Detroit — Case against Highwaymen nets more convictions

OFF THE WIRE
Detroit— A jury convicted four members of the Detroit Highwaymen Motorcycle Club of drug, racketeering and other charges today in federal court in the second phase of a crackdown against the notorious group.
The federal prosecution — the largest in state history against a motorcycle club — has yielded more than 90 indictments and, so far, 10 convictions against members, including leader Aref "Steve" Nagi, for racketeering and other charges in U.S. District Court in Detroit.
Last month, Metro Detroit lawyer Hatim "Tim" Attalla was acquitted on a drug conspiracy charge after being accused of improperly acting as general counsel to the Highwaymen.
"This case represents the importance that federal law enforcement has placed on prosecuting violent gxxgs," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said. These defendants presented a clear danger to our community, and their conviction will improve public safety."
The jury seated in U.S. District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds' courtroom spent about 36 hours over parts of six days deliberating after a month-long trial. The jury convicted members of some charges and issued acquittals on others. They include: Leonard "Bo" Moore, 40: Convicted of racketeering; conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO; assault with a dangerous weapon; conspiracy to transport stolen property; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances; using a firearm during a violent crime. He was acquitted of separate counts of using a firearm, drug conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Johnny "J.D." Jarrell, 46: Convicted of RICO conspiracy and drug conspiracy. He was acquitted of two counts each of assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm.
Robert "Kwik" Flowers, 39: Guilty of RICO conspiracy and drug conspiracy. He was acquitted of assault and firearm charges.
Sean "Bones" Donovan, 41: Guilty of drug conspiracy; acquitted of racketeering and RICO conspiracy.
The club was founded in Detroit in 1954 and became infamous in the '70s after some members were convicted of bombing and raiding rivals' homes and clubhouses. The Highwaymen's notoriety led to its banishment from the Detroit Federation of Motorcycle Clubs, an association that diffuses disputes that could lead to turf wars.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20101208/METRO/12080427/1409/METRO08