MODESTO, Calif — 4 p.m. UPDATE:
Four people, including the president of the Modesto Hells Angels, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California said in a press release.
Those charged include:
- Randy Picchi, 61, president of the club
- Tina Picchi, 51
- Michael Mize, 61
- Michael Pack, 32, a prospect with the club
According to court documents, law enforcement believe Randy Picchi was the leader of a drug conspiracy ring, often directing his wife Tina to deliver drugs to Ceres. Mize and others would also deliver drugs. Pack, who was stopped by law enforcement with 499 grams of methamphetamine in his possession, was used to "obtain methamphetamine on at least one occasion."
Tina was also allegedly directed by her husband to deliver drugs to Redding. During that drive, she was pulled over by law enforcement with, "approximately four ounces of methamphetamine," which she attempted to hide by wrapping in a plastic glove and stuffing that in a cup of soda.
As part of the investigation, search warrants were executed at seven locations in Stanislaus County, including the clubhouse of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Modesto.
If convicted, all four could face a maximum prison sentence of life, a minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Randy and Tina Picchi, and Mize are scheduled to appear in federal court on Wednesday, July 3, in Fresno.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The FBI and Modesto Police Department are serving warrants Tuesday afternoon at the city's Hells Angels club, FBI and police officials confirmed to ABC10.
According to a Modesto police official, the warrants were being served at a location on the 700 block of 7th Street in downtown. Officials could not confirm what the search warrants were being issued for or to whom they were being served.
Modesto police officials said the FBI is leading the operation, and their department is only assisting.
An FBI official confirmed to ABC10 that they are serving warrants at a location in Salida, but could not say where. Salida is a small city in Stanislaus County about 10 miles north of Modesto.
There have been no confirmed arrests, FBI and police officials told ABC10.