Feds Bust Nationwide Biker Gang, Arrest People Across Three States

Nearly two dozen people in three states have been named in an indictment aimed at dismantling the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang. The indictment, unsealed in federal court in Las Vegas, accuses people in Nevada, California, and Hawaii with murder, racketeering, robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes.

Nine arrests were made in Nevada - four in the Las Vegas area and five more in southern 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 Kenneth Blanco of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.

"Today’s coordinated take down 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." (Subscribe to local news alerts on Patch).

The 12-count superseding indictment paints a picture of the gang as a multinational organization operating in seven countries on four different continents. Prosecutors say they have nearly 75 chapters in the United States alone.

The indictment describes them like an organized crime family with a hierarchy where the goal of members to enrich the gang and victims are intimidated through violence and threats.

"Today's indictment charges members and associates of a violent outlaw motorcycle gang with committing racketeering, murder, robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault and other violent crimes," said Acting U.S. Attorney Steven Myhre.

Among other crimes, the indictment charges eight Vagos OMG leaders and members, including Ernesto Manuel Gonzalez, aka “Romeo,” for the September 23, 2011 murder of a member of the rival Hells Angels gang at the Nugget Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada.

"The murder committed by Ernesto Gonzalez in the Nugget Casino was always a part of a larger criminal conspiracy, which has been made even more clear today," said Washoe County District Attorney Christopher Hicks. "Prosecuting Gonzalez for his actions has been a priority for my office.

"As such, we welcomed the opportunity to work closely with federal authorities in this RICO investigation that not only seeks to hold Gonzales accountable but the entire involved Vagos criminal enterprise."

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