TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AND SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS OF THE MULTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES COMPRISING THE SOUTH CAROLINA HELLS ANGELS TASK FORCE, WHICH HAVE EFFECTIVELY SERVED TO SECURE CONVICTIONS OF NOTORIOUS INDIVIDUALS WHO THREATENED THE WELFARE OF OUR STATE.

Whereas, the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina is grateful for the sacrificial and diligent work of members of law enforcement agencies throughout the State that provide safety for our citizens and an environment for families and enterprise to flourish; and

Whereas, in response to community concerns about the infiltration of outlaw motorcycle gangs into the Rock Hill community and the looming violence developing between members of rival outlaw motorcycle gangs, the South Carolina Hells Angels Task Force was formed; and

Whereas, in 2012, members of Hells Angels who had been conducting criminal activity in South Carolina were brought to justice through the relentless efforts and outstanding collaboration of this task force, which included the York County Sheriff's Office; the Lexington Police Department; the Lexington County Sheriff's Department; the Rock Hill Police Department; the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and the United States Attorney's Office; and

Whereas, fifteen members and associates of Hells Angels were convicted of crimes related to racketeering conspiracy (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO) for their dealings with drugs, guns, armed robbery, and money laundering; and

Whereas, as part of coordinated criminal activity, Hells Angels South Carolina Nomads Charter engaged in narcotics trafficking, narcotics conspiracy, money laundering, firearms trafficking, use of firearms in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking, attempted armed robbery, and other offenses in Lexington and Rock Hill; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives appreciates the exceptional work of the law enforcement agencies involved in the South Carolina Hells Angels Task Force in bringing these wanton lawbreakers to justice. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and commend the collaborative effort and significant success of the multi-law enforcement agencies comprising the South Carolina Hells Angels Task Force, which have effectively served to secure convictions of notorious individuals who threatened the welfare of our State.