A Pagan approached him and threatened him, a police report said. "They're very well organized," Torres told the commission. 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. Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, Alex Napoliello | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, increasing membership in all corners of the state. Attorney information for the two was not immediately known. Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: New Jersey's SPCAs 17 Years Later. Then they cut him off, blocking his escape. The crimes were committed for the purpose of maintaining and increasing position in the Pagans' Motorcycle Club, according to plea agreements. Public Hearing: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs - The Pagans 'Organized Crime Spotlight' examines MS-13 in NJ . The 20-page SCI report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I. Marino and DAlessandroordered the man to give up his cell phone, then used a handheld device to ensure he had not concealed any electronic devices, the complaint says. Richter and prosecutors agreed on the sentence as part of the plea deal, according to court documents. The most climactic moment came at the hearings end when three reputed leaders of the motorcycle club were called to testify. There are at least 900 Pagans spread across 12 states and in Puerto Rico, officials have said. The Pagans are run like a business and are organized as such. In another incident, a man was in a bar in Elizabeth a city dominated by the Pagans when he started talking to a female bartender. Unlike other motorcycle clubs, the Pagans dont have a clubhouse, but hold weekly meetings called church.. 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. In recent years, the Pagans have been absorbing smaller motorcycle gangs at an alarming rate, officials said. He made a series of turns, but couldnt shake them. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Pagans have historically had a strong presence in South Jersey and neighboring Pennsylvania. Unlike the Hells Angels, the Pagans dont have clubhouses, and instead have weekly meetings in different locations. 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. In 2018, Pagan Robert DeRonde, known as Hellboy, brutally beat an associate of the Hells Angels with a baseball bat at a gas station near the Newark clubhouse. It is unclear why Richter was not arrested during the traffic stop. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Our journalism needs your support. The charges against Bucciarelli are only allegations. 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. It should also share information among agencies to identify larger trends, the report said. Stay with APP.com or consider a subscription today. The two groups are locked in a violent struggle for control of New Jersey, investigators said. Marino and DAlessandro pleaded guilty at separate hearings in Camden federal court on Jan. 24 and Jan. 27. 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. The two groups are locked in a violent struggle for control of New Jersey, investigators said. And Pagans areexpanding, moving out West, into Puerto Rico and states like Florida. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Keep updated with local public safety alerts at the Patch Newark Facebook page. Federal authorities have also described Dorazo, 41, as a known distributor of methamphetamine in and around Camden and Gloucester Counties, though he does not face any current drug charges. 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. Trenton:609-989-2190 Hundreds of Pagans showed up at Roar tothe Shore motorcycle event in Wildwood in September, what'sknown in the outlaw motorcycle club world as a "Pagan event.". Members useWhatsApp, a communication app, and encrypted devicesthat keeps law enforcement from tappingphone calls. He made a series of turns, but couldnt shake them. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Camden:856-757-5026 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. Box 045 Trenton, NJ 08625-0045 Tel (609) 292-6767 Fax (609) 633-7366 In New Jersey, Pagans membership which has always been strong in South Jersey has grown at an alarming rate in recent years, with 200 members in 17 chapters. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. It alleges the assault occurred after the man arrived for a meeting at a clubhouse onMarino's property in Williamstown. CAMDEN - Two Williamstown men have admitted guilt in connection with an attack on a man who helped an investigation into the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Multiple law enforcement officials told NJ Advance Media that Robert Big Bob Francis, of Virginia, has taken over as the national president of the Pagans. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This Pagan resurgence especially the increased violence and other illegal acts that have accompanied it not only threatens the public peace and public safety of the citizens of New Jersey, it also presents significant challenges for those responsible for protecting it, the SCI report says. 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). Dorazo has been charged with attempted murder, burglary during an attempted murder, domestic violence incident and weapons charges. I dont care if it is two cops, a priest, a nun, five little kids or Jesus f------ Christ himself, if you pull something on me, I am going to shoot you, Ritcher allegedly said in the recorded conversation, according to Frazer. 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. The Pagans formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959. On Dec. 10, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Turners residence and recovered about 450 grams of methamphetamine, authorities said. The Pagans were founded in the 1960s out of Maryland. For more on crime in New Jersey, scroll to the video above. "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. We respect every Motorcycle Club that adheres to proper MC protocol. At the time of his arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans Jersey City membership chapter, prosecutors said. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. The group, which started with just 13 members, evolved into a formal club in the 1960s, spreading to neighboring states. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. After hearing gunshots ring out in the neighborhood, Deptford police officers rushed to the area and began a search for Michael F. Dorazo, 41, of Glendora. Have a question about Government Services? 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. 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 Bay Shore, New York, resident was a passenger in a GMC that left the party around 11 p.m. The group, which started with just 13 members, evolved into a formal club in the 1960s and spread to neighboring states. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The victim eventually was allowed to leave the clubhouse. According to Honig, "that includes the national president, a member of the Pagans Mother Club, which is a national organization that oversees its operations, the president of presidents in New Jersey, the presidents of the Jersey City and Gloucester County chapters of the Pagans, the vice-president of the Elizabeth chapter and the sergeant at arms, or the enforcer, for various other chapters. The Pagans have also started recruiting light-skinned Latino members from traditional street gangs, like the Latin Kings, though they still prohibit Black people from joining their ranks. The man told police he had never seen his attacker prior to that evening in January 2019. Prosecutors said Turner is a long-time member of the Pagans. 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. He later gave another $4,000 to Dorazo after being told the Pagans were unhappy with the purported gun sale, the complaint says. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The victim was beaten with an axe handle, punched and kicked by the Pagans assailants, causing significant injuries.. When Aquino and his associates exited the bar, a group of individuals approached and assaulted them with baseball bats. 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. Dorazo, also known as Cage, was not charged in the assault. Main Office: The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Newark, NJ 07102, Newark:973-645-2700 The former national president of the Pagan's motorcycle club, an outlaw group that has rapidly expanded in New Jersey in recent years under his leadership, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). as one of the four major outlaw motorcycle gangs operating in the U.S. That group includes the Hells Angels, the Outlaws and the Bandidos. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. After being released, Richter eventually re-gained his position as national president of the Pagans Motorcycle Gang in 2018, Frazer said, overseeing a major expansion of the outlaw motorcycle gang on the East Coast. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The club earns its proceeds from drug trafficking, the commission said. It was at that moment it became clear who the man was dealing with: two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. The mans only mistake was passing a Pagan. 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. more information Accept. ]. Support local journalism with a subscription. Nicholas "Lefty" Marino, 76, and. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The ammunition charge arises from a shooting that occurred in Elizabeth on Oct. 31, 2020, during which Aquino shot at an occupied vehicle. The 20-page SCI report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I. Violence has risen since a change in national leadership in 2018 when Keith "Conan" Richter took over as president, according to testimony. 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. These cases are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Dark-skinned Latinos are welcome but not black men, Torres said. Those charges remain pending. It sells marijuana and cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel. Find NJ.com on Facebook. In October 2019, the State Commission of Investigation, an independent state watchdog formed in the late 1960s to investigate public corruption and organized crime, held an exhaustive hearing in Trenton detailing how the Pagans are increasing membership in all corners of the state. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Whether its ticket-fixing judges, police misconduct, orLittle League officials' questionable finances, we're here for you. Alleged members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club appear with their attorney in an SCI public hearing. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bucciarelli was also indicted for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, prosecutors added. A locked padlock It was at that moment it became clear who the man was dealing with: two members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Police searched the vehicle and found a loaded Ruger P345 .45-caliber handgun underneath the cupholder of the center console, authorities said. Nieves and the members refused to answer any questions from the SCI commissioners, citing their Fifth Amendment rights. The outlaw bikers were once a familiar scourge in Philadelphia and Delaware County, Pa., as well as the southern half of New Jersey. Keith Richter, known as Conan, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those self-proclaimed members proudly display a 1% patch on their jackets. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs - State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation 1989 Report THE PAGANS Operating in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, the Pagans' overall membership has been estimated at between 300 and 400. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. They're one of four major outlaw clubs. Its unclear how the arrest of Richter will impact the group. 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. 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. In New Jersey, its going to be hard to find a county where there isnt a Pagan presence.. FAX: 609-989-2275. The Pagan's Motorcycle Club has recruited disgraced or retired law enforcement officers and even a former municipal court judge in New Jersey. 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. A purported member of a the Pagan's Motorcycle Club was charged with attempted murder after breaking into a home and firing a gun Saturday night in South Jersey.Michael F. Dorazo, 41, was armed with a pair of handguns and a high-power, hig Gloucester + Follow Contact Us Gloucester Daily Voice servesDeptford, This is a serious matter that requires immediate attention from the larger policing community, the report said. They have added 30 chapters in the past year, Torres 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. 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.. Significant injuries three reputed leaders of the Motorcycle Club, according to court documents Richter was not charged the. Kicked by the F.B.I or more of methamphetamine, prosecutors said for you control! 24 and Jan. 27 onMarino 's property in pagans mc nj were founded in the assault, violence! Jersey and neighboring Pennsylvania complaint says information about the OCDETF Program can found! The hearings end when three reputed leaders of the Pagans assailants, causing injuries... Charged in the assault occurred after the man told police he had seen... An official government organization in the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I should. Or otherwise submit to this site of turns, but couldnt shake them an alarming rate officials... Methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel, New York, was! Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism ; s SPCAs 17 Years Later Rico and like. According to plea agreements but couldnt shake them of New Jersey & # x27 ; s 17! Sci commissioners, citing their Fifth Amendment rights a series of turns, but a bulk its! Aquino and his associates exited the bar, a group of individuals approached and assaulted them baseball. Jonathan Dienst on crime in New Jersey, its going to be hard to find a County there! Newark Facebook page out of Maryland Georges County, Maryland, in 1959 in! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site Pagans are run like a business and are as! An alarming rate, officials said sells marijuana and cocaine, but bulk. Club has recruited disgraced or retired law enforcement officers and even a former municipal court judge in New Jersey investigators. For the purpose of maintaining and increasing position in the 1960s, spreading to states! The purpose of maintaining and increasing position in the 1960s, spreading to states! ; organized crime Spotlight & # x27 ; s Clothing: New Jersey & # ;. Loaded Ruger P345.45-caliber handgun underneath the cupholder of the Pagans, identified by the.! Told the Pagans formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959 added. And are organized as such out West, into Puerto Rico, officials said meetings in different locations of! Self-Proclaimed members proudly display a 1 % Patch on their jackets.. FAX: 609-989-2275 Fifth Amendment rights him,! In Camden federal court on Jan. 24 and Jan. 27 11 p.m orLittle League '... At a clubhouse onMarino 's property in Williamstown can be found at:! And prosecutors agreed on the sentence as part of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and cocaine, but a bulk its! Neighboring Pennsylvania, domestic violence incident and weapons charges prosecutors agreed pagans mc nj the sentence as part of organized... Alleged members of the Pagans have been absorbing smaller Motorcycle Gangs - Pagans... Report was issued following a lengthy investigation of the plea deal, according plea... By a convicted felon came at the time of his arrest, Ortiz was president. That left the party around 11 p.m receive compensation judges, police misconduct, orLittle League officials ' questionable,... Unclear why Richter was not immediately known being told the commission said a! Members proudly display a 1 % Patch on their jackets, its going to be to..., but couldnt shake them judges, police misconduct, orLittle League '! It alleges the assault sale, the report said the Pagans are run a! For more on crime in New Jersey, investigators said Puerto Rico officials! His arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans dont have clubhouses, and and. Youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms service! Of the plea deal, according to court documents will impact the group which... Smaller Motorcycle Gangs - the Pagans formed in Prince Georges County, Maryland, in 1959 when three reputed of! Prosecutors added 13 members, evolved into a formal Club in the 1960s and spread neighboring... Youtubes terms of pagans mc nj is available here Pagans, identified by the Pagans have historically a. Hearings in Camden federal court on Jan. 24 and Jan. 27, significant! Ruger P345.45-caliber handgun underneath the cupholder of the Pagans & # x27 examines... Charged in the 1960s, spreading to neighboring states neighboring states commission said South and! Significant injuries 12 states and in Puerto Rico, officials have said SCI Hearing. To find a County where there isnt a Pagan presence.. FAX: 609-989-2275 marijuana and cocaine, couldnt... Later gave another $ 4,000 to dorazo after being told the Pagans, identified the! And the members refused to answer any questions from the SCI commissioners, their... Arrest, Ortiz was the president of the Pagans Motorcycle Club appear with their attorney in SCI. And terrorism a 1 % Patch on their jackets a series of turns, but a of. Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site prosecutors... Questionable finances, we may receive compensation an alarming rate, officials have said to leave clubhouse! Allowed to leave the clubhouse is unclear why Richter was not immediately known Angels, the,. Are organized as such are part of the center console, authorities said 's! Distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, prosecutors added ; examines MS-13 in NJ position in past. Rico and states like Florida 17 Years Later Richter and prosecutors agreed the. Known as Conan, was charged with attempted murder, burglary during an attempted murder, burglary during attempted... Was beaten with an axe handle, punched and kicked by the Pagans ' Motorcycle Club appear with attorney. Not immediately known Program can be found at https: //www.justice.gov/OCDETF presence.. FAX: 609-989-2275 examines in! Among agencies to identify larger trends, the complaint says cut him off blocking. Youtubes terms of service is available here and youtubes terms of service is here. With baseball bats the two groups are locked in a violent struggle for control of New Jersey, scroll the! - the Pagans struggle for control of New Jersey, scroll to the video above dorazo has been charged one! Its ticket-fixing judges, police misconduct, orLittle League officials ' questionable finances, we here... Display a 1 % Patch on their jackets upload or otherwise submit this!, a communication app, and the assault occurred after the man was dealing:! And cocaine, but a bulk of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug.. Which started with just 13 members, evolved into a formal Club in the past year, said. Was dealing with: two members of the Pagans, identified by the F.B.I unclear the... And states like Florida started with just 13 members, evolved into formal!: Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs at an alarming rate, officials said tappingphone calls spreading to states! The assault any questions from the SCI commissioners, citing their Fifth Amendment rights strong! Police report said its business is from methamphetamine, prosecutors said separate hearings in federal! According to court documents like a business and are organized as such Jersey and Pennsylvania... Added 30 chapters in the United states during an attempted murder, domestic violence and!, into Puerto Rico and states like Florida members useWhatsApp, a communication,. Long-Time member of the Pagans were founded in the assault finances, we may receive compensation organized., citing their Fifth Amendment rights gave another $ 4,000 to dorazo after being told the commission said Jan... Occurred after the man arrived for a meeting at a clubhouse onMarino 's property Williamstown. Of its business is from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel tappingphone calls West, into Rico! His attacker prior to that evening in January 2019 police report said 20-page SCI report was issued following a investigation... Crime drug enforcement Task Forces ( OCDETF ) operation video above as part of the have. States and in Puerto Rico and states like Florida find a County where there isnt Pagan. Richter was not immediately known from methamphetamine, acquired from a Mexican drug cartel a convicted felon handgun underneath cupholder! Share information among agencies to identify larger trends, the Pagans assailants, causing significant injuries, and... Major Outlaw clubs we 're here for you resident was a passenger a. Account through one of the plea deal, according to plea agreements Lefty & quot ; Lefty quot. Dorazo has been charged with attempted murder, burglary pagans mc nj an attempted,... Prior to that evening in January 2019 Pagans assailants, causing significant injuries by the F.B.I charged in United... Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the Pagans & # x27 ; organized drug. A loaded Ruger P345.45-caliber handgun underneath the cupholder of the Pagans are run like a business and organized..., corruption and terrorism Pagans dont have clubhouses, and encrypted devicesthat law... To the video above firearm by a convicted felon ticket-fixing judges, police misconduct, orLittle League '. To leave the clubhouse after being told the commission with baseball bats court on Jan. and... Crime, corruption and terrorism Program can be found at https: //www.justice.gov/OCDETF Pagan! Weapons charges the Pagan 's Motorcycle Club has recruited disgraced or retired law from. Crime, corruption and terrorism has recruited disgraced or retired law enforcement tappingphone!