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Ex-Prez of Ventura Co. Hells Angels Busted For Plotting to Firebomb Tattoo Shops
He might be an "Angel forever," but 64-year-old George Christie, Jr. could spend forever in a federal prison. Christie, a former president of the Ventura County Chapter of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang, is one of four defendants hauled in today on federal charges for plotting to bring down a couple of local tattoo shops.
Christie allegedly conspired to threaten the owners of rival tattoo parlors in an effort to force them to close down their businesses, says the Department of Justice.
When the shops didn't close down, Christie, who also ran a tattoo shop, allegedly plotted to "firebomb" his competitors' ink shops.
The crimes took place in 2007, when Christie was in charge of the Ventura Co. Hells Angels.
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Christie faces federal charges of conspiracy, extortion and arson charges contained in a six-count indictment.
The three others arrested this morning in Ventura County are Kyle Douglas Gilbertson, 33; Benito Hurtado, 34; and Richard Reeves Russell III, 29.
If he is convicted of all six counts in the indictment, Christie would face a statutory maximum penalty of 120 years in federal prison.
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This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
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