Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

All of the charges stemming from the Labor Day, 1964, Monterey rape allegations were dropped. The medical examiner found no evidence of forced sexual activity, no witnesses could be found, one alleged victim refused to testify, and the other alleged victim was deemed wholly unreliable after voluntarily submitting to an examination with a 'lie-detector' machine. Nevertheless, the California Attorney General, Thomas C. Lynch, ordered a complete investigation of the Hell's Angels. His office subsequently produced a brief, but very lurid report that detailed numerous alleged violent crimes. Excerpts of the Lynch Report were reprinted in most newspapers across the country.

Founded in 1950, the Hell's Angels continued through the fall of 1964 as a typical motorcycle gang. Membership varied, but was never greater than 200. By Labor Day, 1964, the membership roles contained only 85 names. Nevertheless, the Lynch Report indicated that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Hell's...