Another was seen holding an iPad in their 4. (Rhode Island State Police). Also called The Pagans, they were mostly a peaceful MC, non-violent in its outcome. Staunton, Virginia (October 4, 2018) BTN During the early They put two contracts out on me shortly after the case and they were investigated, says Croke, a retired assistant director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). in the commission of a felony. Regions A tactical squad of state troopers . But the operation had also taken a toll on his family life. The drugs they distributed include significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. face drug and gun charges. Twenty Pagans were taken into custody on charges including racketeering, drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder. Who knows what goes thru peoples brain. When first founded they consisted of only 13 members. Official websites use .gov According to this Indictment, the above-named defendants conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance between January and November of 2020. International Mob Hits Club leadership isn't opposed to selling weed and cocaine,. "The minute you do anything to one of them, you do it to all of them," Croke said. "Riding with Evil" is published by William Morrow and is on sale now. Midwest other, the second rider was knocked off his motorcycle as it was still moving. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide, Insane Throttle Support Club Become a member Now, Insane Throttle/Motorcycle Madhouse Radio YouTube and Audio Disclaimer, Meet the Insane Throttle Contributing Columnist James Hollywood Macecari, Motorcycle Clubs Riding Clubs and Associations Near Me Index & Listings, Our Policies here at Insane Throttle Publications. to maliciously wound, gang participation in a criminal act and use of a firearm THIS Pagan thing in Rhode Island just seems like a kick in the works due to their obvious misunderstanding of the law for a rocket launcher. The 12-month investigation was dubbedOperation Patched Out and included assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, the FBI andthe federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, among other agencies. Bikers Two guns and a of them reportedly members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the other a Related | Hells Angels MC members charged with violence All. Hells Angels MC members charged with violence. As it relates to this count, the Indictment seeks forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. into different clothing, one of the Hells Angels kept close tabs on the Pagan's Two other Hells Angels were not charged in the attack but evidence. Over 25 years, he took part in more than a thousand undercover operations including gang, drug and firearms trafficking cases. also suspected of opening fire, evidence showed. in Bellingham; 7 Old Mendon Road in Blackstone; 30 Old Worcester Road in Charlton; and196 West St. in Milford. The three people arrested were arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday. Some people call this "earth-based religion.". Chicago The Pagans MC is a member of the Big Four outlaw biker clubs, and it is well known for its secrecy. Dave Wedge, a journalist who co-authored the book, adds in the same Zoom call: A lot of these other biker clubs have mainstream members who may have jobs and theyre good members of society. An investigator said four to five gunshots were fired. cartel African-American Rhode Island State Police investigators intercepted thousands of phone calls and text messages through electronic surveillance and court-ordered wiretaps through the investigation. Archives One thing led to another, as he puts it, and he was on the case. The first Indictment contains two conspiracy counts and one firearm possession count, and names the following nine individuals as defendants: Phillip Bonanno, 54, of New Philadelphia, OH, Dominic Quarture, 52, of Washington, PA. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. You just go there one day and its like, OK, this is whats going to happen, this is what were going to do, and the next thing you know, youre off on this completely different tangent doing something totally different.. Part of the proceeds from these crimes would be paid to the Pagans headquarters, known as the "mother club.". Drug Gangs Once the case wrapped, Croke was required by ATF to see a psychiatrist to make sure had not gone to the dark side or become sympathetic to the Pagans causes or actions. When the investigation ended in 2010, 20 Pagans were arrested on charges that included racketeering, murder conspiracy, assault, drug distribution, witness tampering and firearms offences. Being discovered was not the only danger Croke faced as a member of the club. According to information provided to the court, the three Indictments charge 30 individuals with federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. denied bond. The investigation focused on two gangs, The Pagans and Kryptmen, whose members were allegedly involved in gun and drug trafficking and other criminal activity, officials said. Sports "They are extremely dangerous. SOURCE: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Interview 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. Case Files 2023 www.patriotledger.com. There were about a dozen club members wearing Pagan patches and insignia and multiple other people in the clubhouse at the time, they said. He survived the shooting and was released from the University of Virginia The 56-year-old is online to talk about his new book, Riding with Evil, which chronicles how he became the first federal agent to go undercover and infiltrate the Pagan Motorcycle Club, a white supremacist gang. Wentworth and Snow are scheduled to return to court on May 21, Ryan said. Roughly 90 minutes later, as the two Pagan's pulled into the Escalating tension and an increased risk of violence in recent weeks led to the decision to conduct the raids Wednesday, according to Rhode Island State PoliceLt. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Milan is a prospective member of the Hells Angels Devil's Desciples MC History The Devil's Desciples Motorcycle Club were founded in 1966 in Massachusetts. A nighttime raid on the Pagan Motorcycle Club in Everett ended with three men arrested and two arraigned Monday on weapons charges, according to authorities. While undercover in the club, all of his answers needed to be right, all of his actions above suspicion. But some have since been released and the gang is far from finished. As he ran, two Hells Angels opened fire on him, video He scrambled to dress appropriately, drive to a restaurant and play it cool. PITTSBURGH, PA A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has issued three separate, but related, Indictments, charging 30 residents of western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio with narcotics trafficking and firearm possession, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The investigation also revealed what Rhode Island State Police called "extensive evidence" of other criminal activity, including large-scale gun and drug trafficking; widespread theft and sale of stolen ATVs, lawn tractors, snow blowers and other equipment; and fraudulent mortgage and bank activity. Video The investigation focused on two gangs, The Pagans and Kryptmen, whose members were allegedly involved in gun and drug trafficking and other criminal activity, officials said. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. Face it, its never going to happen. One leader was charged with more than 230 counts, according to . Theres a lot of cases that continue to come out in New York, Massachusetts and other jurisdictions where some of the people that were involved in the case Ken did may have had links. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. In conducting the raids shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday, authorities usedexplosive devices to breach heavily fortified buildings, an armored truck and battering ram to break down doors, and dozens of heavily armed SWAT team members and other officers, Rhode Island State Police said. What sort of dumb shit would they ask me to do? On April 24, 2018, Arocho, Guzman, and other associates of the Pagans assaulted an associate of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club at a gas station in Newark. other Hells Angels were nearby. cartel The club was founded in 1959 and was originally a well-respected motorcycle club. "With the arrests of thirty members and associates of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, including higher-ranking members, we have disrupted their criminal organization and made western Pennsylvania safer. Col. Ann C. Assumpico, the superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, announced the arrests Wednesday, saying that the bust is believed to be the single largest takedown in the Rhode Island State Police history. South Croke, a Boston native who was based in Southeastern Massachusetts during the investigation, wrote about his experiences in the new book "Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang," written with New York Times bestselling author Dave Wedge. Sharp-dressed man:Mark Rylance is a perfect fit in mobster movie 'The Outfit', Book Smart:4 new novels you won't want to put down. QUINCYSlam enjoyed a meteoricrise through the ranks of the Pagans, the secretiveoutlaw motorcycle gang that prided itself on having neverbeen infiltrated by law enforcement. You have to be a peer, you have to appear to be loyal because the brotherhood within this organisation is more important than your family or anything else. Theres legally things that I could not do and I would have to stop it. The leader of the Massachusetts Pagans motorcycle gang was among 49 people arrested this week following a year-long investigation by Rhode Island authorities that resulted in the seizure of 53 illegal guns as well as large quantities of heroin and other drugs, according to officials. Uncategorized West Coast, Cutting To The Heart Of The Matter: Kentucky Pagans MC Member Kutter Lindner Killed In Attempt To Take Fake Pagans Rocker & Cut, Waiting For The Perfect Time: How The Hells Angels Came To Michigan & Where They Are Looking To Expand, Mob Scene: Streets Of Chicago Buzzing With Feelings, Opinions, Outrage Over Jimmy I Informant Revelation, The Company You Keep (Cicero Edition): Alleged New Chicago Mafia Chief Louie Rainone Has A Pal Joey, Burnstein Op-Ed: Reports Of Chicago Mob Legend Jimmy Is Role As Informant Missing Context, Rewarding FBI For Hypocrisy, Bad Faith. Most of the raids were conducted at Rhode Island addresses, but police received search warrants for and raided the following properties in Massachusetts:111 Pulaski Blvd. of East Elmhurst, New York. shell casing were recovered at the motel by investigators. The club was on its way back from a gathering in Delaware. News convention. The three Indictments were returned under seal on December 1, 2020, and unsealed yesterday. "[Wednesday's] arrests send a clear and convincing message: we will not allow motorcycle gangs and other criminals to sell guns and drugs on our streets and commit violent crimes in our communities.". Married with three young daughters, he was a supervisor who seemed to be cruising to a quiet suburban retirement. In New Jersey, Pagans membership which has always been strong in South Jersey has grown at an alarming rate in recent years, with approximately 200 members in 17 chapters. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Did he even come to like some of them in spite of himself? Prior to the shooting, which took place shortly before 3 But are there moral dilemmas around how far to go to preserve the cover story? Fax:814-533-4545. said both groups were passing through the area following an unidentified OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. BOSTON, MAFederal search warrants were executed early this morning in Bridgewater, Abington, and Brockton, Massachusetts relating to an investigation in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) in which the national president and 26 other members and associates of the American Outlaw Association (Outlaws) motorcycle gang were indicted by a federal grand jury. Random Would I be faced with a pile of coke and a choice? They decided to start their relationship over and begin dating again. motorcycle gang members rousted four others from their rooms at the motel. When we got to that house, if this person was there, we were going to have to come out of role and stop it, which would have ended the investigation.. The victim was struck once in the lower left side of his He was released on $500 bail after his arraignment, Ryan said. Investigators believe two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club Jordan Patrick Taylor, 30, of Pasco, and Triston Broome, 24, of West Richland spotted members of a rival motorcycle club in . Croke gradually earned the trust of the Pagans and became a fully patched member of their chapter in Long Island, New York. Lock Croke managed to turn it in to law enforcement while convincing the gang that it had been used to blow up a boat. They watch all these shows," from documentaries to "Sons of Anarchy," he said. 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. Archives That doesnt really seem to be the case with the Pagans. The Indictment further alleges that on or about October 21, 2020, Patrick Rizzo, a convicted felon, who is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm, was found to be in possession of a loaded Taurus Judge .45 LC/410 pistol. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. a.m., after the two Pagan's were seen at the travel center, one of the An application will be made to have the Victorian man extradited back to South Australia for a court appearance at Adelaide Magistrates Court on 27 June with the other four men who have been bailed.. Usergen A year-long investigation of biker gangs in Rhode Island led to the arrests of at least 49 people and the seizure of 53 illegal guns. ", "The members and associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club facing charges today had a complete disregard for the law and the safety of the communities they operate in," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. Sentences ranged from two to 16 years. Sports Once produced in court, John Kachbalian pleaded guilty to the charges against him. The comments are going to be filled with them. Theyre mostly all outlaws and pretty much everyone that I researched for this book all had felony records. Police will allege the five men associated together at the Adelaide Airport on Sunday 22 April, prior to boarding an overseas flight. They view everyone whos not one of them as a subculture and so everywhere they go, thats their thought: youre not one of us, youre less than. Philadelphia Topics Selection,Research, Editing, Correction Policy and Ethics. Cops have arrested two Hells Angels members and another biker-gang tough suspected in the assassination of a rival Pagans Motorcycle Club leader, police sources said. The Indictments are the result of this long-term investigation, including court-authorized wiretaps on the cell phones of key members of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Mafia An hour and a half later, the Pagan's went to the Hometown Mafia Insider He was Ken Croke, a 20-year veteran of thefederal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearmsand Explosives who was working on buildinga criminal case against members of the club. Wedge, 51, whose previous books include Hunting Whitey and The Last Days of John Lennon, reflects from Boston: The work Ken did reverberates today. International I surely have something wrong but it matters not, all arrested. Philadelphia But then he saw how their lives had moved on and Ang was now like a single mother. His next court date is May 1, Ryan said. I always keep an eye out, but Im not living my life looking over my shoulder.. He returned home to a big hug from his wife, Ang (also an ATF agent), and daughters. The arrests were made following a series of pre-dawn raids conducted by authorities. direction as he presumably filmed them, motel surveillance video showed. them a room next to one of three rooms rented by the Hells Angels, according to Another night, at a Pagan dive bar, Croke saw members of the gang attack a man who had shown disrespect. He's got the beat:Foxboro's Chris Sullivan finds groove with Freestyle Love Supreme, Heroines of history:Weymouth author publishes 'Fight Like a Girl'. He was convicted of witness tampering and sentenced to four years of probation in 2019. Closed. In addition to the 53 illegal guns that were seized, authorities also discovered large quantities of marijuana, crack, cocaine and heroin, Rhode Island State Police said. New York That investigation is continuing, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie said while announcing the arrests. This group brings in dirty money through drug trafficking, the bulk of which is methamphetamine acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. . In addition to the PMC insignia, members of the PMC wear a diamond patch with "1%" inscribed inside, which denotes their claim to be among the one percent of motorcycle riders who are not law abiding. across the street with binoculars. Paganism (from classical Latin pgnus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism, or ethnic religions other than Judaism.In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian . During a search of the building, police found four illegally-possessed, semi-automatic handguns with loaded magazines and an additional separate magazine containing ammunition, they said. The Pagans are one of America's most notorious motorcycle gangs along with the Hells Angels, Mongols and Outlaws. In court Thursday, Milan, who has no prior felonies, was Seized were 34 firearms and a homemade bomb. "I'm amazed by the work he did. Rarely seeing his family, he had to adapt to a volatile, unpredictable lifestyle where he might be ordered to commit violence or even kill at any moment. A resident of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Podcasts Paganism Today. Hear, hear::Boston crimes make for great storytelling in new podcast. on Off the wires: The leader of the Massachusetts Pagans motorcycle club was among 49 people arrested this week following a year-long investigation- Five bikers have been arrested after they allegedly associated together in public at Adelaide Airport. The Indictment further alleges that Peluso, Botta and Snelsire also conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, also between January and November 2020. After gaining a swelling mass of new members which put the Pagans on the path to evolve into an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG). The club dealt in drugs, guns, bombs and shaking down legitimate businesses. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The leader of the Massachusetts Pagans motorcycle gang was among 49 people arrested this week following a year-long investigation by Rhode Island authorities that resulted in the seizure of 53 illegal guns as well as large quantities of heroin and other drugs, according to officials. In addition to the 53 illegal guns that were seized, authorities also discovered large quantities of marijuana, crack, cocaine and heroin, Rhode Island State Police said. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, 30 Members and Associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club Facing Federal Charges, Prolific Drug Trafficking Organization Dismantled, Coraopolis Man Indicted in Western Pennsylvania and in the District of Columbia on Drug Charges, Indictment Charges Alleged Darknet Marketplace Fentanyl Dealer, 30 Members and Associates of The Pagans Motorcycle Club Facing Federal Charges. African-American The raids were conducted without incident. The clerk, unaware there were now rival club members at the motel, gave Milan, Eadiciccio and three others are charged with two Documentary He was among 49 people arrested, several of whom are Massachusetts residents. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). (State Police photo). He appeared in Augusta County Circuit The investigation, which was wide-spread, also resulted in identifying large-scale suppliers of narcotics not only to members and associates of the Pagans, but to local drug traffickers and suppliers within the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Members Only As to the conspiracy counts involving 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine, the law provides for a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. The rider in front wiped out as he attempted to escape the ambush, skidding his He writes: Every day living with those guys was a mindfuck, especially when I was a prospect [a prospective member]. New York Uncategorized Word soon went out that there was. Detroit He now works as a security consultant. Pagans M/C Taking down in morning raids in Rhode Island- What the hell were you guys thinking? Some were entertaining to be around; they werent evil all the time. 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. They are organized crime," Croke said in a telephone interview. I threw glancing blows off the side of his head and shoulder, but really I was punching the cement. ', Asked if he thought members of the Pagans would read the book, Croke replied, "I would be surprised if they don't.". According to the Department of Justice, the PMC is a violent Outlaw Motorcycle Gang whose membership distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana and other illegal drugs. Then came a chance encounter with an associate of the Pagans. showed. I ran through strategic scenarios in my head at all hours, concocting solutions to keep me safe, to appease ATF supervisors, and to nail down evidence to support criminal charges for the RICO (the federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act) case we were building.". counts of malicious wounding by a mob, along with single counts of conspiracy The arrests included the presidents of the Massachusetts Pagans and the Rhode Island Pagans motorcycle gangs, authorities said. [Wednesdays] arrests send a clear and convincing message: we will not allow motorcycle gangs and other criminals to sell guns and drugs on our streets and commit violent crimes in our communities.. Or an encounterwith members of the Pagans' archenemies, the Hell's Angels. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government. American (Traditional) $$ (508) 679-5010. One of the Pagan's was shot, the other knocked off his motorcycle There was also the potential for a mishap during the club's long motorcycle runs, his customized Harley-Davidson Electra Glide just a couple of feet away from the bike in front of him at speeds of 110 mph. But when a tip about criminal motorcycle gangs came in to the Boston ATF field office in 2008, the experienced Croke was brought in to check out sources and information. #PAGANSMC #PAGANS #MOTORCYCLECLUB .Can't we all just get along lol? When the investigation ended in 2010, 20Pagans were arrested on charges that included racketeering, murder conspiracy, assault, drug distribution, witness tampering and firearms offences. People Most of the raids were conducted at Rhode Island addresses, but police received search warrants for and raided the following properties in Massachusetts:111 Pulaski Blvd. Escalating tension and an increased risk of violence in recent weeks led to the decision to conduct the raids Wednesday, according to Rhode Island State PoliceLt. Both victims were members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club out So what am I going to do to stop it? Theres a skill that goes to it, a coordination, but theres also dumb luck. "These gang members are not recreational bikers organizing local charities. Exclusive The days that nothing happened were just as unsettling because you never knew. People Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Featured However, a new leader called John Marron was appointed in 1965, and he changed the focus of the club to criminal activities. Leader of Massachusetts Pagans biker gang among 49 arrested in raid that netted drugs and 53 guns. They call them civilians and that kind of thing. Court on Thursday in an attempt to get a bond set. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.