OFF THE WIRE
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_16185365?nclick_check=1 Bikers file claims over Riverside County raids The Associated Press Posted: 09/27/2010 06:42:00 AM PDT Updated: 09/27/2010 06:42:00 AM PDT
RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The outlaw Vagos motorcycle gang has filed civil rights damage claims accusing Riverside County authorities of ransacking homes, intimidating family members and telling restaurants not to serve club members. The FBI and California authorities classifies Vagos as an outlaw motorcycle club involved in methamphetamine and marijuana distribution, extortion, insurance fraud, money laundering and weapons violations.
The 16 claims against Riverside County and state officials seek damages for a March raid on club members in Hemet, Fontana and Indio. Authorities arrested 33 Vagos members for parole violations and drug and weapon charges.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise says the claims allege defamation and violation of civil rights, noting members and their families were humiliated and suffered emotional distress because public defamatory statements.
