Biker gangmember disputes revenge story

OFF THE WIRE
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang has contradicted testimony the group's national president ordered a revenge attack on a member of the Hell's Angels.

Lawrence Barboza testified Wednesday in the racketeering trial of Outlaws president Jack Rosga of Milwaukee, Wis., and three other biker gang members.

Barboza said members were angry after two Outlaws were beaten by Hell's Angels last year, but he said the Outlaws did not orchestrate any plan of retaliation. His testimony contradicted that of Michael Pedini, who told a federal jury in Richmond that he and another Outlaw ambushed a Hell's Angel on orders from Rosga. The rival gang member was partially paralyzed in the shooting.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the defense rested Wednesday. Closing arguments are expected Thursday.

Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com