23 charged after North Ga. motorcycle gang investigation

GAINESVILLE - Federal prosecutors have charged 23 people with drug and gun offenses stemming from an undercover investigation of north Georgia motorcycle clubs.

Twenty of the defendants appeared in federal court in Gainesville Thursday after the charging documents were unsealed. Another defendant was arrested in Dallas, Texas, and appeared in federal court there. Agents continue to seek two defendants.

U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates says all but two of those charged have direct ties to the Outlaw Motorcycle Club or its affiliated clubs. She says the charges allege substantial drug trafficking and weapons offenses.

Prosecutors say the charges all relate to acts by individuals or small groups and don't allege that any criminal acts were performed on behalf of the motorcycle gangs or as an official part of membership in the gangs.