Public records detail motorcycle club turf war in Kingman
An alleged motorcycle club turf war in northwest Arizona is detailed in public records recently released in the dismissal of an employee because of her husband's ties to a club.
The City of Kingman fired Melissa Summerson as a human resources technician in December because of her husband's membership in the Desert Road Riders.
Law enforcement reports released with documents related to the firing illustrate concerns about conflict between the Hells Angels and the Vagos motorcycle clubs.
"The Desert Road Riders are being utilized by the Hells Angels as a 'reserve force' for the ongoing 'biker war' in Mohave County," Bullhead City police detective Jeff Viles wrote in a 2009 affidavit in support of a search warrant targeting a purported Desert Road Rider.
The affidavit stated the Desert Road Riders was established in Bullhead City in 1993, and were on good terms with law enforcement until members voted to support the Hells Angels in 2002.
The Desert Road Riders are the Hells Angels' biggest ally in the battle with the Vagos, according to the affidavit.
Summerson has asked for a public hearing before the personnel board to appeal her dismissal. Her attorney David Kresin in seeking her reinstatement, backpay and benefits, legal fees and other costs.
The termination notice stated that the city had "great concern" Summerson was associated with an "Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG)" that works as a "support club of the Hells Angels."
"Your association with an OMG coupled with your access to sensitive employee information has our law enforcement, legal, dispatch and judicial system employees very concerned with regard to their personal information," the notice said.
Summerson disputes characterization of the motorcycle club as a criminal street gang.
"The Desert Road Riders are a family club who support each other and our community," her formal response stated. "The protection of sensitive information has always been a priority of mine. Honesty, integrity, confidentiality, respect and professionalism were instilled in me by my parents."
Kresin said the city has violated Summerson's rights and her freedom of association. He said he awaits word from the City regarding his proposed hearing schedule for the termination appeal.
