LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
CONTACT US
  • Texas
  • Austin
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Rio Grande
  • United States
  • Around the Globe
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Politics
08/12/2025

Stay Informed and Engaged with LAWIN.news—Your Updated Daily News Source for Filipino-Americans in Texas

ADVERTISE WITH LAWIN
08/12/2025
LAWIN.news

Bandidos Bike Gang Members Arrested for Alleged Murder Plot

by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news October 30, 2024
written by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news October 30, 2024
Bob Casey United States Courthouse, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. (Antranik Tavitian / Houston Landing)
311

HOUSTON, Texas – Federal authorities have detained two men believed to be members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. The arrests occurred on Tuesday, and the individuals now face serious charges. Darvi Hinojosa and John Sblendorio are accused of attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity. They are also charged with using a firearm during a violent crime. The penalty for the first charge could be up to ten years in prison. The second charge has a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years.

The indictment, now unsealed, accuses Hinojosa and Sblendorio of attempting to murder an unidentified person. The alleged intent was to gain entry into and elevate their position within the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. Authorities classify this Texas-based group as an international crime syndicate.

The Bandidos, along with other motorcycle gangs like the Pagans, Hells Angels, Vagos, Sons of Silence, Outlaws, and Mongols, are labeled as “outlaw motorcycle gangs” (OMGs) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a 2015 gang report, the FBI noted that these clubs’ leadership often denies directing members to perform unlawful acts, as claimed by authorities.

The Texas Department of Public Safety categorizes the Bandidos alongside the Bloods, Crips, and Aryan Brotherhood of Texas in terms of risk. The Bandidos were once seen by federal authorities as the world’s second-largest biker gang, surpassed only by the Hells Angels. Donald Chambers, a Vietnam veteran and Houston dockworker, founded the Bandidos in 1966. According to a 2007 report by Texas Monthly, the club quickly grew into an international entity and has been linked to various killings.

In a 2015 incident, nine people died, and at least 20 others were injured when Bandidos and Cossacks bikers exchanged gunfire. This event occurred in a Twin Peaks parking lot in Waco, according to the Texas Tribune.

Three years later, Jeffrey Pike, the Bandidos’ former national president and a Conroe resident, received a life sentence. A jury found him guilty of ordering the 2006 murder of Anthony Benesh outside an Austin restaurant. Benesh had reportedly been trying to start a Hells Angels chapter in the city. The jury also found that John Portillo, the club’s former national vice president, and others killed Robert Lara in 2002 in Atascosa County. This act was allegedly retaliation for Lara killing Bandidos member Javier Negrete, as reported by a Department of Justice news release.

Authorities say Hinojosa and Sblendorio used the nicknames “10 Round” and “Tech9,” respectively. Their formal arraignment for the charges will occur on Thursday. U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho will decide if there is sufficient probable cause to keep the men in detention.

Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news

Mae De Vera is a passionate advocate, creative professional, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Political Science from Saint Louis University and a law student of Arellano University, Mae is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through outreach programs and advocacy. With a background in digital artwork, event flyer design, ESL teaching, and business management, Mae brings a versatile skill set to her endeavors. She also embraces her love for nature through farming, integrating sustainability into her life. Mae’s leadership experience as a consistent school student leader reflects her commitment to making a difference. Today, she combines her creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful stories and initiatives that inspire change. Disclaimer: The views and beliefs expressed by the author do not necessarily represent those of LAWIN.news, its management, editorial board, or staff.

previous post
Philippine Government Debt Reaches Record high
next post
Marathon Oil to Reduce More Than 500 Houston Workforce Amidst Merger with ConocoPhillips

You may also like

Cleveland ISD school bus flips after crashing on FM 1010

August 12, 2025

Texas bill aims to allow legal action over mailed abortion pills

August 11, 2025

Abbott taps ‘Strait to the Heart’ for Hill Country flood relief

August 11, 2025

PACCTX Holds 2025 summer entrepreneurial bootcamp to support Filipino entrepreneurs

August 10, 2025

119 flood victims named in Kerrville, families continue to hope

August 10, 2025

Pregnant mother’s life cut short in hit-and-run tragedy

August 9, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Adom Industries Plans Major Investment in North Texas for New Headquarters and Semiconductor Facility
  • Hustle, heal, hope: A spirit refined better than gold
  • Filipino Texans join first-ever entrepreneurs’ bootcamp at PH Consulate
  • SC Holds Third Gender Sensitivity Training for Bohol Courts
  • City to install concrete barriers on 6th Street, replacing current setup

Recent Comments

  1. Texas and the Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR meet at PCG in Houston - Bagong APECO on Texas – Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR Meet at PCG in Houston

Recent Posts

  • Adom Industries Plans Major Investment in North Texas for New Headquarters and Semiconductor Facility

    August 12, 2025
  • Hustle, heal, hope: A spirit refined better than gold

    August 12, 2025
  • Filipino Texans join first-ever entrepreneurs’ bootcamp at PH Consulate

    August 12, 2025
  • SC Holds Third Gender Sensitivity Training for Bohol Courts

    August 12, 2025
  • City to install concrete barriers on 6th Street, replacing current setup

    August 12, 2025

Stay Updated!

Get the new articles and photos.

LAWIN.news

Providing high-quality news stories that matters to its readers. It’s core mission is “Stay informed and engaged with LAWIN.news—where every story counts.”

  • P.O. Box 20561 Houston, Texas 77225
  • Email Address: neska@mylawin.com
  • Support: helpdesk@mylawin.com

About Links

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Compliance
  • Media Relations
  • Advertise With Us
  • Corporate Information
  • Apps & Products

Useful Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Data Tracking
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Login | Register Account

Newsletter

Get the new articles and photos.

Latest News

City to install concrete barriers on 6th Street, replacing current setup
Lily James leads online dating shake-up in Bumble origin series
Kiefer Ravena, Diana Mackey tie the knot again—this time in El Nido
Cleveland ISD school bus flips after crashing on FM 1010

@2025 – All Right Reserved. Made with ❤️ by myVATA.co

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
@2024 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by myVATA.co