Two tied to Pagan motorcycle gang to go to
trial -
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -
Two accused associates of the Pagans
motorcycle gang waived preliminary hearings
yesterday and will stand trial with other
members of an alleged racketeering ring that
state police say was controlled by fugitive
Raymond "Pete" Overly, head of the
Greensburg chapter of the Pagans.
Shane Pierce, 26, of West Newton, and Ernest
Frantz III, 44, of Herminie, appeared
briefly before District Judge Roger Eckels
in Westmoreland County.
While neither man is a member of the outlaw
motorcycle gang, a state grand jury
presentment said they were involved with the
Pagans in distributing marijuana, cocaine
and methamphetamine supplied from Mexican
dealers in Atlanta and operated at the
direction of Mr. Overly, who has fled to
Florida.
The presentment, handed up in Allegheny
County, recounts a three-year investigation
by state troopers and details the gang's
illegal activities, initiation rites and
structure in Western Pennsylvania.
The document says the Pagans have built a
permanent, national headquarters on Duvall
Road in Fallowfield, Washington County, and
identifies the national president as David
"Bart" Barbado. It also indicates the gang
has four local chapters -- in Pittsburgh,
McKeesport, Fayette City and Greensburg.
The investigation focused on the Greensburg
chapter and Mr. Overly, 38, a former Belle
Vernon resident, whom troopers said ran a
drug-dealing network and motorcycle theft
operation from his company, PRA Racing, in
Mount Pleasant and later in Elizabeth
Township.
Undercover Troopers Matthew Baumgard and
Lyle Graber, who has since joined the
Allegheny County district attorney's office,
built the case with informants and, early in
the investigation, video surveillance of a
two-day party at a rented picnic pavilion in
Yukon in June 2006 attended by hundreds of
Pagans.
The surveillance, which showed Pagans
snorting cocaine, allowed troopers to make
identifications of various members,
authorities said. The party was actually one
of three "mandatory" Pagan events that one
of the main witnesses, a prospect who wanted
to become a member, had to attend. The
others were held in Wildwood, N.J., and at
the Washington County clubhouse.
That witness and others told the grand jury
of attending monthly chapter meetings, which
they called "going to church," and of
generating income for the gang by selling
drugs and stealing and rebuilding
motorcycles.
Gang members and associates often traveled
to Atlanta to pick up drugs, although Mr.
Overly didn't know that some of his dealers
were informants.
Several witnesses testified to Mr. Overly's
violence, as well, saying he beat them if
they refused to sell drugs or sent them on
assignments to beat others to prove their
worthiness to become Pagans.
"Witness 1," for example, said Mr. Overly
sent him and another prospect to "ball-bat"
a former Pagan known as "Joker," although
the assault was never carried out because
the man didn't emerge from his house as
planned.
The ring had an interest in guns, too. One
of the men charged, William Snyder, 57, of
Ruffsdale, testified that he built four 9 mm
machine guns, which another witness
indicated Mr. Overly wanted to buy.
Troopers bought the guns in 2007 to keep
them from falling into Mr. Overly's hands.
Mr. Snyder is charged with the illegal sale
of machine guns.
In all, five local men have been arrested
and released pending trial. Police are
hunting for Mr. Overly, who is also wanted
for violating the terms of his probation in
connection with snorting cocaine while on
parole for a Rostraver assault.
Police are also looking for Homero Villegas,
27, of Georgia, who they say is the Atlanta
drug supplier.
While the current case sheds new light on
the Pagans, the gang has a long history in
Western Pennsylvania and particularly in
Westmoreland County.
Several biker gangs dominate in the U.S.:
the Pagans, the Hell's Angels, the Outlaws,
the Bandidos and the Warlocks. The Pagans,
who got their start in Maryland in 1959 and
spread to Pennsylvania in the 1960s, have
always been the most powerful gang here.
In the 1980s, the Pittsburgh FBI largely
dismantled them with two major federal
prosecutions using the Racketeer Influenced
and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Cops hit with anti-bikie legal bill
- NEWS.com.au -
POLICE Commissioner May Hyde must pay two
lawyers who successfully blocked his latest
attempt to control the Finks Motorcycle
Club.
In another roadblock to SAPOL's anti-bikie
efforts, two Adelaide magistrates refused Mr
Hyde's push to reactive the controversial
orders.
Magistrates Kym Millard and Koula
Kossiavelos today noted their decision to
stay 10 cases against the Finks, pending a
constitutional challenge, had been
criticised by the Supreme Court.
However, they found those comments
insufficient reason to change their minds.
Ms Kossiavelos further ordered the
Commissioner pay the costs of Craig
Caldicott and Sam Doyle, for the Finks.
The Full Court of the Supreme Court will
this month hear a challenge, filed by two
Finks members, claiming the Serious and
Organised Crime (Control) Act 2008 is
unconstitutional.
Last month, both Ms Kossiavelos and Mr
Millard adjourned separate control order
application hearings until that challenge
had been decided.
Their stance was criticised by Supreme Court
Justice David Bleby during argument about
the challenge in June.
"One has to assume the law is valid until it
is declared invalid," he said at the time.
"Whatever one might think about the merits
of the law, it's not for judges or
magistrates to enter into that field."
Today Debbie DePalma, for the Commissioner,
said Justice Bleby's comments proved the
cases should go ahead "as soon as possible".
She warned evidence against the Finks would
"go stale" if not presented to the court
immediately.
Mr Doyle, for the Finks, said the
application was "unnecessary and
misconceived".
Mr Millard and Ms Kossiavelos agreed.
"Of course the laws are valid until they are
determined to be otherwise," Ms Kossiavelos
said.
"But right now there is a constitutional
argument, and it is most appropriate these
matters go to the Full Court first and
follow the normal path."
The hearings were adjourned until July 31.
Phone tap laws: lawyers worried, bikies
not -
Brisbane Times - Bikies say they have
nothing to fear from Queensland police
officers' new power to tap phone calls.
Police and Crime and Misconduct Commission
officers are able to apply for a warrant to
intercept landline, mobile phone and
internet communications from today,
following State Attorney-General Cameron
Dick's decision to name the organisations
"interception agencies".
However, Rebels Motorcycle Club president
John Parker told brisbanetimes.com.au this
afternoon he was unperturbed.
"If anyone was doing something wrong they
would have something to worry about, but
really it's not affecting us motorcyclists,"
he said.
"Everyone knew it was coming through anyway.
"It's only the criminals who are going to be
worried about it - not the average bloody
motorcycle rider."
But a Brisbane criminal defence lawyer said
he had grave misgivings about the new
legislation.
Jim Coburn of Ryan and Bosscher Lawyers
argued the new form of evidence had the
potential to draw out court trials, "bad
apple" authorities could misuse the powers,
and the appointed watchdog was a toothless
tiger.
The watchdog, the Public Interest Monitor,
has been included in the legislation to act
as an independent barrister, checking
warrant applications and advising the court
to ensure the powers are not misused. Mr
Coburn said it was simply a publicity stunt.
"I understand applications are made to a
judge for a phone tap, and these must be
vetted by the Public Interest Monitor, but
this government-appointed person has no
power to refuse any application," he said.
"As I understand it, it's the judge's
decision on whether an application is
approved.
"While it was appropriate that all
interception warrants go before a judge, any
information provided to the PIM to support a
phone tap application should also be
provided to the defence if that evidence
later formed part of a subsequent Crown
case."
He added that given the way in which
electronic communications could be
manipulated, he expected any evidence
gathered by phone taps or electronic
intercepts to be vigorously tested in the
courts.
"The police say these powers will make it
easier to catch criminals but phone tap
recordings and intercepted emails and texts
can be electronically manipulated, so any
such evidence is going to be challenged in
court," he said.
"It will in some cases prolong trials, not
shorten them."
Mr Coburn warned Queenslanders to be wary of
anything they said on phones, emails, text
messages or social networking sites because
they could all now be tapped.
Mount Vernon rider injured in accident
- News-Leader.com -
A motorcycle rider from Mount Vernon
suffered serious injuries in a Wednesday
afternoon crash about a mile and a half west
of Pierce City, according to a report from
the Missouri Highway Patrol.
Ann Pettenger, 55, was hurt when her
eastbound Harley- Davidson crossed the
center line and struck the left side of a
westbound Chevrolet K-10 driven by Wentworth
resident Eric Blackburn, 32.
She was flown to St. John's Hospital in
Springfield after the 2:35 p.m. accident on
Missouri 37, the report said.
After hitting Blackburn's vehicle,
Pettenger's motorcycle went off the left
side of the road and she was tossed off the
bike, the report said.
Pettenger was wearing a safety helmet.
Blackburn was not injured, the report said.
Witness recounts shooting death at biker
club -
Waterbury Republican American -
TORRINGTON — Jennifer Thebarge told a jury
she heard Kevin Campbell tell Roland LaGasse
"You're a dead man" moments before a single
shot rang out June 27, 2008, off of Winsted
Road.
Thebarge testified on the first day of
Campbell's murder trial at Litchfield
Superior Court on Wednesday. She said she
dialed 911 as her then-boyfriend, Eugene
Thebarge, tried to resuscitate the
51-year-old LaGasse, who briefly gasped for
air but never regained consciousness outside
the Forbidden Motorcycle Club's small
headquarters along Winsted Road.
"Somebody just got shot," she is heard to
say in a recording of the call played for 12
regular and three alternate jurors.
Known as HB, a short version of his
nickname, "Hambone," Campbell was one of
several club officers who emerged from the
clubhouse just before 8 p.m. that night.
LaGasse had been at odds with Campbell, of
Watertown, and his brother James over
membership issues.
"Roland was upset and was followed out the
door by Jimmy and Kevin Campbell, then
Eugene Thebarge," said Jennifer Thebarge of
Bristol. "It all happened very fast. Then
pow. I ran over to see if my fiance was OK.
He screamed to call 911, then did CPR to try
to save Roland's life."
The Torrington man was declared dead at the
scene.
Thebarge didn't answer when the dispatcher
asked her who the gunman was.
"I said I didn't know because HB was within
feet of me with a gun, pointing it in my
direction like this," Thebarge said, her
hand in front of her.
"I didn't see him pull the trigger, but I
saw him with the gun in his hand."
What's coming up in town? -
Citizen of Morris
County - A major "Ride to Stay Alive"
motorcycle poker run co-sponsored by the
Rockaway Township Substance Abuse Committee
and the Rockaway Township Police Athletic
League will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10,
departing from the Craigmeur Recreational
Complex on Green Pond Road.
The run starts at 9 a.m. sharp and is a
scenic run with five stops throughout
Northern New Jersey ending back at the
Craigmeur Recreational Complex.
This event is expected to attract thousands
of motorcycle riders from New York, New
Jersey and Pennsylvania and will be open to
the public. There will be entertainment, a
variety of food, drinks, prizes and more.
Registration will start on the day of the
run at 8 a.m. Coffee, doughnuts and bagels
will be available at the registration site.
The cost of the run is $20 per bike and $10
for passenger with the pre-registration
form, which includes a one free collectible
pin, for registrations postmarked prior to
Sept. 1. Onsite registration is $25 per
bike, $10 for passenger, and collectible
pins will be available for an additional $5.
Vendors are also being sought for the event.
Call (973) 983-2942, (973) 627-2465, ext.
434 or
www.rtpal.org for details.
Motorcycle Found In River, Rider Missing
- TheDenverChannel.com -
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- The search for a
60-year-old man who may have fallen into the
Poudre River after crashing the motorcycle
into a guard rail was called off Wednesday
night.
“A witness reported seeing the accident and
that he saw a rider go under a guard rail
and into the Poudre River,” said Eloise
Campanella, spokesperson for the Larimer
County Sheriff’s Office.
The witness, who has not been identified,
searched the river and called 911 when he
was unable to locate the body.
The dive team was called out and was able to
locate the motorcycle but not the rider.
The sheriff’s office made contact with the
registered owner who said his father, who
was visiting from out-of-state, borrowed the
motorcycle early that morning.
“It is yet to be determined if the search
will continue tomorrow, ”Campanella said.
Donate blood, win a Harley -
The Beacon -
Summer is a time of fun, rest and
relaxation. It can also be a time to step up
your community involvement and help others
by volunteering to donate blood. One lucky
blood donor will also be rewarded this year
with a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883
from Napoleon Harley-Davidson.
Come to give blood at a participating Red
Cross blood drive before Sept. 26, and enter
into a sweepstakes drawing for the Harley.
A local drive is scheduled from 11:30 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Port
Clinton Moose, 1105 N. Lakeshore.
Cumulus Broadcasting and 13abc have teamed
up to assist the Western Lake Erie Region to
promote this campaign. Cumulus Broadcasting
will be conducting radio remotes throughout
the Region promoting this exciting campaign.
At the conclusion of the campaign, 100
finalists will be randomly selected and
invited to Napoleon Harley-Davidson on Oct.
3 for the sweepstakes’ drawing. One of these
100 finalists will win the Harley-Davidson
Sportster Iron 883. K-100 will be present to
announce the grand finale prize winner.
Finalists will be notified in advance of the
drawing and must be present at Napoleon
Harley-Davidson to win.
This special campaign is open to anyone who
is at least 18 years of age and comes to
donate blood or platelets in the Region.
complete rules for the sweepstakes can be
found at givebloodtoday.org.
To schedule an appointment to donate, call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit givelife.org for
information. If you are at least 17 years of
age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are
in good general health, you may be eligible
to donate blood. All donors need to present
valid identification.
Hundreds of Harley-Davidson owners to rally
in Millinocket -
Bangor Daily News -
MILLINOCKET, Maine — At least 800 people are
expected when the Maine State Harley Owners
Group holds its 2009 Maine State HOG rally
at Millinocket Regional Airport and River
Driver’s Restaurant at the New England
Outdoors Center next week.
It will be the first large-scale event to
allow motorcycles on the privately owned
Golden Road, Maine’s primary conduit for
loggers into the continent’s largest tract
of contiguous forests.
The event’s preregistration, 579
Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders, vastly
outstrips other rallies held around the
Northeast, said Linda Billings, rally
coordinator for Maine State Rally Inc., the
organization putting on the rally.
“I am in contact with the other regional
coordinators from New Jersey and New York
and around New England, and right now it
looks like the Maine rally is the only one
that increased its numbers this year,”
Billings said Tuesday.
The draw of riding on the Golden Road is a
big part of the event’s allure.
“We have several things going for us, but
Maine is a destination state and it [the
preregistration] shows that Millinocket is a
grass-roots, back-to-nature experience that
a lot of people want,” Billings said. “It
will depend on the weather. If the weather
is good, I would not be surprised to see
another 100 or so register on-site.”
Besides the Golden Road run, the three-day
event that begins Thursday, July 16, will
feature what’s called a “poker run” to the
outdoors center by riders assembling at
Harley-Davidson dealerships around the
state, plus smaller poker runs during the
event through town and the Katahdin region,
Billings said.
About 10,000 Harley riders and HOG members
are Maine residents, with residents from 20
states and Canada typically attending
rallies. Many of the state residents are
members of the state’s five HOG chapters,
said Michele Bragg, the chapters’ rally
registration coordinator and a Bangor
resident.
The rally will be HOG’s first in Millinocket
and has been informally endorsed by the Town
Council and Katahdin Area Chamber of
Commerce. Lured by the high-end clientele
the rallies attract, municipalities across
the state compete annually to host the
event, Bragg said.
A fully tricked-out Harley-Davidson
motorcycle can cost its owner $30,000 to
$45,000, with first-time aficionados
spending $17,000 to $20,000 for their bikes,
Bragg said. Rally attendees typically spend
about $250 per day at a rally, counting
lodging costs.
The event also will feature Katahdin region
vendors selling food and other items at the
restaurant and NEOC, which is located on
Medway Road just outside town, and at the
airport, said Wendy Polstein, who co-owns
the restaurant with her husband, Matthew.
A parade through town on July 17 will be
among the highlights, as will the vendors
and field events at the airport, plus
bonfires, vendors and live bands at the
outdoors center, Polstein said. The parade
will be marshaled by the Pelletier family,
stars of the Discovery Channel’s “American
Loggers” TV show, Billings said.
“I am very excited and proud that this area
was able to bring in such a high number of
preregistrations,” Polstein said. “I guess
they haven’t had as many preregistrations in
a few years, so I am hoping this area will
bring them back to enjoying greater turnouts
for their rallies.
“Anyone can come to the food vendors and
bands and see the events at the airport, so
I am expecting more people than just the
registrations,” she added.
As all rallies are about Harley owners
having fun with their bikes, some of the
events at the airport should be fun to
watch, Polstein said.
The airport events include riders competing
to race their bikes the most slowly; a
weenie bite, in which passengers ride under
a hanging hot dog that they take a bite
from; and a hog wash, which has passengers
trying to catch a water balloon they toss to
themselves over a crossbar as they ride
under it.
“There will be bleacher seating there for
the public,” Polstein said.
Memorial motorcycle run -
Old Colony Memorial and
Plymouth Bulletin - BRIDGEWATER – The
third annual Kristofer Holmes Memorial
motorcycle run will start at 1 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, rain or shine, at Perwitz
Cycles, 910 Plymouth St. in Bridgewater. The
route passes through Bridgewater, Halifax,
Plymouth and Kingston, with a stop at Black
Raspberry Pub in Plymouth for refreshments,
and ends in Plympton at the Upland
Sportsman’s Club, where there will be a DJ,
lots of food, prizes and a 50/50 raffle.
Even if you don’t ride, visit the
Sportsman’s Club for food and a good time.
Registration is at 11 a.m. The $20 fee
includes the run, meal and entertainment.
All proceeds will fund the Kristofer Holmes
Memorial Scholarship Fund. Call Kim at
781-308-0966 or e-mail
kimsil237@yahoo.com .
Holmes was a 2002 graduate of Silver Lake
Regional High School in Kingston. He loved
fishing, hunting and riding his motorcycle.
He died June 6, 2006. A scholarship in his
name is given to a student from the
vocational department every year. The
scholarship was established to keep his
memory alive for his family and friends.
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