Former Manitoba Hells Angels leader Dale Sweeney sentenced to 11 years in prison

Monday, April 29, 2013

Former Manitoba Hells Angels leader Dale Sweeney has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in spearheading a sophisticated cocaine trafficking ring. Sweeney, 43, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in aid of a criminal organization and possession of proceeds of crime. Sweeney’s sentence was jointly recommended by the Crown and defence. Prosecutors would have recommended a much higher sentence had Sweeney been convicted after trial, said Crown attorney Geoff Bayly, noting the case against Sweeney was “extremely strong.” Sweeney was among nine people arrested in March 2012 following a joint city police and RCMP investigation targeting the Hells Angels and its support club, Redlined. Court heard Sweeney and his gang minions and street dealers raked in more than $100,000 a month selling crack cocaine, primarily in the Elmwood area. “We tell (rivals) to get the f--- out of Elmwood ... it is ours, bought and paid for,” said a co-accused in a phone conversation intercepted by police. Sweeney was sentenced to three years on the proceeds of crime charge and a further eight years on the drug trafficking charge. He received credit for one year of pre-sentence custody. Justice Rick Saull ordered Sweeney serve at least four years on the drug charge before he is eligible for parole. Sweeney agreed to forfeit more than $500,000 in assets, including equity in an Autumnview Drive home, two motorcycles, and the balances of several investment accounts. Defence lawyer Allan Gold suggested Sweeney will be a changed man when he is finally released from prison. “There is no reason to think he won’t renew his life in a constructive fashion,” Gold told court.