Historic Southeast Georgia Motorcycle Gang Takedown: 15 Convicted in Bryan County Case
Richmond Hill, GA – In a historic legal victory, 15 members of the Southeast Georgia Chapter of the Outcast Motorcycle Gang have been convicted following a sprawling investigation that targeted one of the state’s most violent outlaw motorcycle gangs. The convictions, announced today by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney Billy J. Nelson, Jr., and multiple law enforcement partners, mark the largest motorcycle gang prosecution in Georgia history.
The case stems from an attempted armed robbery and shootout on June 17, 2022, at Flacos House Bar & Grill and the Red Roof Inn on Highway 17 in Richmond Hill. Innocent bystanders and rival gang members were caught in the crossfire. Evidence uncovered during the investigation showed a long-running conspiracy among the gang members to commit violent assaults and theft of rival gang vests, stretching from August 2021 through July 2022.
“This historic case is a testament to the results we’re able to achieve when all levels of law enforcement work together to do one thing — keep the people of our state safe,” said Attorney General Carr. “By leveraging our knowledge and resources, we were able to take down a dangerous network that was terrorizing the community.”
The investigation, code-named Operation Patronus, lasted more than 13 months and involved local, state, and federal agencies, including the Richmond Hill Police Department, ATF, Army CID, Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Gang Investigators Association, and numerous others. More than 40 search warrants were executed across multiple counties, resulting in the seizure of over 100 firearms, two motorcycles, and two vehicles.
Top gang leaders, including “President” Melaun Aiken, “Vice-President” Eddie Latson, “Secretary” Lee Alan Mole, and “Road Captain” Joseph Leeks, were among those convicted. All 15 defendants pleaded guilty to charges including Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery by Intimidation, and Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act.
Sentences ranged from five years of strict probation to 25 years, with many defendants serving an initial prison term before probation. Aiken, the gang’s president, received 25 years, with seven to be served in prison, alongside fines totaling over $17,000 for gang leadership violations. Other key members received sentences of 20 years, mostly on probation after initial incarceration periods, while lower-ranking members were sentenced to probation and fines.
“This excellent outcome demonstrates the significant impact law enforcement can have when various agencies come together as one team,” said Richmond Hill Police Chief Mitch Shores. ATF Savannah Field Office II Resident Agent in Charge Joe Waller and Bryan County Sheriff Mark Crowe also praised the interagency effort, emphasizing that violent gang activity will not be tolerated.
The Outcast Motorcycle Gang, founded in Detroit in 1969, operates nationally with 67 chapters, including four in Georgia. Known for involvement in murder, assault, and drug and weapons trafficking, the gang has a structured hierarchy with elected officers at national and local levels.
“This case shows our commitment to protecting Georgia families and communities,” said GGIA President Jose Ramirez. “Those who engage in violent criminal gang activity will be stopped, no matter where they operate in our state.”
The prosecution of one remaining defendant has been paused due to a medical diagnosis of incompetence, with future proceedings to resume once the individual is deemed fit for trial.
Operation Patronus and the resulting convictions demonstrate the scope and success of multi-agency collaboration in dismantling violent criminal organizations and ensuring public safety.
