A Kirkland man connected with the notorious Bandidos motorcycle gang was charged Dec. 27 for extorting a Redmond business owner of $57,500.

Robert Dairold Golden’s bail was set for $500,000, along with his accomplice Robert Amahd Edwards III, who allegedly assisted in the extortion, which was set for $100,000.

When Golden, 39, and Edwards, 35, allegedly entered a Redmond-based custom fishing-rod shop on Dec. 21 to unlawfully collect titles to the victim’s truck, trailer, boat and some dirt bikes, they had no idea that police had been granted the authority to intercept and record the meeting, according to charging documents filed in King County Superior Court.

Members of the Redmond and Seattle Police Departments were waiting nearby and after they had collected enough evidence, the two were promptly arrested.

After the victim, a 61-year-old Kirkland resident, befriended Golden three years ago on their common fishing interest, Golden allegedly loaned the man $35,000 to kick-start the victim’s current business. Court documents indicate at the time of the loan, Golden offered the money because he had recently “come into a large amount of money and was able to make the loan with little or no conditions.”

But a few months ago, Golden allegedly contacted the victim asking for the money back and the victim said he would find a way to get him the money in order to avoid trouble, according to court documents.

When the victim didn’t comply, Golden and a man – thought to be the president of the North Seattle chapter of the Bandidos motorcycle gang – walked into the victim’s shop, looked around and left. When Golden showed up a week later in early December he allegedly told the victim that “the loan had been sold to the Bandidos  and the man who he brought in the prior week was the president of the group. His previous loan of $35,000 was now $57,000,” the documents continue.

“Golden emphasized that the Bandidos would expect to be paid and would be in contact soon to discuss details,” documents say.

Various forms of harassment allegedly continued and the victim grew increasingly concerned. As a way to oblige the Bandidos Seattle president, the victim “gave away” a $700 fly rod but still received warnings to “take care of it.”

The calls from Golden persisted and during a conversation on Dec. 18, court documents indicate Golden allegedly told the victim “you’ve got til Friday or they’re going to come and take everything out of your shop and shut you down,” referring to the Bandidos gang members.

The next day there was another phone conversation but this time police were present, taking notes:

“You really understand what’s going on?” asked Golden. “They get stuff, that’s what they do. They’re gonna shut the whole thing down, it’s not a joke… Bike clubs are not a joke. I do favors, collections for them.

“That’s their money. They don’t care about you. They want the money. These people hurt people,” the documents continue.

The conversation continued with Golden telling the victim to Google the Bandidos to see the extent of how far they would go to get what they wanted. Now, the amount owed was $57,500.

On the looming Dec. 21 deadline police surrounded the victim’s shop physically and with electronic surveillance. Golden arrived with Edwards and spoke with the victim about the value of his truck. Golden made a few calls to determine the cost value, while Edwards was seen looking around the store and typing on the store computer, the documents continue.

Golden eventually directed Edwards to take the victim’s truck around the back of the store to load a dirt bike and trailer, the charges state. But when Edwards stepped out, he was met by police and arrested. Golden “fled to the back of the store” and ran about 50 yards before he was caught and arrested.

The two were taken into custody but because their charges were filed after the three-day mark, they were let out shortly after, said a spokesman for the King County Prosecutor’s Office. Edwards and Golden are expected at their arraignment scheduled for Jan. 10 at the King County Courthouse.

Charging documents state Edwards, who is from Riverside, Cali., has no prior jail convictions, however, Golden’s criminal history indicates he’s had 23 prior bookings, resulting in 18 arrest warrants. Since 1992, Golden has been convicted of fourth-degree assault, involved in illegal drugs, second-degree theft and he’s violated a no-contact order for domestic violence.