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Sunday, December 12, 2010

4 Highwaymen biker club members convicted

OFF THE WIRE
By Tresa Baldas
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Concluding a month-long trial, a federal jury today convicted four members of the Detroit Highwaymen Motorcycle Club of several charges, including racketeering, drug distribution, stolen property, and a weapon charge.
The defendants are the second round of 91 indicted biker club members and associates who have gone to trial. The first trial resulted in racketeering convictions for six defendants in June.
Federal prosecutors said the latest convictions involve some of the upper echelon, or bosses, of the enterprise: Johnny (JD) Jarrell, 46, and Robert (Kwik) Flowers. Also convicted were Leonard (Bo) Moore and Sean (Bones) Donovan, 41, who was acquitted of racketeering charges, but convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
"This case represents the importance that federal law enforcement has placed on prosecuting violent gangs," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said. "These defendants presented a clear danger to our community, and their conviction will improve public safety."
Federal authorities have described the 100-plus member biker club as Detroit's largest, and most violent motorcycle club, whose members engaged in criminal activity including armed robbery, attempted murder, conspiracies to kill witnesses, use of firearms during acts of violence, and drug trafficking.