Hells associate found guilty, given 51-month term - Winnipeg Free Press

Hells associate found guilty, given 51-month term - Winnipeg Free Press: "Manitoba Hells Angels associate who didn't want to be seen as pleading guilty to gang-related charges was instead found guilty Monday after what was likely the fastest trial in judicial history.
The unusual hearing last just a few minutes and included Crown and defence lawyers calling no witnesses and making no submissions.
The only evidence was an agreed statement of facts that was provided to the judge for review days earlier.
Queen's Bench Justice Glenn Joyal had no choice but to make the obvious ruling, paving the way for a sentencing hearing to begin almost immediately. Raymond Brown, 44, was then given 51 months in prison, in addition to five months of time already served, under a joint-recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers. His offences include participating in a criminal organization, conspiracy to launder proceeds of crime and trafficking marijuana.
Prosecutor Chris Mainella said a lot of gang members -- especially high-ranking ones such as Brown -- don't want to be seen as admitting responsibility and would rather put justice officials to the test of proving their case. He said Preston's way of dealing with his case is similar to the 'no contest' plea that exists in the United States.
Brown was one of 33 people arrested last winter as part of 'Project Divide,' in which police used a secret agent to infiltrate the gang by using a former Hells associate as a paid informant. He is the 13th to deal with his charges."

Jack Rosga kept a low profile for a man who federal authorities say was the national leader of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club

Jack Rosga kept a low profile for a man who federal authorities say was the national leader of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, ordering subordinates to attack rival gang members while living and working in Milwaukee.

Known as "Milwaukee Jack" within the club, Rosga, 53, has a relatively clean record. A lawyer representing him says Rosga is a "working stiff" who runs a small trucking company, doesn't smoke and has an occasional sip of Crown Royal.

But both Rosga and the Outlaws, a group that works to maintain a positive public image, are portrayed in a far different light in a 12-count indictment filed last week against Rosga and 26 other Outlaws from seven states.

The indictment includes accusations of attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, robbery, extortion, witness intimidation, drug dealing, illegal gambling and gun charges, much of which Rosga allegedly directed from Milwaukee.

Rosga told an undercover agent he expected to one day end up in jail, following the Outlaws' two previous national leaders, both of whom are in federal prison, the indictment says. Rosga also told undercover federal agents posing as Outlaws that they should shoot members of the rival Hells Angels gang, according to the indictment.

Rosga's arrest last week during a surprise raid at the Outlaws' clubhouse on Milwaukee's south side is the latest chapter of the club's history in the area, which stretches back decades and includes previous federal investigations, battles with rival gangs, bombings and at least seven unsolved homicides, according to court records, law enforcement officials and news accounts.
Milwaukee ties

The Outlaws trace their roots to 1935, to a bar on Route 66 near Chicago. Their motto: "God forgives, Outlaws don't."

In 1964, Milwaukee bikers formed an Outlaws chapter. It was the first outside Chicago, and Milwaukee has since remained a stronghold of the gang.

The Outlaws operate like a corporation, with local chapters, regional officers and a national leader, according to law enforcement officers who have investigated the club. Members pay monthly dues, and the gang exacts taxes from members for special expenses, such as funeral costs for members, according to court documents and experts.

Traffic stop leads to arrests of North Bay Hells Angels members | PressDemocrat.com

Traffic stop leads to arrests of North Bay Hells Angels members | PressDemocrat.com: "Two North Bay members of a Hells Angels club, driving with a pack of motorcycle riders Sunday were stopped by CHP officers who found they were carrying a cache of weapons.

The two men, from Santa Rosa and Lake County, were arrested. A third Hells Angels member was arrested later Sunday for having an ice pick hidden in his handle bars, the CHP said.
About 300 riders converged in Marin County for an annual Hells Angels fundraiser ride. The ride also was a memorial for a Bay Area member who was shot and killed in May 2008 while riding in truck on Highway 101 in Marin County."