Aryan Warriors case is argued

The Aryan Warriors abided by their own manifesto, a list of rules written by gang members and updated over the years. It is proof, according to prosecutors, that the prison gang was a criminal organization and its members had to follow the leadership's directives.

The government contends that the Aryan Warriors were a criminal enterprise, meaning they shared the common purpose of achieving their objectives by attacking fellow inmates to control prison yards, and running drug rings and gambling operations to make money for the organization.

Prosecutors stated their contentions during a second day of closing arguments Wednesday.

Defense attorneys hammered the point that inmates join prison gangs in order to protect themselves from other races. They argued that the Aryan Warriors are not a criminal enterprise and that their manifesto is the same "convict code" that inmates of all races follow. The code orders hits on child molesters, sex offenders and informants.

"Every group in prison is based on race," said defense attorney Chris Rasmussen. "Guys stick together in prison to survive their time."

Charles Gensemer, Robert Young, Michael Yost, Kenny Krum, James Wallis and Ronnie Lee Jones all face charges related to engaging in criminal activity as members of a white supremacist prison gang.

Gensemer was "integral" to the organization as an outside contact who cooked methamphetamine to make money for the gang, according to the government.

Osvaldo Fumo, who represents Gensemer, said the government thought they nailed his client when he was pulled over after leaving a suspected drug house. Inside his vehicle was a chemistry book.

"They failed to mention there was also an English book and a math book that belonged to his stepkids," Fumo said.

Fumo told jurors the government did not present any evidence that Gensemer was manufacturing methamphetamine or that he possessed weapons, two of the charges he faces.

Rasmussen scoffed at the allegations that his client, Young, ran a gambling ring to make money for the Warriors. He said over an eight-year period, a total of $1,400 was placed on Young's books.

"In four years they couldn't find the money?" Rasmussen asked, referring to the length of the federal investigation. "There is no money because there is no racketeering act."

Prosecutors will have an opportunity to rebut the statements of the defense this morning before the case is turned over to jurors.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.