My information comes firsthand from outlaw bikers who I’ve known personally, so I can’t really provide a link for all of that. For people in those circles, how the COCs operate “common knowledge”, and they describe it exactly as law enforcement described its operations in the indictments.
Here’s a 1%er site that describes the Bandidos engaging in this kind of extortion:
“As I said, most clubs are not outlaw clubs and don’t wear a top and bottom rocker. They may have a top rocker but if they have a bottom patch it will not have State, City or County wording on it , many times it will be the member’s road name. For example any club in Texas (unless it’s grand fathered by the Bandido’s) that’s not affiliated with Bandidos, (and other than a police club) are not allowed to fly the “Texas” patch (”Bar” or “Rocker”) on the back. They have even forced some police clubs to remove the Texas rocker. Also, 99% of Bandido support clubs cannot wear Texas on the back. The Bandidos claim that right as an MC (Motorcycle Club) and will aggressively approach you if you are seen wearing it on the back of your colors. Most states have its dominant 1% club where the same rule applies. The Bandidos are the dominant club in Texas as well as several other states.”
http://www.rcvsmc.net/id8.html
Here’s another forum where bikers were describing which outlaw gangs run the COCs in their states:
“Well here in the Lone Star State, it’s Red & Gold Country. Bandido Land...And you pay to ride here, to be legit club, you will be a member of the TXCOC, ran by the Bandidos.
No club is allow to have Texas on there back but them, being a Marine Vet club..We claim no turf! To much hassle. Just know your surroundings. I left Dallas in 2006, headed to NC. I had to park my Cut/Vest due to Pagan Land. Bad blood between the two. Even tho i am not a member, but i wear a TXCOC patch, they put us under there wings of protection. Same way for Cali, Mongols & HA’s, go out there as a Pagan or Bandido...
Again, do your homework before you patch up. At least for a three piece patch holder. Find out who’s turf you riding on!”
http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8770
That’s from 2011, so as you can see, these activities by the Bandidos are nothing new.
“My information comes firsthand from outlaw bikers who I’ve known personally, so I can’t really provide a link for all of that. For people in those circles, how the COCs operate “common knowledge”, and they describe it exactly as law enforcement described its operations in the indictments.”
If all these dudes are just nice family men that enjoy the freedom of biking WTH do they elect the Bandidos to lead the Texas CoCI?
Re. Texas Rocker:
**Smith said “it all changed” when the Cossacks decided to put “Texas” on the back of their vests, intensifying mounting tensions with the Bandidos, who view Texas as their territory.
“It was cool to me at first. I grew up in Texas,” Smith said. “But things changed and that is not what I joined for.”**
Seth A. Smith, who was at Waco as a Cossack, gave it up:
**“This whole situation destroyed what I expected out of a club,” Smith said. “We joined because of the family atmosphere, the family component, but this has all been far from it. I’m out.”
He said he allowed his motorcycle to be released back to the lienholder. He and his wife now share a two-door Fiat.**