Hells Angels on trial in Seattle

Jury selection began today for the racketeering trial of four current and former members of a Hells Angels chapter in the State of Washington, according to a story by David Bowermaster of the Seattle Times.

Defendants in the case are Richard "Smilin' Rick" Fabel, Joshua Binder, Rodney Rollness and Ricky Jenks. Fabel served as president of the Washington Nomads chapter and as leader of the Hells Angels west coast region. Binder and Rollness were reportedly members of the Nomads until 2003. Jenks reportedly is still a member.

The four are charged under the RICO anti-racketeering statute with participating in a criminal enterprise that has engaged in murder, kidnapping, witness tampering, extortion and other crimes. Rollness and Binder are specifically charged with the murder of Michael "Santa" Walsh on July 21, 2001.

The prosecution case is expected to involve more than 125 witnesses and consume about 10 weeks.


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RICO guilty plea from Brighton Brigade members

Three members of the Syracuse NY-based Brighton Brigade gang have pleaded guilty to racketeering offenses and face up to life in prison when sentenced, according to a press release from the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.

Karriem "Calo" Williams, 28, Andre "Dre Dre" Robinson, 30, and Bobby "Pino" Everson, 20, were charged with racketeering involving multiple acs of drug trafficking, attempted murder, robbery, witness tampering, and monopolization of crack cocaine distribution within a specific territory within Syracuse. Prosecutors say the gang used hand signs, tan and gray-colored bandanas and tattoos to identify members.

The three defendants each could be sentenced to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Cases against 11 co-defendants are pending.