"Hells Angels prospect" charged for uttering threats to an officer: police

Jan 9 2020, 5:42 pm

The Calgary Police Service has laid two charges against a man they describe as a “Hells Angels prospect.”

According to a release, CPS charged 36-year-old Robert Herring with two counts of intimidation after he allegedly made threats against police officers while being arrested in December on an unrelated matter.

The release stated that Herring had “used the fear associated to the HAMC’s reputation for violence, telling the officers that he had done extensive research on them, including on their home addresses.”

CPS notes that the Hells Angels are a “sophisticated, well-structured criminal organization.” and that the group has fostered a reputation for violence, retaliation, and intimidation.

“While the clear majority of motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens, extensive criminal networks within the outlaw biker community continue to profit from illicit activities like drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting, money laundering, contraband smuggling, extortion, violence, and illegal gaming,” the release states.

“Outlaw motorcycle clubs often take part in legitimate charitable events and other public relations efforts to portray themselves as good-natured free spirits. Popular television shows in recent years have unfortunately glamorized the gangster lifestyle and likely helped organized crime groups attract recruits and supporters.”

The release noted that Herring had been wearing support gear for the group’s Southland Chapter and is a self-admitted prospect of the organization.

A prospect, according to CPS, does not have voting rights in the club, though is in the final step to becoming a full-patch member.

“During the prospect period, the individual must prove his worth to the club, in order to earn full membership,” the release states.

Herring is next expected to appear in Calgary Provincial Court on Friday, January 24 on two counts of intimidation of a justice system participant.

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