Key member of violent biker gang wins release from prison

DETROIT (AP) — A man known as the “godfather” of a violent Detroit motorcycle gang won release from prison Tuesday due to his age and health problems during the coronavirus pandemic.

Leonard “Dad” Moore is going home after serving about half of a 20-year federal prison sentence, The Detroit News reported. He turns 73 later this month.

Moore will be confined to home for at least seven years and can only leave it for medical and legal appointments and “other activities specifically approved by the court,” U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds said.

Moore has respiratory disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, the judge noted.

He was convicted of a racketeering conspiracy for his role with the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club, a violent gang. The government opposed Moore's early release from prison.

“Moore would not have to be ‘on the street’ to be a danger to the community,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moran said in a court filing. “Simply being in the community is enough.”