RI Motorcycle Gang Leader Sentenced For Drug, Gun Charges

BURRILLVILLE, RI — A Rhode Island motorcycle gang leader was sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug and gun charges, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Friday.

Deric "Tuna" McGuire, 38, of Burrillville, is the leader of the Rhode Island chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle club. He pleaded nolo contendere in 2017 and 2018 to possession of one ounce to one kilogram of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, conspiracy to violate Rhode Island’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act by agreeing to deliver cocaine, conspiracy to violate Rhode Island’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act by agreeing to deliver cocaine and marijuana, conspiracy to sell concealable weapons without proper paperwork and sell firearms to prohibited persons, conspiracy to violate Rhode Island’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act by agreeing to deliver controlled substances, conspiracy to provide a false document to a public official, conspiracy to receive stolen goods over $10,000 and knowingly providing a false statement for the purposes of procuring a loan.

"Make no mistake, the defendant and the organized criminal enterprise he stood at the center of represent a significant risk to the safety of Rhode Islanders," Neronha said in a statement. "The defendant made it his job to place guns in the hands of those who could otherwise not pass a background check. He funded his criminal enterprise by trafficking drugs and stealing valuables from others. Through the hard work of the Rhode Island State Police, in partnership with our prosecutors, this defendant and his associates are off the streets and unable to threaten public safety."

On Thursday, McGuire was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 10 of those years suspended, and 20 years of probation. He must also forfeit $80,229 and six cars stemming from his criminal activities.