Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Suspect Age, City of residence, Charges
Ivans, James, 37, Ventura,
Extortion
Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale
Possession of a Deadly Weapon

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed several charges, including extortion, against a local member of the Hell’s Angels criminal street gang today. The arrest is part of an on-going investigation into a Moorpark motorcycle shop.
On July 9, 2008, Police were called to Comanche Custom Choppers at 555 Spring Street, Moorpark, to investigate a possible extortion. The resulting investigation revealed that Hell’s Angel member James Ivans was hired to collect a business debt and used force or fear in an attempt to collect the debt.
On September 4, 2008, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit assisted in the investigation and served a search warrant at Ivans’ home. During the search in the 300 block of Franklin Lane, gang investigators found 5.3 grams of methamphetamine, several items commonly used to package methamphetamine for the purpose of sales, a handgun, and metal knuckles. Ivans was located a short distance from his house and arrested for a variety of charges. Ivans later posted bail and was released. On September 10, 2008, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed the felony charges of extortion, possession for sales of methamphetamine, and possession of a deadly weapon. Ivans is scheduled for arraignment on September 11, 2008.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal activities of any criminal street gang is urged to call the Sheriff’s Gang Unit at 805-654-2856.