An indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Texas, charging 14 individuals associated with the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. The charges include involvement in a criminal enterprise responsible for murder, robbery, arson, narcotics distribution, and witness intimidation around Houston.
The defendants face accusations of conspiracy to commit racketeering (RICO) activity and engaging in violent crimes such as murder and assault to further the gang's interests. The Bandidos are described as an "outlaw" motorcycle organization with significant membership both domestically and internationally.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, “Today’s indictment is an important step in eliminating the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.” She emphasized that their criminal behavior has no place in America.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas remarked on public safety concerns, stating that the indictment alleges shocking violence committed openly where innocent people could have been harmed.
Court documents reveal a turf war beginning in 2019 between the Bandidos and rival gang B*EAST in Houston. This conflict allegedly involved orders from Bandidos leadership to attack B*EAST members on sight, leading to gunfire exchanges on public roads and establishments.
Several individuals are charged with conspiracy to commit racketeering activity: John M. Pfeffer (Big John), Darvi Hinojosa (10 Round), Bradley Rickenbacker (Dolla Bill), Michael H. Dunphy (Money Mike), Christopher Sanchez (Monster), and Brandon K. Hantz (Loco/Gun Drop). Additional charges include multiple counts of assault related to racketeering activities, firearm use during violent crimes, possession of firearms by felons, and arson.
David Vargas (Brake Check/First Time) faces charges including murder related to racketeering activities and using firearms during these acts; he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
Other defendants charged with various offenses include Marky Baker (Pinche Guero/Guero), Ronnie McCabe (Meathead), Jeremy Cox (JD), Roy Gomez (Repo), Marcel Lett, Sean G. Christison (Skinman), and John Sblendorio (Tech9).
Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI and local law enforcement departments under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S. security through collaborative efforts across jurisdictions.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Program focusing on reducing violent crime through community collaboration for comprehensive solutions targeting violent offenders while supporting prevention programs for sustainable crime reduction.
All defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.