Entire chapter of Hells Angels arrested in California gang probe

globalnews.ca:

An entire chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club has been arrested in California as part of a kidnapping, robbery and assault probe, authorities said Tuesday.

The chapter members, based out of Bakersfield, Calif., were taken into custody as part of an ongoing criminal street gang investigation, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Five active members were arrested, police confirmed in a statement, as well as two members of the Sons of Hell – a club that answers to the Bakersfield Hells Angels. In their statement, police referred to the Hells Angels as “an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang” – a designation given by the U.S. Justice Department.

More than 150 officers served eight search warrants and seized approximately 25 firearms, ammunition, multiple high-capacity magazines and gang-affiliated paraphernalia.

Authorities arrested Ricardo Alvarez, 42, Armando Villasenor, 55, Joseph Soto Sr., 57, Joseph Soto Jr., 33, Joshua Zavala, 31, and John Seeger, 57.

Joshua Vaughn, 37, who was a member of the Sons of Hell, was already in custody on other charges. Seeger was also a member of the Sons of Hell.

Allegations leading to the arrests include kidnapping, robbery, making criminal threats, false imprisonment, assault with a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, criminal conspiracy, intimidating a witness or victim and elder abuse, police said in the statement.

Hells Angels president, vice-president & entire Bakersfield Chapter of Hells Angels arrested in early morning sweep. Approx 25 firearms, high-capacity magazines, ammo & gang affiliate paraphernalia seized. https://t.co/6Ytpd5zdL7 <a href=«https://twitter.com/ATFSanFrancisco?ref_src=» https:>@ATFSanFrancisco

<a