DALLAS, TX — A Lubbock man identified as the president of a Bandidos Motorcycle Club chapter has been federally charged after investigators discovered large quantities of methamphetamine during a search of the group’s clubhouse.
Steven Glenn Ryals, 74, also known as “Hot Tub,” was charged March 2, 2026, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ryals made his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Lubbock the same day the charge was filed. He remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings.
If convicted, Ryals faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators began looking into Ryals and other Bandidos members in early 2025 after authorities suspected the group of trafficking methamphetamine in the Lubbock area.
On February 27, 2026, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the Bandidos Notorious chapter clubhouse, which also served as Ryals’ residence.
During the search, agents found approximately 3.2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine inside a locked drawer in a wooden filing cabinet located in an office.
Investigators also discovered Bandidos Motorcycle Club paraphernalia in a nearby cabinet belonging to Ryals.
Authorities said agents located additional items commonly associated with drug distribution, including small plastic baggies, digital scales and a concealed compartment built into a bookshelf.
The investigation was conducted through a joint effort involving the FBI, the Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang Center and the Caprock High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force.
The Texas Anti-Gang Center includes agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and the Lubbock Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Rancourt is prosecuting the case.
Officials noted that a criminal complaint is only an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
