The sheriff-coroner of California’s San Bernardino County is condemning the actions of one of his deputies, Christopher Bingham, who was arrested on multiple felony weapons charges after an investigation into his connections to a local biker gang. Bingham, 45, was found to have 160 firearms at his home in Twentynine Palms, including a fully automatic assault rifle with an attached grenade launcher. Sheriff Shannon Dicus emphasized that criminal behavior will not be tolerated within the department and has placed Bingham on compulsory leave. The investigation has been passed on to the District Attorney’s Office and charges have been filed. Bingham was observed riding his motorcycle with two members of the outlaw motorcycle gang in March, leading to his arrest.
In a separate incident, thieves stole $30 million in cash on Easter Sunday in one of the largest heists in Los Angeles history. It was reported that the thieves used blowtorches to access the vault of a bank, making off with the substantial sum of money. The authorities are investigating the incident and trying to track down the perpetrators behind this massive theft. The sheriff’s department has also recently faced other challenges, including officer-involved shootings. In one case, deputies shot and killed a 17-year-old with mental health issues who had armed himself with a knife and barricaded himself in a bathroom. Another tragic incident involved the shooting of a 15-year-old with autism, leading his family to file a lawsuit against the department.
Bingham is now facing charges including possession of a machine gun, possession of silencers, possession of a destructive device, possession of a stolen firearm, and being an active participant in a criminal street gang. His arrest is part of a larger investigation into his affiliation with a local outlaw motorcycle gang. The sheriff’s department conducted a search warrant at Bingham’s residence and found a significant arsenal of firearms, including the fully automatic assault rifle with a grenade launcher attached. They also discovered destructive devices, silencers, gang paraphernalia, and a stolen firearm belonging to the sheriff’s department. Sheriff Dicus reiterated that such behavior undermines the integrity and credibility of the entire department and will not be tolerated.
In the wake of these troubling incidents, the sheriff’s department is facing scrutiny and conducting internal investigations. The recent officer-involved shootings have raised concerns about the use of force and the handling of individuals with mental health issues or disabilities. The department is reviewing its policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of all individuals within the community. Sheriff Dicus has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the department. The incidents involving Bingham and the officer-involved shootings are being thoroughly investigated to determine the appropriate course of action.
The theft of $30 million in cash and the arrest of Deputy Bingham have put a spotlight on the challenges facing law enforcement in San Bernardino County. The department is working to uphold the law and maintain public safety, but recent events have raised questions about the conduct of individual officers and the need for greater oversight and accountability. As the investigations into these incidents continue, the community is looking to the sheriff’s department to address these issues and ensure that justice is served. The department is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity, despite the actions of a few individuals tarnishing the reputation of the entire department. Sheriff Dicus has pledged to address these challenges head-on and restore public trust in the sheriff’s department.