A former correctional officer at a California men’s prison has been convicted of helping a white supremacist prison gang distribute drugs and assault inmates.

Shayne Allyn Ziska, 44, a prison guard at the California Institute for Men in Chino from January 1984 through October 2000, helped the Nazi Low Riders distribute methamphetamine and other drugs, according to federal prosecutors.  Ziska was also found guilty of allowing a gang member to stab another inmate.

While not an official member of the gang, Ziska was described by prosecutors as being an “associate” on the “sidelines” of the gang.  He helped the gang conduct business and terrorize other inmates by transmitting messages between members and unlocking cell doors so that they could assault other inmates, according to prosecutors. 

Ziska was convicted in Los Angeles on February 14, 2006, of participating in a corrupt organization’s conspiracy, violent crime in the aid of racketeering and deprivation of rights under color of law.

Since their beginnings as a prison gang in the California Youth Authority, the Nazi Low Riders have developed into a racist, violently criminal organization active both on the streets and in prison.

Ziska faces up to 50 years in federal prison.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8.