Posted on 12/22/2015 4:44:50 AM PST by don-o
A 66-year-old minister for the Bandidos motorcycle group pleaded not guilty Monday to charges related to the May 17 Twin Peaks shootout among rival bikers.
Lawrence Raymond Yager, of Buda, who also has said he serves as chaplain for two veterans groups, was arraigned Monday in Waco's 54th State District Court.
Yager is on his third attorney since his examining trial in August. He was represented Monday by Austin attorney Franklin Bynum.
Four other bikers were set for arraignments Monday, but they waived their court appearances.
Bynum declined comment Monday.
Yager is among 106 bikers indicted last month on first-degree felony engaging in organized criminal activity charges in the incident that left nine bikers dead and more than 24 wounded.
Yager's former attorney, Landon Northcutt, argued at his examining trial that the testimonies of Department of Public Safety Lt. Steven Schwartz and Waco police Detective Sam Key did not produce evidence that Yager conspired to commit murder, assault or any crime that day.
Yager was not wearing his cuts or colors that day and serves as chaplain for the Bandidos, a VFW post and the Texas Association of Vietnam Vets, Northcutt said.
"He was wearing a Christian T-shirt. He was there to minister to people who need him. That is what he does. He is retired. That is all he does," the attorney said.
Key testified that officers found numerous handguns, rifles and shotguns in the Toyota Avalon that Yager drove to Waco that morning.
Officers also found that Yager, a Vietnam veteran, was carrying a .44-caliber revolver and a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol on his belt when he was detained.
He told officers he carries the large-caliber revolver in case the other gun jams on him, Key said.
Motorcycle clubs have chaplains? Who knew!
He has the most powerful Advocate of all of them. May GOD bless and keep him. All of them, actually.
>>> Key testified that officers found numerous handguns, rifles and shotguns in the Toyota Avalon that Yager drove to Waco that morning. <<<
And the prejudicial implication is ???
I mean....is that a rare find in Texas? Maybe NY, but not Texas.
Apparently, some of these “legal officials” and I use that term loosely, have a problem with the second ammendment. We the people need to enforce the complete repeal of all firearms laws, state, local or federal, nationwide, ASAP.
>>> I mean....is that a rare find in Texas? <<<
You should see one of our ‘family range days’. ;-)
Last one was 12 ga, 20 ga, 9mm, .40 cal, .380 cal, .357 cal, .22 cal, 5.56 mm, 7.62 x 54R and a with variations on the handguns and multiple versions of the ammunition.
Yeah, we’re in Texas.
My memory of the cookie cutter affidavit is that it includes that those who were detained wore patches that related to outlaw gangs.
That is from the law under which all were charged.
Also interesting that he is on his third attorney. He must have a clear idea of how he wants his defense to proceed.
Clothing wasn't a necessary piece of evidence to establish affiliation with one of the targeted groups. Alternatives recited in the affidavit were identifiable leadership or continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.
If Yager admitted he was a member of the Bandidos, that admission was enough to bring him under the prosecutor's theory of committing a crime.
As always, thanks for the clarity.
Side note: Finished watching Netflix “Making of a Murderer.” It recounts the true story of Steven Avery who was falsely imprisoned for 18 years. After he was released (old evidence DNA tested) he was accused and convicted of murder.
It’s a very interesting look at the LE and Justice system as it actually works.
“Yager was not wearing his cuts or colors that day and serves as chaplain for the Bandidos,”
He was carrying the long guns for the gang in his vehicle.
“And the prejudicial implication is ???”
He was serving as the gun bearer for the gang?
“Officers also found that Yager, a Vietnam veteran, was carrying a .44-caliber revolver and a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol on his belt when he was detained. “
Yea ... I always carry a .44 to back up my .45 when I go to my club meetings ...
A Wisconsin man exonerated of rape after serving 18 years in prison, then convicted of helping kill a woman after he was set free filed a lawsuit from prison claiming his civil rights were violated.
“A Wisconsin man exonerated of rape after serving 18 years in prison, “
Thank you but part of the 18 years was for other crimes. His sentence was only 12 years for the crime he was exonerated.
>>> Yager’s story is that his house was being remodeled... <<<
I remember that now. Thanks for the reminder.
“Yager’s story is that his house was being remodeled, and he didn’t want the workmen to have access to his gun collection”
You mean he didn’t lose them in a boating accident?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.