Prosecutors Drop Felony Charges Against 4 Men in 2024 Portland Biker Clash
The men reached plea deals on lesser assault charges after a deadly shooting during the incident.
Apr. 15, 2026
https://nationaltoday.com/us/me/portland-me/news/2026/04/15/prosecutors-drop-felony-charges-against-4-men-in-2024-portland-brawl/
Prosecutors have dismissed felony charges against four men accused of using hammers in a 2024 fight on Portland’s Forest Avenue involving alleged rival biker gangs. The men reached plea deals on Wednesday, pleading guilty to lower-level assault charges and receiving brief jail sentences. One man, Aaron Karp, previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatally shooting a bystander during the incident, claiming self-defense.
WHY IT MATTERS
The case highlights the challenges prosecutors face in proving serious charges in chaotic street brawls, as well as the ongoing tensions between rival motorcycle clubs in the Portland area. The incident resulted in a tragic loss of life and raised questions about how law enforcement should respond to conflicts between organized criminal groups.
THE DETAILS
In 2024, the state charged seven men who were accused of attacking members of an alleged rival biker gang. Aaron Karp pleaded guilty in 2025 to manslaughter for shooting 54-year-old Susan McHugh during the fight, claiming self-defense. The other six men were originally charged with elevated aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy, but four of them pleaded guilty to lower-level assault charges and will serve brief sentences. Lawyers for the men said their clients, who were reportedly affiliated with the Higher Calling motorcycle club, had gone to the parking lot to retrieve stolen merchandise before the fight broke out.
• In July 2024, the state charged seven men in the Forest Avenue incident.
• In 2025, Aaron Karp pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the shooting death of Susan McHugh.
• On Wednesday, four of the men reached plea deals on lesser assault charges.
THE PLAYERS
Aaron Karp
Pleaded guilty in 2025 to manslaughter for shooting 54-year-old Susan McHugh during the 2024 fight, claiming self-defense.
Caleb Pelkey
One of the men charged, evaluating a plea deal that would lead to up to 30 days in jail for misdemeanor assault.
Kristofer Haken
One of the men charged, being held out of state and not present at the settlement conference.
Jason Keenan
Pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor-level counts of assault, sentenced to 30 days in jail and a $600 fine.
James Moody
Pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor assault, sentenced to 30 days in jail and a $600 fine.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“The evidence shows this was chaos.”
— David Bobrow, Attorney
“These charges were extremely serious and I think the state knew they had an uphill battle proving them.”
— Vincent LoConte, Attorney
“They were trying to right a wrong. And I think that was recognized in the plea offers today.”
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