(State Police photo). This group brings in dirty money through drug trafficking, the bulk of which is methamphetamine acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. "Riding with Evil" is published by William Morrow and is on sale now. 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. . Archives He was also handed a suspended jail sentence of 364 days. The victim was struck once in the lower left side of his 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. Three Mob Hits 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.". Roughly 90 minutes later, as the two Pagan's pulled into the 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 . 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. Theres legally things that I could not do and I would have to stop it. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. Drug Gangs 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. 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 . The raids were conducted without incident. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government. 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. Pagans Motorcycle Club Founding / Pagans MC History The Pagans Motorcycle Club was founded in 1959 by Lou Dobkin in Prince George's County which is located in Maryland . 'Dream come true':Weymouth drama instructor stars in comic romp 'Something Rotten! 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. The days that nothing happened were just as unsettling because you never knew. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. State Police raided the headquarters of the Pagan Motorcycle Club in Everett and confiscated 4 unlawful guns and arrested 3 men. Random The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Regions A locked padlock 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. I know friends of mine who have done this and some have been conflicted for different reasons but I was not one of them.. back. 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. other Hells Angels were nearby. 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. Featured East Coast Featured Mafia Mafia Insider Members Only . 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. Then came a chance encounter with an associate of the Pagans. Massachusetts residents arrested in the raid includedRobert Hamilton, of Franklin; Lisa Kakazu, of Bellingham; Marc Bunnell, of Blackstone; and Jason Oliver, of Fall River. 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. New video shows bar attack allegedly at the hand of Pagans Motorcycle Club members They truly fly under the radar of a lot of society and law enforcement.". On one occasion Croke received a call from a gang member who was unexpectedly and ominously close by and wanted to meet. Hear, hear::Boston crimes make for great storytelling in new podcast. Pagans M/C Taking down in morning raids in Rhode Island- What the hell were you guys thinking? Usergen Podcasts Mafia Insider South 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. Another night, at a Pagan dive bar, Croke saw members of the gang attack a man who had shown disrespect. 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. ', Foxboro's Chris Sullivan finds groove with Freestyle Love Supreme, Weymouth author publishes 'Fight Like a Girl', Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. After gaining a swelling mass of new members which put the Pagans on the path to evolve into an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG). Leader of Massachusetts Pagans biker gang among 49 arrested in raid that netted drugs and 53 guns. Croke remained with the ATF for several years after the investigation, retiring as an assistant director of the agency. (Rhode Island State Police). That investigation is continuing, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie said while announcing the arrests. QUINCYSlam enjoyed a meteoricrise through the ranks of the Pagans, the secretiveoutlaw motorcycle gang that prided itself on having neverbeen infiltrated by law enforcement. Croke began his career in 1990 in Los Angeles, where he infiltrated street gangs and busted drug and gun rings. "[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.". 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. Closed. e live, thanks to the coronavirus, in the age of the Zoom interview. 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. That doesnt really seem to be the case with the Pagans. Members Only And they operate according to a pack mentality, he said. prospect were lying in wait after two members of the rival Pagan's Motorcycle 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). That cant happen and so how am I going to get out of that? Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 17 South Park Row, Room A330 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Croke managed to turn it in to law enforcement while convincing the gang that it had been used to blow up a boat. 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. A lock ( As a part of his plea deal, the judge ordered John to cut off all contacts from his victims and stay off social media. I always had to expect the unexpected and could never let my guard down. Movies 2023 www.patriotledger.com. There has been an. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The drugs they distributed include significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. 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. The rider in front wiped out as he attempted to escape the ambush, skidding his across the street with binoculars. There were about a dozen club members wearing Pagan patches and insignia and multiple other people in the clubhouse at the time, they said. shell casing were recovered at the motel by investigators. News Court on Thursday in an attempt to get a bond set. Erie, PA 16501, 319 Washington Street,Suite 200 "They were well-orchestrated in what they did and they were good at it," Croke 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. 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. 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 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. "The story I heard was pretty incredible. He appeared in Augusta County Circuit Or an encounterwith members of the Pagans' archenemies, the Hell's Angels. 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. Im very self aware of my environment. "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. Topics Selection,Research, Editing, Correction Policy and Ethics. 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). Featured evidence. Today, the Pagans are known as one of the most badass motorcycle clubs with strict rules. "They use intimidation, threats of violence to get what they want.". convention. Every day I woke up, I wondered what sort of shit was going to happen. 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. cartel 'Deep Water,' 'Fresh,' 'Turning Red,' 'Master,' 'Adam Project', Boston crimes make for great storytelling in new podcast, Mark Rylance is a perfect fit in mobster movie 'The Outfit', Weymouth drama instructor stars in comic romp 'Something Rotten! denied bond. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Avideo announcement regarding this case can be found here: https://youtu.be/iWAof7-KgLA. other, the second rider was knocked off his motorcycle as it was still moving. Sentences ranged from two to 16 years. The Pagans Motorcycle Club was founded in 1959 by Lou Dobkin in Prince George's County which is located in Maryland, USA. bike to the ground. Prior to the shooting, which took place shortly before 3 New York 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. 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? Face it, its never going to happen. One thing led to another, as he puts it, and he was on the case. The three people arrested were arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday. I always keep an eye out, but Im not living my life looking over my shoulder.. Chicago The club was on its way back from a gathering in Delaware. He writes: Every day living with those guys was a mindfuck, especially when I was a prospect [a prospective member]. In one incident, a Pagans member came up to Massachusetts to check up on him, bringing along a bomb. 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. 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. "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. Lock 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE TESTED: Finks biker Troy Fornaciari faces contempt of court charges over outbursts during affray trial, Five bikies have been arrested after they allegedly associated together in public at Adelaide Airport, http://www.masslive.com/news/worcester/index.ssf/2018/05/leader_of_massachusetts_pagans.html, https://www.fiveaa.com.au/news/Five-Hells-Angels-Arrested-Over-Adelaide-Airport-Incident, 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 i, HERE'S THE TRUTH ABOUT UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH **FULL AUDIO EPISODE**, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH **VIDEO**, Ep 937 HERES THE TRUTH UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC **FULL AUDIO**, HARLEY DAVIDSONS FROM 90s ARE BETTER THAN MODERN HARLEYS, HERES THE TRUTH ABOUT UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/discord-commercial-harley.mp3, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/motorcyclemadhousemayhempromo.mp3. 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. From: "Riding with Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang" by Ken Croke withDave Wedge. 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. One of the Pagan's was shot, the other knocked off his motorcycle Club leadership isn't opposed to selling weed and cocaine,. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. In court Thursday, Milan, who has no prior felonies, was His next court date is May 1, Ryan said. A man who said Waco biker shootout was hoax jailed on gun charge. Random Croke gradually earned the trust of the Pagans and became a fully patched member of their chapter in Long Island, New York. 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. These gang members are not recreational bikers organizing local charities. Have a question about Government Services? Some were entertaining to be around; they werent evil all the time. The raids were conducted without incident. But are there moral dilemmas around how far to go to preserve the cover story? 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. Detroit into different clothing, one of the Hells Angels kept close tabs on the Pagan's He returned home to a big hug from his wife, Ang (also an ATF agent), and daughters. SOURCE: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest 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. An investigator said four to five gunshots were fired. The arrests included the presidents of the Massachusetts Pagans and the Rhode Island Pagans motorcycle gangs, authorities 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 . in Bellingham; 7 Old Mendon Road in Blackstone; 30 Old Worcester Road in Charlton; and196 West St. in Milford. "These gang members are not recreational bikers organizing local charities. testimony. He was convicted of witness tampering and sentenced to four years of probation in 2019. Members Only Wedge and Crokenhad a passing acquaintance from playing pickup hockey together. Would I be faced with a pile of coke and a choice? Interview Police will allege the five men associated together at the Adelaide Airport on Sunday 22 April, prior to boarding an overseas flight. Inn. Rhode Island State Police investigators intercepted thousands of phone calls and text messages through electronic surveillance and court-ordered wiretaps through the investigation. 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.. 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. However, a new leader called John Marron was appointed in 1965, and he changed the focus of the club to criminal activities. But the operation had also taken a toll on his family life. 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. Both victims were members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club out Some people call this "earth-based religion.". He survived the shooting and was released from the University of Virginia 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. I juggled lie after lie to Roadblock, J.R., Izzo, and the others. 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. The related Indictments are the result of an investigation that began in August of 2018, and ultimately led to a Title III wire investigation with intercepted communications over several telephones from August 2020 through November 2020. 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. 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. An indictment is an accusation. said both groups were passing through the area following an unidentified 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 Pagans are one of the most prominent outlaw motorcycle gangs in the eastern United States. The comments are going to be filled with them. Mafia At first it was uncomfortable to be around, though over time he learned to detach and ignore it. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Topics Selection,Research, Editing, Correction Policy and Ethics, Scene of motorcycle club brawl shut down by City of Fall River, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH **FULL AUDIO EPISODE**, THE PAGANS MC MADE THEM LOOK FOOLISH **VIDEO**, Ep 937 HERES THE TRUTH UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC **FULL AUDIO**, HARLEY DAVIDSONS FROM 90s ARE BETTER THAN MODERN HARLEYS, HERES THE TRUTH ABOUT UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC, HERE'S THE TRUTH ABOUT UNCLE SHAGGY & THE INVADERS MC, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/discord-commercial-harley.mp3, https://insanethrottleinternational.files.wordpress.com/2020/09/motorcyclemadhousemayhempromo.mp3. So what am I going to do to stop it? Theres a skill that goes to it, a coordination, but theres also dumb luck. 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. Another was seen holding an iPad in their The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. After he left the club, the Pagansplaced a $50,000 price on his head. Even undercover, Croke remained a federal law enforcement officer, obligated to prevent anyone from getting killed orseriously injured in his presence. Did he even come to like some of them in spite of himself? Seized were 34 firearms and a homemade bomb. He says now: The loyalty within the organisation is a big part of it. Police received a search warrant and raided the Pagan Motorcycle Club building on Orient Avenue at about 10:15 p.m., Friday. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. This stuff has been happening for decades and decades. Its the highest part of how they view things and so you have to play that part and you cant violate that. Every day living with those guys was a mindfuck.. Detailed history of the club is sketchy at best, but it is believed that the club were founded around the Revere/Lynn area, which is 5 miles northeast of downtown Boston. The #1 Biker News Website Since 2011-Covering up to minute biker news including Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs & Biker News Worldwide. People International Pagans are "engaged in criminal activities such as arson, assault, bombing, extortion and murder," states the DOJ in a 2021 report on outlaw motorcycle gangs. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS #PAGANSMC #PAGANS #MOTORCYCLECLUB .Can't we all just get along lol? Midwest All pleadedguilty before coming to trial. Fax:412-644-4549, Johnstown:814-533-4547 Jacob Blair, 25, is also charged in 700 Grant Street, Suite 4000 Paganism Today. I threw glancing blows off the side of his head and shoulder, but really I was punching the cement. Usergen All rights reserved (About Us). He was among 49 people arrested, several of whom are Massachusetts residents. While undercover in the club, all of his answers needed to be right, all of his actions above suspicion.