The former National Vice President of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization was sentenced to life in a federal prison on Monday.
John Xavier Portillo, 59, was given two consecutive life sentences, plus twenty years, in prison for racketeering and drug trafficking charges by a federal judge in San Antonio.
According to a press release, U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra ordered Portillo to forfeit his motorcycle, three firearms and $17,827.20 to the government.
After a nearly three-month-long trial, jurors convicted Portillo and National Bandidos President Jeffery Fay Pike, 63, of the following:
- Conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization statute
- Murder in aid of racketeering
- Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering
- Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
- Aiding and abetting assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
- Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Pike and Portillo were found guilty of conspiracy to violate the RICO statute through racketeering acts including directing, sanctioning, approving and permitting members of the Bandidos to commit murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, intimidation, extortion and drug trafficking.
Evidence released during the trial revealed in 2006, Pike and Portillo ordered other members to murder Anthony Benesh. Benesh was attempting to start at Texas chapter of the Hells Angels in Austin at the time.
When Benesh ignored warnings from members of the Bandidos to cease his activities and recruitment, evidence shows he was murdered by them. The press release says Benesh was murdered on March 18, 2006, outside an Austin restaurant to protect the power, reputation and territory of the Bandidos enterprise.
Portillo was also found guilty of killing Robert Lara in January 2002 as payback for killing Bandidos member Javier Negrete. Negrete was killed outside a San Antonio bar in October 2001.
Jurors also found Pike and Portillo, along with others, conspired to murder and assault members and associates of the Cossacks Outlaw Motorcycle Organization. Testimony revealed the leaders declared that the Bandidos were "at war" with the Cossacks.
During the trial, testimony also revealed Portillo and other Bandidos members maintained an agreement with the Texas Mexican Mafia wherein Bandidos members were not required to pay the 10 percent "dime" to the Texas Mexican Mafia in exchange for permission to traffic narcotics.
"The sentencing of Bandidos National Vice President Xavier Portillo is one more step in concluding a comprehensive investigation by DEA, FBI and our law enforcement partners into the leadership structure and criminal activities of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang," said Will Glaspy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Houston Division. "This investigation reflects law enforcement's commitment to make sure communities across Texas are safe and prevent gang members involved in drug distribution and other criminal activity from establishing a foothold in our communities."
Pike also faces life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 26.
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