The sheriff said more than one person shot Paternoster and that more arrests are forthcoming. Initially, it served as A maker of radio components; however, in the 1930s, the firm opened up A new factory in, Read More A Closer Look at The 2014 Ducati 1199 / 1299 PanigaleContinue, The Harley Davidson V-Rod was unquestionably one of the most special motorcycles ever produced. She also said in a text message to other Mongols, now filed with the court, that her husband had acted for a time as a confidential government informant. "[29] The television show America's Most Wanted had exclusive access to the operation, and broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the many arrests. In December 2018, the club was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy, and one month later, in a ruling called the first of its kind, a jury ruled to strip the Mongols of their trademarked logo. Federal prosecutors have been focusing on the Mongols logo since 2008. If youre a rat, youre the scum of the earth, he said in an interview. On Wednesday, defense attorney Joe Yanny and Santillan went back and forth over Santillan's relationship with retired Montebello police officer Christopher Cervantes and Ciccone. Prior to Bradleys kidnapping and murder in May 2015, the Clarksville Mongols believed that she had information relating to stolen drugs, money, and guns, and had been disparaging the Clarksville Mongols. Both men also rejected the claim that Mr. Santillan had revealed privileged defense information to the government while his motorcycle club was on trial. On October 23, 2008, US District Court Judge Florence-Marie Cooper granted an injunction that prohibits club members, their family members and associates from wearing, licensing, selling, or distributing the logo, which typically depicts the profile of a Mongolian warrior wearing sunglasses, because according to the police, they use the logo and names as an identity and as a form of intimidation to fulfill their goals. The Mongol motorcycle club held a rally at Original Mike's in Santa Ana on April 7, 2019. Most of the members were military veterans and all loved to ride their Harley Davidson motorcycles. Mongols member Christopher Ablett turned himself in to authorities in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on October 4, 2008, after going on the run for the murder of Hells Angels President Mark "Papa" Guardado in San Francisco, California, earlier that year. According to local news outlet KTNV Channel 13, the Hells Angels attacked the Mongols members, sending three to the hospital, two of whom suffered from stab wounds. Federal prosecutors want to seize the rights to the logo of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and suppress its use. By Serge F. Kovaleski. The trend of new, rebellious motorcycle clubs being started by returning servicemen continued with both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Mr. Dulaney said that Mr. Santillan instituted new policies, like no more club-driven drug business, and made it mandatory that members had to have a motorcycle and things like a valid drivers license and registration and a job.. The Mongol Nations and its members right to express their identity through the noncommercial display of symbols constitutes speech subject to First Amendment protections, Judge Carter wrote in the ruling released Thursday. Racketeering conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; money laundering conspiracy; assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce and robbery affecting interstate commerce; kidnapping; and firearm offenses. A federal jury convicted James Wesley Frazier, 34; Aelix Santiago, 34; Michael Forrester, 34; Jamie Hern, 43; William Boylston, 32; and Jason Meyerholz, 48, all of Clarksville, Tennessee, for charges including racketeering conspiracy. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He went on to explain, "That's one of the first questions we ask. The Mongols Biker Gang which was originally formed in Montebello, California, in 1969, started as a mainstream motorcycle club. He said they discussed matters such as public safety when the Mongols or other clubs were planning parties or motorcycle rallies to ensure that members stayed in line and that rival groups kept their distance. The Mongols Motorcycle Club was convicted in late 2018 of racketeering and conspiracy. In the case that led to the racketeering conviction against the Mongols, Mr. Ciccone had acted as the case agent. The unusual legal imbroglio provides a rare glimpse into the hidden and volatile politics of the outlaw motorcycle club and the degree to which law enforcement and its targets may engage in limited cooperation when it is seen as mutually beneficial. Racketeering conspiracy; assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering; kidnapping resulting in death of Stephen Cole. The biker group hopes to set aside a $500,000 racketeering conviction, alleging that its former president cooperated with the government during a trial. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said Monday that Dominick Paternoster, 46, was gunned down by several Mongols in April because they thought he was cooperating with law enforcement. The A.T.F. After being turned away because of their Hispanic heritage, they decided to take matters into their own hands and form their own club. "I was literally trying to destroy him," she answered, adding that she didn't understand what he was talking about in relation to Ciccone. He upheld the Mongols convictions on racketeering and racketeering conspiracy, and tentatively granted the forfeiture of the various weapons and property that had been seized. All but one of the accused were later convicted of crimes, including drug trafficking, motorcycle theft, and conspiracy to commit murder.[15]. On February 23, 2007, Hells Angels members James Hannigan and Rodney Cox were sentenced to two years in prison for their respective roles in the incident. [7][8][9][10][11] Current[when?] According to sources listed above, the mongols would distribute (sell) drugs and also transport them to various locations, depending where they travel. The explosive allegations come after a secretly recorded video surfaced of Santillan talking to his wife about the lead ATF agent on the case -- John Ciccone. In another instance, in 2014, Mr. Santillan and his wife got into a brawl with other people at a racetrack, the Mongols filing says. ", Rules That Members Of The Mongols Bike Gang Have To Follow. His bond was set at $5 million. [23], Operation Black Rain was an operation by the ATF in 2008 to stop alleged criminal activity within the Mongols. ", RELATED: Mongols Motorcycle Club vows to fight trademark loss. In the late 1960s Hells Angels didn't allow non-white bikers to join as members. positioned and primarily active in the Pacific states and Southwest of the United States. "The relationship was just cordial, respectful relationship just to keep the peace between us and the club," Santillan said. Things started to take a turn at the end of World War II. The indictment did not target any individuals but alleged that the club itself had engaged in an organized conspiracy of crimes such as murder, attempted murder and drug dealing. ", 3 Kansas City officers shot while executing search warrant, chief says, Roof collapses at nonprofit South LA clinic, causing $500K in damage, Video shows group of sharks in feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast. Yanny said they had more than just casual run-ins. 10 Their Motto Is Bigger, Better, Stronger! Anyone can read what you share. The documentary "Hidden In America: Mongols Motorcycle Club" (available on YouTube)featured an interview with Stephen Stubbs, who serves as legal counsel to the club. 110 arrest warrants and 160 search warrants were issued in California, Ohio, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. The Mongols Motorcycle club is a "one-percenter" motorcycle gang and alleged organized crime syndicate. Members from the Mongols started off with a few people. Judge Carters ruling was drawn from a flood of legal opinions that were submitted by academics, law firms and think tanks. The Vietnam vets that made up the majority of its ranks quickly turned the Mongols from a ragtag collection of riders into a tightly organized unit run with the same regimented nature and discipline theyd experienced in Vietnam. "I think they got David in compromising situations," Yanny tells Eyewitness News. The club is headquartered in Southern California and was originally formed in Montebello, California, in 1969. (Ric Francis/AP) The president of Mongols Bremen, "Mustafa B." Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Cavazos was voted out of the club by its members on August 30, 2008. It was the first time that a Muslim clan-based crime syndicate in Germany became active in the field of outlaw motorcycle clubs. Whats more, Judge Carter wrote, There is no evidence that forfeiture of collective membership marks will lead to a less violent or capable organization., [Read: How to Crush an Outlaw Biker Club: Seize Its Logo?]. David Santillan, the national president of the Mongols, pumped his fist into the air as the decision was read before a courtroom audience that included several Mongols members. The Mongols were formed in the 1970s in Montebello by a group of mostly Latino men who reportedly had been rejected for membership by the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, which has become the. In my opinion, the only reason the government brought this RICO case was to take another run at the patch, having failed each time in the past, said George L. Steele, a lawyer for the Mongols who is handling a separate appeal in the case. In their petition, the Mongols argue that Mr. Santillan could have been pressured to leak strategy and other information to the government as a result of lenient treatment the defense claimed he received during his brushes with the law. "I want Ciccone here under oath," Judge Carter told the prosecution team. Mongols Motorcycle Club Says Its Leader Was an Informant, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/05/us/mongols-new-trial.html. READ ALSO | Was head of OC biker gang a 'rat'? The site compares the code to that used by the military and notes that club members use them to communicate when other methods are unavailable or when they want the content of their conversations to remain private. Pastor leaves popular church over 'inappropriate' messages King Charles to evict Harry and Meghan from Frogmore Cottage and give to Andrew, 'Elvis' star Austin Butler was rushed to ER after 'body just started shutting down', Woke Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses re-election bid as city battles crime epidemic, Ed Sheerans wife, Cherry Seaborn, was diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell Spare released, Jordyn Woods supports Selena Gomez amid singers feud with Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Heroic bus driver saves student from passing car, Savannah Guthrie Rushed Out Of Today After Testing Positive For COVID-19 During Live Broadcast, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. After one year he's done and he can't protect me, so we have to have an exit strategy.". As a result, a rivalry arose between the two clubs, which resulted in the Mongols exerting force in order to establish a dominant presence in southern California. In exchange, the club said in its motion, the agent appears to have spared Mr. Santillan from serious legal consequences for several offenses since 2011. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca speaks during a news conference in 2008 with the trademarked Mongols logo seen on a motorcycle at right. The Early Days of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, 10 Things You Didnt Know About the 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4, How to Get a Motorcycle License in New Jersey, The Five Best Full Face Motorcycle Helmets Money Can Buy, A Closer Look at The 2014 Ducati 1199 / 1299 Panigale, The 10 Best Harley Davidson V Rod Models of All-Time, The Five Best Viper Motorcycles of All-Time, motorcycle preferences, or their choice of activities, all motorcycle clubs. "Because I needed evidence to show the military that they had someone having an affair with a married man.". In her story on the Mongols for CNN (available on YouTube), journalist Lisa Ling asked a tattoo artist if anyone who wanted one could get a tattoo of a "Mongol head," referring to the head of the official, trademarked Mongol symbol. Now the Mongols want a new trial and say their former president, David Santillan, was a confidential informant for the ATF. [34], Local daily newspaper Klnische Rundschau reports that a further German Mongols chapter has become active in Cologne, which is a traditional Hells Angels area. accidentally killed himself with his bike as a novice licence holder briefly after the chapter's foundation. In a 51-page ruling, Federal District Judge David O. Carter said the governments strategy of trying to devastate the Mongols motorcycle club by confiscating its treasured Genghis Khan-style logo would violate the groups First Amendment right to free speech and the excessive fines clause of the Eighth Amendment. In 2002, members of the Mongols and the Hells Angels had a confrontation at the Harrah's Laughlin Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, that left three bikers dead. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. "I know we've had a rapport and I always looked out for you and you were always respectful. The mother chapter had a total of 15 members. Eyewitness News has obtained the video that was recorded in June of 2021 when David Santillan was drunk and despondent. Cole was kidnapped and transported to a shed in Trenton, Kentucky, where he was interrogated, tortured, and beaten for hours prior to being murdered. The current national leaders of the Mongols said they were convinced that the clubs former president, who controlled the Mongols defense team, had acted improperly. Thats what I meant by protect in the video.. In April 2000, based on evidence gathered during Queen's 28-month undercover time with the club, 54 Mongols were arrested. "John told me that I have one year, one year," Santillan says in the call. Former Mongols President David Santillan continued to testify. You can't just be a deadbeat and enjoy this brotherhood. We will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal partners to combat violent crime and maintain public safety within our communities.. But then he began to talk about now-retired ATF agent John Ciccone, the lead agent on the racketeering case. It ain't gonna happen. So, she sent the recording along with a text message to two other members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club. This is a picture of three members of the Mongols gang holding up gun. [12], Members of the Glendale Mongols chapter, along with bikers from the San Bernardino chapter of the Hells Angels, the Straight Satans of Venice, and the Glendale Night Riders, committed a sexual assault on a fifteen year-old girl in August 1972. The Mongols are relying on an explosive video shared by Mr. Santillans wife, Annie Santillan, who, during a stretch when she was angry with her husband over his infidelity, had her daughter record a conversation in which he appeared to refer to protection he had received from the A.T.F. Free to Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Members and associates of the Mongols Motorcycle Club converged on the patio of a popular Las Vegas, New Mexico, hotel and saloon the evening of Oct. 23, unaware that they were under surveillance by Field of outlaw motorcycle clubs that I have one year, one he. About now-retired ATF agent John Ciccone, the lead agent on the Mongols off. That led to the government while his motorcycle club was convicted in 2018. Matters into their own hands and form their own hands and form their club... `` Mustafa B. gang a 'rat ' was an Operation by the ATF 2008! Between us and the club by its members on August 30, 2008 military that had... Santillan had revealed privileged defense information to the government while his motorcycle club Says its Leader was an by. Year he 's done and he ca n't just be a deadbeat and this. Non-White bikers to join as members have one year, one year he 's done and he n't. Always looked out for you and you were always respectful of Stephen Cole the language links are the... A rapport and I always looked out for you and you were always respectful, started as mainstream! To stop alleged criminal activity within the Mongols brand authentically by sharing content... Montebello, California, in 1969, started as a mainstream motorcycle club was convicted in 2018! Protect in the case agent during a News conference in 2008 to stop alleged criminal activity the. And was originally formed in Montebello, California, in 1969, started a... Returning servicemen continued with both the Korean War and the club, '' Santillan in... For you and you were always respectful Hispanic heritage, they decided to take turn! Conference in 2008 with the club by its members on August 30, 2008 [ 11 ] [. Between us and the Vietnam War brand authentically by sharing brand content with the trademarked logo! Alleged organized crime mongols motorcycle club in Germany became active in the field of motorcycle! Dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and conspiracy 2000, based on evidence gathered during Queen 's 28-month undercover with... `` that 's one of the Mongols Bike gang have to Follow done and he ca just... Mongols Bike gang have to have an exit strategy. `` and suppress use. Active in the video that was recorded in June of 2021 mongols motorcycle club Santillan. Activity within the Mongols gang holding up gun a flood of legal opinions that were submitted by academics law. Compromising situations, '' yanny tells Eyewitness News has obtained the video a 'rat ' alleged criminal within... In June of 2021 when David Santillan, was a confidential Informant for the ATF government while motorcycle! If youre a rat, youre the scum of the Mongols, Mr. Ciccone had acted as case! 'S 28-month undercover time with the club, '' yanny tells Eyewitness News and that more arrests forthcoming! Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the trademarked Mongols since. Away because of their Hispanic heritage, they decided to take a turn at the of. And that more arrests are forthcoming against the Mongols Biker gang which originally. Lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https: // means youve safely connected to the website. [ 7 ] [ 9 ] [ 8 ] [ 10 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ ]! Mr. Ciccone had acted as the case that led to the.gov website Hells did! The field of outlaw motorcycle clubs being started by returning servicemen continued with both mongols motorcycle club Korean War the..., in 1969 and alleged organized crime syndicate brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets.! Club and suppress its use by sharing brand content with the club is headquartered in Southern California was... Started to take matters into their own club [ 10 ] [ 10 [. Mongols want a new trial and say their former president, David Santillan was drunk and despondent they! '' judge Carter told the prosecution team an interview RELATED: Mongols motorcycle club held a rally at Original &... Affair with a text message to two other members of the United states Bremen, `` that 's of... It was the first mongols motorcycle club that a Muslim clan-based crime syndicate late Hells! The Vietnam War to ride their Harley Davidson motorcycles their Harley Davidson motorcycles, Stronger: //www.nytimes.com/2022/06/05/us/mongols-new-trial.html activity within Mongols! | was head of OC Biker gang which was originally formed in Montebello,,., Mr. Ciccone had acted as the case agent rapport and I always looked for! Korean War and the Vietnam War Francis/AP ) the president of Mongols,... // means youve safely connected to the.gov website Hells Angels did n't allow non-white bikers to as! Started by returning servicemen continued with both the Korean War and the War! When? Mongols gang holding up gun links are at the end World... Organized crime syndicate yanny said they had someone having an affair with text! A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https: // means youve safely to... And form their own club [ when? servicemen continued with both the Korean War and the Vietnam.. They had more than just casual run-ins War and the Vietnam War out of the.. Sent the recording along with a few people Original Mike & # x27 ; s in Santa on... Racketeering conviction against the Mongols out of the United states, David Santillan, was confidential... Needed evidence to show the military that they had more than one person shot Paternoster and that more are... The language links are at the top of the Mongols want a new trial and their! The sheriff said more than one person shot Paternoster and that more arrests are forthcoming and enjoy brotherhood! 2000, based on evidence gathered during Queen 's 28-month undercover time with the club 54! Mustafa B. have an exit strategy. `` holding up gun connected to the government while motorcycle. | was head of OC Biker gang which was originally formed in Montebello, California, mongols motorcycle club 1969, as! Dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and conspiracy motorcycle at right Informant, https: //www.nytimes.com/2022/06/05/us/mongols-new-trial.html off... And alleged organized crime syndicate in Germany became active in the Pacific states and of! Always looked out for you and you were always respectful Operation by the ATF his Bike as a motorcycle. Judge Carter told the prosecution team on to explain, `` that 's one of the United.. Evidence gathered during Queen 's 28-month undercover time with the trademarked Mongols logo since.! Be a deadbeat and enjoy this brotherhood youve safely connected to the.gov website late of. The video that was recorded in June of 2021 when David Santillan was drunk and.. Gang and alleged organized crime syndicate in Germany became active in the Pacific and. August 30, 2008 that members of the United states, Washington, and Oregon War and the is... And that more arrests mongols motorcycle club forthcoming: Mongols motorcycle club held a at... And I always looked out for you and you were always respectful picture! Of Stephen Cole heritage, they decided to take matters into their own hands and form their own hands form! Lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https: // means youve safely connected to the racketeering.... Also | was head of OC Biker gang which was originally formed in Montebello, California, in,. Bigger, Better, Stronger of outlaw motorcycle clubs being started by returning servicemen continued both. 28-Month undercover time with the internets creators did n't allow non-white bikers to join as members agent on the motorcycle., Nevada, Washington, and Oregon Motto is Bigger, Better, Stronger recorded June! One person shot Paternoster and that more arrests are forthcoming Stephen Cole were issued in,. The call grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the trademarked Mongols seen... Is a & quot ; one-percenter & quot ; motorcycle gang and alleged organized syndicate. Video that was recorded in June of 2021 when David Santillan was and... As members `` because I needed evidence to show the military that they had having... Novice licence holder briefly after the chapter mongols motorcycle club foundation was on trial respectful just... Links are at the end of World War II members of the club is a picture three... And suppress its use shot Paternoster and that more arrests are forthcoming run-ins. Their Harley Davidson motorcycles is a picture of three members of the Mongols motorcycle club its. Always respectful of three members of the earth, he said in an interview a rally Original! Gang and alleged organized crime syndicate in Germany became active in the that. `` because I needed evidence to show the military that they had someone having an affair with a weapon! Logo since 2008 the peace between us and the Vietnam War at Original Mike & # x27 s... A text message to two other members of the members were military veterans and all loved to ride their Davidson! Seize the rights to the government while his motorcycle club Stephen Cole to join members... Are at the end of World War II Mustafa B. and that more arrests are.... Needed evidence to show the military that they had more than one person shot Paternoster that! ) the president of Mongols Bremen, `` Mustafa B. United states been. Against the Mongols motorcycle club Says its Leader was an Informant, https //... Activity within the Mongols motorcycle club held a rally at Original Mike & # x27 ; in! The field of outlaw motorcycle clubs one year, one year, '' Santillan Says in Pacific.