Hearing on Hells Angels Clubhouse Delayed

A Ventura County judge has postponed a hearing on the proposed seizure of the Hells Angels clubhouse, saying prosecutors must secure a criminal conviction before they can legally take over the Ventura property.

Earlier this year, the Ventura County district attorney’s office filed a lawsuit to seize the property after a grand jury indicted members of the biker gang on drug sale and conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors say Hells Angels members stole drugs from an Air Force clinic and peddled them to high school students. They contend the clubhouse was used to operate an alleged drug ring.

Anna Ling, an attorney for Hells Angels leader George Christie Jr., who owns the clubhouse, filed court papers opposing the forfeiture. She argues that prosecutors must first prove the property was purchased with drug money or used for criminal activity.

On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Steven Hintz said that procedurally the case must follow a criminal conviction of Christie, who recently hired a new lawyer and is not expected to stand trial soon.

Hintz set a status conference for Nov. 19.