Eight-State Biker Bust - Pagans MC

A 44-count indictment of 55 members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club was unsealed yesterday. Charges have been filed in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida.

The multi-agency investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of West Virgina, found the Pagans committed violent crimes to maintain control over other motorcycle gangs and clubs throughout the country since March 2003.

Five Pagans office-holders face racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) charges.

Those men include the national president, David Keith Barbeito, also known as "Bart,'' of Myersville, Md., and the national vice president, Floyd B. Moore, also known as "Jesse'' and "Diamond Jesse,'' of St. Albans, W. Va.

In one of dozens of accusations, Moore and other Pagans members and associates allegedly conspired with a prison guard to kill an inmate suspected of cooperating with authorities. The indictment also alleges Moore ordered another Pagans member to commit a murder to help the president of a local chapter of the Avengers Motorcycle Club, federal authorities said.

Prosecutors requested that 28 of the gang members be held without bail.

Pagans MC Data:

- Established: 1959 in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States
- Founder: Lou Dobkins
- Years active: 1959-present
- Territory: East Coast of the United States
- Ethnicity: Predominantly White
- Membership: 350-400 full-patch members, many more prospects and hang-arounds
- Criminal activities: Drug dealing, arms dealing, extortion, prostitution, trafficking in stolen goods
- Allies: Sons of Silence MC, the Aryan Brotherhood and the Pittsburgh crime family
- Rivals: The Breed, Hells Angels MC, Outlaws, Warlocks and the Philadelphia crime family

Leaving the Pagans requires forfeiture of colors, removal of tattoos, payment of an exit fee of up to $2,000, giving up motorcycles and complying with a strong hint to leave town.