National Desk

MIDWESTFORMER MOTORCYCLE GANG LEADER GETS LIFE IN PRISONTOLEDO, Ohio – The former leader of the Outlaws motorcycle gang was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for heading a violent drug ring that sold cocaine, marijuana, and LSD throughout the Midwest. James “Frank” Wheeler, 62, was among 12 leading members of the Outlaws convicted on federal charges that include racketeering and conspiracy to distribute drugs. He is already serving 16 1 / 2 years in prison for racketeering and other crimes in Florida. Before his sentencing, Wheeler told the judge he was unhappy with his lawyers because he had questions that weren’t being answered. “Other than that, I don’t have anything to say,” said Wheeler, who has a long graying beard and shoulder-length dark hair. “This is beyond me.” His attorneys said he would likely appeal. Prosecutors said the Outlaws distributed cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and LSD through a network of its clubs. In 1999,Wheeler took control and oversaw the operation in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, threatening and assaulting rivals to protect the territory. The Outlaws are one of the nation’s four largest motorcycle gangs, along with the Hells Angels, Pagans, and Bandidos. The Outlaws have chapters in 20 states, Europe, Canada, and Australia.– Associated PressKANSAS HIGH COURT ISSUES DEATH PENALTY STAYTOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Supreme Court agreed yesterday to put on hold its ruling throwing out the state’s death penalty law. The delay will allow the state attorney general to pursue an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, the Kansas court deemed the death penalty law unconstitutional based on what it called flaws in how juries weigh evidence for and against death sentences. The court in its 4-3 decision said the law is weighted against defendants and must be rewritten by legislators. In a dissent, Chief Justice Kay McFarland noted all seven justices had previously found the law constitutional and to strike it down was “wholly inappropriate and unjustified.” No one has been executed in Kansas since the law took effect in 1994. Attorney General Phill Kline immediately sought a stay following the court’s ruling, which invalidated the death sentences for the six convicted murders on Kansas’s death row.– Associated PressWESTJUDGE WON’T DISMISS MICHAEL JACKSON CASESANTA MARIA, Calif. – A judge yesterday rejected a defense motion to dismiss the child molestation case against pop star Michael Jackson because his rights allegedly were violated by a flurry of searches. Defense attorney Robert Sanger said authorities had executed more than 100 search warrants – including a raid earlier this month on Mr. Jackson’s Neverland estate near Los Olivos. Prosecutors countered that 92 of the warrants targeted business records and did not involve searches of Mr. Jackson’s property. Judge Rodney Melville sided with prosecutors. “There was probable cause and they were carried out in a normal manner,” he said. Judge Melville did, however, grant a defense request for a list of people considered for the grand jury that indicted Mr. Jackson; his lawyers are trying to determine if blacks and Hispanics were excluded. The trial is currently scheduled to start January 31.– Associated PressNORTHEASTFIVE FISHERMEN MISSING OFF NANTUCKETBOSTON – Five fisherman were missing last night after their boat capsized and sank in cold waters about 45 miles southeast of Nantucket. The Coast Guard mounted a search with boats and aircraft, continuing late into the night in high waves and freezing weather. The 75-foot New Bedford-based vessel with six crew members sent an emergency signal at about 4:44 p.m. Shortly after, a mayday followed, reporting that the Northern Edge had overturned and was sinking. One crew member was rescued by another fishing vessel. Pedro Furtado was in a life raft but there was no sign of his crewmates. “All hands were on deck when the boat went down,” Coast Guard spokesman Andrew Shinn said. “We have no way of knowing what the disposition of the others is.” The Coast Guard launched a helicopter and jet from its Air Station Cape Cod to try to spot the remaining five crew members in 15-foot seas. The Coast Guard also sent a cutter and a patrol boat to search the area where the boat sank.– Associated Press

National Desk

National Desk

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