", Also: Camden man fatally shot in Fairview home, More: Andrew Kramer charged with murder of Melissa Malcolm in Mount Laurel. Here's the latest for Monday January 31: UN Security Council to discuss Russia-Ukraine; North Korea conducts missile test; Multi-vehicle accident near Las Vegas kills 9; Protests in Canadian capital could continue into the week. The Pagans were founded in the 1960s out of Maryland. The club also extorts business owners and relies on members to pay monthly dues of $100, the commission said. 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. 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. It was at that moment it became clear who the man was dealing with: two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Our journalism needs your support. Ferdinand Augello, left, and Paul Pagano, right, wait, via video, for their first court appearance to begin at the Atlantic . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The rise of the Pagans motorcycle club in New Jersey was the focus of an investigation conducted by the State Commission of Investigation, an independent state watchdog group formed in the late 1960s to investigate public corruption and organized crime. Violence has risen since a change in national leadership in 2018 when Keith "Conan" Richter took over as president, according to testimony. In recent years, the group has spread into more northern areas of the state, with a large presence in Elizabeth. The hearing featured testimony from SCI investigators, New Jersey State Police officers and county prosecutors. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. The group's move into North Jersey is why the violence has increased, investigators said. It should also share information among agencies to identify larger trends, the report said. 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.. The resurgence and expansion of the group has made it easier to wear Pagan colors, he said. Some of the details that came out of the hearingwere: Ken Serrano has covered breaking news and crime in New Jersey for the past 20 years. "In New Jersey, its going to be hard to find a county where there isnt a Pagan presence. This newfound level of aggression has led to drive-by shootings, savage beat downs of adversaries and unprovoked physical assaults on members of the public across New Jersey, the report states. Most updated Motorcycle community news from all the World, Motorcycle Clubs news, 1%er news. The Pagans beat him with a small bat and a wrench, officials said. The group now has 900 members in 12 states, he said. The Pagans Motorcycle Club, as its officially called, formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959. Richter personally possessed that gun, did not hide it from the numerous people that were there, Frazer said. The outlaw motorcycle club has a clubhouse in Newark. At the time of his arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans Jersey City membership chapter, prosecutors said. Official websites use .gov 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. Luis Arocho, aka "LuRoc," 43, of Keansburg, New Jersey, and Maurice Guzman, aka "Dawg," 51, of Newark, are charged by complaint with one count of aggravated . 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. Richter, 62, attended a party in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, around noon on Feb. 20. 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. Hearing Impaired: 856-968-4983 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. The 20-page SCI report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I. Count Three carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Its expanding at a rate weve never seen before, Edwin Torres, an SCI investigative agent, said at an open hearing in 2019. It alleges another Pagan,Nicholas Booch Bucciarelli of Brooklawn, then entered the clubhouse, struck the victim with an ax handle and pointed a gun at the man. These cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and was released in 2012. The federal charge against Dorazo came as the U.S. Attorneys Office of New Jersey has put an emphasis on investigating the Pagans, an organization that has expanded rapidly in the state recently and has allegedly been responsible for brutal assaults, drive-by shootings and distributing drugs across the state. It alleges the assault occurred after the man arrived for a meeting at a clubhouse onMarino's property in Williamstown. 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. The SCI also said every officer in New Jersey should undergo training in case they encounter these gangs in routine crime investigations. Pagans continue to distribute methamphetamine but are getting away from manufacturing it, relying more on "super labs" in Mexico. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. And Pagans are expanding, moving out West, into . 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. Pagans associate pleads guilty to trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing firearms and ammunit More details released on Carlyle bar incident connected to biker club feud. 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. A federal judge signed a court order this week allowing Michael Dorazo, of the Glendora section of Gloucester Township, to be transferred from the Salem County Correctional Facility to Camden federal court on Sept. 23 in order to plead guilty to a federal charge he faces. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. While the Pagans have traditionally drawn members from white supremacist groups, the diversifying of the club has been a sharp turn that has angered older members. 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 club distributes drugs in cells within chapters to keep tight control of the of the information. 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. Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: New Jersey's SPCAs 17 Years Later. 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. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). He made a series of turns, but couldnt shake them. Through the investigation, law enforcement seized 10 firearms and more than 800 grams of methamphetamine. This is a serious matter that requires immediate attention from the larger policing community, the report said. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. The Pagans are run like a business and are organized as such. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "They're typically given as many drugs or drinks as they want., One Paganmotto: "Breaking laws and breaking jaws since 1959". Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 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. In October 2019, the commission held an exhaustive hearing in Trenton detailing how the Pagans are increasing membership in all corners of the state. Among the hiearchy of women associated with the Pagans, the lowest are called "pets. ", RELATED: Wall dispatcher acquitted when top cop's aide admits affair with Pagan head. This story has been updated to reflect that Dorazos attorney declined to comment. The investigator, understanding that he was on speaker and that members of the (Pagans) might be listening to their conversation, remained in his undercover persona throughout the conversation, says the complaint. An official website of the United States government. Under the control of Richter, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller, local motorcycle clubs to increase membership, officials said. Pagan motorcycle club paraphernalia on display at a New Jersey State Commission of Investigation public hearing in Trenton in October 2019. It sells marijuana and cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. According to documents filed and statements made in court: On Oct. 21, 2020, Aquino visited a bar in Verona, New Jersey, with other members of the Pagans. There has been an almost 50% increase in chapters in New Jersey over the past three years, officials said. more information Accept. He took steps to deploy a handgun towards officers, but was tackled and arrested, police said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It sells marijuana and cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. Under the control of Richter, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller, local motorcycle groups to increase membership, officials said. The Pagans are run like a business and are organized as such. 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. During Fridays hearing, Frazer presented a recorded conversation from 2019, in which Ritcher allegedly chided a Pagans leader in the Bronx for not using violence against a rival gang who showed up at one of their clubs brandishing firearms. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. 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. "Pets are women who are shared sexually among the group," said Nicole McCann, investigative analyst for the commission. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Rachael A. Honig announced two additional indictments, bringing the total of Pagans members facing crimes to 11 -- although the number may increase as the investigation continues. Eventually, the informant was allegedly struck with an axe handle and held at gunpoint by other influential leaders of the Pagans in South Jersey over the mishandling of the firearms, authorities said. Three reputed Pagan leaderssubpoenaed to testify asserted their Fifth Amendment rightsand did not answer questions. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Dozaro was eventually found by police in the neighborhood. They have 30 chapters in 12 states, according to a recent N.J. State Commission of Investigation report on the biker world. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. 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. 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. The club earns its proceeds from drug trafficking, the commission said. Support local journalism with a subscription. 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 engage in protection rackets,"muscle for hire," and debt collection for traditional organized crime groups, posting what look like job listings at meetings for debt collection jobs with the offer of a percentage of the money recovered. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Dark-skinned Latinos are welcome but not black men, Torres said. There are 900 Pagans spread across 12 states and in Puerto Rico, officials said. Attorney information for Bucciarelli was not immediately known. They have added 30 chapters in the past year, Torres said. Torres said thePagans are believed to have150 to 350 members in New Jersey. The club earns its proceeds from drug trafficking, the commission said. Also on Monday, a federal grand jury returned indictments charging Nicholas Bucciarelli with assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. 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.. There has been an almost 50% increase in chapters in New Jersey over the past three years, officials said. One was Hugo Nieves, also known as "Zorro," a New Jersey resident believed to be national vice president of the Pagans, according to testimony. A former Pagan chapter president in South Jersey is currently serving a life prison sentence for orchestrating the 2012 murder-for-hire plot of April Kauffman, a well-known radio personality in the Atlantic City area. Keith Richter, known as Conan, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Then they cut him off, blocking his escape. Find NJ.com on Facebook. [ Stay up-to-date on this story by downloading the Asbury Park Press app. The Pagans formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959. The charges against Bucciarelli are only allegations. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The arrest has sent ripples through the Pagans organization. There has been an almost 50% increase in chapters in New Jersey over the past three years, officials said. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Alex Napoliello | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. The Pagans are now taking in members from street gangs like the Bloods, the Latin Kings, the Crips and the Netas. 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. 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