DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Authorities offered details on the warrants served Thursday as part of a nationwide, multi-agency sweep of what it alleges is an outlaw motorcycle club.
Kenneth Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, alleged that the Thug Riders Motorcycle Club “operated a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in violence like murder, arson and assault.” He also alleged that club members and associates took part in extortion and identity fraud.
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“The Thug Riders Motorcycle Club was originally founded in 2003, and remains a violent gang today, and is located throughout the United States,” said Parker before listing other countries around the world in which the gang allegedly operates.
The 14 members’ indictments are split across three different counts:
- Count 1: Racketeering Conspiracy, a count punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering, punishable again by a prison term of up to 20 years.
- Count 3: Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, punishable by three years in prison.
- Count 4: Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, again punishable by three years in prison.