Ten men indicted in Road Dog case make initial court appearances

Some released on their own recognizance; most to return Friday

By EMILIE RAGUSO

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FRESNO -- Ten men indicted last week on charges related to a federal investigation of the operation of Road Dog Cycle in Denair appeared in a federal courtroom this afternoon. Several were released on their own recognizance after entering not guilty pleas. Most of the men will return Friday to determine whether they will remain in custody pending trial.

The men filed into the courtroom, one of them in a wheelchair, at about 2:20 p.m. They wore red jumpsuits and handcuffs. Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department Captain Raul DeLeon smiled warmly and winked at his wife and daughter, who were sitting in the gallery.

Also appearing were Robert C. Holloway, 61; his son, Brent F. Holloway, 36; East Bay Dragons outlaw motorcycle club member Alfredo F. Rincon, 37; Alky Haulers outlaw motorcycle club chapter president Michael J. Orozco, 51; and former California Highway Patrol officer Joseph S. Tyler, 65. These men face a variety of charges related to racketeering and extortion.

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DeLeon, 51, and David A. Swanson, 52, a former Stanislaus County sheriff's deputy who was a court bailiff, and Stephen Johnson, 60, also appeared this afternoon before U.S. District Magistrate Gary S. Austin. Authorities said Johnson is a retired corrections officer for the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; he now trains dogs for law enforcement agencies and military clients in California and Oregon.

Two other men, who were not mentioned in yesterday's press conference about the indictments, appeared in court: Daniel David Martell and John Roger Bird. Both have been charged with being felons in possession of a firearm. Further information about them was not available.

One of the men indicted last week, Reynaldo W. Sotelo, 52, appeared in federal court in the Northern District, said Laurel Montoya of the U.S. attorney's office.

Sotelo was taken into custody Tuesday in Santa Clara County; the others were arrested in Stanislaus County.

Friends and family who came to court to offer support declined to comment.