An expert on criminal organizations says the mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality made a serious misstep when he endorsed a local motorcycle club this month, because the group is associated with the Hells Angels.

Mayor Cecil Clarke said he didn't know of the association when he wrote the July 6 letter on behalf of the Celtic Crew Motorcycle Club so it could lease property in CBRM, and only did so after asking the regional police force if it was OK.

"There was nothing at all that would create a concern," Clarke said.

Stephen Schneider, a criminology professor at Saint Mary's University…