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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Sting operation puts Hells Angels in prison

By: Mike McIntyre

Posted: 02/25/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

THE depleted Manitoba Hells Angels took another major hit Thursday when two full-patch members were sent to prison.

Shane Edward Kirton and Anthony James McLennan pleaded guilty to participating in a criminal organization after their arrests in an undercover police operation.

Kirton, 42, and McLennan, 36, were given two-and-a-half years behind bars in addition to eight months of time already spent in custody. Queen's Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal also ordered that the pair must serve at least half their remaining sentences before they are eligible for parole, citing their heavy gang involvement.

Kirton and McLennan are long-time bikers who admit overseeing the Zig Zag Crew -- the so-called "farm team" of the Hells Angels -- and recruiting new members to commit criminal activity.

They paid $1,000 per month to maintain their gang status and collected dues from Michael Satsatin, the former treasurer of the Zig Zag Crew who went to work for police as a secret agent, court was told.

Police arrested 35 gang members and associates in late 2009 as part of "Project Divide." The investigation quickly thinned the ranks of the Hells Angels left on the streets after two similar police projects in recent years.

Numerous drug and weapons transactions involving Satsatin were caught on audio and videotape.

Satsatin was given $450,000 for his efforts and placed in witness protection.

Investigators seized 165 ounces of cocaine, 12 ounces of methamphetamine, 12,000 ecstasy tablets, one ounce of heroin and seven pounds of marijuana.

www.mikeoncrime.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 25, 2011 B3

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