October 27, 2026 – Insane Throttle News

The Hells Angels Berdoo California Charter is publicly rejecting any connection to a Southern California man recently sentenced in a federal case, after the Fontana Police Department’s October 23 press release described him as a member of the club.

Attorney Gary Wenkle Smith, representing the San Bernardino County chapter, sent a statement to KTLA making the club’s position clear. “As attorney for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Berdoo California Charter — the correct name for the Club — Hells Angels Berdoo deny any knowledge of this man, and would never associate with anyone involved in this kind of behavior,” the statement reads. It further notes that it is commonly known the club and most bikers have a strong aversion to anyone who harms or exploits children, and that local law enforcement is aware of that stance.

The individual, identified as 42-year-old Ryan Van De Car, was sentenced on September 3, 2026, to 136 months in federal prison. The Fontana PD release, issued by its Internet Crimes Against Children Unit following a multi-agency investigation that began with an FBI tip in November 2023, labeled him a member of the “Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.” Police included photos of a helmet and motorcycle showing stickers and decals they presented as evidence of affiliation. Van De Car pleaded guilty earlier in 2026 and faces lifetime federal supervision that includes a prohibition on contacting documented members of the club.

The Berdoo chapter told KTLA that Van De Car was neither a member nor a prospect, contrary to the department’s wording. They also pointed out that the stickers shown in the police materials are available for purchase online and are not restricted to actual members or associates of the club. This is a common issue for many motorcycle clubs that sell support merchandise: items can end up on anyone, creating the appearance of affiliation when none exists.

The response marks a direct rebuttal to the initial coverage that largely led with the law enforcement framing. In an era where press releases and social media posts travel fast, clubs are increasingly choosing to correct the record publicly rather than remain silent and let the original claim stand unchallenged. The Berdoo statement is one of the clearer recent examples of a charter addressing an association made solely through merchandise and police language.

For other clubs watching how these situations play out, the takeaway is straightforward. When a news story or official release attaches a club name to an individual based on stickers or limited information, getting an accurate response out quickly can limit the damage. The old approach of staying quiet no longer works the same way once something is online. The Berdoo chapter’s statement puts the record on their terms and highlights the gap between a police press release and verified club membership.

Insane Throttle News will continue covering club responses to law enforcement and media claims as they develop.

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