OFF THE WIRE
BY: TAMMY WELLS
journaltribune.com
Outlaws MC
SANFORD — The president of the Maine chapter of the American Outlaw Association motorcycle gang has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in sanctioning a retaliation against another motorcycle gang.
Thomas “Taz” Benvie, 41, of Springvale, who forfeited a sawed-off shotgun, another shotgun and four handguns, was sentenced one week ago in federal court in Richmond, Va. on a single racketeering charge. Three other racketeering charges were dismissed.
Benvie was among 27 members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Association arrested nationwide following June indictments on racketeering and other charges.
Thomas “Tomcat” Mayne, 59, of Old Orchard Beach, described by authorities as the regional treasurer for the Outlaws, died June 15 following a shoot-out with federal agents who were attempting to arrest him as part of a seven-state sweep.
According to a sentencing report prepared by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey, Benvie knew that others were committing racketeering acts, including the Oct. 8, 2009 attempted murder of Gary Watson, a member of the Hell’s Angels, in Canaan.
“Specifically, Benvie participated in numerous telephone conversations with undercover agents in the case and acknowledged he was aware of the plan to retaliate against the Hell’s Angels,” Duffey wrote.
“He acknowledged that he was approached by Michael Pedini, who informed him of the planned retaliation. Benvie offered no objection to the proposed violent act and in fact gave his blessing as a leader of the Maine chapter,” he wrote.
Michael “Madman” Pedini, according to the indictments handed up in June, along with Mayne, were allegedly directed by the national Outlaw’s president, Jack Rosga, to carry out the retaliation against the Hell’s Angels.
Duffey wrote that he recommended Benvie’s sentence be between 15 and 21 months.
Benvie was sentenced to three years supervised release following 15 months in prison.
As well as surrendering his guns, he also forfeited his
“colors” associated with the Outlaws and other motorcycle gangs that were recovered from his Springvale home by federal authorities last year.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
