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The "Road Dog" Case


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#1 Guest_CovertOne_*

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Posted 16 March 2011 - 10:47 AM

Does anyone believe that ATF's retaliations against John Dodson for his whistleblowing on Gunrunner are the first time this has happened at ATF? Vince Cefalu blew the whistle on a corrupt and illegal wiretap during an investigation ATF was running. ATF denied the allegations but which have now all proven to be true. (Fast forward to Gunrunner.) Rather than admit the errors and address the problems ATF chose to attack and ruin the career of the whistleblower, destroy his reputation, deplete his finances to the brink of poverty forcing him to defend the retaliations and let those guilty of the retaliations off the hook. This is not speculation. It is the cold, hard factual truth. (Fast forward to Gunrunner.) What Gillett did to Dodson is also the cold, hard truth. Gillett has a reputation for acting that way and ATF knew about it long before he committed a felony against Dodson with retaliation. By the way, what has ATF done to Gillett? Right. Nothing. (Fast forward to Gunrunner.) Unfortunately Cefalu never had the likes of Senator Grassley to stand up for him and call off ATF's retaliation dogs before they crashed Cefalu's life. As long as ATF allows retaliations to go on, exist and takes no action against the managers at ATF who handle the agencie's business in such an illegal and corrupt manner then nothing at ATF will ever change. Those investigating the crimes (Congress, media, OIG) are amazed that so many insiders with knowledge of Gunrunner are refusing to talk without a subpoeana. There should be no amazement. All those witnesses need to do is look at what ATF did to Cefalu and Dodson to know that the most peaceful existance at ATF is to keep your mouth shut. It is a matter of survival. And then ATF wins because the cycle repeats itself with ATF protecting their crimes by retaliating against whistleblowers and discouraging anyone who voices an opinion against them to keep quiet for fear of personal and professional destruction.

#2 graceandtruth

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Posted 08 March 2011 - 02:29 PM

Hello Agent Cefalu, It is heartening to hear entities are looking into that whole debacle of injustice. I believe Captain DeLeon's Attorney is still looking for the information concerning your letter that Montoya and Cullers say they sent him. My best to you and your search for justice and accountablity within your own agency. Congrats on the new position! CNN must hear about it. I am assuming a pay raise was included. Sorry to hear the new position is not much more inspriring than the old one. On a positive note...there is apparently real beef in those tacos! Thanks so much for your response...Grace

#3 VINCENT A CEFALU

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Posted 06 March 2011 - 11:33 PM

Thank you for your kind words. The OIG has passed the perjury investigation over to ATF Internal Affairs. Asst. U.S. Attorney Mark Cullers complained about my supposedly releasing "LE sensitive" information, which was of course already in the T-III document available to the public realm. He did not mention the original Motion where he and his colleague, Laurel Montoya did the "How could we possibly respond to a document when we don't know the source?" dance.

Notwithstanding the obvious statements in my memo where I identify myself as the Case Agent, there are entities looking at the judicial misconduct of that entire debacle. As already publicly acknowledged, SA Peralta was the only other Case Agent, and that motion was made under oath by Ms. Montoya and Mr. Cullers. I believe that significant questions will be asked by ATF OPSRO, but am not aware of the current progress of the investigation.

Since the May 2010 CNN piece with Mr. Melson's indignation and denials, CNN has hinted at follow-up. I was given a new and improved job description by ATF attorneys, which merely echoes that of my previous 20-year position. If you are wondering, yes, I am the only Senior Operations Officer (out of 24) who received this. I have now completed 83 minutes (not hours) of significant work since that CNN segment. This has been reported countless times to Mr. Melson and Hoover, and yet I remain in the same 10 x 10 office enjoying Taco Bell and Safeway sandwiches.

I've done all I can at this point. Until all the charges re: significant waste, fraud and abuse, hostile work environments, gross mismanagement and reprisal are prosecuted, and accountability is enforced by Senator Grassley et al, this will continue at your (the taxpayers') expense.

Thank you again for your interest.

V. Cefalu
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#4 graceandtruth

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Posted 06 March 2011 - 12:45 AM

Private investigator Gary E., one of the last two defendents in the Road Dog Case, was sentenced on Monday. It was 11:45 before Judge Wanger began hearing motions on Gary E.'s behalf. Wanger instructed Gary and Attorney John Balazs to sit down while he covered the reasons for ruling against them. The motions and the response by the government were already before the Judge. According to Wanger, if you are a government witness and perjure yourself on the stand...he will simply say you were "having a bad memory" day. This is the same judge who refused to allow Vince Cefalu to appear and testify on Gary's behalf. By the time Wanger finished his usual story telling about LE leaks and corruption and Bob's need for protection from the righteous investigators who had been after him for ten years...I was pretty concerned. Wanger had more things wrong this time, but I am sure he felt he said everything right to justify his rulings. Wanger discussed other sentences handed down in the greater Road Dog Case. After Bob...there wasn't much to talk about...lots of probation etc.. It was noted that Tony Fantacone who had plead to blackmail because of his involvement (Carjacking that never happened)...had finished up his 100 days of community service. Wanger then sentenced Gary to 6 months BOP (Bureau of Prisons) followed 6 months local time...halfway house or house detention. This is much better than the 15 months that the Government wanted. Gary is free on bail pending an appeal. It sounds like the appeal process will take awhile...up to two years. Gary's attorney is very capable. Finally getting away from Wanger and his bias (hatred) for Bob will be a very good thing. Stephen Johnson...the dog handler...had been set orignally to appear with Gary on Mon. I did not see any updates for him on PACER...but his Attorney Carl Faller was there to ask for a continuance. Paperwork and responses will be begin in April and a hearing was set for May 2011. I am glad he and his wife do not have to step into that courtroom until then. Sometime I am going to write down the total punishment handed out for all of the defendents. Wanger and Cullers were not sure about most of the defendents. There was a question as to whether one defendent was released with time served...or not. All I could think of was...YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF....WAS THIS ALL WORTH THE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND TIME AND RESOURCES??? WERE THERE ANY OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE GANGS IMPACTED BY THIS CASE??? IS STANISLAUS COUNTY A SAFER PLACE BECAUSE BOB HOLLOWAY IS IN PRISON??? I would like to once again thank Vince Cefalu for standing up against the corruption in this investigation. I would also like to know how he is doing. Any updates would be appreciated. Will he be appearing on the Rush L. show soon? When will CNN be doing a followup on his story?

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Posted 03 January 2010 - 01:40 PM

An investigation revolving around Road Dog Cycle, a Denair motorcycle shop, has prompted much speculation in the Modesto legal community. Federal investigators served search warrants in February on owner Robert Holloway, a retired sheriff's deputy, and his wife, Kathy Holloway, who left the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department after she was investigated on suspicion of misusing the computer system. Her former boss, sheriff's Capt. Raul DeLeon, was placed on leave without explanation last winter. An indictment unsealed in July revealed a federal probe into alleged illegal activities at the bike shop over the past decade. Past and present law enforcement officers are charged with falsifying statements and perjury.

The following is based on court documents and observations of FBI raids:

  • 1997: Robert Holloway and his son Brent allegedly begin operating a "racketeering business" at Road Dog Cycle. Authorities say they, and others, trafficked stolen motor vehicle parts, were involved with robbery and made extortionate extensions of credit.
  • Nov. 20, 2007: During an interview with members of the Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force, Sheriff's Capt. Raul DeLeon denies having "a friendly relationship" with Holloway as well as contacts with Holloway during the execution of a search warrant at the home of one of Holloway's employees. A federal indictment alleges DeLeon lied to the investigators.
  • Dec. 6: Federal investigators escort DeLeon from the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Adam Christianson sends his top staff a memo saying DeLeon is on administrative leave pending the outcome of a federal investigation.
  • Dec. 19: During an interview with task force members, deputy Dave Swanson denies leaking confidential law enforcement information to an associate of Holloway, who in turn informed Holloway of possible search warrants to be executed at Road Dog Cycle. A federal indictment alleges that Swanson lied to the investigators. Swanson worked as a bailiff in Stanislaus County Superior Court before retiring in February.
  • Feb. 1, 2008: Members of the Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force raid Road Dog Cycle, smashing the front door to serve a search warrant before the shop had opened for business.
  • Investigators also search the Turlock home of Robert and Kathy Holloway, on Moberg Road, and the home of their son, Brent Holloway, on Adair Road west of Modesto.
  • Feb. 5: Swanson is placed on leave three days before his retirement. A search warrant says investigators could look for anything that might tie Swanson to the Holloways, attorneys who represent the Holloways, a private investigator, the Hells Angels or any other outlaw motorcycle gang.
  • Feb. 7: Task force members return to Road Dog Cycle to serve a second search warrant.
  • June 3: During an interview with task force members, Steven Johnson denies making phone calls to Holloway and a Holloway associate regarding possible surveillance activity at Road Dog Cycle and intelligence regarding a theft at the Sharpe Army Depot. A federal indictment alleges Johnson, a former state corrections officer, lied to the investigators.
  • June 12: During testimony before a federal grand jury, Johnson makes the same denials. A federal indictment alleges that Johnson lied under oath to the grand jury.
  • July 15: Officials announce the indictment of 11 men in connection with alleged illegal dealings at Road Dog. Authorities contend that Robert Holloway III and his son, Brent, ran a racketeering
  • enterprise at the motorcycle shop, allowing members of "outlaw motorcycle clubs" to take bikes from the shop on credit without paying or making other official loan agreements. Authorities say Robert Holloway had an agreement with motorcycle club presidents that they would repossess the bikes if members failed to make good on debts. Road Dog Cycle closed at the time of the arrests. Many of the men are arrested in public displays.
  • July 16: Most of the men, and two not named the day before, appear together in a Fresno courtroom to hear the charges against them and make their pleas. The men charged with making false statements, DeLeon, Swanson and Johnson, are released on their own recognizance.
  • July 18: Joseph Tyler is released on his own recognizance. Reynaldo Sotelo is released on bond, Alfredo Rincon, is scheduled to be released once his family arranges a bond.
  • July 21-22: A federal magistrate judge listens to wiretap evidence collected during the fall and winter of 2007 to decide whether to release Robert Holloway and Michael J. Orozco from custody. He decides the men should stay in custody.
  • July 24-25: A judge decides Brent Holloway should be released from custody, but prosecutors challenge the decision.
  • July 31: Another federal judge upholds the decision to release Brent Holloway. The judge says Holloway will be on house arrest and monitored electronically.
  • Aug. 25: Attorneys for Robert Holloway and Ray Heffington file motions in support of the release of their clients.


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Posted 03 January 2010 - 01:29 PM

Indictment says 'racketeering enterprise' based at cycle shop

A motorcycle shop owner, his son and six others have been indicted on racketeering and conspiracy charges related to the operation of Road Dog Cycle in Denair.

Three others, including a Stanislaus County sheriff's captain and former deputy who was a court bailiff, face charges of making false statements to federal investigators and lying to a federal grand jury.

The charges were announced this afternoon by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Drew Parenti and U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott, both from Sacramento.

United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott talks to media Tuesday, 07/15/08 at the Modesto Police Department about the charges against several people in Stanislaus County. Marty Bicek/The Modesto Bee

The 11 men were indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Fresno.

Robert Holloway, the owner of Road Dog Cycle, and his son Brent are alleged to have led a "racketeering enterprise" since 1997. They were among nine people arrested this morning. Two of the suspects remain at-large.

The indictment alleges that the Holloways and others participated in acts of "trafficking in stolen motor vehicle parts, robbery, making extortionate extensions of credit and collecting extensions of credit."

"Road Dog Cycle was a gathering place for and commercial supplier for various outlaw motorcycle clubs including but not limited to the Hell's Angels, the Jus Brothers, the Alky Haulers and the East Bay Dragons," the indictment says.

The indictment alleges Bob Holloway protected thee biker clubs from law enforcement.

Investigators claim Road Dog Cycle was a front for "chop shop operations, the purchase and sale of stolen motorcycle parts, the exportation of stolen motorcycles and parts, and extortionate credit transactions."

Members of the Central Valley Gang Impact Task Force twice raided Road Dog Cycle in February. They also searched the Turlock home of Bob and Kathy Holloway and the west Modesto home of Brent Holloway.

Six other men face the same charges as Bob and Brent Holloway. Two are from Manteca, and one each from Merced, Gilroy, Chowchilla and Sweden. The suspects from Chowchilla and Sweden are the only ones not in custody.

Also implicated in the federal investigation are sheriff's Capt. Raul DeLeon and retired bailiff Dave Swanson. DeLeon has been on administrative leave since December. Swanson retired in February, a few weeks after being placed on administrative leave.

Swanson's attorney, Robert Forkner of Modesto, said his client "denies all charges."

DeLeon's attorney could not be reached.

A third retired law enforcement official, Steve Johnson of Linden, also faces charges of making false statements to federal investigators and lying to a federal grand jury. The indictment did not specify which agency Johnson used to work for.

Others in attendance at the press conference were Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager, Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson, Modesto Police Chief Roy Wasden, Stanislaus County Probation Chief Probation Officer Jerry Powers, Ceres Police Chief Art DeWerk, Turlock Police Chief Gary Hampton and Jenni Avila, the parole administrator for the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

----------------------------------
Bee staff writer Emilie Raguso can be reached at eraguso@modbee.com or 578-2235.

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Posted 03 January 2010 - 01:19 PM

Attorneys for Bob Holloway say an anonymous blog that accuses government agents of wrong- doing raises serious concerns about the investigation into the motorcycle shop owner. Holloway, 61, was indicted last year on charges that included racketeering and trafficking in stolen motorcycles. The charges followed a multiyear FBI investigation into Holloway and his Road Dog Cycle Shop in Denair. Holloway is in custody awaiting trial. The court recently approved his transfer from the Fresno County Jail to a Fresno halfway house. During the probe into Holloway, investigators wiretapped his phone and recorded his calls. An anonymous blog, www.cleanupatf.org, alleges that investigators got permission for the wiretap under false pretenses. In most cases, wiretaps must be approved by a judge. To get permission to tap someone's phone, authorities must prove that they've exhausted all other means of investigation. An anonymous posting on www.cleanupatf.org alleges investigators on the Holloway case were determined to get a wiretap, so they lied "about failed investigative techniques that had allegedly been exhausted to justify the tap." The anonymous writer claims to be a former supervisor with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The person claims to have corresponded with a prosecutor about his concerns. Defense attorneys filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Fresno asking prosecutors to disclose any evidence or documents about the blog and the allegations on it. Prosecutors fought the motion, saying in a court filing that whoever posted the allegations is a "disgruntled former employee." Prosecutors added, "The government should not have to be forced to respond to every anonymous posting on the web regarding what any person can allege occurred during the course of a federal investigation." Judge Oliver W. Wanger heard arguments from both sides at a hearing earlier this week. Wanger ordered prosecutors to produce any relevant evidence at hearing scheduled for June 18, defense attorney Bill Osterhoudt said. The person who posted the accusations on the blog is anonymous on the Internet, but he or she is expected to testify at the June hearing, Osterhoudt said.

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Posted 03 January 2010 - 01:13 PM

FRESNO — An ATF agent who once supervised the investigation into the Road Dog Cycle Shop said Friday that local law enforcement was driven by a bitter vendetta against Bob Holloway — not a quest for justice. Agent Vince Cefalu said investigators pursued Holloway out of "personal, vindictive" motives. He said they were determined to put Holloway, a former Stanislaus County sheriff's deputy, behind bars. They thought a wiretap was the only way to accomplish that goal, Cefalu said. "The consensus was that (Holloway) had dodged prosecutorial bullets, that he was dirty, and he needed to be gotten," Cefalu said. An FBI task force entered Road Dog Cycle earlier Friday morning, February 1, 2008. Members of the FBI task force outside building. (Bart Ah You / bahyou@modbee.com) Holloway was arrested in July 2008. He and 11 others face charges including racketeering, operating a chop shop and trafficking in stolen motorcycle parts from his Denair business. Cefalu now works in the Dublin office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger heard Cefalu's testimony as part of defense attorneys' efforts to get wiretap evidence thrown out. The prosecution's case is built on thousands of taped phone calls. Cefalu's testimony gave public validation to Holloway's supporters. They've long claimed Holloway has been unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Prosecutors sought to poke holes in Cefalu's credibility. They pointed out that Cefalu left the Road Dog case in early 2006, almost two years before the FBI applied for a wiretap. Since then, Cefalu has filed several complaints against the ATF, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment. Cefalu charges that investigators lied on their wiretap application, yet Cefalu has never seen the document, prosecutors said. "How can you say someone's lying about something when you haven't seen it?" said Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Cullers. Cefalu said he was taken off the case because he wouldn't bend to local officers' demands for a wiretap. But prosecutors said Cefalu was removed because of his abrasive personality. Members of the Road Dog task force complained about Cefalu's cursing, volatility, smoking and hygiene, said ATF agent Dennis Downs, who was Cefalu's immediate supervisor in 2005. "I have never worked in my 14 years with a more unprofessional officer," said Modesto police detective Terry Seese. "He was very abrupt, very controlling." Cefalu has been with the ATF for 22 years. On the stand, he said he's regarded as an expert on outlaw gangs. Cefalu said he's personally conducted several undercover operations into outlaw motorcycle gangs, and he looks the part, with a goatee and ponytail. Cefalu recounted his involvement in the Road Dog Case in a raspy Southern twang. Cefalu said he first became aware of the Road Dog case in June 2005, when an investigator from the Stanislaus County district attorney's office told him the ATF might want to join the investigation. The case captured his interest, he said, because it sounded like a chance to catch "dirty cops and Hells Angels." From the start, Cefalu said, local agents pushed hard to put a wiretap on Holloway's phones. Wiretaps are considered an extraordinary investigative tool. A judge must give the government permission to listen in on someone's private conversations. Law enforcement can only apply for a wiretap if traditional surveillance isn't working. The FBI put a wiretap on Holloway's phones in 2007. Cefalu claims investigators were so desperate to set up a wiretap that they "undermined" and "disregarded" other forms of surveillance. Two undercover ATF agents on the case performed "amazingly" well, Cefalu said, but local investigators failed to support those efforts. Cefalu eventually raised concerns with his supervisors about the Road Dog investigation. As he put it, "It had gotten out of control and the whole investigation was compromised legally, ethically, professionally from every level." Cefalu named district attorney's investigators Kirk Bunch and Aaron Gallagher and Modesto police Sgt. Rick Armendariz as clashing with him over the wiretap. Cefalu told the court that Bunch said in 2005 that he was "bitter" about Holloway's 2001 acquittal on murder charges. Holloway was tried after he confronted a career criminal in July 1997 who tried to rob his Denair shop, accidentally killing the man during a scuffle. "Bunch stated to me that ... Holloway had gotten away with too much and whatever it took, Bob Holloway was going to prison," Cefalu said. Bunch, who was in the courtroom Friday, said he couldn't comment on Cefalu's testimony. "However, I do have faith in the justice system and I'm confident that justice will be done," he said. The hearing will continue Thursday at 9 a.m. Holloway, who is detained at a Fresno halfway house, watched Friday's proceedings from gallery's first row. --------------------------------------------- Bee staff writer Leslie Albrecht can be reached at lalbrecht@modbee.com or 578-2378.

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Posted 03 January 2010 - 01:04 PM

Federal authorities arrested 13 men in July in connection with suspected illegal operations dating back to 1997 at Road Dog Cycle in Denair. Supporters say the charges are unfounded and that the men have been unfairly targeted. Investigators arrested two more men in November, and made substantial changes to the indictment. Here's a roundup of the charges:

Road Dog Cycle defendants charged with operating a chop shop; trafficking in motor vehicles or their parts; and criminal forfeiture:


  • Robert C. Holloway III, 61, of Turlock also faces charges related to racketeering; witness tampering; solicitation to commit a crime of violence; carjacking and aiding and abetting; making extortionate extensions of credit; collecting credit by extortionate means; and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He was in custody at the Fresno County jail until June, when he was transferred to a halfway house.
  • His son, Brent F. Holloway, 36, of Modesto also faces charges related to racketeering and collecting credit by extortionate means. He was released from custody on bond in August 2008.
  • Former East Bay Dragons motorcycle club member Alfredo F. Rincon, 38, of Manteca also faces charges related to collecting credit by extortionate means. He was released on bond in July 2008.
  • Ray M. Heffington, 40, of Chowchilla, the former Merced chapter president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, was charged with conspiracy to operate a chop shop, conspiracy to traffic in stolen vehicle parts and operating a chop shop. He is in custody at the Fresno County jail. In June 2009, he pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in stolen vehicle parts. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 14.
Other Road Dog Defendants:

  • Retired California Highway Patrol officer and former part-time Merced County sheriff's deputy Joseph S. Tyler, 65, of Merced faces charges related to operating a chop shop; conspiracy to obstruct justice; and criminal forfeiture. Tyler was a CHP officer for 30 years. He worked for the Sheriff's Department in Merced for 18 months and in fall 2007. Prosecutors say that, after it became clear investigators wanted to search Road Dog Cycle, Tyler checked in law enforcement databases on stolen motorcycle parts Robert Holloway had to help get rid of the parts or keep them away from law enforcement. He was released in July on his own recognizance.
  • Former Alky Haulers motorcycle club chapter vice president Michael J. Orozco, 51, of Manteca, was charged with making extortionate extensions of credit; collecting credit by extortionate means; and criminal forfeiture. In June, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means. He is in custody at the Fresno County Jail. Orozco's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
  • Reynaldo W. Sotelo, 52, of Gilroy, former chief executive officer of Indian Motorcycles, was charged with conspiracy in connection with planning to send a motorcycle with false identification to Sweden; and criminal forfeiture. Sotelo pleaded guilty in July 2009 to conspiracy to traffic in motor vehicle parts. Sotelo's sentencing is scheduled for September. Sotelo's attorney said he expects his client to serve six months or less of home detention.
  • Fredrick A. Noreberg, 37, of Sweden, the chapter president of the Red Devils motorcycle club in that country, faces charges of conspiracy in connection with planning to send a motorcycle with false identification to Sweden; and criminal forfeiture. Noreberg is wanted by law enforcement. People familiar with his case say he is in custody in a Swedish prison.

Attached Files



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Posted 03 January 2010 - 12:57 PM

  • Judge denied Road Dog defendant Gary Ermoian's motion to dismiss the charges against him. He's charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. 7:23 PM Nov 20th, 2009
  • Defense motion to throw out wiretap evidence was denied, but attorneys will try again:
  • ATF agents are now scheduled to testify in January. Defense will make another try to get wiretap evidence tossed out in Feb. 1:57 PM Nov 19th, 2009
  • Fresno Bee story on the new top prosecutor on Road Dog case: 1:56 PM Nov 19th, 2009
  • Judge ruled against a defense motion to suppress wiretap evidence at Wednesday's hearing. See tomorrow's Bee for a story on it. 1:54 PM Nov 19th, 2009
  • ATF agents will NOT testify at tomorrow's 1:30 p.m. hearing, according to a minute order posted on court's website. 2:29 PM Nov 17th, 2009
  • Prosecutors say they'll meet Wednesday a.m. to discuss plea deals with Holloway and his attorneys. 4:20 PM Nov 16th, 2009
  • Prosecutors have filed a motion asking that testimony from ATF witnesses scheduled for Wednesday be continued. 4:20 PM Nov 16th, 2009
  • Def. attorney Osterhoudt says hearing scheduled for Wed. may not happen, b/c ATF is still gathering documents. Waiting for word from court. 12:27 PM Nov 16th, 2009
  • Next hearing in Road Dog case is scheduled for 11/18. Meanwhile, here's a suspected biker gang story out of Gustine: http://tiny.cc/2xIyY 10:12 AM Nov 11th, 2009
  • Some say a new US Atty could make Road Dog a lower priority, others say it won't make a difference. Here's the story: http://tiny.cc/SjI1t 10:56 AM Oct 21st, 2009
  • Pardon the typo - I was referring to Agent Cefalu. 3:51 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Cefaru called Gleysteen's attempts to track down the shipping label record outside of ATF protocol and "nefarious" 3:50 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • The judge has called an afternoon recess. 3:14 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu refuted earlier testimony that the ATF undercover investigation shut down after an agent's photo was seen on a Hells Angels Web site. 3:13 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Agent Vince Cefalu has returned to the stand and is testifying about the investigation. He said nobody mentioned the shipping tag to him. 3:00 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Osterhoudt is asking Glyesteen about his search for the shipping tag from the motorcycle. Gleysteen said nobody got back to him. 2:04 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Court in recess until 1:30. 12:00 PM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Supervising special agent Michael Gleysteen, who oversees ATF offices in the Central Valley, has taken the stand. 11:32 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Osterhoudt is questioning Downs about the shipping tag, and any evidence Bort took the tag off the motorcycle. 11:11 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Court has taken a 20-minute recess. 10:23 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • The judge sustained several objections from the prosecutor because testimony, about Agent Vince Cefalu, is redundant to earlier testimony. 10:19 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Osterhoudt introduced five investigative reports and handed them to Downs. 10:10 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Judge Oliver Wanger issued an exclusion order - witnesses must stay outside the courtoom until they're called 10:00 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Bort has been excused, but likely will be recalled. Osterhoudt called ATF agent Dennis Downs to the stand. 9:58 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Abotu 15 people sitting in the gallery, including several of the defendants. 9:30 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • Defense attorney Bill Osterhoudt is questioning Bort about a shipping tag on a motorcycle delivered to his house during the investigation. 9:15 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • In federal court in Fresno for a hearing on the Road Dog case. On the stand: ATF agent Christopher Bort 9:13 AM Sep 24th, 2009
  • You can look up the memo here: http://pacer.uspci.uscourts.gov/ 9:46 AM Sep 4th, 2009
  • There's a memo from Robert Holloway's defense attorneys on PACER today that claims the ATF destroyed evidence about ATF undercover ops. 9:45 AM Sep 4th, 2009
  • The next hearing date in the Road Dog case is now set for Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. 3:42 PM Aug 5th, 2009
  • But jury rejected charge that Heffington committed the crimes "for the benefit of a criminal street gang" (the Hells Angels). 2:16 PM Aug 5th, 2009
  • Road Dog defendant Ray Heffington, a Hells Angel, was convicted last week in Fresno Sup. Court of 2 misdemeanor counts of gun possession. 2:12 PM Aug 5th, 2009
  • Waiting for word on when next hearing is. In other news, defendant Ray Heffington, who pleaded guilty in June, has been released from jail. 3:57 PM Aug 3rd, 2009
  • Waiting for new hearing date to be posted on PACER. Story in today's Bee: http://tiny.cc/j5jHq Wiretap motions are posted w/ story. 10:20 AM Jul 30th, 2009
  • Tomorrow's hearing is canceled, due to Judge Wanger's busy schedule. I'll post the new date here and write a brief story for tomorrow's Bee. 3:26 PM Jul 29th, 2009
  • Trying to find out if tomorrow's hearing is going to happen. Attorneys were scheduled to continue arguments on suppressing wiretap evidence. 11:46 AM Jul 29th, 2009
  • You can track all of the filings in the Road Dog case online at PACER, but it costs money: http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/ 8:05 PM Jul 26th, 2009
  • Want to read what the lawyers say about wiretap and ATF agent? I posted PDFs of the filings. Look on left side of page http://tiny.cc/J4VdY 8:04 PM Jul 26th, 2009
  • Bee story about yesterday's hearing: ATF Agent: Local Law Enforcement Out to Get Holloway http://tiny.cc/aFD2L 11:31 AM Jul 25th, 2009
  • Starbucks is the place to be after court: Holloway, DA investigators, defense attorneys, everyone is here. 5:32 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Court is adjourned until July 30, Thursday, 9 a.m. 4:38 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Defense wants to call Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel Montoya as witness. That will have to wait for Thursday at 9 a.m. when hearing resumes. 4:37 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Wanger: We're not going to get to other motions today. This will be continued. Wait, the defense wants to call a prosecutor as a witness. 4:36 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Modesto PD det. on Cefalu: "I have never worked in my 14 years with a more unprofessional officer. He was very abrupt, very controlling." 4:12 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Modesto PD detective: Cefalu's attendance on Road Dog case was spotty. "Weeks would go by where we wouldn't see him." 4:06 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF Agent Downs: Cefalu was removed from case because of unprofessional behavior, not because he stood in way of wiretap. 3:22 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Officers on Road Dog case complained about Cefalu's "hygiene, smoking, cursing, volatility," says ATF agent Downs. 2:40 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF Agent Dennis Downs: Modesto police chief Roy Wasden thought Cefalu was "unprofessional." Others complained about Cefalu's cursing. 2:37 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecution is calling witnesses to counter ATF agent Cefalu's testimony. First up: the ATF agent who supervised Cefalu in 2005. 2:32 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Judge: Agent Cefalu can't comment on FBI wiretap application. “He hasn’t the slightest idea of what occurred after 2006." 2:21 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecutors: Cefalu left Road Dog case almost two years before wiretap application was filed. 2:00 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecutors: Cefalu says FBI lied on wiretap application, but Cefalu has never seen the application. 1:59 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecutor: Cefalu claimed he was removed from case b/c he raised concerns, but he also said he was removed because of discrimination. 1:43 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • And we are back. Prosecutor Mark Cullers is cross-examining ATF agent Vince Cefalu. 1:33 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Lunch break! Back at 1:30 p.m. 12:11 PM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecutor: Cefalu has filed several complaints against ATF, including complaints about a hostile work environment and age discrimination. 11:55 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Prosecutor is off to a surprising start. Says a Modesto P.D. officer was sleeping with a female undercover ATF agent during Road Dog case. 11:54 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • And now it's time for prosecutors to cross examine Cefalu. 11:52 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu: In 2005, investigators didn't find criminal activity by Bob Holloway, but they thought he might lead them to criminal Hells Angels. 11:05 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu: Local law enforcement worked to undermine the Road Dog investigation so they could justify a wiretap. 10:26 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu: Local local enforcement went behind his back to apply for a wiretap in 2005. 10:25 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF agent: Federal prosecutor Laurel Montoya warned Stan County law enforcement to "knock off wiretap talk" in 2005. 10:22 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF feared for safety of undercover agents on Road Dog case, says Cefalu. 10:07 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF supervisors were angry about local law enforcement's conduct in investigation, so ATF started to shut down investigation, says Cefalu. 10:04 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu: DA's Kirk Bunch was bitter, said Holloway "had gotten away with too much, and whatever it took (he) was going to prison." 10:01 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • ATF agent Cefalu: From the start, Stan County DA investigators tried to steer investigation toward wiretap, but Cefalu disagreed. 9:49 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu first heard about Road Dog in 2005, when a Stan County D.A. investigator approached him and suggested ATF open an investigation. 9:35 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu says he's a gang expert, with special knowledge of white supremacist gangs. 9:22 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu has gone undercover to infiltrate outlaw motorcycle gangs. 9:13 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Cefalu has a goatee, ponytail, raspy voice with Southern twang. He says he's been an ATF agent for 22 years, working undercover sometimes. 9:10 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Looks like first up will be ATF agent Vince Cefalu. He's taking the stand right now. 9:07 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Judge Wanger: He's heard that Bob Holloway's behavior at halfway has been commended as "a positive example for others." Holloway is here. 9:05 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Good morning from the federal courthouse in Fresno. The lawyers are here, so are some defendants. Just need a judge. 9:01 AM Jul 24th, 2009
  • Judge Wanger will also hear motions on whether to suppress wiretap evidence. Defense attorneys say 1,000s of taped calls should be tossed. 6:30 PM Jul 23rd, 2009
  • Getting ready for tomorrow's hearing on wiretap evidence. ATF agent is expected to testify about alleged gov't misconduct on Road Dog case. 6:28 PM Jul 23rd, 2009
  • Sotelo is the third defendant in the Road Dog racketeering case to plead guilty. 2:17 PM Jul 16th, 2009
  • Sotelo, former CEO of Indian Motorcycles, will testify for the government in any future Road Dog trials. 2:16 PM Jul 16th, 2009
  • BREAKING: Defendant Reynaldo Sotelo pleaded guilty today of conspiracy to traffic in motor vehicle parts. 2:15 PM Jul 16th, 2009
  • Breaking news: Road Dog defendant Ray Heffington pleaded guilty today to trafficking in stolen motorycle parts, federal prosecutors said. 3:52 PM Jun 29th, 2009
  • The Road Dog case hearings scheduled for this Wednesday and Thursday have been postponed until July 24, a court filing says. 3:36 PM Jun 15th, 2009
  • A court document filed today says Bob Holloway was released to the Turning Point halfway house today at 2 p.m. 4:39 PM Jun 9th, 2009
  • Story on Michael Orozco plea deal: http://www.modbee.co...ory/736443.html 9:37 AM Jun 9th, 2009
  • Attorney Bill Osterhoudt said Bob Holloway hasn't been released from Fresno jail yet, even though court approved transfer to halfway house. 8:10 PM Jun 8th, 2009
  • Breaking news: Road Dog defendant Michael Orozco pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means. 4:10 PM Jun 8th, 2009
  • Prosectors filed a new indictment against Bob and Brent Holloway and ten other defendants last week. 2:43 PM Jun 1st, 2009
  • And here's a link to the anonymous blog that claims investigators lied to get a wiretap on Bob Holloway's phones: http://www.cleanupatf.org/ 3:13 PM May 31st, 2009
  • Here's the latest story on the Road Dog case: http://www.modbee.co...ory/723503.html 3:12 PM May 31st, 2009
  • Big smile from defense attorney Paul Goyette, teary hugs for Patty DeLeon 10:03 AM May 1st, 2009
  • DELEON NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS 10:02 AM May 1st, 2009
  • The jury has reached a verdict. 10:00 AM May 1st, 2009
  • Mr. DeLeon and his wife are also at Starbucks, also waiting for a call from a lawyer. 9:03 AM May 1st, 2009
  • Jury started deliberations at 8:30 a.m. Now at Starbucks across from courthouse waiting for phone call from attorney about verdict. 9:03 AM May 1st, 2009
  • The jury will begin deliberations Friday morning. 6:03 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Now the government will present its final argument. 5:47 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Defense is done. Brief recess. 5:39 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Defense: If DeLeon and Holloway were friends, why did investigators only intercept three phone calls between them? 5:26 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Defense to jury: It is "extraordinarily important to Raul DeLeon" that you put yourself in his shoes. 5:13 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Defense closing: There is "not a shred of evidence" that DeLeon had anything to gain from helping Bob Holloway. 4:57 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel Montoya has completed the prosecution's closing statement, now it's the defense's turn. 4:22 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecutor's closing statement: DeLeon "did not act as experienced law enforcement officer whose higher duty is to the state of California." 3:56 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecutor's closing: "(DeLeon) had the choice to tell the truth and he did not." 3:37 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • And now it's time for closing arguments. Judge reminds jury that what attorneys say is not evidence. 3:21 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Judge Wanger is starting jury instructions now. 2:51 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • With jurors out of room, judge said: "None of us would be here if Holloway hadn’t picked up the phone and called DeLeon." 2:46 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • A running joke in the trial is the pronunciation of Daniel Dugranrut's last name. Even Judge Wanger can't figure out how to say it. 2:36 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecution's last piece of evidence was taped call between Bob and Kathy Holloway. Bob says DeLeon "gave him big hug" during traffic stop. 2:21 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Both sides have rested. Now Judge Wanger will give the jury instructions about how to consider the evidence. Then closing arguments start. 2:17 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecutors are giving their rebuttal: they'll play a recorded phone call between Bob and Kathy Holloway. 2:13 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon is leaving the stand, and the defense has rested. 2:12 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Court is back from lunch, and cross examination of Raul DeLeon by prosecutor Mark Cullers continues. He's asking about a party at Holloway's 1:36 PM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecutor questions DeLeon aggressively, suggesting repeatedly that he tried to help Bob Holloway. DeLeon forcefully but politely denies. 11:48 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon cross examination: In the past, he performed a friendly traffic stop on his wife, who he called his "best friend." 11:29 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Prosecutor Mark Cullers just started cross examination of Raul DeLeon. 11:09 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on stand: he never tried to mislead investigators, never tried to hurt their investigation, and never conspired with Bob Holloway. 11:08 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on the stand: He was placed on administrative leave shortly after he said he didn't want to wear a wire to talk to Bob Holloway. 11:05 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on the stand: says he unintentionally misspoke to investigators, and the mistake cost him his career at the sheriff's office. 10:47 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on the stand: He would "never jeopardize" his career for Bob Holloway. 10:32 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on stand: When Bob Holloway called him, he was in a rush, trying to get out of the office. He "didn't pay 100% attention" to the call 10:27 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • After a 20-minute break for morning recess, DeLeon is back on the stand. The jurors are filing in. 10:23 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon has been on the stand more than an hour now. His demeanor is calm, forthright, polite. Jurors seem to be paying close attention. 9:48 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on the stand: He "did not mislead investigators" when he described friendly traffic stop with Bob Holloway. 9:41 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on stand: Bob Holloway was an "acquaintance," not a friend. 9:12 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Deleon on the stand: He attended the FBI national academy in 1999 for a three-month training 8:52 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • DeLeon on the stand: he started his law enforcement career at age 17, as an explorer scout with the sheriff's department. 8:41 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Court is back in session and defendant Raul DeLeon is on the stand being questioned by defense attorney Paul Goyette 8:37 AM Apr 30th, 2009
  • Court resumes at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The defense is expected to finish, then closing statements, then the jury starts deliberations. 7:23 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Judge Wanger rules against motion, sayingi there's enough evidence for a jury to decide whether DeLeon conspired to obstruct justice. 4:14 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Defense attorney Paul Goyette has filed a motion arguing there's insufficient evidence to support a conspiracy charge against DeLeon. 4:03 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • The prosecution has completed its case. Defense is expected to finish tomorrow. 3:52 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Witness: She's seen Holloway greet many people with hugs or handshakes. 3:50 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • FBI agent: DeLeon should've told feds he hugged Holloway during a traffic stop. Hugging during traffic stops "isn't common," said agent. 3:40 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • FBI agent: feds had DeLeon place a call to Holloway so they could record it. 3:10 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • FBI agent: DeLeon had his bike, a Honda Trail 90, serviced at Road Dog 2:46 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • FBI agent: feds considered having DeLeon wear a wire to record conversations with Bob Holloway 2:43 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Holloway on tape: if he ever has the opportunity, he'll "sock" former sheriff Les Weidman "right in the mouth" over treatment of wife Kathy 1:46 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Lunch break! 12:00 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Holloway on tape: says feds have been after him for years, but he runs a legitimate business. 12:00 PM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Holloway on tape talking to DeLeon: "When I was a cop I always believed the good guys always win...but that's not the way it is." 11:51 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Audio recordings of Hells Angel member Daniel Dugranrut reveal that Dugranrut is fond of profanity. 11:39 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Bob Holloway's voice is being heard in the courtroom. FBI agent says Holloway believed his phones were being monitored. 11:32 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Judge cautions jury that the transcript of calls isn't evidence, only the audio recording is. 11:25 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • The prosecution is about to present audio recordings of taped phone calls between Bob Holloway, DeLeon and others. 11:24 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Witness Francisco Soria is giving the jury a glimpse into the world of outlaw motorcyle gangs. 10:33 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Lawder is on the stand, describing an encounter with Hells Angel Danny Dugranrut. 10:12 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • After a break for the fire alarm, we're back in session. Wirowek is describing a key piece of prosecution evidence: the traffic stop. 9:52 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • The fire alarm is going off here at the courthouse. But Judge Wanger says it's a drill and we don't have to leave. Jurors are laughing. 9:17 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Sheriff's department human resources manager Marcus Wirowek is on the stand. 9:14 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • An employee from Carnival Cruise Lines is testifying now about the cruise that Bob Holloway and Raul DeLeon were on together in 2005. 9:06 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Court is back in session. FBI Special Agent is back on the stand talking about how many phone calls the government intercepted. 9:02 AM Apr 29th, 2009
  • Court is over for today, proceedings start up again at 8:30 a.m. 4:59 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • The wiretaps on the Road Dog investigation captured about 16,000 phone calls, although not all of them were monitored, said FBI witness. 4:46 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • FBI witness says the Road Dog investigation had an "unusual" number of leaks linked to law enforcement officers. 4:37 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • Early investigations into Road Dog used an under-cover informant who was "burned," or discovered, by Robert Holloway, said FBI witness. 4:14 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • The government's first witness, FBI special agent Nathan Elias, is on the stand. He was the lead investigator on the Road Dog case. 4:10 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • Opening statements are over, now prosecutors will call their first witnesses. 3:48 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • And Judge Oliver W. Wanger just warned the jury not to do any "electronic" research into the case, "including blogging, or twittering." 3:43 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • Defense Attorney Paul Goyette just referred to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's department's Twitter account in his opening statement. 3:42 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Cullers is making opening statements. "Simply put, this case is about lying to the FBI," he said. 3:11 PM Apr 28th, 2009
  • The jury has been selected. Jurors include a vice president at Gallo. Opening statements will start in about half an hour. 1:46 PM Apr 28th, 2009





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