Hells Angels Lawyer Charged With Felony For Tipping Off Client

Federal prosecutors say Hells Angels lawyer tipped off client.

A San Jose-based lawyer known for taking on the cases of Hells Angels is on the receiving end of federal charges for obstructing justice, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

The feds think that Michael Edward Hingle of San Jose told a client in Gilroy of a big bust coming, the newspaper reported.

Hingle is accused of telling Hells Angels member Steve Tausan, who was shot and killed just days later at the funeral of a slain motorcycle gang leader, about "Operation Garlic Press," the newspaper reported.

Some 100 people were sought in the drug sting, the newspaper reported, which was aimed at "gun and methamphetamine trafficking" in the area.

Tausan, 52, was shot and killed two days after Hingle's tip, prosecutors say.

He's charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice for allegedly sharing details of a "secret grand jury investigation," and could lose his law license if convicted.
 

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