Authorities arrested a veteran San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy on March 23 on suspicion of involvement in a motorcycle gang, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD).
Authorities arrested Deputy Christopher Bingham, 45, in connection with a criminal investigation into his ties to the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG). The investigation, led by the department’s Gang/Narcotics Unit, has been ongoing since January 2024. The investigation revealed Bingham’s affiliation and dealings with gangs and SBSD. Said In a news release.
Veteran California sheriff’s deputy suspected of leading a double life with outlaw motorcycle gang: Police https://t.co/SJz1O6eGbM pic.twitter.com/AX93Xi4uAv
— New York Post (@nypost) April 6, 2024
During a routine patrol, authorities spotted Bingham riding a horse with two OMG members. Officers found an unregistered Glock 9mm handgun on Bingham, and Bingham claimed he was a “law enforcement agent.” Sheriff’s detectives quickly arrested Bingham and took him to a local correctional facility, where he was charged with gang involvement and possession of a loaded firearm. report.
An additional search of Bingham at the correctional facility uncovered a T-shirt that read “(Expletive) 81!,” a derogatory nod to the Mongols’ opponents, the Hells Angels, the paper said. The shirt reads “SYLM,” which means “Support Local Mongolians,” and the chain around his neck has a ring with a black letter M, the source said. revealed. (Related: Exclusive: Federal authorities crack down on prison gang members previously deported on suspicion of drunk driving)
The motorcycle gang known as the Hell’s Angels will operate a booth in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week, to be held on June 11, 2023 in Laconia, New Hampshire. The rally, which is expected to draw more than 300,000 motorcyclists, is the oldest in the United States. The event will run from June 10th to June 19th. (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP, Getty Images)
He was later released, but authorities began searching his home and found a cache of about 160 firearms, including fully automatic assault rifles with grenade launchers, destructive devices, silencers, gang paraphernalia and shotguns stolen from the sheriff’s mansion. is said to have been discovered. the SBSD department said.
Following these discoveries, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felonies on April 4, 2024, charging Bingham with unlawful possession of a firearm, theft, and gang involvement. The department’s Special Enforcement Division re-arrested Bingham and set his bail at $500,000.
“This deputy’s actions are alarming and inexcusable. He not only tarnishes the badge, but undermines the integrity and credibility of the entire department,” Sheriff Shannon Dicas said in a statement. . “Criminal conduct will not be tolerated and we have placed him on immediate mandatory leave. The investigation was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office and charges were filed.”
