Roman Savage Kings: A History of South Carolina's Notorious Bike Gang

In the annals of American outlaw motorcycle culture, few gangs have garnered as much notoriety as the Roman Savage Kings. Hailing from the back roads of South Carolina, this enigmatic group has left an indelible mark on the state's criminal landscape.

Origins and Formation

The Roman Savage Kings emerged in the mid-1960s amidst the counterculture movement that swept through the United States. Disaffected youth, seeking freedom and rebellion, found solace in the camaraderie and adrenaline-fueled lifestyle of motorcycle gangs. In South Carolina, a group of young men from the small town of Kingstree formed a local chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, one of the largest outlaw gangs in the country.

Roman (Savage Kings MC - South Carolina Book Series 1)

by Lane Hart

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	2032 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	190 pages

FREE

However, tensions within the Pagans led to the Kingstree chapter being expelled in 1978. Refusing to disband, the former members formed their own independent club, adopting the name Roman Savage Kings. The name "Roman" signified their shared ancestry, while "Savage" represented their fierce loyalty and willingness to defend their territory.

Culture and Rituals

The Roman Savage Kings developed a unique culture and set of rituals that set them apart from other motorcycle gangs. Members were required to undergo a rigorous probationary period before becoming full-fledged "brothers." They lived by a strict code of honor, which emphasized loyalty, respect, and retribution against anyone who crossed them.

The club's rituals included weekly meetings, known as "church," where members discussed club business and enforced discipline. They also held annual "Runs," large gatherings of bikers from across the country, where they celebrated their brotherhood and engaged in various competitions and activities.

Criminal Activities and Rivalries

While the Roman Savage Kings claimed to be a legitimate motorcycle club, their activities often crossed the line into criminal territory. They were involved in a wide range of illegal operations, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. Their most infamous rival was the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, another notorious outlaw gang with a presence in South Carolina.

The rivalry between the Roman Savage Kings and the Hells Angels resulted in several violent confrontations, including the 1994 shooting at a biker bar in Beaufort. The incident left three people dead and several others injured, and it escalated tensions between the two gangs.

Law Enforcement Crackdown

In the early 2000s, law enforcement agencies in South Carolina intensified their efforts to crack down on outlaw motorcycle gangs. The Roman Savage Kings were a major target of these efforts, and several members were arrested and charged with various crimes. The club's leadership was dismantled, and its membership dwindled.

Despite the law enforcement crackdown, the Roman Savage Kings continue to exist today as a smaller and less active organization. They have a limited presence in South Carolina and are no longer considered a major threat to public safety.

Legacy and Impact

The Roman Savage Kings have left a lasting legacy in South Carolina as one of the most notorious and feared motorcycle gangs in the state's history. Their criminal activities and violent confrontations have shaped the public's perception of outlaw gangs and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime.

The story of the Roman Savage Kings is a cautionary tale about the dangers of gang culture and the consequences of illegal activities. It serves as a reminder that even in an era of modern policing, outlaw motorcycle gangs continue to pose a threat to society.

The Roman Savage Kings have been a part of South Carolina's criminal landscape for over four decades. From their humble beginnings as a local chapter of a larger gang to their rise as one of the most notorious outlaw clubs in the state, they have left an enduring mark on the state's history. Their legacy is a testament to the power of brotherhood, the allure of rebellion, and the destructive consequences of illegal activities.

Roman (Savage Kings MC - South Carolina Book Series 1)

by Lane Hart

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
File size	:	2032 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	190 pages

FREE