16 in motorcycle club face drug, gun charges

Off the Wire News
MCs in the News Chattanooga:

By: Todd South

ARTICLE TOOLS

Sixteen members of the local Outlaw Motorcycle Club were indicted today on several charges of conspiring to sell cocaine and crack cocaine and possessing illegal firearms.

One of the 16 even was charged with possessing and receiving child pornography images.

Federal investigators raided the club's compound at 3014 Campbell St. early this morning, arresting 14 of the 16 charged. The U.S. attorney's office in Chattanooga said late today that they are still seeking to arrest the last two.

Those charged include one woman. All range in age from early 30s to late 60s. Countless supporters packed the federal courtroom this afternoon as the 14 who were arrested pleaded not guilty to all charges during their arraignments.

Hearings will take place Monday and Tuesday, which will determine if the members of the motorcycle gang will be allowed to make bond. For now they remain incarcerated at the Bradley County Jail.

The U.S. Department of Justice Web site lists the Black Piston Motorcycle Club as one of its top 8 outlaw motorcycle gangs. The Black Pistons act as a support organization for the Outlaw Motorcycle Club.

Those belonging to the club are know to engage in all sorts of criminal activity including drug trafficking and extortion, according to the DOJ.

Original article...

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/feb/25/chattanooga-motorcycle-club-raided-morning-atf/