When we think of motorcycle clubs, the one thing that comes to mind is a leather jacket. But we also think of the beautiful motorcycles these people ride and of the reputation that follows these clubs along. People who dedicate their lives to clubs are sometimes as interesting as the clubs themselves. And they've attracted a lot of attention over the last years.
Despite their influence on the American underworld, outlaw bikers have been mythologized on TV and in literature. Hunter S. Thompson’s book Hell’s Angels shed some light on their behavior. The popular TV show Sons of Anarchy rekindled everyone's interest.
The Sons Of Silence is a relatively small Colorado-based gang. However, what they lack in numbers, they make up for in ruthlessness. They carved out territories in Kansas, Arizona and Colorado, and aligned with the Hells Angels for protection. Here is everything you need to know about them.
15 It Is A One-Percent Club
The Sons Of Silence can be distinguished by a "1%" patch. Rumor has it, the patch refers to a comment by the American Motorcyclist Association that said that 99% of all motorcycle club members were law-abiding people, implying that only 1% were outlaws. Other patches can be worn, including symbols and phrases.
14 They Provoke Outrage
Club members can wear patches that involve symbols, such as the Totenkopf (the skull and crossbones). It's been suggested that the definitions are a hoax, intended to provoke outrage and make fools of people outside the club. The symbols also express the person's rejection of social norms, the desire for the shock value.
13 The Club Is Growing
The Sons Of Silence was founded by Bruce Richardson in Colorado in 1966. 10 years later Leonard Loyd Reed, known as JR, became the President and held this role for 20 years. In 1998, the club expanded to Europe and opened a chapter in Munich. They are especially popular in Germany.
12 Their Patch Is Made Up Of An American Eagle
The club uses a patch made up of an American Eagle on top of the letter A. It's based upon the Anheuser-Busch brewery logo. Club members can wear other patches that are indicative of the nature of the club. Today, the probative value of these patches is outweighed by their prejudicial effects on the defense.
11 They Have 275 Members
The Sons Of Silence control a big part of the Southwest and Rocky Mountain States. The club boasts at least 30 chapters across the US and 5 smaller clubs in Germany. Altogether, the club is 275 members strong. The average age for the club is 34. Some chapters are also multi-racial.
10 Bruce G. Richardson – The Founder
Bruce G. Richardson was born on 22 August, 1939, and was known as "The Dude". He was the founder and the first President of the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club. In 1984, he was involved in the abduction of a doctor and sentenced to 6 years in prison. He died in his sleep in 2013.
9 Leonard Loyd Reed – The Former National President
Leonard Loyd Reed was born in 1947 and served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He joined the motorcycle club in 1974. In the late 70, he became the President. During the '90s, he joined forces with a Californian attorney, Richard Lester. They formed the Colorado Confederation of Clubs to improve communication between clubs.
8 They Have A Lot Of Enemies
The club has been engaged in a turf war with the Outlaws and other motorcycle clubs. They are allied with the Hells Angels, which means they have many enemies. The small club makes up for it in firepower. In 1980, their member killed the Outlaws MC National Vice President in Indianapolis using an AK47.
7 Leonard Ray Shipley – The Former President
In 1993, the former President of the club Leonard Ray Shipley was arrested and "convicted for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute. There were several weapons located during the execution of the search warrant on his home. He received a sentence of 24 years in prison."
6 SWAT Teams Performed Raids On Club Locations
In 1999, SWAT teams performed raids on 25 club locations in Colorado Springs, Commerce City and Fort Collins. 39 members were arrested, and 48 weapons including four hand grenades were seized. Also seized were 10 pounds of methamphetamine, $25,000 cash and 2 clubhouses. The operation disrupted 3 major club chapters.
5 They Are One Of The 5 Most Dangerous Gangs
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Justice call the Sons Of Silence an "outlaw motorcycle gang". They are considered one of the 5 most dangerous motorcycle gangs in the US along with the Hells Angels, Pagans, Outlaws, and Bandidos. Club members have been implicated in murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and more.
4 Six Members Were Involved In An Infamous Bar Brawl
At least six members of the club were charged with assault and jailed for their involvement in an infamous bar brawl in Colorado Springs in 1972. The brawl involved 22 participants. It was a result of a power struggle between 3 motorcycle clubs. Some Sons of Silence members were also involved in kidnapping children.
3 Ronald Merrill "Bad Ron" Gruber – The Most Dangerous Member
Ronald Merrill "Bad Ron" Gruber is one of the most dangerous Sons of Silence members. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for rape and assault in 1977. While in prison, he was sued by 2 guards whom he assaulted. In 1994, he was convicted on a federal racketeering charge.
2 The Biggest War With The Outlaws
In the late 70s, the Sons of Silence could expand their territory in the Midwest. Michael "Righteous Mike" Ramsey, a former member of the rival club Outlaw, went on to serve as the Sons of Silence's president. This prompted a long war with the Outlaws which resulted in a number of murders.
1 Operation Saw Mill
In 2011, an FBI started an investigation called Operation Saw Mill. "Twelve people were convicted for participating in a methamphetamine ring that operated from approximately May 2010 until the arrests of most of the members of the organization on August 6, 2011. One member was also convicted of orchestrating the abduction of his stepson."