Brandon Hantz Arrested on Arson and Racketeering Charges

Arrest of Brandon Hantz and Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Indictments

Brandon Hantz, the two-time Survivor contestant known for making a dramatic departure during his second stint on the reality TV series, has been arrested on charges of arson and conspiracy to commit racketeering activity as part of a sweeping case against an allegedly violent biker gang operating in the Houston metropolitan area.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas announced Wednesday that 14 members and associates of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, including Hantz, 33, have been indicted in connection with an allegedly violent 2019 turf war with the rival gang B*EAST. Some Bandidos members have been charged with crimes including murder, attempted murder, and assault.

Several of the accused are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo on Thursday afternoon.

Legal Proceedings and Reactions

Contact information for Hantz’s legal representation was not immediately available. Hantz, who is allegedly also known as Loco and Gun Drop, faces up to 20 years in prison per charge if convicted.

Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said in a statement Wednesday, “Today’s indictment is an important step in eliminating the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.” Bacon added, “The Bandidos declare war on rivals — and they wage that war on our streets. Criminal behavior like this has no place in America, and the Department of Justice is fully committed to bringing peace back to our communities.”

Brandon Hantz’s Survivor Journey

Hantz is the nephew of notorious Survivor villain Russell Hantz and first competed on the show in the 23rd season, South Pacific, in 2011. He was the 15th contestant voted out, ultimately leaving the game on day 36.

Hantz returned to Survivor for its 26th season, Caramoan, in 2012. He made an infamous exit to end his second appearance, pouring out his tribe’s food supply during an outburst that led to the tribe intentionally forfeiting an Immunity Challenge to vote him out preemptively.

Jeff Probst’s Perspective

Survivor host Jeff Probst told EW he had been “concerned” that the confrontation leading to Hantz’s elimination might turn into a physical altercation with his rival, Phillip Sheppard. “It was clear that he was very upset. That’s why I asked him to come to me, so I could separate him from the rest of the contestants,” Probst explained. “Then later when I saw him getting more agitated I put my hands on his shoulders in an attempt to help him relax. It was probably also a bit of a head start on controlling him if a physical confrontation were to ensue. Because something like this had never happened before there was no plan in place. I was assessing moment to moment, making decisions based on what was playing out in front of me.”

Probst also said that he was “whispering instructions” to the crew so that security would “be ready to assist” if the situation escalated.

Conclusion

“It was clear that Brandon wanted out of the game,” Probst recalled. “I was very proud of Brandon for making the choice to stay next to me and not turn this into a physical altercation. I was equally proud of Phillip and the other contestants for their restraint. It was obviously a historic moment from a show point of view, but the overriding concern was the mental and physical health of the contestants.”

FAQs

Q: What charges is Brandon Hantz facing?

A: Brandon Hantz is facing charges of arson and conspiracy to commit racketeering activity.

Q: What are the allegations against the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang?

A: The Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members have been indicted for their involvement in a violent turf war with a rival gang, including charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault.

Credit: ew.com