Mongols Update

As you have read earlier in the week, the Mongols Motorcycle Club was subject to a multi-agency investigation that ran three years.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, the Montebello Police Department, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were all involved in “Operation Black Rain.”  Apparently four ATF agents were able to infiltrate the club and become full patch members.  They found enough evidence to serve 110 arrest warrants and 160 search warrants in Southern California, Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Ohio.  Over 22 bikes were impounded in Los Angeles alone.  Approximately 61 members of Southern California based motorcycle club were arrested under a racketeering indictment that included murder, attempted murder, assault, and gun and drug violations.  In Reno, more than 6 pounds of methamphetamine and 75 weapons were seized.  The findings of other contraband have not been reported.

Ruben Cavazos, the clubs former National President was one of those arrested.  It seems Roger Pinney, a previous National President for the club, alleged that Cavazos was the problem and that the club was “on the verge of cleaning up their act.”

An injunction to seize the Mongols’ trademarked name has been requested by U.S. Attorney Thomas O’Brien.  If this is granted, which seems ridiculous, law enforcement would be able to seize any member’s cut right off their back and it would not be legal for members to display the club’s name or colors.

Again, if more is reported, I will do what I can to keep you informed.  In the meantime, keep an eye out for my book reviews of titles concerning the Mongols MC.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker