San Antonio, Texas – In a major blow to the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization, a federal judge sentenced 63-year-old former National President Jeffrey Faye Pike of Conroe, Texas, to life plus ten years in federal prison for racketeering and drug trafficking charges.
The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley; San Antonio Police Chief William McManus; and Atascosa County Sheriff David A. Soward.
“This prosecution shows that the Department of Justice has the tools to strip away a veneer of legitimate activity to expose and punish underlying criminal conduct. Others—and not only those involved in violent activity—should take note,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
Pike and his accomplice, Bandidos National Vice President John Xavier Portillo, were convicted on May 17, 2018, after a nearly three-month trial. Jurors found them guilty of conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, aiding and abetting assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and interference with commerce by threats and violence.
Jurors also convicted Portillo of additional charges, including murder in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm.
The evidence presented during the trial revealed that Pike and Portillo ordered the murder of Anthony Benesh in 2006, as well as the murder of Robert Lara in 2002, and conspired to murder and assault members and associates of the Cossacks Outlaw Motorcycle Organization. The Bandidos also engaged in trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine and maintained an agreement with the Texas Mexican Mafia.
The case against Pike and Portillo is a significant blow to the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in organized crime. The defendant, Jeffrey Faye Pike, is a 63-year-old resident of Conroe, Texas.
The exact criminal charges against Jeffrey Faye Pike include conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, aiding and abetting assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and interference with commerce by threats and violence.
The sentencing took place in San Antonio, Texas on today. The exact date of the sentencing is not specified in the release.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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