ATF & STATE & LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
ARREST MEMBERS OF THE
WARLOCKS OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE ORGANIZATION

United States Attorney John L. Brownlee, Western District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Roehm, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Washington Field Division, and Sheriff Larry W. Green, Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office announce today the culmination of a two- year nationwide undercover investigation into the Warlocks Outlaw Motorcycle Organization. As a result, 34 arrest warrants and 47 Federal search warrants were executed by ATF and various state and local law enforcement agencies along the east coast; to include Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Maryland, South Carolina, and Florida. In addition, both Federal search and arrest warrants were executed at the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang's North Beach Clubhouse located in Owings, Maryland.

The American Motorcycle Association stated, "ninety nine percent of all motorcycle riders in this country are law abiding citizens." Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG), including the Warlocks and Hells Angels, often make up the remaining one percent, and have been referred to as "1% ers" or One Per centers." The Warlocks Motorcycle Club (WMC) is divided into approximately 15 "chapters" worldwide. Hells Angels Motorcycle Club has "chapters" in the United States and 27 other countries around the world.

Over the past two days, approximately 300 law enforcement officials from ATF, Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office, Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's Office have worked together to carry out numerous ATF led arrest and search warrants involving gun and drug violations covering 6 states. Enforcement actions took place in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, New York, South Carolina, and Maryland. Many of those arrested and/or indicted are members of, or associated with, the Warlocks motorcycle organization. Evidence seized, purchased or recovered during this investigation includes over 120 firearms (hand guns, long guns, sawed-off-shotguns, machineguns, and silencers), one pipe bomb, over $25,000.00 in US currency, body armor and large quantities of narcotics, to include methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

This investigation originated in Shenandoah County, Virginia when Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office drug agents determined that a significant amount of methamphetamine was distributed by a local motorcycle organization. This effort is the culmination of a two-year undercover investigation in which two seasoned ATF special agents infiltrated and joined the Warlocks Motorcycle Gang.

U.S. Attorney John L. Brownlee said that 23 people had been indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western Judicial District of Virginia, 5 people were previously indicted in Federal court in the Western District of Virginia on charges arising out of the investigation, 2 people have been charged and arrested on criminal complaints filed in the Northern District of West Virginia, and 5 people were charged locally by the Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Brownlee added that 47 search warrants have been executed in Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Florida, New York, and Maryland.

U.S. Attorney John L. Brownlee stated, "This investigation is a commendable example of the results that can be achieved by the cooperative efforts of federal, state, and local authorities. Today's enforcement action demonstrates an unwavering commitment by law enforcement authorities at all levels throughout the country to reducing violent crime and drug trafficking in our communities."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Roehm stated, "ATF agents have infiltrated many outlaw motorcycle organizations over the years. Our determination has not wavered. If you're involved in organized illegal activity; if you're committing federal firearm or explosives violations, you cannot hide within an organization. ATF and our local and state law enforcement partners are never far behind."

Shenandoah County Sheriff Larry W. Green stated, "I am impressed with the high level of interagency cooperation that supported this long term, interstate investigation. This case clearly demonstrates the positive results possible when local, state, and federal resources are shared. I also want to publicly thank and extend my appreciation to Congressman Frank Wolf and Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who recognized the value of such cooperation and have supported the dedication of Federal resources to the Shenandoah Valley. This operation has been exceptionally productive and will have a positive impact in our community."

Other law enforcement agencies that participated in this enforcement action are the members of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force (Frederick, Warren, Clarke, Page County Sheriff's Offices, the City of Winchester, Town of Front Royal Police Departments), Virginia State Police, DEA, and the United States Marshal's Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. H. Mott, Western Judicial District of Virginia, is prosecuting this case. State charges will be prosecuted by the Shenandoah County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

A Grand Jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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