TOP-SECRET from the FBI – Hells Angels Members and Associates Arrested on 91-Count Federal RICO Indictment

COLUMBIA, SC—United States Attorney Bill Nettles and Special Agent in Charge David A. Thomas of the Federal Bureau of Investigation stated that 19 individuals were arrested today after the return of a 91-count indictment charging members and associates of the Rock Hell City Nomad Chapter of the Hells Angels with racketeering and racketeering conspiracy (RICO-18 U.S.C. §1962), narcotics violations (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846), Hobbs Act robbery (18 U.S.C. §1951), money laundering (18 U.S.C. §1956), and firearm violations [18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924; 26 U.S.C. §§ 5861(d), 5845(a)(7), and 5871]. Those arrested were Daniel Eugene Bifield, a/k/a Diamond Dan (Leesville); Mark William Baker, a/k/a Lightning (Lancaster); David Channing Oiler, a/k/a Gravel Dave (Lancaster); Bruce James Long, a/k/a Bruce-Bruce (West Columbia); Richard Thrower, a/k/a Little Mark, Rat (Lancaster); David Pryor, a/k/a Yard Owl (York); James Frederick Keach, Jr., a/k/a Big Fred (Pelion); Frank Enriquez, Jr., a/k/a Big Frank (Rock Hill); Donald Boersma, a/k/a Brooklyn Donnie (Clover); Lisa Ellen Bifield, a/k/a Lisa Ellen Meyers, Lisa Ellen Stockton (Leesville); Johanna Looper, a/k/a JoJo (York); Kerry Chitwood (Gastonia, North Carolina); Carlos Hernandez (Charlotte, North Carolina); Ronald Dean Byrum, Jr., a/k/a Big Ron (Gastonia, North Carolina); Trent Allen Brown (West Columbia); Bruce Ranson Wilson, a/k/a Diesel (Swansea); Thomas McManus Plyler, a/k/a Uncle Tom (Rock Hill); Jamie Hobbs Long (Lancaster); and Somying Anderson, a/k/a Ying (West Columbia).

The arrest warrants were served along with the execution of 23 search warrants in North and South Carolina. During today’s operation, law enforcement seized methamphatamine, cocaine, marijuana, pills, and approximately 100 firearms, including two automatic machine guns. Special Agent in Charge David Thomas stated, “The significance of the extensive and long-term investigative efforts that resulted in the arrests today represent the FBI’s continuing commitment to the dismantling of organized criminal organizations. By working in a joint environment with federal, state, and local counterparts, we send a clear message that such pervasive criminal activities will not be tolerated.”

These arrests follow a two-year interagency investigation by the South Carolina Hells Angels Task Force (SCHATF). Assisting in the investigation and today’s operation were the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Columbia and Charlotte Field Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Lexington County Sheriff’s Department; Lexington Police Department; Rock Hill Police Department; York County Sheriff’s Office; Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office; State Law Enforcement Division; Gastonia, Police Department; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Gaston County Sheriff’s Office; and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

United States Attorney Bill Nettles commended the inter-agency cooperation, saying, “Today’s arrests and seizures are an important step in our ongoing fight against criminal gangs operating in South Carolina. This investigation is also another example of what can be accomplished through a close partnership among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.” The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay N. Richardson.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.