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. The victim was beaten with an axe handle, punched, and kicked by the Pagan's assailants, resulting in significant injuries. The investigation remains ongoing. And they operate according to a pack mentality, he said. They call them civilians and that kind of thing. 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. He said they are big fans of the books of this type. Skip or stream? :'Deep Water,' 'Fresh,' 'Turning Red,' 'Master,' 'Adam Project'. According to information provided to the court, the three Indictments charge 30 individuals with federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. I completely understand the arrests in the Rhode island/Massachusetts raids but I am a little unclear how the men in the Australian story were all arrested just for meeting at an airport. One of the Pagan's was shot, the other knocked off his motorcycle morning hours of Sept. 10 at the Hometown Inn near Greenville, five men four 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. Slam had a secret of his own. 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. evidence shown Thursday in Augusta County Circuit Court. The rider in front wiped out as he attempted to escape the ambush, skidding his Mafia Insider 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. In a shocking memoir Riding with Evil, federal agent Ken Croke details his time undercover with a violent white supremacist gang. "I'm amazed by the work he did. This stuff has been happening for decades and decades. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Being discovered was not the only danger Croke faced as a member of the club. 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. Bikers convention. Police also uncovered an alleged illegal cash bar operating in the building, they said. These are violent criminals who belong to some of the most sinister motorcycle gangs in this country, Assumpico said in a statement. One thing led to another, as he puts it, and he was on the case. Over two years his cover was never blown, though some members were suspicious of his true motivations. 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. Random cartel 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. 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. in the commission of a felony. Its like, OK, I cannot participate in this and I cant allow it to happen. Also, many people identify as Pagan because they are polytheists-they honor more than just one god . Regions An investigator said four to five gunshots were fired. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Movies across the street with binoculars. As to Patrick Rizzo the law provides for a maximum sentence of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Another was seen holding an iPad in their 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). 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. 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. Or an encounterwith members of the Pagans' archenemies, the Hell's Angels. That doesnt really seem to be the case with the Pagans. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. As he ran, two Hells Angels opened fire on him, video 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. The club was on its way back from a gathering in Delaware. Massachusetts residents arrested in the raid includedRobert Hamilton, of Franklin; Lisa Kakazu, of Bellingham; Marc Bunnell, of Blackstone; and Jason Oliver, of Fall River. Croke has good reason to be discreet. Video Johnstown, PA 15901, Pittsburgh:412-644-3500 Theres certain things that I will have to stop. 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. ', Foxboro's Chris Sullivan finds groove with Freestyle Love Supreme, Weymouth author publishes 'Fight Like a Girl', Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Face it, its never going to happen. Related | Hells Angels MC members charged with violence Eleven Members of The Pagan's Motorcycle Club Charged with Narcotics Distribution, Firearms Offenses, and Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Monday, June 28, 2021 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey NEWARK, N.J. 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. Croke became a member of the club's Long Island chapter, whose headquarters was a small tattoo parlor in the North Shore hamlet of Rocky Point. 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. Interview Staunton, Virginia (October 4, 2018) BTN During the early 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. However, a new leader called John Marron was appointed in 1965, and he changed the focus of the club to criminal activities. evidence. But there were some others that I despised much more, the ones who were most violent, the ones that were just sick in what they did and the lack of regard for people. ", "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. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. and beaten with a hammer. testimony. They werent burning crosses, but the racism many spewed was persistent, blatant, and strong, he writes. in New York City, according to evidence. 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.. But the operation had also taken a toll on his family life. The Pagans are one of America's most notorious motorcycle gangs along with the Hells Angels, Mongols and Outlaws. James Snow, 28, of Tewksbury, was charged with two counts of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of improper storage of a firearm. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. Its the highest part of how they view things and so you have to play that part and you cant violate that. Jason Oliver from Fall River was identified as the leader of the Massachusetts Pagans biker gang, according to Rhode Island State Police. At first it was uncomfortable to be around, though over time he learned to detach and ignore it. "For decades, the Pagans have used violence to control cocaine, heroin and meth trafficking throughout western Pennsylvania: that stops now," said U.S. Attorney Brady. 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. He was convicted of witness tampering and sentenced to four years of probation in 2019. Chicago ', Asked if he thought members of the Pagans would read the book, Croke replied, "I would be surprised if they don't.". Podcasts A locked padlock 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. Following the shooting, Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith In two years, Slam went from hang-around to full member to leadership in the club. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Theres certain things that I cant be a part of. 'Dream come true':Weymouth drama instructor stars in comic romp 'Something Rotten! Croke remained with the ATF for several years after the investigation, retiring as an assistant director of the agency. Interview Documentary State Police raided the headquarters of the Pagan Motorcycle Club in Everett and confiscated 4 unlawful guns and arrested 3 men. 6 hours ago Scott Burnstein . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. But spending so much time with the Pagans, did he glimpse humanity beneath the hatred and come to understand why they had fallen into the moral abyss? Some people call this "earth-based religion.". Today, the Pagans are known as one of the most badass motorcycle clubs with strict rules. As the Pagan's pulled up to their room, one following the 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. They decided to start their relationship over and begin dating again. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He was also handed a suspended jail sentence of 364 days. Would they want to do harm to me? counts of malicious wounding by a mob, along with single counts of conspiracy South Drug Gangs Nor does he disclose where he lives or where he is speaking from today. 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. Sports 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 . I threw glancing blows off the side of his head and shoulder, but really I was punching the cement. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Croke managed to turn it in to law enforcement while convincing the gang that it had been used to blow up a boat. 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. Croke gradually earned the trust of the Pagans and became a fully patched member of their chapter in Long Island, New York. Official websites use .gov 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. EVERETT Police raided the headquarters of a motorcycle club, arrested three people, confiscated four unlawful guns and uncovered what officers called an illegal cash bar. Police received a search warrant and raided the Pagan Motorcycle Club building on Orient Avenue at about 10:15 p.m., Friday. "[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.". "Riding with Evil" is published by William Morrow and is on sale now. 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 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. East Coast The beating victim was not seriously injured. An indictment is an accusation. 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. But not this time. But are there moral dilemmas around how far to go to preserve the cover story? 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. 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. Sentences ranged from two to 16 years. Inn. Operation Diamond Ice: Pagan's MC Boss In N.C., "Diamond King" Baker Receives What Amounts To Life Sentence In Federal Drug Case . 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. One of two men accused of opening fire is Anthony Milan, 28, Uncategorized Fax:814-533-4545. 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 . Slowly, as they began to accept more and more members in the '60s, they became more like a traditional outlaw MC. 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. Documentary 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. That cant happen and so how am I going to get out of that? motel parking lot on their motorcycles, an ambush was unleashed, based on video The Pagan's and the Hells Angels have a long-standing rivalry. So what am I going to do to stop it? Theres a skill that goes to it, a coordination, but theres also dumb luck. Featured 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. Members Only Did he even come to like some of them in spite of himself? He earned the nickname Slam after he forcefully subdued a man during a brawl bar. Police received a search warrant and raided the Pagan Motorcycle Club building on Orient Avenue at about 10:15 p.m., Friday. That investigation is continuing, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie said while announcing the arrests. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The daring operation paid off with more than 20 Pagans arrested on charges including racketeering, murder conspiracy, extortion, drug trafficking, assault and weapons violations, leading to combined prison sentences of more than a hundred years. News Croke said he wasn't sure he wanted to write a book about his life with the Pagans, but was urged to do it by his wife, Angela, a fellow ATF agent, and their three daughters. Wentworth and Snow are scheduled to return to court on May 21, Ryan said. East Coast Featured Mafia Mafia Insider Members Only . Avideo announcement regarding this case can be found here: https://youtu.be/iWAof7-KgLA. The massive fight involved about 50 bikers in Fall River, Mass.,. The Pagans Motorcycle Club was founded in 1959 by Lou Dobkin in Prince George's County which is located in Maryland, USA. Croke soon realised that white supremacy was a big part of Pagan culture. 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. 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. When first founded they consisted of only 13 members. The three people arrested were arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday. According to U.S. Attorney Brady, the Indictments are a part of an ongoing investigation into members and associates of the Pagans Motorcycle Club (PMC or Pagans) operating in and around western Pennsylvania engaging in illegal activity, including federal violations of drug and firearm laws. Exclusive Leader of Massachusetts Pagans biker gang among 49 arrested in raid . back. From: "Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang" by Ken Croke withDave Wedge. 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. (Rhode Island State Police). The arrests were made following a series of pre-dawn raids conducted by authorities. 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.