Swastikas, graffiti and other symbols associated with street gangs and hate groups were found in the headquarters of a metro Atlanta motorcycle group, a sheriff’s official said.
And six members of the Iron Cross Motorcycle Club in Coweta County face criminal charges after authorities connected them with gang activity, according to sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Yarbrough.
Group members Kenneth Hamrick Campbell Jr., Lloyd Jefferson Harris, Ashley Morgan Hartfree, Ricky James Hartfree, Stephen Maxwell Kemp and Thomas Joseph Lewandowski were indicted Sept. 5 after the club’s Newnan headquarters was searched in March, Yarbrough said.
They are charged with violating the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Act, according to the sheriff’s office.
Five of the six suspects are being held at the county jail without bail. Ashley Hartfree has been released on $11,200 bond.
Sheriff’s officials began investigating the motorcycle group in 2014 as part of an effort to deal with street gangs and hate groups in the county.
The investigation of the Iron Cross club ramped up after Harris was arrested on a handgun violation in November, according to Yarbrough.
Know what's really going on with crime and public safety in your metro Atlanta community, including breaking news, trial coverage, trends and the latest on unsolved cases. Sign up for the AJC's crime and safety newsletter delivered weekly to your inbox.
In other news:
About the Author