In a shocking turn of events, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Bingham has been revealed to have led a double life involving membership in a local outlaw motorcycle gang. Bingham, who also operated a gun store in Twentynine Palms, now faces serious allegations of engaging in firearms crimes connected to the gang’s activities, including the theft of a shotgun from his own department.

The discovery of Bingham’s illicit activities came after a lengthy investigation by gang and narcotics detectives, culminating in the seizure of a staggering 160 firearms from his residence, including the stolen shotgun. The deputy, aged 45, was arrested at his Twentynine Palms home and is currently held on $500,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus expressed dismay over the revelations, condemning Bingham’s actions as alarming and inexcusable. “The criminal behavior of this deputy not only tarnishes his badge but also undermines the integrity of our entire department,” Sheriff Dicus stated in a press release. “We will not tolerate such misconduct, and he has been placed on compulsory leave effective immediately.”

The investigation into Bingham’s misconduct commenced earlier this year, with detectives confirming his association with members of the motorcycle gang. During a traffic stop in March, Bingham was found in possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm, leading to his arrest and subsequent release.

A subsequent search of Bingham’s home yielded a cache of firearms, including an automatic assault rifle with a grenade launcher, along with silencers and paraphernalia associated with the motorcycle gang. Notably, the stolen shotgun belonging to the Sheriff’s Department was also recovered during the search.

Formal charges were filed against Bingham on Thursday, including felonies such as possession of a machine gun, grand theft of a firearm, and participation in a criminal street gang. Each count carries an enhancement for gang association, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against him.

Bingham’s gun store, O’Three Tactical, operated in Twentynine Palms for several years before its closure in June 2021. Financial difficulties, exacerbated by a shortage of ammunition and firearms, were cited as reasons for the shutdown, with Bingham acknowledging the business’s struggle to stay afloat.

In addition to his business woes, Bingham faced legal challenges in the form of unpaid bills and customer disputes. Despite these setbacks, his involvement in high-profile cases, such as his testimony in a double homicide trial, shed light on the intersections of his personal and professional life.

The revelations surrounding Deputy Bingham serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the values of law enforcement and the consequences of straying from ethical conduct. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to maintaining the trust and integrity of its officers and will not tolerate criminal behavior within its ranks.