Highwayman MC Go To Trial

Detroit -- Leaders of the Highwaymen MC "owned" Detroit and guarded what was theirs via threats and beatings.

So said  a federal prosecutor said Monday.

"But defense lawyers argued the real criminals jurors will see at the trial are the government's cooperating witnesses -- who they said received sweetheart deals in connection with their own illegal conduct and more than $100,000 in cash payments. This is the standard defense used in mob trials, where confidential informants are often used.

Founded in Detroit in 1954, the Highwaymen is Detroit's largest bike club, with chapters in Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Indiana.

The racketeering trial for six alleged Highwaymen leaders -- the opening chapter in a case that involves more than 80 defendants in one of the largest indictments ever brought in the Eastern District of Michigan -- is expected to last about six weeks.

But Henry Scharg, an attorney for defendant Joseph "Little Joe" Whiting, described as national president of the Highwaymen:

• Share a love of motorcycles and the open road.
• They give to charities such as Toys for Tots and compared the group to "a Knights of Columbus on wheels."