The Dirty Dozen came to the attention of Sonny Barger, the reputed national leader of the Hells Angels, while he was serving a four-year sentence for conspiracy at FCI Phoenix in Arizona between 1989 and 1992.Look Homeward Angel: Cycle Icon Sonny Barger Kick-Starts Life As A Free Man By Violating Parole Philip Martin, Phoenix New Times (December 2, 1992) In July 1996, the Hells Angels' Oakland, California chapter voted in favor of expanding their club into Arizona by amalgamating the Dirty Dozen, and the majority of the Dirty Dozen's membership voted to "patch over" to join the Hells Angels.Angels in Arizona Karen Brande, Tucson Weekly (August 15, 1996) Robert Mora, the Dirty Dozen's Tucson chapter president, was credited with being responsible for the merger due to his incessant campaigning, as he sought a larger network of bikers to do business with. Motions to merge the Dirty Dozen with the Angels had been unsuccessful in previous years. The amalgamation was also mutually beneficial for the Hells Angels, as it allowed the club to expand into a state with lax motorcycle helmet restrictions and a terrain ideal for motorcycle riding. Law enforcement authorities have also alleged that Arizona's close proximity to Mexico has allowed the Angels to trade in firearms and methamphetamine with near-impunity. During the Dirty Dozen's fourteen-month probationary period, numerous members – including at least one former police officer – were expelled as they were deemed unworthy of becoming Hells Angels. Those who voted against the "patch over" were forced to retire from the outlaw biker subculture and ordered never to wear the Dirty Dozen's colors again. The merger between the Dirty Dozen and the Hells Angels was consecrated during a meeting of members from both clubs at the Oakland chapter clubhouse in October 1997.
