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. Midwest 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. testimony. 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). Croke soon realised that white supremacy was a big part of Pagan culture. The arrests included the presidents of the Massachusetts Pagans and the Rhode Island Pagans motorcycle gangs, authorities said. 6 hours ago Scott Burnstein . That doesnt really seem to be the case with the Pagans. In a shocking memoir Riding with Evil, federal agent Ken Croke details his time undercover with a violent white supremacist gang. Seized were 34 firearms and a homemade bomb. New York to maliciously wound, gang participation in a criminal act and use of a firearm If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Court records show in 2018 a member of the Pagans motorcycle club was shot while riding in a pack on I-95 North near the Connecticut border. All. Theyre mostly all outlaws and pretty much everyone that I researched for this book all had felony records. Dave Wedge, a journalist who co-authored the book, adds in the same Zoom call:. The club dealt in drugs, guns, bombs and shaking down legitimate businesses. 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. East Coast 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. Lock Croke gradually earned the trust of the Pagans and became a fully patched member of their chapter in Long Island, New York. There were about a dozen club members wearing Pagan patches and insignia and multiple other people in the clubhouse at the time, they said. The investigation remains ongoing. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Colonel Philbin. McGuire, the alleged leader of the Pagans Motorcycle Club chapter in Rhode Island, has returned to the Adult Correctional Institutions for 45 days after admitting Monday failing to keep the peace . More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Uncategorized into different clothing, one of the Hells Angels kept close tabs on the Pagan's When first founded they consisted of only 13 members. On one occasion Croke received a call from a gang member who was unexpectedly and ominously close by and wanted to meet. They have a resident expert now that knows this gang better than anyone., Its the tip of the iceberg: shining a light on the horror of wrongful convictions, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Riding with Evil: Every day I woke up, I wondered what sort of shit was going to happen.. Nor does he disclose where he lives or where he is speaking from today. 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. News When Croke went to the toilets, the man followed him to reveal that he had brought a bomb. Croke is now a security consultant for a global corporation. 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.". ", "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. 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. evidence shown Thursday in Augusta County Circuit Court. He was convicted of witness tampering and sentenced to four years of probation in 2019. The arrests were made following a series of pre-dawn raids conducted by authorities. I threw glancing blows off the side of his head and shoulder, but really I was punching the cement. Two guns and a Also, many people identify as Pagan because they are polytheists-they honor more than just one god . Chicago Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Twenty Pagans were taken into custody on charges including racketeering, drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder. Theres certain things that I cant be a part of. In court Thursday, Milan, who has no prior felonies, was We live, thanks to the coronavirus, in the age of the Zoom interview. These are violent criminals who belong to some of the most sinister motorcycle gangs in this country, Assumpico said in a statement. 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. Wentworth and Snow are scheduled to return to court on May 21, Ryan said. But the operation had also taken a toll on his family life. Massachusetts residents still wanted by authorities includeRobert Gill, of Blackstone; Robert Minior, of Milford; and Joejihao Qian, of Norwood. Jeff Wentworth, 47, of Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and improper storage of a firearm. Midwest 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. A Pagans MC leader, Jay Carl Wagner, 66, was arrested in Washington County, Maryland, by 60-plus officers from state, local and federal officials with a bomb disposal robot on May 9, 2007, and later charged with possession of a regulated firearm after conviction of a violent crime. Pagans M/C Taking down in morning raids in Rhode Island- What the hell were you guys thinking? It was a stressful way to live and my brain was working overtime., Croke adds via Zoom: Theres no planning this out, theres no script, there is no Oh, today Im going to do this. I can honestly tell you that never did a day go according to plan. A man who said Waco biker shootout was hoax jailed on gun charge. Mob Hits The Pagan's and the Hells Angels have a long-standing rivalry. Leader of Massachusetts Pagans biker gang among 49 arrested in raid that netted drugs and 53 guns. Court on Thursday in an attempt to get a bond set. His next court date is May 1, Ryan said. He returned home to a big hug from his wife, Ang (also an ATF agent), and daughters. He was among 49 people arrested, several of whom are Massachusetts residents. "My brain was working on overdrive balancing the double- and triple-lives I was leading. In one incident, a Pagans member came up to Massachusetts to check up on him, bringing along a bomb. of East Elmhurst, New York. Or an encounterwith members of the Pagans' archenemies, the Hell's Angels. 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. The value of what Ken did defies explanation but the true value is the knowledge going forward for all these other law enforcement agents that are going to be investigating these types of cases. Sports "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. back. Some years ago people who did these types of investigations would go into hiding literally they would move away but in this day and age you cant hide. According to this Indictment, Rana, Armes, C. Bonanno, P. Bonanno, and Quarture conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance between January and November of 2020. All pleadedguilty before coming to trial. He said they are big fans of the books of this type. Drug Gangs 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. He writes: As Hogman pounded him, I pretended to join in. One of the Pagan's was shot, the other knocked off his motorcycle Regions 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. Police received a search warrant and raided the Pagan Motorcycle Club building on Orient Avenue at about 10:15 p.m., Friday. Massachusetts residents arrested in the raid includedRobert Hamilton, of Franklin; Lisa Kakazu, of Bellingham; Marc Bunnell, of Blackstone; and Jason Oliver, of Fall River. Usergen The arrested men, a 31-year-old from Ingle Farm, a 31-year-old man from Walkley Heights, a 25-year-old man from Lightsview, 39-year-old man from Northgate and a 38-year-old man from Keilor Downs in Victoria, have all been charged with being present with two or more criminal organization participants. I juggled lie after lie to Roadblock, J.R., Izzo, and the others. I always keep an eye out, but Im not living my life looking over my shoulder.. 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. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. Closed. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. As he ran, two Hells Angels opened fire on him, video Croke began his career in 1990 in Los Angeles, where he infiltrated street gangs and busted drug and gun rings. face drug and gun charges. After gaining a swelling mass of new members which put the Pagans on the path to evolve into an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG). 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 . Have a question about Government Services? "They were well-orchestrated in what they did and they were good at it," Croke said. The days that nothing happened were just as unsettling because you never knew. After he left the club, the Pagansplaced a $50,000 price on his head. also suspected of opening fire, evidence showed. In general, when we say "Pagan" today, we're referring to someone who follows a spiritual path that is rooted in nature, the cycles of the season, and astronomical markers. The clerk, unaware there were now rival club members at the motel, gave As to the conspiracy count involving 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one kilogram or more of heroin, the law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both. The Pagans MC is a member of the Big Four outlaw biker clubs, and it is well known for its secrecy. "The story I heard was pretty incredible. Wedge and Crokenhad a passing acquaintance from playing pickup hockey together. 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. They watch all these shows," from documentaries to "Sons of Anarchy," he said. Im under the umbrella of ATF: they are constantly monitoring and checking and enquiring and following through on any threats or information related to threats. Its like, OK, I cannot participate in this and I cant allow it to happen. (State Police photo). An indictment is an accusation. A lock ( 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. 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. 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. #HELLSANGELSMC #HELLSANGELS #PAGANSMC Harley-Davidson has reportedly filed a new trademark filing for the Bronx name, a name which was to be used in a new model, based on the latest 975 cc. The raid by the Middlesex State Police Unit and the State Police Tactical Operations Team was conducted after an investigation into the Pagan Motorcycle Club. #PAGANSMC #PAGANS #MOTORCYCLECLUB .Can't we all just get along lol? 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. Police also uncovered an alleged illegal cash bar operating in the building, they said. Rhode Island State Police investigators intercepted thousands of phone calls and text messages through electronic surveillance and court-ordered wiretaps through the investigation. The comments are going to be filled with them. The three Indictments were returned under seal on December 1, 2020, and unsealed yesterday. 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.. Massachusetts residents still wanted by authorities includeRobert Gill, of Blackstone; Robert Minior, of Milford; and Joejihao Qian, of Norwood. They truly fly under the radar of a lot of society and law enforcement.". And they operate according to a pack mentality, he said. The beating victim was not seriously injured. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. SAPOL Crime Gangs Task Force members arrested four men in South Australia yesterday, Wednesday 23 May, while a fifth man was arrested in Victoria early this morning, by Operation Echo officers from Victoria Police. "Through joint, collaborative investigations and robust partnerships, we will continue to target the leadership . Exclusive Another was seen holding an iPad in their 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. Within 10 minutes, my jaw was on the floor," Wedge said of the meeting. "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.". If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. When the investigation ended in 2010, 20Pagans were arrested on charges that included racketeering, murder conspiracy, assault, drug distribution, witness tampering and firearms offences. "These gang members are not recreational bikers organizing local charities. There was a night we went to kill somebody; we were going to stab this person and throw them off a roof. Philadelphia 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. Bikers Mafia Insider Judge Jane D. Prince set bail at $1,000 but he remains in jail because she revoked bail on a previous firearms charge he is facing out of Lowell District Court, Ryan said. 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. Video The Pagan's Motorcycle Club also known as PMC or simply the Pagan's is an East Coast motorcycle club that's been around since 1959, according to various media reports, which have cited cops as saying that the club can be violent. Im very self aware of my environment. They are organized crime," Croke said in a telephone interview. Francisco Rosado, 51, was. Detroit 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. Pagans MC Members Ole Lady accused of striking an attendee at a Majestic Valley Arena boxing event with a wooden baseball bat; A Southern California motorcycle club founder who killed three people in 1980 has been ordered to be released this week; EP 928 THE PAGANS MC WEST COAST BRAWL And Double Arrest; THE PAGANS MC WEST COAST BRAWL In two years, Slam went from hang-around to full member to leadership in the club. Members Only The Pagans are one of America's most notorious motorcycle gangs along with the Hells Angels, Mongols and Outlaws. A rocket launcher?Raids, called single largest take-down in Rhode Island State Police history seizes guns, drugs and even a rocket launcher. 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. Prior to the shooting, which took place shortly before 3 The memoir describes how Croke created a fake identity, won the bikers confidence, secretly recorded their meetings, witnessed their violent crimes and even spent several days in jail on a gun arrest. BYFIELD Four alleged members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Red Devils Motorcycle Club were arrested yesterday by the state police gang unit, charged with kidnapping and smashing. Usergen Croke points out: Theres certain things that I cant do. 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.