The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club, or otherwise known as the Pagans, is an outlaw motorcycle club that was formed in Maryland. Beginning back in the late 1960s, this group started out by wearing the classic denim jackets with their specific embroidered logo before moving to the standard 3-piece wear that has characterized so many motorcycle riders in history. The Pagans are a long-standing motorcycle club that has a similar timeline as the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.
Up until 1965, the Pagans were a pretty non-violent organization. Unfortunately, this all changed after an influx of new members appeared post-Vietnam War. This spurred the creation of the outlaw motorcycle gang, also known as an OMG. And the real ‘Pagans’ were born. There are many facts about motorcycle clubs that they try to keep secret, such as the violent side of the Pagans.
Next up, we’re going to focus on the criminal activities that the Pagans are notorious for.
The Pagan's Violent Side
The Pagans have been linked to a variety of criminal activities, like the smuggling of meth, marijuana, and heroin, along with many instances of organized crime. The majority of this crime is centered in about 4 states in the United States: New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Now we will go over the different crimes and incidents that took place in these nearby states, and the consequences of the crimes that happened.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, the Pagans have surely made a name for themselves. In 1994, at least eight members of the group showed up at a picnic fundraiser, intimidating local motorcycle clubs to join the Pagans. A fight broke out and quickly escalated to a violent brawl using weapons. Two Pagans were shot dead after the fight died down, one Pagan had serious gunshot wounds, and one non-Pagan attendee had his throat cut.
New York
In New York, over 70 Pagans were arrested in 2002 after causing a scene at a motorcycle and tattoo expo called the Hellraiser Ball. The name is pretty fitting, huh? The Pagans showed up intending to confront their rival group, Hells Angels, and rushed the doors of the event. They were met with violence from Hells Angels, and resulted in one Pagans member dying of a gun-shot wound. Additionally in New York, almost 20 members of the Pagans were arrested in 2010 for conspiring to murder Hells Angels’ members. There were also various other charges, like conspiracy to commit extortion and distribution of drugs, which were furthered by evidence gained by local ATF agents. Overall, the Pagans have had numerous instances in New York state, during the past two decades.
Pennsylvania
The Pagans’ activities in Pennsylvania are no less debaucherous, with the Pagans opening fire on the vice-president of the Hells Angels’ Philadelphia chapter, as he was driving his car. After this incident, it prompted the Hells Angels in Philadelphia to close.
Maryland
Regarding the criminal activities in Maryland, a Pagans leader, Jay Wagner, was arrested due to the possession of a regulated firearm. Policemen found seven handguns, two explosive devices, and 13 rifles in the care of Wagner. In addition, another member, David Barbeito was discovered to have firearms in his possession and found guilty of racketeering.
A Dangerous Motorcycle Club With Humble Beginnings
Overall, the Pagans are an outlaw motorcycle gang that has had its fair share of criminal activities and violence throughout the years, ever since the post Vietnam era in the 1960s. Although the club started out as a harmless group, the club has evolved into something much more dangerous and sinister in recent decades.