A California deputy sheriff has been arrested on felony weapons charges and accused of having ties to outlaw bikers.
According to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Christopher Bingham was arrested and charged with “several” felonies following an “extensive investigation.”
Extensive Investigation Leads to the Arrest of a Deputy Sheriff in Twentynine Palms https://t.co/BNUl5bYdLh
— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) April 5, 2024
“In January 2024, the Gangs/Narcotics Division began an investigation into Deputy Christopher Bingham and his association with a local Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG),” according to the statement. “During the investigation it was learned Bingham rode and socialized with several members from the OMG.”
“On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Bingham was observed riding his motorcycle with two OMG members,” it continues. “With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) a traffic stop was conducted on Bingham and the two OMG members. During a search of Bingham’s person, a loaded, unregistered firearm was located. Bingham was arrested and booked at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.”
Bingham’s Twentynine Palms residence was searched and, among other weapons, a grenade launcher was found.
“Investigators from the Gangs/Narcotics Division conducted a search warrant on Bingham’s residence,” according to the statement. “Investigators located approximately 160 firearms. One of the firearms was a fully automatic assault rifle, with an attached grenade launcher. Investigators also located, destructive devices, silencers, OMG paraphernalia, and a stolen San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shotgun.”
“On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed several felony charges against Bingham and issued an arrest warrant,” it reports.
The charges against Bingham include: Possession of a Machine Gun; Possession of a Short-Barreled Rifle; Grand Theft of a Firearm; Possession of a Stolen Firearm; Possession of a Destructive Device; Possession of Silencers; and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang.
Bingham was “immediately” placed on leave, according to the sheriff, who called his actions “alarming and inexcusable.”
“The actions of this deputy are alarming and inexcusable; he not only tarnishes his badge but also undermines the integrity and credibility of the entire department,” stated Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “Criminal behavior will not be tolerated, and we have placed him on compulsory leave effective immediately.”
“The investigation has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office,” the sheriff said, “and charges have been filed.”
“The arrest comes after several recent officer-involved shootings with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, including one in which deputies shot and killed a 17-year-old with mental health issues after he armed himself with a knife and locked himself inside a bathroom at a home,” Fox News Digital reports. “In early March, deputies also shot and killed a 15-year-old with autism in an incident that has prompted the family to sue the department, KTLA adds.”
One user on X pointed to the border crisis and suggested that Bingham was merely getting ready for an inevitable “war.”
Sounds like he was preparing for a war that we know is on our doorstep.
— DMF (@4ever_writer) April 5, 2024
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Melissa Fine is the former executive editor of Casino Player, Strictly Slots, and Poker
Digest magazines. She is a UCLA graduate, news junkie, and dedicated Stargate SG-
1 fan. Melissa currently lives with her dog and two cats in a tiny town in the Sierra
Nevada foothills.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.