Judge Grants Bail For Leader Of Hells Angels' Ventura Chapter

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A longtime leader of the Hells Angels' Ventura County chapter charged in connection with the firebombing of two tattoo parlors has been granted bail.

The Ventura County Star says a judge Friday ordered 64-year-old George Christie Jr. detained at home with an electronic monitoring bracelet. It was unclear early Saturday whether Christie had posted the $200,000 bail.

Christie was arrested three weeks ago after being named in a six-count indictment that charges him and four others with conspiracy, extortion and arson.

The indictment alleges that Christie, who owns a tattoo shop in Ventura, ordered Hells Angels members to threaten his competitors in an attempt to shut down their businesses.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Christie faces up to 120 years in federal prison if convicted.

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