Federal judge grants bail to accused biker boss

Although James "Animal" Smith has no criminal history, a federal prosecutor argued yesterday that the man, a top honcho of an alleged outlaw biker gang, should remain jailed pending trial.

"The boss never gets his hands dirty," Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Labar said.

But U.S. Magistrate Linda Caracappa said Smith should be freed on $100,000 unsecured bond, with electronic monitoring and subject to a curfew from 7 p.m. Fridays until 6 a.m. Mondays.

He would be permitted to continue his job as an equipment repairman.

Caracappa said Smith's lack of criminal history, his ties to the community and an exemplary work history weighed in favor of release.

Smith, 64, of 46th Street near Market, was one of 18 members charged Tuesday in a racketeering indictment unsealed in federal district court in St. Louis that alleged that the Wheel of Soul Motorcycle Club was a national outlaw gang whose members had committed murder, robbery, arson and other crimes.

The indictment did not mention any violence in Philadelphia or attribute any violent acts to Smith, but it did allege that members took their marching orders from the "Mother Chapter" in Philadelphia. Local members said the club was nothing more than a hangout for guys who like Harleys and beer.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Smith instructed members at meetings around the country to respect club leaders, stand up to rival motorcycle gangs and avoid detection by law enforcement by speaking in code.

But defense attorney William J. Brennan paraded a bevy of witnesses before Caracappa - including Smith's boss and Smith's live-in fiancee of 20 years - who attested to his character.

Smith's boss, Scott Aivazian, general manager of Eagle Equipment Corp., said Smith had worked at the company for almost four years.

"He starts early, works late, on weekends. I can honestly say I don't think he's ever said no to me," Aivazian said.

Brennan said his client didn't deserve to be detained while awaiting trial.

"He's not the godfather of Soul," the defense attorney said. "He's 64, with no priors, an incredible work record and a stand-up guy."