Twenty three reputed members and associates of a motorcycle gang face federal racketeering charges in a string of crimes ranging from murder, kidnapping, assault and firearms possession, prosecutors said Friday.
The arrests targeted the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, including some its most senior leaders in raids across Southern California, Hawaii and Nevada.
"Today, the rule of law dealt a serious blow to the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, a so-called 'brotherhood' responsible for drug addiction, death and mayhem in multiple locations, including California, Arizona, Hawaii, Oregon and Nevada," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco in a news release. "Today's coordinated takedown of this biker organization's leadership is a victory for all of us who respect and love our country, and a testament to the bravery and dedication of federal, state and local law enforcement men and women who to keep our communities safe."
Agents described the Vagos OMG as a "transnational gang" with chapters in at least seven countries, on four continents. The gang has about 75 chapters in the U.S.
The indictment charges Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez on murder charges in the Sept. 23, 2011 killing of a member of the rival Hells Angels gang at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada.
