Several Members of Infamous Hells Angels Gang Will Be Sentenced for RICO Violations
On Thursday, May 9th, a federal court in South Carolina will sentence 5 of the 15 guilty members of Rock Hill Hells Angels, after a lengthy investigation into drug sales, gun running, conspiracy, and RICO violations.
Prosecutors proved, in a US District Court in Columbia, earlier this year that the Hells Angels constituted a gang, and could be prosecuted under RICO laws.
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.
The five members who will be sentenced on Thursday are ring-leaders of the local South Carolina chapter – Richard “Rat” Thrower of Lancaster, Frank “Big Frank” Enriquez of Rock Hill, and Johanna Looper of York, each of whom faces 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy; James “Sonny” Rhodus, who pleaded guilty to money laundering and faces 20 years; and Bruce “Diesel” Wilson, who pleaded guilty to selling guns to a felon and faces up to 10 years.
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.
The investigation into the Rock Hill Hells Angels activities began more than two years ago, with Detective Tim Ayers of the Rock Hill Police Department. The Hells Angels’ crimes were so numerous and serious that the investigation quickly became part of a federal investigation spanning the Southern US up to Canada.
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.
