Dencklau and Erickson Convicted in Huggins Kidnapping Murder

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury in Portland handed down a severe verdict on November 30, convicting Mark Leroy Dencklau and Chad Leroy Erickson, members of the Gypsy Joker Outlaw Motorcycle Club (GJOMC), for their involvement in the 2015 kidnapping and murder of Robert Huggins.

Dencklau, 61, of Woodburn, Oregon, and Erickson, 51, of Rainier, Oregon, were found guilty of multiple charges including murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping resulting in death, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, resulting in death. Dencklau was also convicted of racketeering conspiracy.

The jury, however, acquitted Kenneth Earl Hause, 64, of Aumsville, Oregon, the national president of GJOMC, on racketeering conspiracy charges. Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, emphasized that ‘organized crime will not be tolerated,’ and hailed the law enforcement operation behind the arrests and convictions.

According to court documents and trial testimony, Dencklau, Erickson, and their co-defendants belonged to a criminal organization known for its violent acts. The GJOMC is an international outfit with chapters in the Pacific Northwest and Europe, involved in various criminal activities. Dencklau had been president of the Portland chapter since 2003.

Huggins, an estranged member, was found beaten and tortured before his death in Clark County, Washington. Dencklau directed a revenge kidnapping that led to Huggins’ death. The trial saw government witnesses testify against the accused, painting a picture of a heinous crime committed by a notorious gang.

Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Seattle Field Division, stated that ‘ATF remains committed to combating organizations like the GJOMC.’ The convictions send a strong message that such criminal activities will not be overlooked and punished.