Leader of Aryan Nation Pleads Guilty to RICO Charges

The leader of the Aryan Brotherhood in Texas has pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, or RICO, charges that included murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

On Friday, March 7th, Larry Max Bryan, who goes by the nickname “Slick,” pleaded guilty to RICO charges in federal court in Houston. He faces up to 25 years in prison for his crimes.

According to the RICO filings, he orchestrated several crimes from prison. The 52-year-old RICO suspect has spent all but 5 years of his adult life in prison for several crimes, and while in jail in Texas reportedly rose to prominence in the Aryan Brotherhood.

Bryan was one of three dozen people allegedly affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood charged with RICO crimes after an indictment was unsealed in 2012. The military-style gang began in the 1980’s in Texas prison. The Aryan Brotherhood stretched from Houston to Dallas, San Antonio, and Beaumont.

Bryan is the 60th person convicted, and his sentencing hearing will be on October 7th.

What are RICO Charges?

RICO charges involve the operation of an illegal business or enterprise, including a fraudulent scams, for an individual or entity’s personal profit. RICO cases are complex criminal cases.  They involve serious criminal charges and life altering potential consequences.

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 consequences for a RICO conviction are harsh.  Possible penalties may include:

• Prison time (up to twenty years for each violation)
• Mandatory probation/parole/house arrest/counseling
• Loss of certain constitutional rights
• Forfeiture of assets
• Large fines
• Restitution paid to victims

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with RICO Charges

Founded by former United States Attorney as Assistant Solictitor, Pete Strom, the criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm include a former public defender, and a former Assistant Attorney General and Richland County Assistant Solicitor, as well as a tax lawyer familiar with IRS investigations.  Our experience and familiarity with prosecutorial techniques provide the basis for experienced and effective legal representation. We will fight hard to have our charges reduced, or even dismissed.

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.