RI Hell's Angels Leader Gets 5 Years In Prison

PROVIDENCE, RI — The leader of the Rhode Island Hell's Angels will serve five years in prison for charges related to a 2019 shooting and a 2020 fight outside a Providence strip club, Attorney General Peter Eronha announced Friday.

Joseph Lancia, 30, pleaded no contest to assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a pistol without a license, and assault for the purpose of causing unconsciousness, Neronha's Office said. He was sentenced to 15 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions, with five to serve. For the assault charge, he was sentenced to three years in prison, with one to serve. It will be served concurrently with the first. The judge also issued a no-contact order with the victim, as well as $3,650 in restitution.

Lancia was scheduled to begin his sentence Feb. 18.

"Regardless of what the references are in pop culture, the only thing the defendant and his association with a known criminal gang represents is a risk to the safety of Rhode Islanders," Neronha said. "The people of our state should feel safer knowing that this defendant is going to serve significant time behind bars. I am particularly grateful to the Rhode Island State Police for their comprehensive work on a critical investigation like this."

The first arrest was in 2019, when Lancia was charged following a shooting outside the Hell's Angels Clubhouse in Providence.

According to Neronha's Office, the victim drove a Mack semi-truck past the clubhouse the morning of June 12, 2019. Lancia, who was standing on the sidewalk, pulled out a gun and fired a single shot at the truck. The victim then drove away, Neronha's Office said, and Lancia went back inside the clubhouse.

The second incident happened Feb. 29. 2020, outside a Providence strip club. During a fight involving other members of the gang, Lancia punched a man and knocked him unconscious, Neronha's Office said.

"I applaud the exhaustive investigative efforts of our Troopers and the Attorney General’s office for bringing Mr. Lancia to justice," State Police Col. James Manni said. "The illegal, dangerous, and reckless behavior of this defendant put children and other bystanders in grave danger during this incident and I’m glad he will be off our streets for a number of years."