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| Jury labels Hells Angels as criminal gang |
| By azcentral.com |
| Published: 09/25/2009 |
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For the first time in Arizona, Hells Angels members are being called a gang in the eyes of the courts. A recent felony assault conviction for a Hells Angel gang member resulted in a Maricopa County Superior Court jury also labeling the Hells Angels a criminal street gang. The jury recently convicted Nathaniel Sample, 32, of two felonies: aggravated assault and acting for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Sample is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 2. Prosecutors asked jurors to find that Sample's actions were done to advance the Hells Angels as a criminal street gang. The criminal-gang label sets an important precedent because the Hells Angels routinely contest any charge labeling the motorcycle club as a street gang, according to County Attorney's officials. The Hells Angels knows its way around the legal system and fights any gang allegation levied against it, officials said. The group routinely collects fees from members throughout the country to pay for defense lawyers. "This verdict sends a message to all street gangs that their acts of violence and terror will not be tolerated," County Attorney Andrew Thomas said in a written statement. Scottsdale police said Sample and Jose Cano attacked a Casa Grande man on March 28, 2008, at the Billet Bar, 3752 N. Scottsdale Road, during bike week. Read More. |
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