Five Leading SC Hells Angels Sentenced for RICO Crimes
The five leading members of the Rock Hill Hells Angels gang were sentenced in federal court for RICO violations on Thursday, May 9th.
Richard Thrower was sentenced to 27 months in prison; Frank Enriquez Hill was sentenced to 2 years in prison; and Johanna Looper was sentenced to 15 months in prison. These three Rock Hill Hells Angels were the top of the gang, and orchestrated most of the gang’s drug and gun running activities.
Bruce Wilson was sentenced to 18 months in prison, while James Rhodus was sentenced to 5 months’ probation.
All five of the gang members initially pled guilty to the RICO charges, including money laundering and selling guns to felons.
Twenty gang members – associates of the Rock Hell Nomads chapter, and the smaller Red Devils group – were rounded up last summer. Fifteen of them have been prosecuted for crimes and found guilty.Charges were dropped against three of the lesser defendants, and two defendants were not considered ring leaders and were found not guilty.
Among the charges, the 15 guilty gang members have been accused of selling pounds of crack and meth – including near areas where children were playing – as well as gun-running, conspiracy to sell drugs, money laundering, intimidation, and violence. A raid on their club house last June led to seizure of more than $300,000, about 100 weapons, nine Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and drugs.
At the end of this month, an infamous couple within the gang – Dan and Lisa Bifield – will receive their sentences. Dan Bifield pleaded guilty to RICO and faces 20 years in prison. Lisa Bifield will get from seven years to life after agreeing to testify against the others, then reneging on that promise.
RICO: Defending Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Charges in South Carolina
RICO charges involve the operation of an illegal business or enterprise, including a fraudulent scams, for an individual or entity’s personal profit.
The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and similar state racketeering laws give the government a tremendous amount of power to go after those accused of racketeering.
The RICO act is broad and covers a variety of white collar crimes including:
- murder,
- the transportation and distribution of drugs,
- gambling,
- embezzlement,
- extortion,
- theft/armed robbery,
- money laundering, and
- bribery
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with RICO Charges
Being arrested or investigated for federal criminal charges can be very stressful. However, just because you are under a great deal of pressure does not mean that you are automatically guilty, or that you have no rights in court. For experienced RICO and federal criminal charges defense attorneys who will fight for your rights and work to have your charges reduced or even dismissed, contact the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, today. We offer free, confidential consultations so that you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity, in a safe environment. Do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800.
