In fact, he did time in jail while he was the leader for arms possession and hijacking. Violence was common with this particular group, and in an effort to frighten and "intimidate" police, prison guards were killed by Hells Angel members in 1997. Eventually, Boucher was tried and convicted for orchestrating the killings (Editors). In addition, many other criminal investigations have turned up large amounts of money, weapons, drugs, and evidence of other illegal activities, such as extortion and coercion by club members and in clubhouses across America and the world. The club Web site maintains that "1% of their members are bad, and ruin the reputation of the remaining 99%" ("Stew" & "Craig"), but the evidence continues to point to the fact that many HAMC activities are gang and crime related, and that many of its members join the organization for reasons other than a passion for motorcycles. The club is associated with a violent and disruptive lifestyle, condones gun and weapons ownership, and seems to exclude black members. In addition, many of its members are now facing charges stemming from investigations in America and beyond, and many more remain behind bars due to their convictions in criminal activities. The HAMC may be called a "club," but it is much more - it is a window to criminal activity and organized crime.

ASSOCIATION CHART

Elements and Association Criteria element 1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of who makes up the Hells Angel Motorcycle Club - how it gains members.

Membership criteria

1.1 Must own a motorcycle and use it for primary transportation. Primarily made up of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, but not mandatory.

Range: Association, activities, events, foundation.

1.2 Must join chartered group in local area.

Range: Analyze, arrange, filter members.

1.3 Members cannot be black, but...

No other criteria exist for membership, which means criminals and ex-felons can be become members, and some seem to be encouraged to membership.
TIMELINE

1948 -- Group formed in Fontana, CA.

1961 -- First charter granted outside the U.S. In New Zealand.

1969 -- First European charters granted, two in London, England.

1969 -- Atamont Free Concert - Hells Angels hired for crowd control, Hells Angel member kills a crowd member in "self-defense."

1970s -- First Canadian chapters organized.

2002 -- River Run Riot in Harrah's Casino in Laughlin, NV Hells Angels fight with rival motorcycle gang, two Hells Angels and one opposing member killed.

2002 -- "Mega Trial" for 17 HAMC members in Quebec.

2003 -- Federal indictments of several HAMC members in Arizona.

2004 -- "Nine members of Hells Angels and an associated biker club are convicted of 26 counts of gangsterism, drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder" in Quebec (Editors).

References

Editors. "The Road to Hell." Canadian Broadcasting Company. 2004. 19 Nov. 2007. http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/featurestories/bikers/timeline.html

Stew" & "Craig." "History." Hells-Angels.com. 2007. 19 Nov. 2007. http://www.hells-angels.com/

Wagner, Dennis. "Hells Angels: The Federal Infiltration." The Arizona Republic 23 Jan., 2005.

19 Nov. 2007. http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special42/articles/0123hellsangels23.html