The first chapter of the Hells Angels is believed to have been started dating back as far as 1948 in Fontana/San Bernardino California. Although there were several other motorcycle groups banding together across the state of California at this time, there was no documented connection with the Hells Angels.
During the fifties, …show more content…
They began opening chapters in the East Coast and across the United States.
At the present time, the Hells Angels are the fourth largest motorcycle gang in within the United States with 64 Chapters and are preceded in number by the Mongles, Outlaws and finally the Banditios. Although they may not be the largest in the United States, their national outreach far surpasses that of rival gangs across the world. Worldwide, there are 183 known Chapters and may be found on every continent except Antarctica. The second and third leading gangs with international affiliations are the Outlaws and Banditos who trail behind by more than 20 Chapters. (Katz, K.)
Despite the true reasoning behind the beginning of the organization, the Hells Angels are among what is now referred to by the general public as the 1%. Although the gang is comprised of hardened criminals, there is no room for a lack of discipline while conducting the business set forth by the chapter or national president of the organization. (Hells …show more content…
Ralph "Sonny" Barger, was the original founding member and the first president of the Angels, received numerous felony convictions. (Barker, T.)
On June 11, 2007, the Spokane, Washington chapter president of the Hells Angels was convicted for racketeering acts including mail fraud and extortion. Several other chapter presidents also received convictions in conjunction with the crimes as well. (Barker, T.)
Following in the footsteps of their leader, in 2006 the former Sergeant-Arms of the San Diago Chapter plead guilty to a multitude of crimes earning him a 14-year sentence. (Barker, T.)
Despite leaving a well established paper trail of criminal convictions, bold displays of disregard for the law and general public safety through initiating gang wars, such as the famous incident which took place at the Nevada Casino where rival gangs held a full on shoot out injuring dozens and killing even more, this notorious gang continues to grow at an alarming rate. Recruitment rates are at an all time high as the gangs are beginning to recruit inner city gangsters and wannabe’s, teens and newly released criminals.