Thursday, October 18, 2012

'Outlaw' biker trial begins in St. Louis

OFF THE WIRE
Robert Patrick
 stltoday.com


. - ST. LOUIS • The trial of eight alleged "outlaw" bikers accused of racketeering conspiracy and a series of other crimes is set to begin Wednesday in U.S. District Court here. The case, against members, former members or those just linked to the "Wheels of Soul" motorcycle club, began last year with the indictment of 18 people in St. Louis and three elsewhere. Since that time, one additional person has been charged. All but the eight on trial have pleaded guilty. Five of those await sentencing.
The defendants face various gun and drug charges. Some are accused of murder or attempted murder, including two local men, Timothy Balle and former St. Louis chapter president Dominic Henley.
Prosecutors say that Wheels of Soul has 400 to 500 members and chapters in 20 states.
Extra security has been added for the trial, and prospective jurors have been identified in court only by a number, not their name. Selection of the jury finished Tuesday afternoon.