Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Its a good day for the good guys.. "Through joint, collaborative investigations and robust partnerships, we will continue to target the leadership of these organizations and bring them to justice for the harm caused by their criminal actions.". Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200
Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. An official website of the United States government. The Indictment further charges Kushik, Hairston, Wofford, Zilka, Walker, White, Cherepko, Hulboy and Crivella with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, also between August and November of 2020. A locked padlock Bucciarelli was also indicted for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine. The Pagans are one of America's most notorious motorcycle gangs along with the Hells Angels, Mongols and Outlaws. Law enforcement officials also previously arrested the following individuals in connection with the investigation. authorities. According to the documents of the case, consulted by MundoHispnico, Luis LuRoc Arocho, 43, and Maurice Dawg Guzmn, 51, are two of the leaders of the Pagans MC on the east coast of the United States, and already face federal charges for aggravated assault and criminal organization. The sentence is even more harsh considering that Vasquez rejected a plea deal that carried a sentence of seven to 14 years and Olinsky turned down a plea deal that would have meant a sentence of three and a half to seven years. (AFP via Getty Images) Dozens of Pagans Motorcycle Club members and associates were arrested and charged with drug trafficking. The use of violence, weapons, and intimidation was standard for this criminal organization, and law enforcement made it clear that their behavior would not be tolerated. Luis Arocho and Mauricio Guzmn, two of the leaders of the gang known as Pagans motorcycle club, were detained in Newark, New Jersey. These arrests made New Jersey safer and this investigation demonstrated the determination of DEA and our amazing partners to pursue the most violent criminal gangs who choose to violate the law., Todays arrests are the latest in a long-running investigation into the illegal activities of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, Acting U.S. Attorney Honig said. Official websites use .gov FAX: 609-989-2275. If you are Pagan, but not a . Law enforcement officers recovered seven .40 caliber shell casings from the shooting scene. The DEA investigation, the US Marshals, with undercover agents, discovered that the Pagans MC coordinated their criminal activities from a bar in the Gloucester County. "I want to thank and commend my staff and our law enforcement partners for taking this suspect off the streets.". This website may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The friends bought the vests, sometimes called cut offs, on Amazon for $15 each. However, the Washington County jury rejected the more severe charges of attempting and conspiring to commit homicide against Vasquez and Olinsky, as the Observer-Reporter newspaper wrote of the split-verdict trial. Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Justice UPDATE: The former national president of the Pagans was sentenced Thursday to a plea-bargained 33 months in federal prison for having a gun while returning home through New Jersey from a party in Pennsylvania. / CBS Miami. Larry Ortiz, aka Savage, 31, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Junius Aquino, aka Jayo, 38, of Vauxhall, New Jersey, were charged with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for their roles in a gang-related shooting. These charges were filed as part of a multi-agency investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club an outlaw motorcycle gang known to engage in illegal activity, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and violent crimes. This investigation involved court-authorized wiretaps, the use of multiple undercover law enforcement agents, and execution of multiple search warrants at physical locations in multiple jurisdictions. Turner is a long-time member of the Pagans. The gathering, hosted by the Pagans Motorcycle Club at Duffy's Ale House, was meant to serve as a fundraiser for a Long Island boy with cancer and to celebrate the Pagans 50th anniversary . Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the time of Aquinos arrest, he was the vice president of the Pagans Elizabeth membership chapter. During the course of the investigation, which began in August of 2018, law enforcement received information pertaining to the suspected illegal activities of Bill Rana, aka "Pittsburgh Billy", Eric Armes aka "Knuckles", Jason Evans aka "Shahid", and Patrick Rizzo, who have all been identified as suspected members or associates of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, as well as Phillip Bonanno, who has been identified as a suspected member of an Ohio Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, and others. Weapons, drugs such as powdered methamphetamine and cocaine were seized from members of the Pagans MC. The widespread investigation further identified "large-scale" illegal-substance-suppliers who also served local drug dealers in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, besides serving members and affiliates of the PMC, according to the DOJ press release. Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we remain fully committed to combatting violent crime in New Jersey and prosecuting the members of the criminal organizations who are responsible for it., I can say without question that our collective efforts have disrupted and dismantled the daily illegal activities of the Pagans outlaw motorcycle gang, by strategically removing their most violent and most egregious firearm and drug trafficking members and associates, ATF Newark Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Toby C. Taylor said. Both deals were offered last fall, the MonValley Independent reported. In all, the prosecutor said, some 300 law enforcement officers and seven SWAT teams participated in the arrests and searches, which yielded large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl. (Each of the defendants is charged by federal criminal complaint; the specific charges and corresponding penalties are listed in the chart below.). US attorney Scott Brady said that the gang used violence to control cocaine, heroin and meth trafficking in that part of the state. The PMC members routinely hold "church", a term used to describe their weekly meetings, on Thursdays. posing as motorcyclists in order to get up close to the leaders of the Pagans MC. At the time of Hoobans arrest, he was the sergeant at arms for the Pagans Jersey City membership chapter. An official website of the United States government. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Former Pagans MC President Keith "Conan" Richter is now back at a federal prison in South Jersey, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator which last week reported Richter was "not in BOP custody." Richter has been serving 33 months in the federal prison at Fort Dix after he plead guilty to a federal gun charge last summer. Username. The U.S. Attorneys Office previously announced the arrest of Keith Richter, aka Conan the national president of the Pagans in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm on Feb. 20, 2021. RALEIGH, N.C. Five men charged with murder in connection to the New Years Day shooting death of a 37-year-old man appeared in court Friday. The Pagan's Motorcycle Club, or otherwise known as the Pagans, is an outlaw motorcycle club that was formed in Maryland. The third Indictment contains two counts and names the following twelve individuals as defendants: According to this Indictment, Kushik, Hairston, Wofford, Zilka, Walker, Camacho, Collins, and Taranto conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance between August and November of 2020. Attorneys Robert Frazer, R. Joseph Gribko, and Samantha C. Fasanello, of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Newark. Jul 2019. BETHEL PARK, Pa. (KDKA) - Three people with alleged connections to the Pagan's Motorcycle Gang have been arrested, according to the Bethel Park Police Department. The use of violence, weapons, and intimidation was standard for this criminal organization, and law enforcement made it clear that their behavior would not be tolerated. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Florida Keys police arrest two Pagan's motorcycle gang members February 16, 2023 Click the Banner and listen to Motorcycle Madhouse Morning Mayhem on Spotify Two people suspected of being members of a well-known motorcycle gang remain in Florida Keys jail following separate arrests late last week, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. This, according to the newspaper report. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized 10 firearms and more than 800 grams of methamphetamine. Two Pagans members -- Matthew Vasquez, 31, of Monessen, and Joseph Olinsky III, 46, of McKeesport -- were found guilty in February of aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and simple assault in the case. simultaneously so they didnt have time to alert each other. The U.S. Attorney's office in Newark announced the arrest several months ago saying Richter faces a possible 10-year prison sentence. Aquino was also charged in a separate criminal complaint with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in connection with a shooting that occurred three days later. Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the US MarshalsAmong other federal agencies, they detained Luis Arocho and Mauricio Guzmn along with nine other members of the Pagans MC gang for crimes ranging from drug trafficking, aggravated assault and illegal possession of weapons, among other crimes. Martinus Starks, Vidaul Reed, Anthony Cheever, David Stephens and Tyler Grissom are each charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon in the shooting death of Jonas Padilla, arrest warrants show. Along with the Hells Angels MC, Bandidos MC, and Outlaws MC, Pagans Motorcycle Club is one of the main four one percenter motorcycle groups. February 3, 2023. We respect every Motorcycle Club that adheres to proper MC protocol. All rights reserved (About Us). The victim was beaten with an axe handle, punched, and kicked by the Pagans assailants, resulting in significant injuries. The second Indictment contains two counts and names the following nine individuals as defendants: Anthony Peluso, 38, of Hampton Township, PA, Marissa Botta, 28, of Hampton Township, PA. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Dozens of Pagans Motorcycle Club members and associates have been charged with trafficking drugs through western Pennsylvania. This collaborative investigation will undoubtedly make communities safer throughout our state and beyond., The success and scale of this investigation is a testament to the impact a collaboration between law enforcement agencies can have on the safety and security of our communities, Acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said. Have a question about Government Services? On Nov. 17, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ortizs residence and recovered approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Dozens of Pagans Motorcycle Club members and associates have been charged with trafficking drugs through western Pennsylvania. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Suffolk criminal intelligence detectives arrested some suspects early Wednesday at the alleged headquarters of the. Both Arocho and Guzman are high-ranking leaders in the Pagans organization. Biker News does not belong to or support any Club. According to the document in the investigation against the Pagans MC, their increase in membership in New Jersey, coordinated by Luis Arocho and Mauricio Guzmn, led them to numerous confrontations with rivals, some of which occurred in public places and in broad daylight. Robbins was arrested early Sunday morning at his home on White Street. A group of about 60 Pagans stormed a catering hall where the Hells Angels-sponsored event was being held. Adam Matthew Miller, 42, of Big Pine Key, posted a picture of himself holding a knife that was captioned: "Support Pagan's MC or else! Published May 4, 2020. Bikers Detroit Featured Members Only Midwest West Coast GR SOURCES: Hells Angels Want Backing From Highwaymen MC In Fight With Outlaws MC For Brand Building In Michigan . RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) A Raleigh-based national leader of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, recognized by law enforcement as an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Nicholas Marino, aka Lefty, 75, of Williamstown, New Jersey, Anthony DAlessandro, aka Fugit, 55, of Williamstown, New Jersey, and Michael Dorazo, aka Cage, 42, of Gloucester City, New Jersey, were previously charged by federal criminal complaint for their roles in the assault. Lock "We have now charged 11 members of this outlaw gang with various weapons, drug-trafficking and violent crimes. In 2019, the Sheriff's Office arrested another Pagan's motorcycle gang member for making threats on Facebook. Each of the cuts sported patches on the front and back that read, Roman Empires Oceana.. The United States Department of Justice announced that Arocho and Guzmn were captured as part of an operation by various federal and state agencies to catch the leaders of the Pagans MC. The Indictment also charges Rana, Evans, James, P. Bonanno, and Stockhausen with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, also between January and November of 2020. 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000
Surely, they didnt like what they heard from Washington County Common Pleas Judge John DiSalle. We are making these materials available in an effort for news reporting or educational purposes. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of each defendant. Fax:814-533-4545. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, 31-year-old Justin Meyer, of Key West, was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Through the investigation, Mr. Stockhausen was identified as an associate of Mr. Rana's and a courier for Mr. Rana's drug trafficking operation, obtaining cocaine from co-defendant Hasani James in Michigan and returning to the WD of PA with the cocaine, which was then distributed by members of the conspiracy. The U.S. Attorneys Office previously announced thearrest of Keith Richter , aka Conan the national president of the Pagans in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm on Feb. 20, 2021. An indictment is an accusation. According to the criminal complaint, Bethel Park police received a search warrant for the home at 2544 Highland Circle on April 12. Luis Arocho, aka LuRoc, 43, of Keansburg, New Jersey, and Maurice Guzman, aka Dawg, 51, of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of aggravated assault in aid of racketeering. Attorney Scott Brady said that the gang used violence to control cocaine, heroin and meth trafficking in that of. 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