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.
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.