For years, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Bingham had two jobs: as a law enforcement officer in the Inland Empire, and as the owner of a gun store in Twentynine Palms.
But authorities on Thursday said Bingham had more than two jobs — he had a double-life that was complicated and illicit. He’s accused of being a member of a local outlaw motorcycle gang and committing numerous firearms crimes in connection with the gang’s enterprise, including stealing a shotgun from his own Sheriff’s Department.
The case against the deputy is the result of a months-long probe by gang and narcotics detectives who uncovered a cache of 160 firearms in the lawman’s home, including the stolen shotgun, according to a statement from the department.
Bingham, 45, was detained Thursday afternoon at his Twentynine Palms home and booked at around 1 p.m. in county lockup. He’s being held in lieu of $500,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Monday.
He could not be reached for comment, and it’s unclear if he has an attorney.
“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,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus in a statement. “Criminal behavior will not be tolerated, and we have placed him on compulsory leave effective immediately.”
The investigation into Bingham began in January, when detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that he socialized with and rode bikes with members of the motorcycle gang. The group’s name was not publicly disclosed.
On a weekend in late March, investigators along with the California Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of Bingham and two other gang members. During the stop, investigators found him carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm. Bingham was arrested March 23 and later released.
During a subsequent search of Bingham’s residence, authorities found 160 firearms,…