A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested, accused of being a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and possessing a machine gun, suppressors, grenade launcher, stolen gun, and destructive devices.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department, in January 2024, the Gangs/Narcotics Division began an investigation into Deputy Christopher Bingham, 45, a resident of Twentynine Palms, and his association with a local Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. During the investigation it was learned Bingham rode and socialized with several members of the gang.
On Saturday, March 23, Bingham was observed riding his motorcycle with two gang members. With the assistance of the CHP, a traffic stop was conducted on Bingham and the two gang members in Riverside County. Deputies say a search of Bingham revealed a loaded, unregistered firearm and Bingham was arrested and booked at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. Investigators conducted a search warrant on Bingham’s home, in the 7200 block of Adobe Road, and report finding approximately 160 firearms, including a fully automatic assault rifle, with a grenade launcher. Investigators also located destructive devices, silencers, gang paraphernalia, and a stolen Sheriff’s Department shotgun.
Bingham was one of the owners of O’Three Tactical, a gun store in Twentynine Palms that has since closed.
On Thursday (April 4, 2024) the County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against Bingham and issued an arrest warrant. The charges are Possession of a Machine Gun, Possession of a Short-Barreled Rifle, Grand Theft of a Firearm, possession of a Stolen Firearm, Possession of a Destructive Device, Possession of Silencers, and participation in a Criminal Street Gang.
At about 1:00pm Thursday (April 4), investigators from the Specialized Enforcement Division and the Gangs/Narcotics Division arrested Bingham. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center, where as of this morning, he is being held on $500,000 bail.
The Sheriff’s Office has placed Bingham on leave, and Sheriff Shannon Dicus said, “The actions of this deputy are alarming and inexcusable; he not only tarnishes his badge but also undermines the integrity and credibility of the entire department.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 387-8400. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
