NS RCMP lay ‘criminal organization’ charges for the first time
Posted Jan 3, 2013 03:23:29 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For the first time ever, Provincial RCMP are laying criminal organization charges against members of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
The Combined Forces Intelligence Unit (CFIU) has been investigating the Bacchus bike club since September 2012. Thursday, they announced further charges against three members of the club.
Patrick James, 45, of Dartmouth, Duane Howe, 43, of Grand Desert and David Pearce, 38, from Dartmouth are all charged with commission of an offence for a criminal organization and extortion.
In September, they were also all charged with uttering threats and intimidation after search warrants were carried out on four Bacchus clubhouses across Nova Scotia.
In a release, RCMP Inspector Joanne Crampton says “This is a first for Nova Scotia and a first for the Bacchus. Criminal Organization charges are a significant blow to this group.”
“As we’ve said in the past,” she adds, “the Bacchus attempt to fool people and portray themselves as a group of charitable motorcycle enthusiasts. Today’s charges are once again proof that these individuals are involved in criminal activity.”
All three men will appear in court on Monday, January 7th, 2013.
