A Richmond, Virginia, federal jury is scheduled to begin deliberations today in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, in the trial of five motorcycle gang members on federal conspiracy racketeering and other charges in an alleged scheme in which the Outlaws planned to expand into central Virginia, which is said to be under control of the rival Hells Angels.
In a related November 2010 trial, a jury convicted one gang member, acquitted two, and failed to reach a verdict on Jack Rosga, 53, of Milwaukee, the Outlaws' national president. The current trial began Dec. 1, and Rosga is being retried on Federal RICO charges of conspiracy to violate racketeering law and conspiracy to commit violence in the aid of racketeering.
Also on trial with Rosga are Outlaws Harry McCall, 53, and Christopher Timbers, 38. McCall is charged with conspiracy to violate racketeering laws, conspiracy to commit violence, violence in the aid of racketeering, and possession of a firearm. Timbers is charged with conspiracy to violate racketeering laws, conspiracy to commit violence, violence in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm.
Dennis Haldermann, 42, a member of the Nomads motorcycle club, is on trial for accusations of violence in the aid of racketeering. Former Outlaws member Mark Jason Fiel, 38, is charged with conspiracy to violate racketeering laws and conspiracy to commit violence.
"This is an organization that preaches violence. ... That's what this organization is all about," Peter S. Duffey, an assistant U.S. attorney, said Tuesday in his closing arguments.
Crimes cited by the government included an attempted murder in Maine in which a Hells Angel was seriously wounded in a shooting allegedly ordered by Rosga but admittedly committed by one of the government's witnesses who made a deal with authorities.
One of the undercover agents testified that when he complained to Rosga about harassment from Hells Angels in the Petersburg area, Rosga said the way to handle it was to "put a cap in 'em."
Duffey conceded that Rosga, who has no criminal record, might have a "nice side." But, said Duffey, "there's another side … in his heart of hearts, he's Milwaukee Jack, he's an Outlaw."
Claire Cardwell, one of Rosga's lawyers, told the jury, "The case against Jack Rosga is all talk."
