Category: Gangs in the news…

Bandidos motorcycle gang members indicted in deadly biker turf war in Houston area

|Published: Feb. 19, 2025, 3:01 p.m.
deadly-biker-gang-turf-war-in-houston-area.htmlBy
Samuel Gaytan | sgaytan@lonestarlive.com February 19, 2025
https://www.lonestarlive.com/news/2025/02/bandidos-mascareros-mc-members-indicted-in-

Current and former members of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang and the Mascareros Motorcycle Club have been indicted in a violent turf war in the Houston metropolitan area, federal officials said.

The 22-count indictment was announced at a news conference Wednesday in Houston, which is in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Texas.

The indictment comes after an operation targeting members of the transnational motorcycle gang, officials announced in a news release.
Federal officials said the suspects are charged for their alleged roles in a criminal enterprise that engaged in violent criminal activity in and around Houston.

The Mascareros MC is a support club of the Bandidos, federal officials said.

The indictment alleges that starting in 2019, a violent turf war erupted between the Bandidos and B*EAST, which authorities say is a rival outlaw motorcycle gang in the Houston area.

Officials allege that Bandidos national leadership issued a “smash on site” order for members to physically assault and even murder B*EAST members.

The charges allege that the turf war has led to exchanges of gunfire on public roads and in public establishments where innocent civilians were present.

The news release issued Wednesday states that several of the suspects are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo on Thursday.

A federal grand jury returned indictment Feb. 11 against 14 members and associates of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang. They are accused of crimes that include engaging in a conspiracy to commit racketeering activity and committing violent crimes in furtherance of the gang, such as murder, attempted murder and assault.

The indictment calls the Bandidos a self-identified “outlaw” motorcycle organization with a membership of about 1,500 to 2,000 in the United States and 1,000 to 1,500 more members internationally, including Europe and Mexico.

“Ensuring the safety of the public is SDTX’s paramount concern,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Nicholas J. Ganjei. “The indictment here not only alleges shocking crimes of violence, but also alleges that these offenses were committed openly and wantonly, where any innocent member of the public could have been hurt or killed.”

John M. Pfeffer, aka “Big John,” 32; Darvi Hinojosa, aka “10 Round,” 35; Bradley Rickenbacker, aka “Dolla Bill,” 37, all of Katy; Michael H. Dunphy, aka “Money Mike,” 57, of Cleveland; Christopher Sanchez, aka “Monster,” 40, of Tomball; and Brandon K. Hantz, aka “Loco” and “Gun Drop,” 33, of Crosby, are charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering activity.

Pfeffer, Dunphy, Hinojosa, Rickenbacker and Sanchez also are charged with multiple counts of assault in aid of racketeering. Pfeffer, Hinojosa, Rickenbacker and Sanchez also are charged with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, while Sanchez faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hantz also is charged with arson.

Pfeffer, Hinojosa, Rickenbacker and Sanchez each face up to life in prison if convicted, while Dunphy and Hantz each face up to 20 years on each of their counts if convicted, the news release said.

The indictment also charges David Vargas, aka “Brake Check” and “First Time,” 33, of Houston, with murder in aid of racketeering; using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and using, carrying, brandishing, discharging and possessing a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murders.

Officials said all the charges are tied to the killing of a rival and the shooting of two others.

Upon conviction, murder in aid of racketeering carries a mandatory life sentence or the death penalty.

Pfeffer and Rickenbacker also are charged with assault in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence along with Marky Baker, aka “Pinche Guero” and “Guero,” 40; Ronnie McCabe, aka “Meathead,” 56, and Jeremy Cox, aka “JD,” 37, all of Houston; Roy Gomez, aka “Repo,” 50, of Richmond; and Marcel Lett, 56, of Pearland.

Officials said these charges stem from an alleged assault and robbery that led to the death of a rival. If convicted, they face up to life in prison.

Hinojosa also is charged along with John Sblendorio, aka “Tech9,” 54, Houston, with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence in connection with the shooting of a rival gang member, the news release said. Hinojosa also is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Sblendorio and Hinojosa each face up to life in prison, if convicted.

Authorities said that Sean G. Christison, aka “Skinman,” 30, of Katy, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

“Today’s indictment is an important step in eliminating the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Bandidos declare war on rivals — and they wage that war on our streets. Criminal behavior like this has no place in America, and the Department of Justice is fully committed to bringing peace back to our communities.”

The FBI, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation with help from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston and Pasadena police departments, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the LaMarque and Katy police departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which targets violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Byron H. Black and Kelly Zenón-Matos of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case in partnership with Trial Attorneys Grace H. Bowen and Christopher Taylor of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division – Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

Two Members of Motorcycle Club Arrested as Shooting Investigation Continues

February 16, 2025 – Punta Gorda, FL

Two Members of Motorcycle Club Arrested as Shooting Investigation Continues

Two members of a motorcycle club were arrested as part of a road rage shooting investigation in Punta Gorda.

Around 6:30pm on Saturday, February 15, Charlotte County deputies were contacted by officers with the Punta Gorda Police Department regarding a road rage incident that included firearms being discharged near the Gilchrist (US41 Southbound) Bridge. For a short while, the bridge was closed as detectives investigated. Investigators found that multiple motorcycles were involved, and bikes matching the descriptions of those involved were located at the Shell Gas Station on Jones Loop Rd. in Punta Gorda.

Deputies arrived and detained the bikers, who were wearing vests and patches signifying that they belonged to the Phantoms Motorcycle Club, who are known to be “one percenters” – clubs that believe they are of the one percent who do not fall within the laws. As deputies began to search the members, they located marijuana and weapons concealed in the vests and vehicles to include firearms, brass knuckles, and a knife.

Two members of the motorcycle club were placed under arrest on various charges related to these findings. The shooting investigation remains open at this time, and further details will be provided as they are made available.

Chris Sisemore (05/14/1990)
Daniel Davis (02/26/1976)

“I am thankful that this reckless behavior did not result in anyone being hurt (or worse). Thank you to my deputies and detectives – and to our partners at the Punta Gorda Police Department – for a quick response that led to us apprehending these suspects. The original incident is still being investigated, and those who carelessly fired their guns and endangered others will be held accountable. When we are able, we will share that information with our community and give them the peace of mind they deserve.”
SHERIFF BILL PRUMMELL

Both Sisemore and Davis face charges of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia, with Davis also being charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Both suspects have bonded out from the Charlotte County Jail at the time of this release.

Additional charges may come as the investigation continues.

2 Phantoms MC Members Arrested on Weapons & Drug Charges After Florid

Outlaw Biker Implicated in Attack With Explosive at Fort Walton Beach Jimmy Johns

Christopher Saul://midbaynews February 16, 2025
https://midbaynews.com/post/outlaw-biker-implicated-in-attack-with-explosive-at-fort-walton-beach-jimmy-johns

In Brief:
🧑‍🦰 Who: Gregory Simonds, alleged Outlaws Motorcycle Club member
💥 What: Accused of throwing an explosive device into a Jimmy John’s after a confrontation with rival bikers
📅 When: During an ongoing incident in Fort Walton Beach, specific date not provided
📍 Where: Jimmy John’s on Beal Parkway and a Harley Davidson dealership in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
❓ Why: Alleged biker gang dispute involving the Outlaws and Pagans Motorcycle Clubs

In a scene out of Hunter S. Thompson’s book Hell’s Angels, the Fort Walton Beach area witnessed what appears to be a battle in a biker gang war.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an alleged member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, Gregory Simonds. They charged him with a litany of crimes, including throwing a destructive explosive device, brandishing a weapon, and criminal mischief.

An Explosive Crime

It all started when Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies were on their way to a call at the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Dealership in Fort Walton Beach on Beal Parkway.

On their way to the dealership, employees at the Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop on the street flagged them down to ask for help. They told the deputies that someone had thrown an explosive device into the shop and it had exploded in the restaurant. The explosion broke several windows in the restaurant, causing about $5,000 in damage and causing small injuries via flying glass to one employee of the sandwich shop, according to the report.

The narrative from the arresting officers’ police report then says the deputies spoke to the members of The Pagan Motorcycle Club. According to this horde of outlaw bikers, Gregory Simonds arrived at the dealership in a silver sedan and pointed a gun at them. As he drove away, the members of the club say that Simonds threw an explosive device out of his window.

The Arrest

Soon after the sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene, Simonds, a Pensacola resident, was seen driving a silver Subaru on Lewis Turner Boulevard near Mooney Road by an Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputy.

A deputy started a traffic stop where State Route 85 and Nomad Way meet. According to the report, Simonds was detained without incident.

As deputies approached the car to detain Simonds, they noticed an Outlaws Motorcycle Club vest, guns and what they believed to be stick grenades and what the arrest report calls “M type explosive devices,” which have a description similiar to pipe bombs.

According to the Sheriff’s Office release, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives has begun an investigation into the case.

The Pagans and the Outlaws are considered part of the ‘Big Four’ Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs or Clubs – along with the Hell’s Angels and Bandidos.

Earlier this year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri indicted 18 members of the Pagans for armed attacks against other outlaw motorcycle club members.

Swiss court confirms guilty verdicts against Hells Angels and Bandidos bikers

https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/life-aging/swiss-court-confirms-guilty-verdicts-against-hells-angels-and-bandidos-gangs/88871821

Bern’s High Court on Thursday confirmed guilty verdicts against six Hells Angels and Bandidos bikers who had been involved in a violent clash outside the Swiss capital in 2019.

Most of the defendants had been given suspended prison sentences in June 2022, which they had appealed against.

Thursday’s case took place amid a huge security operation. Cantonal police officers were deployed in and around the courthouse.

But there were no reported incidents on Thursday, as members of the two rival motorcycle gangs were not present in Bern, the Keystone-SDA news agency reported.

At the start of the first trial in 2022, around 200 bikers from both gangs rode to the Swiss capital. The police used rubber bullets and water cannons to keep the two camps apart.

Sin City Deciples enforcer gets 17 years for rival gang leader’s shooting: ‘You were the muscle’

Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune February 14, 2025
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sin-city-deciples-enforcer-gets-163000136.html

U.S. District Judge Philip Simon sentenced Richard White to 17 years Thursday, saying he was a Sin City Deciples enforcer responsible for wounding a rival gang leader outside a Pittsburgh bar.

The man was trying to open a motorcycle chapter in that city.

“Maybe I’m missing something,” Simon said, of the motive. It was “unnecessary” and “pretty ruthless.”
White, 57, of Pittsburgh was convicted in November 2023 in the gang’s extensive RICO case. He faced up to 20 years. A half-dozen people testified that White was known in the Gary-based motorcycle gang as someone who used violence to enforce the gang’s behavioral code, the judge said.

“You were the muscle,” Simon said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Toth said White was the “head national enforcer.”

Evidence showed White followed the man, who led the Outcast Motorcycle Club, on Aug. 9, 2019, across the street from the bar, then shot him twice in the chest and back, according to Simon, Toth and court documents.
The man was left with two collapsed lungs and 45 surgeries.

Days later on Aug. 12, 2019, Sin City Deciples member Curtiss “Chicken Hawk” Meeks Jr., 48, of Pittsburgh, was shot dead, likely in retaliation.

After Meeks’ death, Sin City Desciples National Vice President Marvie “Widowmaker” Gardner sent a message on Aug. 13, 2019, to all members on the Marco Polo app with a picture of a green traffic light, i.e. orders to “shoot to kill/kill on sight” in revenge, according to court filings.

“We’re going to get (them),” he said.

Gardner was sentenced to 11 years in January.

During the hearing, Simon said evidence was too weak to show White was responsible for shooting a Royal Flush Motorcycle Gang member in the leg on July 31, 2019. Nor was it enough to prove White was part of a conspiracy after Meeks’ death.

In court filings, defense lawyer John Maksimovich argued neither man identified White as the man who shot them.
White made “bad decisions,” the lawyer said in court, and found himself convicted. “It is what it is.”

White said he was not a part of a conspiracy, but admitted being an enforcer around ‘09 when he first joined.

2 Vagos Outlaw motorcycle gang members arrested after search warrant leads to meth bust in Mojave: KCSO

by: Luis Garcia KGET Bakersfield California February 13, 2025
https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/2-vagos-outlaw-motorcycle-gang-members-arrested-after-search-warrant-leads-to-meth-bust-in-mojave-kcso/

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County Sheriff’s Office arrested two members of the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in Mojave Tuesday and seized a firearm and methamphetamine in the process, according to the office.

Deputies in east Kern County gang suppression unit executed a search warrant in connection to a theft investigation in the 9000 block of 60th St. West, in Mojave.

During the search, investigators found and seized 44 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and vest associated with the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Robert Klein, 56, was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a controlled substance while armed, participating in a street gang, and resisting arrest.

The second man, James Rogers, 50, was taken into custody for possession of stolen property, felon in possession of ammunition, and participating in a street gang.

Klein and Rogers were booked into the Kern Jail.

Sentencing date reset for member of Vallejo chapter of Hells Angels

Richard Bammer | rbammer@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter February 11, 2025

Sentencing date reset for member of Vallejo chapter of Hells Angels

Sentencing for a fourth member of the Vallejo chapter of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was reset for May 20 in federal court in Sacramento.

Kenneth Caspers Jr. of Vacaville, who in October last year pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, was scheduled for sentencing Tuesday in Judge John A. Mendez’s courtroom in the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse. However, the judge rescheduled the proceeding for May 20.

According to court documents, in October 2021, two different victims — both members of a different motorcycle club that is considered a “puppet” (or subordinate) club of the Hells Angels — were beaten by Caspers, Michael Mahoney, Jaime Alvarez, Dennis Killough, and other club members. The assaults were based on perceived infractions of the Hells Angels’ rules, said Phillip Talbert, at the time the U.S. Attorney for the Department of Justice’s Eastern District of California.

Court records indicate that on Dec. 8, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Caspers’ Vacaville home and found several firearms and ammunition, including 18 rounds of .22 caliber, .25 caliber, and/or .38-caliber ammunition in Caspers’ master bedroom and bathroom.

Caspers, who is in his late 50s and remains out of custody, has previously been convicted of several felony crimes — including a previous felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm — that prevent him from possessing guns or ammunition.

The case stemmed from an investigation by the Solano County District Attorney’s Office, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Vacaville, Vallejo, and Fairfield police departments, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, Alsytn Bennet, and Adrian T. Kinsella lead the prosecution.
At sentencing, Caspers faces a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the court and federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of variables, said Talbert

The three other defendants have previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced as follows: Alvarez was sentenced to 21 months in prison on March 21, 2023; Killough was sentenced to 46 months in prison on June 26, 2023; and Mahoney was sentenced to 37 months in prison on May 2, 2023.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone, noted Talbert.

Court Liquidates Czech Branch of Night Wolves Biker Club

Czech News Agency· Czech Republic February 10, 2025

Court Liquidates Czech Branch of Night Wolves Biker Club

The Regional Court in Brno has ordered the liquidation of the NV Europe MC association, the legal operating name for the Czech branch of the Russian Night Wolves motorcycle group, because it is registered at a location which does not exist, Seznam Zpravy reported today.

The association is therefore failing to fulfil its legal obligations.

The decision on the liquidation was made last October. The court stated that the association had not provided a legal reason for the use of the premises where it was registered, nor had it submitted a proper application to register a new registered office.

The Russian motorcycle club has ties to President Vladimir Putin. It organizes expeditions to European countries to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II. Some countries view these trips as a provocation and a security risk. The club is considered an extreme nationalist group and its leader Alexander Zaldostanov is on the US and EU sanctions list for supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

The NV Europe MC association was established in 2018. Its official seat is in an apartment block in Brno-Cerna Pole. According to the server, the association has no sign on the house and nobody answered the bell.

Other firms belonging to the Czech head of the Night Wolves were officially registered at the same address until 2023, the server reported. These firms received state subsidies and owned a building in Mikulov used as a brothel.

One of the firms owns premises in Sokolnice near Brno, where the Night Wolves used to meet.

Two men arrested in connection to westside shooting linked to outlaw motorcycle gang

The suspects shot a man when they went to his home to collect property, per arrest warrant.

Author: Vanessa Croix KENS 5 San Antonio, Texas February 9, 2025

https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/two-men-arrested-connection-westside-shooting-outlaw-motorcycle-gang-bandidos-san-antonio/273-3869bcbd-f958-40a9-b644-1206ccc797af

San Antonio, TX – Two men with alleged ties to the Bandidos Motorcycle Club have been arrested in connection to a shooting last month on the far west side, police said.

Guillermo Reyes and Jose Herrada are accused of shooting a 45-year-old man on January 14th during a confrontation at a home on the 1900 block of Desert Willow, near Loop 410 and Marbach Road.

According to an arrest warrant, the suspects arrived at the home to collect property from the victim, whom they had known through their affiliation with the Bandidos motorcycle club. However, when the victim refused to comply with their demands, the situation quickly escalated into an argument.

Investigators say both Reyes and Herrada pulled out firearms and began shooting, striking the victim in the leg. In an attempt to defend himself, the victim also fired his own weapon at the suspects, though they managed to flee the scene before law enforcement arrived.

After weeks of investigation, authorities tracked down Reyes and Herrada, arresting them this week. Both suspects are now facing Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges.

Police have not disclosed further details about the property dispute, but the case remains under investigation.

Eustace man pleads to probation for role in club that killed rival biker

By Alex Weister KLTV Feb. 6, 2025
https://www.kltv.com/2025/02/06/eustace-man-accused-leading-biker-club-commit-murder-pleads-probation/

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Eustace man will serve probation after pleading guilty to directing a biker club that killed a rival motorcyclist in 2020.

Chad Michael Crowell was arrested in April of 2024 in connection with the murder of Brandon Edwards, of Arp. Crowell was accused of leading a motorcycle club called the Ugly Man Cossacks, and Edwards was a member of a rival club. Thursday, Crowell pleaded guilty to giving orders that resulted in fatal violence and accepted a sentence of six years’ probation.

The bikers who carried out the murder have been convicted and sentenced.
• Joshua Ray Tibbits, of Waco, was sentenced to 45 years’ confinement.
• Jeffery Ryan Griffin, of Robinson, was sentenced to 22 years’ confinement.
• Jose Antonio Valenzuela, of Longview, was sentenced to 22 years’ confinement.
• Additionally, the national president of the motorcycle club, Kevin Dale Higgins, of Kemp, was sentenced to life in prison. Higgins went to trial in December of 2024, which ended in a hung jury. His second trial ended in January and resulted in his life sentence.

• Crowell was the former national sergeant at arms for the club, meaning he took his orders from Higgins and passed them on to the other members of the club. During Higgins’ trial, the defense attempted to shift the blame to Crowell, claiming he acted of his own volition when ordering violent crimes. The blame for these actions were attributed to Higgins, however.

Crowell’s official conviction is for direct street gang activities. He will be required to report for probation in Smith County for six months before serving the rest of his six years in Henderson County. He was also sentenced to 1,000 hours of community service. He will no longer be allowed to contact his former club members.
Finally, he will be required to serve 10 days in jail each year of his probation.