Motorcycle club leader gets jail time, family speaks out

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Story Published: Jun 23, 2008 at 9:37 PM PST

By Elissa Harrington and The Associated Press

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EUGENE, Ore. - The leader of a motorcycle club called The Mongols will go to jail for one year for a run-in with police officers along Interstate 5.

A jury last week convicted Justin DeLoretto, 26, of menacing, reckless endangering and reckless driving, all misdemeanors. The jury cleared him of eight felony charges.

"It's a waste of taxpayers dollars," said Joan DeLoretto, Justin DeLoretto's aunt. "We are very calm people, we are family people and they just went for shock and awe. It was ridiculous."

Justin DeLoretto's family members who are upset with Monday's sentence said it was too harsh.

Prosecutors said the sentencing is appropriate for the circumstances.

"We are already dealing with the Bloods and Crips and other groups coming into this community," said Alex Gardner, the Lane County District Attorney chief deputy. "We don't want another organized crime presence."

During his five year probation, DeLoretto can't make contact with any motorcycle clubs, including the Mongols, or wear Mongol paraphanalia.

DeLoretto's twin brother Jeremy is also a member of the Mongols, but Gardner said no contact means no contact, even with family.

Yesterday prosecutor Stephen Morgan said DeLoretto has been affiliated with various gangs - including racist skinheads and outlaw motorcycle gangs - since age 18. DeLoretto has been convicted for assault in two previous gang-related attacks.

Lane County Judge Debra Vogt also suspended Justin "Mooch" DeLoretto's driver's license and sentenced him to five years of probation during which he will not be allowed to associate with club membrs or wear the club's paraphernalia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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