OFF THE WIRE
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h7opwzzX0yRZmtYpQWZyv_lh9LOQ US indictment aims to brake motorcycle gang (AFP) – 15 hours ago
WASHINGTON — Twenty-seven members of the American Outlaw Association motorcycle gang were indicted Tuesday on a wide array of charges linking them to criminal activity in their turf battles with Hell's Angels and other rival groups.
A 12-count indictment charges the men "participated in a criminal enterprise that engaged in a wide range of crimes, including attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, robbery, extortion, witness intimidation, narcotics distribution, illegal gambling and weapons violations," the Justice Department said.
The indictment was unsealed in Virginia after the accused members were arrested, officials said.
"Today's arrests of the national president and leadership of the American Outlaws Association mark another aggressive attempt by the Department of Justice to dismantle what the indictment alleges to be a gang whose entire environment revolves around violence," said US Attorney Neil MacBride.
The indictment alleges that the Outlaws is a highly organized criminal enterprise overseen by its national president Jack Rosga, known as "Milwaukee Jack," 53, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"Under Rosga's leadership, the enterprise is alleged to have engaged in violent racketeering activities with the intent to expand its influence and control various parts of the country against rival motorcycle gangs, particularly the Hell's Angels," the Justice Department said.
Authorities said the Outlaws planned shows of force at various motorcycle events around the country and that in October 2009, Rosga directed members of the Outlaws to retaliate against the Hell?s Angels for their attack on two Outlaws members.
Outlaws members are also charged in what was alleged to be a racially motivated assault on a black man in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 2008.
The members are also charged with selling narcotics, engaging in illegal gambling activities, and the use illegal of firearms and other dangers weapons.
If convicted, the defendants face significant prison terms.
