A Lynn man was one of 11 alleged associates of the Hells Angels indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and racketeering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco.
Christopher Ranieri, 49, who also goes by the name of Rain Man, was described by law enforcement as a member of the Salem/Boston chapter of the Hells Angels.
The indictment alleges that members and associates of Hells Angels committed acts of violence, including murder of an unnamed victim in 2014, to maintain and enhance membership and discipline within the gang, including violence against rival gang members, those who disrespect or commit violence against members, friends or family, and any member who violates the gang’s rules.
The indictment describes the Hells Angels as a violent outlaw motorcycle gang. The indictment said the Sonoma County chapter of the gang works cooperatively with other Hells Angels chapters to engage in criminal activity including murder, narcotics distribution, assault, robbery, extortion, illegal firearms possession, and obstruction of justice.
Sonoma County chapter members are also are alleged to have obstructed justice by threatening, intimidating, and retaliating against witnesses whom they believed to be cooperating with law enforcement and by destroying evidence and providing false information to law enforcement.
