Feds, Local Law Enforcement Bust Major Hell's Angels Ring
Nearly two dozen arrests made as authorities bust up multi-state drugs, firearms, and money laundering ring allegedly run by the infamous biker gang.
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In early morning raids stretching from Lexington County into North Carolina, local, state and federal authorities said Thursday they have busted a major crime ring run by the infamous biker gang, the Hell's Angels.
In a press conference at FBI headquarters, law enforcement officials, including Lexington County Sheriff James Metts, said they have made nearly two dozen arrests of Angels and associates on a slew of charges including drugs, firearms, arson, prostitution, and money laundering.
This was an operation that dealt "in drugs, guns, money and power," said David Thomas, special-agent-in-charge for the FBI office in Columbia.
Thomas said 21 persons are in custody and that more arrests may be made. Authorities also seized more than 100 firearms. The arrests were based on a 91-count racketeering indictment, he said.
At least seven of the gang members arrested were from Lexington County, including Daniel “Diamond Dan” Eugene Bifield and Lisa Ellen Bifield, both of Batesburg-Leesville; Bruce “Bruce-Bruce” James Long, Trent Allen Brown and Somying “Ying” Anderson, all of West Columbia; James Frederick “Big Fred” Keach Jr. of Pelion; and, Bruce “Diesel” Ranson Wilson of Swansea.
The operation was run by the Rock Hell City Nomads chapter of the Hell's Angels, primarily in Lexington County and Rock Hill, but also in Lancaster, S.C., and portions of North Carolina including Gastonia and the Charlotte area.
The arrests come after a two-year undercover investigation, Thomas said.
"it's good to know this group is out of Lexington County, and hopefully behind bars for a long time," Lexington County Sheriff James Metts said.
“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,” said Thomas.
Federal authorities said that during Thursday’s raids, they seized methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and pills, in addition to the firearms, which included two automatic machine guns.
