SEATTLE — Richard “Smilin’ Rick” Fabel, who presided over the Spokane chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, has been sentenced to 7&189; years in prison after being convicted of racketeering.
U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik issued the sentence Monday morning in a courtroom packed with Fabel’s supporters, including Hells Angels from around the West. He also ordered Fabel, 50, to pay nearly $55,000 in restitution. The sentence was longer than the guideline range, which Lasnik determined to be between five years, three months and 6&189; years.
In June, following a 10-week trial, a jury convicted Fabel of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering — specifically, mail fraud, extortion and trafficking in stolen motorcycles.
The judge noted that while Fabel kept his distance from the most serious crimes committed by the club’s members — including murder — he also stocked the Spokane clubhouse with people willing to do violence. And, Lasnik found, he rewarded them for criminal behavior that enriched the organization.
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