Deputy Linked To Mongols, Charged With Multiple Weapons Violations

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy was supposed to help reduce crime in the region. Instead, he was a heavily armed member of an "outlaw motorcycle gang," according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

An investigation into Christopher Bingham, 45, began early this year after allegations surfaced that he was tied to an "outlaw motorcycle gang."

The Bandidos, Hells Angels, Mongols, Outlaws, and Sons of Silence are "outlaw motorcycle gangs" that "pose a serious national domestic threat," according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Press-Enterprise reported Bingham was allegedly linked to the Mongols.

Bingham was arrested March 23 after being pulled over on Interstate 10 in Beaumont as he rode his motorcycle alongside two alleged gang members. Bingham was found with a loaded, unregistered firearm, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said. He was subsequently booked into Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of being a member of a criminal street gang but was released from custody the next day, Riverside County jail records show.

Yet the investigation continued, and Bingham was arrested again April 4 at his home in the 72oo block of Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms.

During a search of the residence, investigators found approximately 160 firearms, including a fully automatic assault rifle with an attached grenade launcher, according to the sheriff's department. Investigators say they also found "destructive devices," silencers, outlaw motorcycle gang paraphernalia, and a stolen San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department shotgun.

Bingham was booked into Rancho Cucamonga's West Valley Detention Center and formally charged with a slew of felonies, including grand theft of a shotgun allegedly stolen from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and possession of a machine gun, an AR-15 assault rifle, two explosive devices and four gun silencers. On Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He remained behind bars Wednesday afternoon with bail set at $240,000, according to jail records.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said last week that Bingham was placed on leave.

"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," Dicus said on April 4. "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, and charges have been filed.”

Bingham is an 18-year veteran of the sheriff’s department, according to the PE report.