The New Yorker, February 16, 2004 P. 156

ANNALS OF CRIME about the Aryan Brotherhood, a murderous gang that has proliferated through the U.S. prison system… Writer tells about a December 2002 raid by United States Marshals on members of the Aryan Brotherhood (A.B.) in prisons across the country. Before long the marshals had rounded up 29 inmates. They were flown to Los Angeles where they were accused of criminal conspiracy. Writer meets Gregory Jessner, the Assistant U.S. Attorney responsible for the indictments. “I think they may be the most murderous criminal organization in the United States.” Tells about the origins of the A.B. in 1964 in San Quentin, California and its expansion to other prisons. Tells about Michael Thompson, a prisoner who was invited to join after he had stabbed another inmate. Describes rituals for the initiation of new members. Tells about Thompson meeting Barry Mills (a.k.a. The Baron), one of the leaders of the Brotherhood. Mentions books by Sun Tzu, Machiavelli and Nietzsche which are given to new members. Describes the murder of prison guard Merle Clutts by A.B. member Thomas Silverstien. Tells about the streamlining of the A.B.’s command structure based on the Mafia model. Writer describes difficulties he encountered in trying to interview Michael Thompson, who has become the highest ranking defector in the gang’s history. “I don’t like violence, but I am good at it,” Thompson tells him. Tells about A.B. member Michael McElhiney at Leavenworth who took over a variety of illicit operations at the prison. Describes heroin use at Leavenworth. Writer tells about Jessner’s investigation of the A.B., and the process by which he intercepted and decoded the Brotherhood’s notes. Tells about the seeming powerlessness of prison officials to stop A.B.’s murders. Writer describes the spread of A.B. crimes outside the prison system. Tells about the release of Robert Scully and his murder of a sheriff’s deputy. Mentions the possibility of the Brotherhood making bombs. Tells about the trial of A. B. member David Sahakian in Benton, Illionois. Writer asks Jessner whether he fears for his life. “I worry,” Jessner admitted. “You can’t help but worry.”

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