The RCMP in Nova Scotia have laid criminal organization charges for the first time against members of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
As a result of an ongoing investigation from Sept. 2012, the RCMP Combined Forces Intelligence Unit (CFIU),have laid additional charges against three members of the Bacchus Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. This is the first time criminal organization charges have been laid against the Bacchus since they were established.
Forty-five-year-old Patrick James from Dartmouth, 43-year-old Duane Howe from Grand Desert, and 38-year-old David Pearce from Dartmouth were charged with commission of an offence for a criminal organization as well as extortion.
On Sept. 21, 2012, the three men were charged with uttering threats and intimidation; following an investigation that involved search warrants at four locations including the Bacchus clubhouse on Hogan road in Nine Mile River, and residences on Renfrew Road and Elmwood Road in Dartmouth and Dyke Road in Grand Desert, Nova Scotia.
“This is a first for Nova Scotia and a first for the Bacchus,” says RCMP Inspector Joanne Crampton, Division Intelligence Officer. “Criminal Organization charges are a significant blow to this group.”
The Bacchus has expanded throughout Atlantic Canada, and they conduct criminal activity in local neighbourhoods, she said.
“As we’ve said in the past, 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.”
The men will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on Jan. 7
