From Survivor to Suspect: Brandon Hantz’s Biker Gang Trouble
Well, it seems that reality TV and law enforcement have crossed paths once more, and this time, it’s not just about flipped tribal councils and immunity challenges. Brandon Hantz, the notorious two-time contestant from “Survivor,” has traded his buff for handcuffs after being arrested for arson and conspiracy to commit racketeering—allegedly as part of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. That’s right: reality TV’s very own villain is now entangled in serious allegations involving gang violence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the indictments of Hantz, among others, as part of a crackdown on the Bandidos. These figures have a rap sheet that reads like an extreme sports playlist, featuring charges of murder and attempted murder during an infamous 2019 turf war with the rival B*EAST gang. Forget behind-the-scenes drama; this is a whole new level. If convicted, Hantz could face a staggering 20 years in prison for each charge.
Hantz, who is 33 and reportedly goes by the monikers “Loco” and “Gun Drop,” is now officially linked to a criminal enterprise that’s notoriously violent. If you’re wondering about his deep-seated reality TV background, he is of course the nephew of Russell Hantz, the infamous strategist known for his cutthroat gameplay. Brandon first graced audiences in season 23, “South Pacific,” and really left an impression when he fumbled his comeback in “Caramoan” by dumping his tribe’s food stash—a meltdown for the ages!
According to U.S. Justice Department official Antoinette T. Bacon, the indictment signals a significant battle against organized crime. She emphasized that such “criminal behavior has no place in America.” Remember that time on “Survivor” when Hantz’s exit was so disruptive, it almost spiraled into a fistfight? At least he didn’t have to contend with a rival gang then.
So, while your average Los Angeles lifestyle influencer might be fretting over their latest sponsorship deal, Brandon Hantz is faced with the prospect of trading his tribal council seat for a prison cell. Talk about a survivor—just not the kind anyone would want to cheer for.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Variety, USA Today
