A Kirkland man has been accused of extortion for using a motorcycle gang to collect a debt from a Redmond business owner.
King County prosecutors have charged Robert Dairold Golden, 39, with first-degree extortion, saying he loaned the business owner, who is also from Kirkland, $35,000 to launch the business, then sold that debt to the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.
Golden, who became friends with the man three and a half years ago, loaned him the money about three years ago, charging documents state.
In late 2012, charging documents say Golden showed up at the man's Redmond business with a known member of the Bandidos motorcycle gang. The man was allegedly told that his $35,000 debt had been sold to the gang, that it had been increased to more than $57,000 and that the Bandidos expected to be paid.
In subsequent calls and visits to the man's business, charging documents state that Golden made repeated threats of violence and said the Bandidos would take the man's business. Golden also allegedly told the victim he does favors and collections for the Bandidos.
Prosecutors said another man, Robert Amahd Edwards III, 35, assisted Golden and he is also charged with first-degree extortion in the case. The two were arrested Dec. 27 by Redmond police at the business location.
Both posted bail after their initial arrest and before prosecutors could request larger bail amounts, given the nature of the charges. But they are required to appear in King County Superior Court for arraignment on Jan. 10.
Golden has a criminal history in Washington spanning 20 years, according to prosecutors, including convictions for assault, drug possesson and theft. The Bandidos are described by prosecutors as an outlaw motorcycle gang with members tied to financial crimes, drug crimes, witness tampering and conspiracy to commit murder.
