Ringleader of SC Hells Angels Receives 17 Years for Federal Crimes
The leader of the infamous Rock Hill Hells Angels branch has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a laundry list of federal crimes, including money laundering, gun running, drug smuggling, and racketeering and conspiracy.
Dan “Diamond Dan” Bifield, 61-years-old, pled guilty to a single count of racketeering conspiracy, often referred to as RICO. However, Bifield has been convicted on dozens of other criminal charges in the past, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, extortion, attempted money laundering, possessing heroin in prison, and escape from prison. Prior to his most recent arrest, he spent more than two decades in jail.
Investigations into a slew of federal crimes began in 2011, after Bifield attempted a drug deal with a federal informant. That action springboarded a massive law enforcement infiltration into the motorcycle club’s activities, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. There were dozens of arrests, and seizure of hundreds of weapons and dozens of pounds of drugs. Prosecutors argued that the Hells Angels have run a state-wide crime ring based out of Lexington County and York County club houses.
Bifield, who proudly boasted of being a Hells Angels member for 38 years, claimed in court that the investigators, who charged him and a handful of his accomplices with serious federal crimes, had actually set the gang up to look like thugs and criminals. He said that the Hells Angels were not a criminal enterprise and never would be. “We are Americans, proud of our country, and we will fight and die for our country,” Bifield stated. “I am a proud member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and, if I am to be punished for it and die in prison, let it be!”
Bifield’s wife, Lisa Bifield, also pled guilty to a weapon’s charge. She faced life in prison, but because she has agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors, she could face a much shorter sentence of just 5 years. Her husband, however, will be 78 before he is eligible for parole.
Other Rock Hill Hells Angels members are due to be sentenced for federal crimes on June 19th. Mark “Lightning” Baker, along with two other full-patch members of the Hells Angels in South Carolina, face life sentences.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Federal Criminal 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.
