California - Former Hells Angels leader charged in firebombing of tattoo shops

OFF THE WIRE
The former head of a local chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang was arrested and charged Friday in connection with the firebombing of two Ventura tattoo shops.
Federal prosecutors charged George Christie Jr., head of the Hells Angels Ventura County outfit, with federal conspiracy, extortion and arson charges in a six-count indictment. Four other defendants were also charged.
According to a statement by the U.S. Attorney's office, Christie owns a Ventura tattoo parlor and allegedly schemed in 2007 to push two competing parlors out of business.
"When the owners of Scratch the Surface and Twisted Ink kept their shops open for business despite the prior threats to shut down, Christie conspired to damage or completely destroy the businesses so they could no longer compete with Christie’s tattoo shop, the Ink House," officials said.
"Both Scratch the Surface and Twisted Ink were damaged on July 6, 2007, when Molotov cocktails were thrown into the businesses by individuals acting in furtherance of this conspiracy."