Hamilton Police make arrests in alleged extortion

On August 10, 2011, the Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit, Hamilton Police Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit and Division Two detectives arrested four people in an extortion incident.

It is alleged that there was a dispute between the previous and present owners over the transfer of a liquor licence of a bar in east Hamilton. The new owners allegedly recruited members of the Hells Angels and used them to assault and force the victims, the previous owners, to sign the liquor licence transfer documents. The victims received minor injuries.

On August 10, 2011, the Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit, Hamilton Police Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit and Division Two detectives arrested the two owners of the bar as follows:

Charged: Linda Muraca, 54 years, Hamilton
Dennis Dreher, 52 years, Hamilton

Charges: Extortion x 3

On August 10, 2011, the Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit, Hamilton Police Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit and Division Two detectives arrested two Hamilton Hells Angels members:

Charged: James Sherwood, 41 years, Hamilton
Joel Rollin, 28 years, Hamilton

Charges: Extortion x 3
Assault x 2
Break and Enter with Intent

James Sherwood and Joel Rollin remain in custody and have a bail hearing scheduled for August 18, 2011.