Deputy Sheriff Arrested, Charged with Numerous Felonies After Apparent Double Life Exposed

A California sheriff’s deputy was arrested Thursday after an investigation uncovered that he was leading a double life as a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang, according to reports. San Bernardino County Deputy…

IJR SyndicatedApr 7, 20243 min read

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According to the release, investigators armed with a warrant searched Bingham’s residence and found approximately 160 firearms, including a fully automatic rifle with an attached grenade launcher and a shotgun that had been stolen from the sheriff’s department.

Although the gang was not identified in the sheriff’s news release, The Orange County Register reported Friday Bingham that was associated with the gang called the Mongols.

According to the Register, citing an unnamed source, Bingham was arrested with another motorcyclist who was wearing a leather vest with Mongol patches. The Register’s article did not account for a third motorcyclist mentioned in the sheriff’s department news release.

According to the Register, a search at the jail showed Bingham was wearing a T-shirt with the phrase, “F*** the 81!” a derogatory statement directed at the Hells Angels, an outlaw motorcycle club known to be the Mongols’ adversaries.

The number “81” is commonly used as a shorthand for the Hells Angels, the Register reported.

In addition, his T-shirt reportedly displayed the initials “SYLM,” an initialism for “Support Your Local Mongols.”

Bingham was also noted to have worn a ring adorned with a black “M” suspended from a chain around his neck, the Register reported.

The LA Times reported that for years, Bingham worked as both a Law enforcement officer and simultaneously ran a gun store in Twentynine Palms. However, the gun store closed in 2021.

In the sheriff’s department release, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus condemned Bingham’s activities.

“The actions of this deputy are alarming and inexcusable; he not only tarnishes his badge but also undermines the integrity and credibility of the entire department,” Dicus said.

“Criminal behavior will not be tolerated, and we have placed him on compulsory leave effective immediately. The investigation has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office, and charges have been filed.”

Bingham faces at least 10 felony charges, including possession of a machine gun, possession of a short-barreled rifle, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a destructive device, possession of silencers, and participation in a criminal street gang.

Bingham is expected to be arraigned by video on Monday.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.