La. guardsman on trial in Bandidos case

Off the Wire
MCs in the News

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A decorated soldier responsible for anti-terrorism efforts of the Louisiana Army National Guard is on trial in federal court for allegedly making false statements to a federal agent investigating the Bandidos motorcycle gang.

New Orleans attorney Ralph S. Whalen Jr., who is representing First Sgt. William B. "Benny" Creel, of Franklinton, told jurors Monday that his client made statements that "were not correct" but added that "this is not a common street criminal."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph E. Blackwell says Creel is a member of the Arawyns Motorcycle Club, made up of law enforcement officers and military members. He says federal and state investigators are trying to identify people who are exposing law enforcement sources to the Bandidos.

The Bandidos, the LA Riders and the Arawyns are under investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Louisiana State Police for narcotics and firearms trafficking.

Raymond Tullier, a former Bandidos gang member, testified that Creel deliberately warned the gang that federal investigators would be present at a November bike rally in Bogalusa.

The trial is before U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola. Jurors were expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday.

original article