DETROIT (AP) - Six members of a Detroit-area motorcycle club have been convicted of various crimes after a long trial that portrayed them as a violent band of drug dealers.
A jury convicted the 60-year-old leader of the Devils Diciples and five others. Jeff "Fat Dog" Smith of Mount Clemens was found guilty last Friday of all charges, including racketeering conspiracy, illegal gambling and witness tampering.
Defense attorney Jerry Sabbota acknowledged that Smith anticipates a long prison sentence. Jury deliberations lasted three weeks, and the trial lasted nearly four months in Detroit federal court.
The Devils Diciples has about 150 members with chapters in southeastern Michigan and Grand Rapids. The group sells many products online, including a baby bib that says, "My dad can beat up everybody!"
Published: Tue, Feb 24, 2015
