Thursday, August 16, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Gwinnett Daily Post
BUFORD -- The Outlaw Motorcycle Club -- a national biker gang notorious for dealing in drugs, guns and danger -- has Gwinnett ties.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation charged 21 gang members Thursday after a lengthy undercover investigation and raids at the gang's affiliate clubhouses in Buford and southwest Georgia. A total of 23 people were indicted for alleged crimes ranging from trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine to transporting "destructive devices."
Among those locations raided Thursday was the Hoodlums Motorcycle Club headquarters on South Waterworks Road in Buford, federal officials said. The Hoodlums are associated with the Outlaw Motorcycle Club, officials said.
Two Buford men -- Benny "Outlaw Benny" Leverett, 46, and Phillip Alexander, 49, who has a nickname unfit to print -- now face federal indictments. Alexander has been charged with aiding and abetting the possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it; Leverett has been charged with methamphetamine-related counts.
Thursday's bust was the result of a two-year investigation.
"The charges unsealed today allege that these motorcycle club members engaged in substantial drug trafficking and weapons offenses," U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said. "This case is a big step forward in making sure that these groups don't threaten the safety of our North Georgia communities."
Others arrested Thursday included Larry McDaniel, the president of the "silver region" of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club, and Howard Brown, the Georgia president of the Outlaw-affiliated Black Pistons Motorcylce Club. Among dozens of drug trafficking and weapons charges, two Outlaws were also indicted for their alleged attempts to construct "a bomb strong enough to destroy a house."
The criminal charges "all relate to acts by individuals or small groups of individuals, and do not allege that any of the criminal acts were performed on behalf of the motorcycle gangs or as an official part of membership in the gangs," federal officials said in a statement.
The case was investigation by multiple agencies, including the FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Forsyth and Hall County sheriff's offices.
According to its official website, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was formed in Illinois in 1935. Many members subscribe to the "one percenter" way of life -- meaning if 99 percent of motorcyclists are law-abiding, than Outlaws are the remaining 1 percent.
The group has been the target of many homicide, drug and weapons investigations over the years. One of its mottoes is G.F.O.D. -- "God Forgives, Outlaws Don't."
More like this story
- FBI probes leak in biker gang investigation with Gwinnett ties ( October 12, 2012 )
- Police: Bikers busted with drugs, guns ( August 8, 2009 )
- Four plead guilty in meth trafficking case ( January 3, 2011 )
- 12 indicted in meth ring bust ( February 11, 2011 )
- Probe culminates in big bust<br/> Weapons, drugs, cash seized in raids ( April 30, 2009 )
Comments
BufordBob 9 months ago
Thanks to those that contributed to these arrests. Unfortunately the stereotypical motorcyclists is the 1%. 99% are people like you and me.
MissDaisyCook 9 months ago
Don't think we don't appreciate the help, but why is the FBI involved in a clearly local problem? The Georgia authorities could handle this. Seems to me the resources of the federal government could be better utilized.
Gundoctor1 9 months ago
Obviously Daisy you did not read the entire article and you have no idea of how other agencies are brought in on an operation like this. Their resources are unmatched thanks to your tax dollars. Unlike the TV shows that you watch apparently, most agencies are more than happy to have their help. The FBI S.A.C.'s are not sitting around a coffee table listening to a scanner saying, "Oh, there's an interesting call, let's go check it out!"
Two-year investigation Daisy!!!!! By several agencies, not just this past week-end. Do a little research beyond watching Criminal Minds.
MissDaisyCook 9 months ago
Gundoctor1, Did not intend to get your shorts into a knot. Please don't have a spell! However, let us talk experience: retired now, but 30 years experience in the criminal justice system; prosecutor, defense attorney, judge and even victim. Let us not speculate from where I speak. Have a nice day.
teelee 9 months ago
Wow, I never knew we had a biker gang problem. I thought it was just the ones that are in the news all of the time robbing ,killing and disrupting the schools. What are the fed's going to do about them?
biker74 9 months ago
If everyone would research a little instead of listening to the media no one at the club house in buford was arrested. Nothing , but property getting destroyed. They are a military club with combat vets,
Mack711 9 months ago
So were the Hells Angels. If they are a legal organization then the investigations will prove that and hopefully will.
Basscat 9 months ago
Two years!?!?!....Interesting. Why did it take so long to bust them if the Feds knew it was going on? I mean think of all the illegal drugs that have hit the streets and the possible crime as a result? I hope they have been tracking all of it....One by one, lets take them down! Fools.
panhead 9 months ago
two years sounds like a long time to gather information on 24 club members ??how much drugs and weapons where confiscated?? should be alot for two years worth of investigating... they could go to downtown alt. and make 24 arrests for weapons and drugs in a couple of hours maybe even get some violent gang bangers along the way.. more wasted time by the forces that be..... ride on...
aintmisbehavinn 9 months ago
I'm sure you won't post this, as your liberal views are just that, your view. Your description of the suspects is obviously bias, your description of the suspects is no less than pure MSNBC. Keep reporting, we need more excitement. Maybe you should apply for CNN or AJC.
wolfpack 9 months ago
Guess this explains the helicopters flying around in the middle of the night over my house. Nice to know that crime is so close to my family and home. Why not wait fours years then to bust them?
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