pagans mc nj
High-ranking members of the outlaw Pagans Motorcycle Club, including those in New Jersey chapters, were indicted on various crimes, federal prosecutors announced Monday. The uptick in Pagan membership in New Jersey, first reported by NJ Advance Media in May 2018, is indicative of a broader national effort by reputed Pagan President Keith Conan Richter to beef up numbers along the East Coast, officials said. The actual tally was likely higher because many incidents go unreported, the report said. Camden:856-757-5026 At the SCI hearing in 2019, Nieves was called to testify, along with other high-ranking members of the Pagans. The Pagans beat him with a small bat and a wrench, officials said. The SCI report warned that the growth of the biker gang could lead to more violent clashes with innocent people. The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation found that Richters leadership had led to the club multiplying its members, but also engaging in violence and other criminal acts as they expanded. Attorney information for Bucciarelli was not immediately known. FAX: 609-989-2275. We believe this corresponds with a fair use of any such copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law). 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 Pagan approached him and threatened him, a police report said. Torres said thePagans are believed to have150 to 350 members in New Jersey. The Pagans are run like a business and are organized as such. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The victim told the Pagans hed sold the guns for $5,000 and turned over that amount of money, which was provided by federal investigators, to Dorazo, the complaint alleges. Hugo Zorro Nieves, the alleged vice president of the Pagans, broke his silence to say, It is not the policy of this club to engage in any criminal activity, and thats all I will say about that.. Do you know who we are? the Pagans yelled at the man, according to a police report. 1:01 CAMDEN - Two Williamstown men have admitted guilt in connection with an attack on a man who helped an investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Do you know who we are? the Pagans yelled at the man, according to a police report. Those charges remain pending. Dorazo was initially being held on the federal gun charge, according to court documents, but a judge released him in December 2020 on a $100,000 unsecured appearance bond, home incarceration with location monitoring and other restrictions. He didnt think anything of it when he exited the highway, but soon realized he was being tailed by a motorcycle and a car. The group is also able to thwart law enforcement by utilizing encrypted cellphone apps and counter-surveillance efforts, including flying a drone at a large gathering of Pagans at Wildwoods Roar to the Shore event. Citing their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, the alleged leaders declined to answer any of the commissioners' questions. Its expanding at a rate weve never seen before, Edwin Torres, an SCI investigative agent, said in reference to Pagan membership in New Jersey. Hearing Impaired: 973-645-6227 The rise in Pagan membership in New Jersey, first reported by NJ Advance Media in May 2018, is indicative of a broader national effort by reputed Pagan President Keith Conan Richter to beef up numbers along the East Coast, officials said. And with these charges we have now brought criminal charges against a total of 11 defendants, involving various assaults, weapons possession and drug trafficking charges that relate to their membership and in many cases leadership of the Pagans," Honig said. Its expanding at a rate weve never seen before, Edwin Torres, an SCI investigative agent, said in reference to Pagan membership in New Jersey. The U.S. Attorneys Office previously announced the arrest of Keith Richter the national president of the Pagans in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm in February. And Pagans are expanding, moving out West, into . Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. In a separate case, a federal grand jury returned an indictment on Monday, charging Nicholas Bucciarelli, 56, of Brooklawn, with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Alleged members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club appear with their attorney in an SCI public hearing. 970 Broad Street, 7th Floor One of the more disturbing elements of the investigation, the commission said, is that sensitive law enforcement information regarding the Pagans has been leaked to members of the club. Keith "Conan" Richter, the former president of the Pagan's motorcycle club, pictured in 2018 at an event in New Jersey. Alleged members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club appear with their attorney in an SCI public hearing. Joe Atmonavage | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, led a massive expansion of the outlaw organization in New Jersey, discovered a loaded gun in a vehicle he was, charged at least 10 Pagan members in New Jersey. Guzman is the President of Presidents of the New Jersey chapter, according to prosecutors. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Rachael Honig announced two additional indictments, bringing the total of Pagans members facing crimes to 11 -- although the number may increase as the investigation continues. 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). Violence has risen since a change in national leadership in 2018 when Keith "Conan" Richter took over as president, according to testimony. In New Jersey, its going to be hard to find a county where there isnt a Pagan presence.. Bucciarelli was also indicted for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, prosecutors added. From left, attorney Carlos Martir, suspected Pagan Motorcycle Club member James Helveston Jr., suspected Pagan Motorcycle Club National Vice President Hugo Nieves and suspected Pagan Motorcycle Club National Mother/National Club member Luis Arocho.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Hugo Zorro Nieves, the alleged vice president of the Pagans, broke his silence to say, It is not the policy of this club to engage in any criminal activity, and thats all I will say about that.. Approximately one week later Aquino and Ortiz shot at an associate of the Hells Angels on the New Jersey Turnpike in retaliation for the Verona assault. DeRonde, 56, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2019 after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. At the time of his arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans Jersey City membership chapter, prosecutors said. U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited a joint task force comprised of special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Matthews; the Union County Prosecutors Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to these charges. The Pagans formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Members of the Pagans became enraged with the informant, who authorities said was an associate of the motorcycle club, when the person told the club he sold the Pagans firearms. An official website of the United States government. Pagans Motorcycle Club merchandise on display at a State Commission of Investigation public hearing on Oct. 23, 2019.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. In New Jersey, Pagans membership, which has always been strong in South Jersey, has increased at an alarming rate in recent years, with 300 members in 17 chapters throughout the state.. The charges against Bucciarelli are only allegations. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. These charges, according to Honig, are in connection to a separate gang-related assault in which Bucciarelli retaliated against another member of the Pagans for breaking the organizations rules. Make sure you have subscribed to our Facebook page or Twitter to stay tuned! There are at least 900 Pagans spread across 12 states and in Puerto Rico, officials have said. Each man agreed to surrender his interest in two baseball bats and six ax handles seized in September 2020. He was cruising on his motorcycle on Route 1 in Elizabeth when he passed two other drivers on the right of the multi-lane roadway in June 2019. The agency also said every officer in New Jersey should undergo training in case they encounter these gangs. CAMDEN - Two Williamstown men have admitted guilt in connection with an attack on a man who helped an investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Its expanding at a rate weve never seen before, Edwin Torres, an SCI investigative agent, said in reference to Pagan membership in New Jersey. It sells marijuana and cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. In 2020, the group issued a 20-page report exposing in exhaustive detail how the Pagans have doubled in size in New Jersey, with more than 200 members spread across 17 chapters in the state. The two groups are locked in a violent struggle for control of New Jersey, investigators said. 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. Mr. The man told police he had never seen his attacker prior to that evening in January 2019. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The hearing featured testimony from SCI investigators, New Jersey State Police officers and county prosecutors. Citing their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, the alleged leaders declined to answer any of the councils questions. These charges were filed as part of a multi-agency investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club an outlaw motorcycle gang known to engage in illegal activity, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and violent crimes. It included interviews with Pagan members their voices altered to protect their identities and video of a brutal attack in 2018 near a Hells Angels clubhouse in Newark. Larry Ortiz, aka Savage, 31, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and Junius Aquino, aka Jayo, 38, of Vauxhall, New Jersey, were indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering (Count One) and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (Count Two), in connection with their roles in a gang-related shooting. It was at that moment it became clear who the man was dealing with: two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. He was cruising on his motorcycle on Route 1 in Elizabeth when he passed two other drivers on the right of the multi-lane roadway in June 2019. 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). NEWARK, NJ More members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club have been arrested in New Jersey, as a violent, long-running "rivalry" with the Hells Angels continues, federal prosecutors said. There has been a 50% increase in chapters in New Jersey over the past three years, officials said. An inside look at the Pagans MC and the threat it poses in N.J. Ex-bikie Ben Geppert arrested again in NSW, Sturgis biker rally may have led to 260,000 new COVID-19 cases: study, DMCA Notice of Alleged Infringement and delivering it to our Designated Copyright Agent. It alleges the assault occurred after the man arrived for a meeting at a clubhouse onMarino's property in Williamstown. Female clerks and staff in police departments and other law enforcement offices and in the courts who are linked to the Pagans have compromised investigations and passed along confidential information to the group. "The Pagans are an outlaw motorcycle gang and in the charges that we announced today, as well as in the charges that we brought over the past 11 months, we identify the Pagans as a. It is not the policy of this club to engage in any criminal activity, and thats all I will say about that, he said. Those self-proclaimed members proudly display a 1% patch on their jackets. It was at that moment it became clear who the man was dealing with: two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Its expanding at a rate weve never seen before, Edwin Torres, an SCI investigative agent, said at an open hearing in 2019. Nicholas "Lefty" Marino, 76, and Anthony. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Dark-skinned Latinos are welcome but not black men, Torres said. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. That group includes the Hells Angels, the Outlaws and the Bandidos. The ex-national prez of Pagans MC Keith Conan Richter has pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized 10 firearms and more than 800 grams of methamphetamine. Luis Arocho, aka LuRoc, 43, of Keansburg, and Maurice Guzman, aka Dawg, 51, of Newark, were arrested Monday and charged by complaint with one count of aggravated assault in aid of racketeering. Aquino was also charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (Count Three) and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (Count Four), and Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count Five) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count Six). NEWARK, NJ More members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club have been arrested in New Jersey, as a violent, long-running rivalry with the Hells Angels continues, federal prosecutors said Monday. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com, Wall dispatcher acquitted when top cop's aide admits affair with Pagan head, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Count Six carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The SCI also said every officer in New Jersey should undergo training in case they encounter these gangs in routine crime investigations. The commission recommended the state Attorney Generals Office create a working group comprised of law enforcement officials at every level devoted to identifying and prosecuting criminal activity conducted by outlaw motorcycle gangs. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page. All rights reserved (About Us). Later, the same Pagan and two of his companions ambushed the patron, hitting him twice in the head with an axe handle a weapon of choice for the Pagans. The mans only mistake was passing a Pagan. The victim eventually was allowed to leave the clubhouse. Richter, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 1998 for attempted murder and racketeering and released in 2012, took control of the Pagans in 2018, according to officials. Ritchers attorney argued that his client is at high-risk to COVID-19 if he is detained and offered a $1 million bail package for Richter to be released on. The rise in Pagan membership in New Jersey,first reported by NJ Advance Mediain May 2018, is indicative of a broader national effort by reputed Pagan President Keith Conan Richter to beef up numbers along the East Coast, officials said. The gang currently has 17 chapters across the state, up from 10 in 2016, according to the SCI. There are 900 Pagans spread across 12 states and in Puerto Rico, officials said. The assault victim, whose name was not disclosed, had alerted investigators in July 2020 that hed been asked to store guns and ammunition by another suspect in the case, Michael Cage Dorazo of Gloucester City, a criminal complaint alleges. Prosecutors moved to have Richter detained pending the outcome of the case due to his criminal history, they said, and because of his role as the leader of the motorcycle gang. NEWARK, N.J. Two high-ranking members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club were indicted today for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, narcotics distribution, and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Both Arocho and Guzman face 20 years in prison if convicted. Count Five carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a fine of up to $10 million. Long-term operations of this magnitude require a tremendous amount of work and patience by cooperating detectives, and while the full scope and impact of this investigation may yet be fully realized, its success continues a year after it began, Callahan said. FAX:973-645-2702 One was Hugo Nieves, also known as "Zorro," a New Jersey resident believed to be national vice president of the Pagans, according to 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). Investigators say there are currently chapters in Philadelphia, South Jersey, Bucks and Delaware counties. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Pagans Motorcycle Club incident that rocked New Jersey September 8, 2021 Pagans Motorcycle Club incident that rocked New Jersey Pagan's Motorcycle Club Causing Panic in Missouri OUTLAWS MC DESERVED THIS 100% *VIDEO* EP 934 Official Statement From The Grim Reapers MC Concerning Bust **FULL AUDIO** It was around this time it adopted the outlaw motorcycle mentality, collectively known as the one-percenters. The theory is most motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens, except for the 1% who arent. Under the control of Richter, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller, local motorcycle groups to increase membership, officials said. He didnt think anything of it when he exited the highway, but soon realized he was being tailed by a motorcycle and a car. "Contrary to popular belief, what you may see in the media of guys just hanging out partying and drinking and a bunch of fellows having a good time, this is a well-run organization and a criminal enterprise by no other terms. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dorazo, who authorities say is a member of the Camden County chapter of the Pagans, was charged in August 2020 with being a felon in possession of a firearm after a confidential informant told law enforcement that Dorazo provided six firearms and a large amount of ammunition to store in the informants garage. 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). A report released Wednesday by the group, an independent state watchdog formed in the late 1960s to investigate public corruption and organized crime, says the Pagans have increased their membership ranks in the past three years and pose a growing threat to the public. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). I commend the hard work and dedication of all the agencies involved.. Andrew Kramer charged with murder of Melissa Malcolm in Mount Laurel, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Bucciarelli, who is the sergeant at arms of the Camden County Chapter, could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted of the brandishing a firearm charge. It was around this time it adopted the outlaw motorcycle mentality, collectively known as the one-percenters. The theory is most motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens, except for the 1% who arent. Over the last year federal authorities have been aggressive in investigating the Pagans, as they rapidly expanded in New Jersey under Richters leadership. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Hammer did not rule on bail Friday, and continued the hearing until Monday. It included interviews with Pagan members their voices altered to protect their identities and video of a brutal attack in 2018 near a Hells Angels clubhouse in Newark. The arrest has sent ripples through the Pagans organization. U.S. District Court Judge Noel L. Hillman has scheduled sentencing for Dorazo on April 4. The Pagan's Motorcycle Club is trying to assert control over New Jersey and it's using more violence to do it, according to testimony given Wednesday during a State Commission of Investigationhearing. The most climactic moment came at the hearings end when three reputed leaders of the motorcycle club were called to testify. This story has been updated to reflect that Dorazos attorney declined to comment. "They want to take over the entire East Coast," Torres said. The Pagans Motorcycle Club, as its officially called, formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The group has expandedfrom 10 chapters to 17in New Jersey in the past few years, and is moving into the northern part of the statefrom their traditional South Jersey stronghold,said Edwin Torres, an investigator for the commission and president of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association. Eleven Members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club Charged Drug Enforcement Administration Daniel J. Kafafian, Acting Special Agent in Charge New Jersey @DEANewJerseyDiv June 28, 2021 Contact: Timothy P. McMahon Phone Number: (571) 776-1150 For Immediate Release Eleven Members of the Pagan's Motorcycle Club Charged NEWARK, N.J. (CBS) -- Two top members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club are facing federal assault charges in the U.S. Department of Justice's crackdown on the outlaw gang, authorities say. Unlike other motorcycle gangs, the Pagans dont have a clubhouse, but hold weekly meetings called church.. Larry Ortiz, 31, of Elizabeth, and Junius Aquino, 38, of Vauxhall, were charged with aggravated assault in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for their roles in a gang-related shooting, authorities said. Daniel Hooban, 33, of Bayonne, New Jersey, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. One of the more disturbing elements of the investigation, the commission said, is that sensitive law enforcement information regarding the Pagans has been leaked to members of the club. Richter was previously convicted in 1998 when he was the national president of the Pagans, Frazer said, of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and two counts of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. Official websites use .gov Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Under the control of Richter, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller, local motorcycle clubs to increase membership, officials said. Hearing Impaired: 856-968-4983 The outlaw motorcycle club has a clubhouse in Newark. It should also share information among agencies to identify larger trends, the report said. In recent years, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller motorcycle gangs at an alarming rate, officials said. The turf clash between the Pagans and Hells Angels has been well-documented over the years especially in northern New Jersey, where the Hells Angels have a clubhouse in Newark. "In New Jersey, its going to be hard to find a county where there isnt a Pagan presence. Find NJ.com on Facebook. At the time of Aquinos arrest, he was the vice president of the Pagans Elizabeth membership chapter, prosecutors said. Significantly, many of the accused hold national, regional, and local leadership positions in the Pagans Motorcycle Club. District of New Jersey 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Alex Napoliello | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, increasing membership in all corners of the state. The Pagan's Motorcycle Club, one of the major outlaw motorcycle groups in the U.S., is a growing threat to citizens in New Jersey and every cop in the state should be trained to deal with. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. ]. The Pagans and the Hells Angels are known to be rival gangs. 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. The Pagans which started in Prince George's County, Maryland, in 1959 has swelled to more than 1,300 members across at least 12 states, experts said. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Pagans National President Keith "Conan" Richter was attendingthat party last month before his arrest for gun possession in New Jersey by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the club's activities. When Aquino and his associates exited the bar, a group of individuals approached and assaulted them with baseball bats. The national president of the Pagans Motorcycle Club was arrested Friday by federal authorities after law enforcement recovered a firearm during a traffic stop in New Jersey last weekend, the U.S. Attorneys Office announced. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. On Nov. 17, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ortizs residence and recovered approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm. An alleged member of the Pagans motorcycle club who was charged with attempted murder earlier this year is set to plead guilty to a federal charge related to having an associate of the outlaw motorcycle club store firearms and ammunition for the organization, according to online court records. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. In recent years, the group has spread into more northern areas of the state, with a large presence in Elizabeth. The group, which started with just 13 members, evolved into a formal club in the 1960s, spreading to neighboring states. The 20-page SCI report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I. Law enforcement considers the Pagans, founded in 1959 as a fellowship of 13 motorcyclists in Maryland, to be among the largest and most violent outlaw motorcycle clubs in the country, according. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Keith Richter, known as Conan, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Estimates varied during testimony. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The SCI also said every officer in New Jersey should undergo training in case they encounter these clubs in routine crime investigations. Police searched the vehicle and found a loaded Ruger P345 .45-caliber handgun underneath the cupholder of the center console, authorities said. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The 20-page SCI report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I. "They're very well organized," Torres told the commission. The club is structured with a president, vice president, sergeant at arms, secretary and treasurer. It sells marijuana and cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. The outlaw bikers were once a familiar scourge in Philadelphia and Delaware County, Pa., as well as the southern half of New Jersey. The man told police he had never seen his attacker prior to that evening in January 2019.
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