Gang leader heads to prison

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Jack Rosga, A Milwaukee man who’s the national president of the Outlaws motorcycle gang, is expected to go to prison soon. Rosga and three others were convicted late last year of racketeering, for encouraging gang members to commit acts of violence against rival motorcycle groups.

Rosga, in his mid 50s, was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison. He is among 27 present and former Outlaws indicted for taking part in what the government called a highly-organized criminal enterprise. More than half of those arrested have pleaded guilty.

Rosga was tried twice before being convicted of racketeering and conspiracy to commit violence. His first trial ended with a hung jury.

Federal Judge Henry Hudson of Virginia said he was holding Rosga accountable for the Outlaws’ “culture of violence.” Defense attorney Claire Caldwell said she’ll appeal both the sentence and Rosga’s conviction. Prosecutors sought a 23-year term – three years more than the judge gave.

Tags: crime and courts, wisconsin, crime