, and McKelvy was arrested in Auckland for extradition.

The 65-year-old has been charged in the United States with conspiracy to manufacture, import and export cocaine.
Late last year, Justice Christine Gordon rejected McKelvy’s appeal in the High Court and the case is now destined for the Court of Appeal.

Whether he is ultimately likely to be guilty of the US charge does not determine the extradition claims.

Felon arraigned for fatal shooting outside Pontiac motorcycle club
AILEEN WINGBLAD | awingblad@medianewsgroup.com | The Oakland Press in Michigan March 11, 2024

Felon arraigned for fatal shooting outside Pontiac motorcycle club

A Pontiac felon has been charged with second-degree murder in last week’s fatal shooting of a man outside a Pontiac motorcycle club.

Malcolm Robert Boykin, 55, was arraigned Saturday in 50th District Court and denied bond in connection with the death of Charlie Isacc Odneal, 42, of Pontiac. Odneal died at an area hospital after being shot outside the Night Riders Motorcycle Club on Raeburn and Sanford streets on March 5, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
An argument between the two men, who were acquaintances, led to the shooting, the sheriff’s office said. Boykin was arrested March 6 at a nearby motel.

Along with the second-degree murder charge, Boykin is charged with assault with intent to murder, felon in possession of a firearm carrying a concealed weapon and multiple counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

“Once again, an argument escalated into a senseless homicide,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated in a news release. “I appreciate the great work of our team to quickly identify the suspect and further, to locate and arrest him.”

Boykin’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 19 for a probable cause conference.

Bandidos gang member pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession
Juan Corral, Alamogordo Daily News New Mexico February 29, 2024·

Jonathan Bivins, an Alamogordo man and Bandidos Motorcycle Club member faces up to 15-years in prison for possession of firearms and ammunitions he was prohibited from having

Bivins, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition in federal court according to a Feb. 27 news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Bivins was indicted on Dec. 6, 2023 in front of a federal grand jury. On Aug. 31, 2023 the FBI and New Mexico State Police executed a federal search warrant on the Bandidos Motorcycle Club at a home in Alamogordo.

Law enforcement did not disclose if anyone else was present at the time of the search or what other evidence was found.

Bivins has felony drug offenses dating back to 2005, all of which he pleaded guilty to.

According to court documents, in 2005 he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. In 2008, Bivins was charged with possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon and negligent use of a deadly weapon under the influence.

Bivins will remain in custody until his sentencing which has not been scheduled.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and New Mexico State Police led the investigation as part of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Spindle and David B. Hirsch are prosecuting.

Hells Angels left rival biker fighting for life after ‘revenge’ attack

Sam CorbishleyMetro.com United Kingdom March 5, 2024

Hells Angels left rival biker fighting for life after ‘revenge’ attack

A mob of Hells Angels members left a rival biker fighting for his life following a shocking revenge attack in a quiet seaside town.
Three were jailed after they admitted ambushing a group of Vikings on the A24 in Findon, West Sussex, after lying in wait for them on October 8, 2022.

They were out to avenge an earlier incident in which several Vikings snatched prospective Hells Angels’ members sacred leather jackets at a services in Surrey.

Diners at a restaurant by the motorway looked on in horror as one Viking, Jack Worsfold, was stabbed by Hells Angel Callum Shaw, 27, then set upon by two others.

Barry Brown, 41, admitted stamping on Worsfold, while Daniel Kent, 28, admitted hitting him with a baton while he curled up for cover in the road.

Worsfold suffered multiple rib fractures, a collapsed lung and lost a significant amount of blood.
Lewes Crown Court heard paramedics who raced to the scene were concerned for his life.
Prosecutor Amy Packham said: ‘He was lucky.’

The incident stemmed from a spat at a motorway services in Slough, where the prospective Hells Angel members had their jackets taken.

Incensed by the perceived disrespect, more than a dozen Hells Angels rode down to Portsmouth to seek revenge.
They initially found an empty Vikings clubhouse, which they trashed, before moving on to a pub in Worthing where their rivals were having a meeting.

‘There was no effort to confront them at that point,’ Ms Packham told the court.
‘When the meeting broke up, a group of Vikings on motorcycles were followed by the three Hells Angels vehicles which culminated in the incident on the A24.

‘The crown say this was a surprise attack on a group of six Vikings on motorcycles. Three of them managed to drive off. Three did not. They were all attacked.’

Diners watching the chaos unfold from their tables called 999.

Ms Packham said of the ensuing attack, which was caught on CCTV: ‘Shaw jumps out of the van. Th Viking runs across the road, chased by Shaw. He was stabbed a number of times.’

Brown and Kent then joined in the attack, she added.

None of the Vikings or Hells Angels cooperated with police and none gave statements.

Shaw, from Watford, Hertfordshire, admitted GBH, burglary, violent disorder and possession of a knife and was handed an extended 17-year sentence.

Brown, of Calow, Derbyshire, was jailed for three years for ABH and violent disorder.

Kent, of Bushey, Hertfordshire, was jailed for three years for ABH, violent disorder and another 12 months to be served consecutively for burglary at the Vikings clubhouse in Portsmouth.

Judge Jeremy Gold KC said all three men knew exactly what they were doing and went into it with their eyes wide open.

‘This started as a minor dispute,’ he told them.

‘Two prospective members of the Hells Angels were disrespected by Vikings members.

‘This was a revenge assault by Hells Angels. A decision was taken to wreak revenge.

‘Breaking into their HQ in Portsmouth was not regarded as being sufficient retribution. You located them and followed a small group.
‘They were attacked by a larger group of which you were members.’

All three were members of the Windsor chapter of the Hells Angels. They were sentenced on Monday and Friday last week.

Police believe at least a dozen members were involved in the attack.

Cape Coral motorcycle gang member arrested following police chase in Florida Keys

Officials say O.M.G.s are highly structured criminal organizations whose members engage in criminal activities such as violent crime, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Bridgette Seale NBC 2 Fort Myers, Florida March 6, 2024

https://www.nbc-2.com/article/cape-coral-motorcycle-gang-member-arrested-following-police-chase-in-florida-keys/60116967

BIG PINE KEY, Fla. —
A Cape Coral man who is a member of the Pagan motorcycle gang was arrested after fleeing from police.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Theodore Standish is a member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (O.M.G.) known as the Pagans.

Officials say O.M.G.s are highly structured criminal organizations whose members engage in criminal activities such as violent crime, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking.

The report states Standish was attending a biker party on Big Pine Key on February 10 when police say he was riding on a motorcycle with handlebars 8 inches above his shoulders, which is illegal.

This statute says, “No person shall operate any motorcycle with handlebars or hand grips that are higher than the top of the shoulders of the person operating the motorcycle while properly seated upon the motorcycle.”

A deputy from Monroe County attempted to pull over Standish into a nearby parking lot; however, Standish fled.
The deputies attempted to follow him, one on a motorcycle and one in a patrol car. They lost sight of him after he turned onto Quail Roost Trail on Big Pine Key.

Detectives spotted Standish’s motorcycle hiding behind a red RAM truck on a deputy’s dash camera.
Later, the motorcycle was found in the same location with a bent license plate to avoid being identified.
Upon further investigation, several videos from different Big Pine Key locations were found, clearly showing Standish riding the motorcycle. Detectives then reached out to Cape Coral Police, who confirmed that they had responded to Standish’s residence back in November. The video footage from that encounter showed a red Dodge RAM Truck – the same one Standish was hiding behind on Big Pine – backed into the driveway of the Cape Coral house. In the video, Standish spoke with officers and identified himself.

Standish has been arrested in Lee County with an arrest warrant issued against him. It was found he doesn’t have a driver’s license in Florida and his Connecticut license has been suspended.

As a result, Theodore Standish has been charged with Reckless Driving, Failing to Obey a law enforcement officer, fleeing, and eluding police. He is expected to be held on a bond of $75,000 until he is extradited to Monroe County.

A&E Greenlights ‘Secrets Of The Hells Angels’ & ‘Houses Of Horror: Secrets Of College Greek Life’ Docuseries; Premiere Dates Set
https://deadline.com/2024/03/ae-orders-hells-angels-college-greek-life-docuseries-1235846612/
By Denise Petski Senior Managing Editor Deadline.com March 6, 2024

A&E is expanding its “Secrets Of” franchise with two new docuseries — Secrets of the Hells Angels and Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life.

Both series examine the organizations’ control and power over their members with an in-depth look into secretive worlds through those closest to them.

The eight-episode Secrets of The Hells Angels goes deep into the world of the most secretive and notorious biker club with access to former chapter presidents, undercover agents who risked their lives to infiltrate the group and others who witnessed the criminal activities firsthand speak out for the first time, per A&E. It’s set to premiere Sunday, April 14 at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E.

Secrets of the Hells Angels is produced by Arrow Media for A&E Network. Stuart Pender serves as an executive producer for Arrow Media.

Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life looks at the world of campus Greek life through first-person accounts that expose how extreme hazing, sexual assault, drug use, and systemic racism are able to persist when these groups are built on exclusivity, secrecy and power. It’s slated to premiere Monday, May 27 at 10 PM ET/PT.
Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life is produced by The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television, for A&E Network. Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman and Matt Shanfield serve as executive producers for IPC along with executive producer and showrunner, Mark Anstendig, and Dahlia Damaghi as co-executive producer. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E Network. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights.

See more detailed series descriptions provided by A&E below:

Secrets of the Hells Angels

Under former leader Sonny Barger, the Hells Angels “brotherhood” expanded across the United States. With continued accusations of criminal activity, the biker club became known as a serious threat and not to be crossed. “Secrets of the Hells Angels” examines the history of the group of outlaws to uncover the organization’s darkest secrets. With access to 5 former chapter presidents including Charles “PeeWee” Goldsmith, Thomas Eriksen, Pat Matter, Matt Zanoskar and George Christie alongside exclusive interviews with law enforcement officers, undercover agents, victims and more, it is revealed that the Hells Angels were a much more violent, devious, and highly organized group than anyone realized.

Each one-hour episode explores extraordinary stories such as the transformation of the Cleveland Hells Angels division from motorcycle club to murder club, an assassination plot to kill Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger as well as tales of drugs, violent attacks, and rival biker wars. The series also features Sonny’s ex-wife, Noel Barger, who speaks for the first time about Sonny’s motives and reveals the secret truth that destroyed their relationship. The in-depth, never-before heard interviews, rare archival footage and exclusive content expose the club’s most guarded secrets and ultimately, the cost of being an Angel.

Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life

“Houses of Horror: Secrets of College Greek Life”exposes the dark side of Greek Row and its impact on some of the young men and women who participate. Each one-hour episode features first-hand accounts of how the power, control, and secrecy of fraternities and sororities can create a cult-like dynamic leading to an environment where nefarious activity—from drug use to sexual assault–is able to thrive. Through exclusive sit-down interviews with those involved including former fraternity and sorority members, family, law enforcement and experts, the series details how these organizations that seemingly offer acceptance and community for young people have far-reaching consequences that can turn dangerous, and even deadly.

Over the course of six episodes, the series details a variety of first-hand accounts of the dark side of fraternity and sorority life at universities across the country. From a pledge at the University of Missouri hazed into drinking excessive quantities of alcohol that left him close to death, and a junior at the University of Minnesota who fought back against the Greek system after she was brutally raped by a fraternity brother, to a shocking set of overdose deaths at San Diego State University, and the infamous Machine, steeped in racist traditions of the Old South, at the University of Alabama, the series offers a far-reaching examination of how the seemingly fun and frivolous world of Greek life could hide a much darker underbelly.

Drexel Hill man arrested in Pagans-related shooting at the Ridley Township Wawa
Delco Daily Times March 6, 2024

Drexel Hill man arrested in Pagans-related shooting at the Ridley Township Wawa

A Drexel Hill man has turned himself in in Sunday’s shooting at the Ridley Wawa on Chester Pike involving members of the Pagans motorcycle club.

Ridley Township police Capt. James Dougherty confirmed that Joseph Krider, 47, is the suspected shooter and initial aggressor.

He was charged with criminal attempted murder as well as multiple counts of aggravated assault, possession of weapon, reckless endangerment and simple assault.

Krider was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge W. Keith Williams II with bail set at $75,000 straight, which Krider was unable to post, so he was remanded to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, which is the Delaware County prison. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 18.

Police were called to the convenience store at 3:23 p.m. for the report of a fight in progress, with one subject was reported to have a handgun, and the call was quickly upgraded to a shooting.
On scene, police found blood near a parked motorcycle, but no victim.

The police then received a report of a gunshot victim receiving treatment at Taylor Hospital. That adult male had suffered a lower leg wound that was a non-life-threatening injury, and he was uncooperative and would not provide any information to investigating officers.

Police investigation revealed that the shooting victim was one of four adult males who participated in a group assault of another adult male in the Wawa lot.

Police previously said all parties left the scene following the shooting and subsequent investigation found they all know one another and are either current or former members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club.
Dougherty said Wednesday that additional individuals are likely to be charged.

Pagan’s Motorcycle Club involved in shooting at Wawa in Delaware County: Police
ByLeland Pinder 6 abc Phildelpha, PA March 5, 2024

https://6abc.com/ridley-township-pa-shooting-wawa-pagans-motorcycle-club-delaware-county/14493944/

RIDLEY TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Police are investigating a shooting involving the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club at a Wawa in Ridley Park.

Officers were called to the scene on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for a fight in progress on Chester Pike near Acres Drive.
According to police, everyone involved knew each other and were either current or former members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club.

Olivia Orlandini works nearby.
“It’s concerning, especially because it happened in broad daylight,” she said.
When officers arrived at the Wawa’s back parking lot, no one was there, but officers observed blood droplets next to a parked motorcycle.

“For it to be happening right behind this gas station, that’s really endangering to the whole community,” said Kelvin Thomas Jr., of Chester, as he pumped gas Tuesday afternoon.

Officers were later advised a gunshot victim was being treated at Taylor Hospital. The man had been shot in the leg. Officers responded and interviewed the man but he was uncooperative and would not provide any information.
According to the Ridley Township Police Department, eight people in total were involved in the incident.

The shooting victim was one of four adult males who participated in a group assault of another man in the Wawa parking lot.
Police say, according to witnesses and video, three other individuals who had been talking with the man under assault began to punch and kick the initial aggressor. Police say the initial aggressor pulled out a gun and shot a man in the leg. Everyone involved then fled the scene.

Police have not yet publicly identified those involved but said all parties have been identified and charges are pending.

On Tuesday, police also said just one of the people involved is from the area.
It is still under investigation why the two groups were fighting.

It’s not the first time the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club has drawn attention in this area.

Most recently in 2020, organizers of “Roar to the Shore” had permits denied in Wildwood, New Jersey after the Pagans held their national convention during the event the year before. At the time, the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation had recently issued a report detailing a string of violent incidents, allegedly connected to the Pagans.

“That’s just raw violence and that’s just utter, complete and utter disdain for law and order is what’s troubling,” said NJSCI Executive Director Chadd Lackey at the time.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information about what happened is asked to call the Ridley Township Police Department.

FIGHT LEADS TO ARREST OF BIKERS
By Citizen Staff March 3, 2024
https://www.keysnews.com/news/fight-leads-to-arrest-of-bikers/article_02a68ee2-d99e-11ee-9ff3-47385ef29092.html

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested four members of two reportedly rival motorcycle gangs after an altercation at a Big Pine Key restaurant on Saturday.
Three members of the Pagan motorcycle gang and one member of the Outlaws were booked into jail after the altercation, which took place at the Boardwalk Grill at 12:30 p.m., according to Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin
Deputies and detectives who responded said the Outlaw gang member Jeffery Jones, 49 of Key West, was in the bar wearing a T-shirt that clearly showed his affiliation, Herrin said. Three Pagan members, wearing gang clothing showing their affiliation with the rival club, showed up shortly after.

Derek Queen, 41 of Key West, stayed outside while Anthony Eliopulos, 55 of Ramrod Key, and David Mirth, 60 of Big Pine Key, walked in, reportedly confronted Jones and forcibly walked him outside, where a surveillance video showed them holding him against his will, Herrin said. They removed Jones’ Outlaw T-shirt and then pinned him between two vehicles. That is when deputies arrived on the scene, according to Herrin.

Queen had left the scene. All three men were detained for questioning, the two suspects in handcuffs. None of the men were cooperative with the investigation., Herrin said. Jones attempted to leave numerous times and was repeatedly warned to stay on the scene until deputies could complete their investigation. He continued to resist deputies’ efforts and, after 11 warnings, when he tried to walk away again, he was also handcuffed. Queen was also detained after he was later spotted driving by the scene. All three men were transported to jail, initially charged with resisting arrest and obstructing a criminal investigation, according to Herrin.

Detectives arrived and asked the manager of the bar for video surveillance of the incident to assist in their investigation. Management refused to release the video. With the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a federal subpoena was obtained and the video was released, Herrin said.

Both of these motorcycle gangs are defined by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs).

“OMGs are organizations whose members use their motorcycle clubs as conduits for criminal enterprises. OMGs are highly structured criminal organizations whose members engage in criminal activities such as violent crime, weapons trafficking, and drug trafficking,” Herrin wrote.

After viewing the video and interviewing the victim, Eliopulos, Mirth and Queen were all further charged with kidnapping / false imprisonment and battery.

“We will not tolerate such groups operating here in Monroe County,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “We will continue to make the investigation of gang-related crimes a priority and will not allow the members of such groups to interfere with the day-to-day lives of the peaceful and law-abiding citizens whom we serve.”

Maple Ridge member of Haney Hells Angels gets three years in jail
Courtney Lafreniere pled guilty to possession of proceeds of crime

Colleen Flanagan Maple Ridge News ( British Columbia, Canada) March 2, 2024
https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/maple-ridge-member-of-haney-hells-angels-gets-three-years-in-jail-7324799

A member of the Haney chapter of the Hells Angels will be behind bars for the next three years for the possession of the proceeds of crime..

Courtney Lafreniere, a 42-year-old from Maple Ridge, and a full-patch member of the criminal organization, was remanded in custody on Thursday, Feb. 29, after receiving a sentence for possessing proceeds of crime exceeding five thousand dollars, and knowing the proceeds were obtained by commission of an offence in Canada.

“CFSEU-BC, (Combined forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC), works collaboratively with our policing partners to target the illegal activity of organized crime groups like the Hell’s Angels, taking deadly drugs and firearms off our streets and holding those accountable that are preying on our most vulnerable,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny with CFSEU-BC.

The investigation into Lafreniere began as a drug investigation in early 2020, which led to seven men being charged by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) on Dec. 6, 2022, with several drug-related offences.

They were suspected of running an alleged large-scale, drug trafficking operation spanning the Lower Mainland and Okanagan.

The investigation by the special enforcement unit resulted in the seizure of firearms, various illegal drugs, and 25 criminal charges against individuals – including a full-patch member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Haney Chapter.

Lafreniere was charged with: trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, and trafficking a controlled substance.

“This investigation resulted in the seizure of potentially deadly drugs, firearms, and disruption of a sophisticated drug trafficking operation securing a number of significant criminal charges,” said assistant commissioner Manny Mann, Chief Officer for CFSEU-BC, at the time. “CFSEU-BC is committed to continuing our relentless pursuit of those who pose the greatest risk to public safety in our communities as we investigate some of the most complex and resource intensive offences in the province.”

On Sept. 27, 2023, Lafreniere was one of four guilty pleas from the investigation, pleading guilty to being in possession of proceeds of crime.

“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several communities,” Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, a CFSEU-BC spokesperson said following the guilty pleas.

“Illegal drugs, including Fentanyl, is an extremely dangerous drug that is proving to have widespread consequences in our province. This investigation is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of our investigators to hold those, who deal in drugs and are involved in criminal activity, to account and brought to justice.”

CFSEU-BC worked closely with several investigative bodies including: Vancouver Police Department, various RCMP support units, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team.