BUSINESSMEN CAUGHT IN METH STING

LANCASTER, Calif. -- Nearly 300 people were arrested during an 18-month
methamphetamine sting, including some locally prominent businessmen.

"Some of the folks picked up were substantial citizens, in the eyes of some
people," Lancaster Mayor Frank C. Roberts said. "They were not the kind of
folks who were supposed to be handling methamphetamine."

The suspects are connected to a loose organization of methamphetamine
manufacturers, most of them in the Antelope Valley, according to
allegations filed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Los
Angeles County deputies.

Authorities say the ring has ties to white supremacist and biker groups,
the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

The sting, dubbed "Operation Silent Thunder," concluded last week after 293
arrests and the seizure of more than $2 million worth of methamphetamine.
Of those arrested, 233 have criminal records and 72 are members of white
supremacist groups, authorities said.

Investigators believe one of the businessmen, Robert Williams, a paint shop
owner known for his work customizing Harley-Davidsons, joined the Chamber
of Commerce to keep tabs on local initiatives that could interfere with the
methamphetamine business.

Authorities also arrested Lance Pompey, owner of Quartz Hill Glass and
Mirror, and Dale Combs, owner of Dale's Precision Machining. Combs
allegedly produced 100 to 200 pounds of speed a month.

"It's becoming more and more difficult to see who the good guys and bad
guys are," said Steve Malicott, president of the Antelope Valley Chambers
of Commerce. "When you do have what appear to be business leaders involved,
that's a little shocking."