Feds and police probe and investigate the Clan
As if the pending charges against Ol' Dirty Bastard weren't enough to distract his Wu-Tang Clan bandmates, reports have now surfaced that other members of the rap collective are being investigated for possible gun-running charges.According to the "New York Post," local police and federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm agents have launched a probe into several Wu-Tangers suspected of hiring friends to purchase weapons in Steubenville, Ohio and then transport the firearms back to New York.
While authorities believe that some of the weapons were bought for the Wu-Tang's protection, it is also examining whether other guns were obtained for the express purpose of selling to the band's friends.
The investigation grew out of the slayings of a pair of Wu associates in late 1997 -- one in Steubenville and one in New York's Staten Island -- and suspicion was later heightened when police learned that the Midwest city is currently home to the family of Rza, the rap group's leader.
The "Post" also claims that members of the Wu-Tang Clan regularly head out to a compound near Steubenville to engage in target practice.
Representatives for the ATF refused to comment whether or not any of the Wu-Tang were being investigated for the story, and a lawyer for the group questioned the validity of such accusations, pointing out to the paper that the rappers were "not in a position where they need the money."
-- Midknight - 1/29/99