East End Hells Angel, convicted after massive E- Pandora probe, gained parole in June
John Punko last of 12 people arrested in RCMP undercover probe to be released
The last East End Hells Angel serving time for convictions stemming from the massive E- Pandora investigation has been paroled.
John Virgil Punko, 47, was let out on statutory release last month, according to Parole Board of Canada documents just released to The Vancouver Sun.
The documents say that Punko, who was serving time for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, must reside in a halfway house or approved residence because of his risk of reoffending.
“Your case management team has assessed you as presenting a moderate to high risk of reoffending, generally or violently,” the board said in the June 25 ruling. “The board is satisfied that, in the absence of a residency condition, you will present an undue risk to society.”
The documents noted Punko’s lengthy criminal history included an earlier conspiracy conviction also stemming from E- Pandora, as well as a 2002 conviction on obstruction of justice after he threatened a Crown prosecutor.
“You have engaged in violent acts in the past and have threatened and intimidated others for the purpose of getting what you want,” the board said. “Your violence appears to have been directed at other criminal associates in the community as well as other inmates while remanded in provincial custody. File information indicates that you were also involved in an assault of a civilian, without provocation.”
Punko was arrested in July 2005 as part of the RCMP’s $ 10- million crackdown on the East End Hells Angels, in which agent Micheal Plante infiltrated the gang and collected enough evidence for a series of charges and convictions.
Information about Punko’s membership in the Hells Angels is blanked out of the parole board documents.
There is a line suggesting he has “no intention” of leaving the notorious biker gang, though a section of the line is also blanked out.
The board also told Punko that he can’t associate “with any person you know or have reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.”
He has also been ordered not to drink or do drugs and to disclose his financial information to his parole supervisor.
Punko intends to make “positive changes” in his life, the board noted.
“You have participated in programming and made gains and you have also participated in cultural activities in the institution,” the documents said.
Altogether, 12 people linked to the Hells Angels were convicted on evidence gathered by Plante of offences that include trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine, extortion, conspiracy, possession of firearms and grenades and contempt of court.