Hells Angels deemed gang in Arizona case

PHOENIX, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A jury in Phoenix says the Hells Angels are a criminal street gang, marking the first time that label has been slapped on the group in Arizona.

The Arizona Republic reported Thursday a Maricopa County Superior Court jury tabbed the motorcycle group as a gang while convicting Hells Angels member Nathaniel Sample on two felony charges.

Sample, 32, was convicted of aggravated assault and acting for the benefit of a criminal street gang. He is to be sentenced Nov. 2.

County attorney's officials said prosecutors sought the criminal gang label for the Hells Angels in the court case because the bikers routinely contest any charges suggesting such criminal labels.

"This verdict sends a message to all street gangs that their acts of violence and terror will not be tolerated," County Attorney Andrew Thomas said in a statement.

The Republic said Sample's case was based on an incident on March 28, 2008, when Sample and a man identified as Jose Cano attacked an unidentified third man who supposedly bumped into them at an area bar.