Judge bars gang terms at Jenks’ trial
Prosecutors are prohibited from referencing the terms "Hells Angels," "Mongols" and "gangs" in the upcoming trial of club Sergeant at Arms Ricky Jenks.
U.S. District Judge Justin Quackenbush said federal prosecutors can refer to Jenks' membership in a "motorcycle club" only. He said the other references "would be unfairly prejudicial and generate 'more heat than light.'" Those orders were reiterated in pretrial documents filed last week.
Jenks' trial, originally set to begin Tuesday, is now scheduled to begin July 11 at 9 a.m. He faces 10 years in prison if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
He has been in jail since his arrest March 3 during a raid at the Hells Angels Spokane clubhouse on East Sprague Avenue.
The raid came as tensions between the Hells Angels and Mongols were rumored to be heating up.
Past coverage:
March 7: Jenks' arrest pleases '01 victim's mother
March 31: Grand jury indicts Hells Angels leader