In a revelation shaking the law enforcement community to its core, San Bernardino Deputy Sheriff Christopher Bingham was arrested and slapped with a slew of charges, including possession of a machine gun, after an extensive investigation uncovered his ties with an outlaw motorcycle gang. The arrest was executed Thursday after authorities discovered an arsenal of 160 firearms, including a fully automatic assault rifle with an attached grenade launcher, in Bingham’s residence on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms, as detailed in a press release from the Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Gangs/Narcotics Division, began in January and zeroed in on Bingham’s association with local members of the motorcycle gang, sometimes referred to as an OMG. In one instance on March 23, Bingham was pulled over while riding with two gang members, leading to the discovery of an unregistered and loaded firearm on his person. Following these events, Bingham found himself behind bars at the West Valley Detention Center, held in place of $500,000 bail.
Charges filed against the 45-year-old included multiple felonies: possession of a destructive device, possession of silencers, possession of a stolen firearm, and active participation in a criminal street gang. Among the confiscated items were a stolen San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shotgun and paraphernalia linked to the OMG.
"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," stated Sheriff Shannon Dicus in the aftermath of the arrest. Echoing the gravity of the situation, the department placed Bingham on compulsory leave, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to such transgressions within the ranks. The department has called for anyone with additional information on the case to come forward, offering contact details for both the Gangs/Narcotics Division and the anonymous We-Tip Hotline.
