OFF THE WIRE
BY: Patty Guerra
Source: modbee.com
FRESNO — The main target in a wide-ranging racketeering investigation is headed to federal prison.
U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger this afternoon sentenced Robert Holloway, 62, to four years. Holloway, who owns Road Dog Cycle in Denair, pleaded guilty in June to extortion.
With credit for time served in county jail, Holloway's sentence will be 34 months. With the potential for more credit for good behavior and participation in a substance-abuse program, Holloway could be free in less than two years.
(Debbie Noda / dnoda@modbee.com) - A U.S. District Court Judge this afternoon sentenced Robert Holloway, 62, to four years. Holloway, who owns Road Dog Cycle in Denair, pleaded guilty in June to extortion. With credit for time served in county jail, Holloway's sentence will be 34 months. With the potential for more credit for good behavior and participation in a substance-abuse program, Holloway could be free in less than two years.CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS
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"I have changed a lot," Holloway told Wanger. "I have taken it upon myself to better myself and address some of the issues that were factors in my being arrested."
Holloway, a former Stanislaus County sheriff's deputy and the owner of Road Dog Cycle in Denair, admitted that he extended lines of credit to members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, and then used extortion to make them repay what they borrowed.
At that time, defense attorney Roger Vehrs said extortion typically involves a physical threat, but that Holloway didn't threaten anyone; the government said just being involved in such dealings qualified as extortion.
In July, 2008, Holloway and 11 other men were indicted on charges of racketeering and extortion. The cases of the other defendants, some of them members of law enforcement agencies, had varied outcomes: two men were acquitted, two others tried and found guilty, and the remainder reached plea agreements.
Wanger agreed to Holloway's request that he be allowed to return to the halfway house where he is being held and then turn himself in to authorities to begin serving his prison sentence Nov. 4.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Cullers, who prosecuted the case, objected. He said Holloway should be immediately remanded into custody because "He has pled guilty to a crime of violence."
Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or 578-2343.
Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/09/13/1337138/fresno-four-year-sentence-in-road.html#ixzz0znzU6bIS
