The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (commonly referred to as the Pagan’s) is one of the most infamous outlaw motorcycle clubs in the United States. Formed in the late 1950s and headquartered along the Eastern Seaboard, the Pagan’s have grown into one of America’s “Big Four” outlaw motorcycle clubs, alongside the Hells Angels, Outlaws, and Bandidos. Known for their violent reputation and criminal ties, the Pagan’s have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the motorcycle club world.
Origins and History
The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club was founded in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in the late 1950s. Initially, the club focused on recreational riding and camaraderie. However, its direction shifted significantly under the leadership of John “Satan” Marron in the late 1960s and 1970s. Marron transformed the Pagan’s into a structured and organized criminal enterprise, marking a turning point in the club’s history.
Territory and Membership
The Pagan’s primarily operate along the Eastern Seaboard, with a presence in states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
Membership
- The club is estimated to have over 1,000 members, making it one of the smaller Big Four clubs but still a significant force in its regions.
- Membership is exclusive, with a focus on loyalty and secrecy.
Criminal Activities and Controversies
Over the years, the Pagan’s have been implicated in a wide range of criminal activities, cementing their notoriety in both media and law enforcement circles.
Drug Production and Smuggling
The Pagan’s are widely accused of producing and distributing drugs, including methamphetamine, on a large scale. Their operations are believed to involve coordination with other criminal organizations, such as the Italian Mafia and the Aryan Brotherhood.
Violent Conspiracies and Bombings
- 2010 Grenade Plot: In 2010, 19 members were arrested in New York for allegedly plotting to kill members of the Hells Angels using homemade grenades. This incident highlighted the intense rivalry between the two clubs.
- 2018 Rhode Island Bust: A raid on a Pagan’s clubhouse in Rhode Island uncovered a stash of illegal weapons, including firearms, explosives, and even a rocket launcher.
Ties to Organized Crime
The Pagan’s have long been linked to the Italian Mafia and other organized crime groups, further solidifying their reputation as a major criminal organization.
The Pagan’s and the Big Four
As one of America’s Big Four outlaw motorcycle clubs, the Pagan’s hold a significant position in the motorcycle club hierarchy. Their rivalry with the Hells Angels is particularly intense, often resulting in violent confrontations and turf disputes.
Legacy and Perception
The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club is both feared and respected in the motorcycle world. Their history is marked by a dramatic transformation from a recreational riding club to a powerful criminal organization. Despite numerous arrests and legal challenges, the Pagan’s continue to operate and maintain their influence along the Eastern Seaboard.
Conclusion
The Pagan’s Motorcycle Club has left an indelible mark on American motorcycle culture and organized crime. From their origins in the late 1950s to their current status as one of the Big Four clubs, the Pagan’s exemplify the duality of loyalty and infamy in the world of outlaw motorcycle clubs.
For more insights into the history and operations of similar clubs, explore articles on the Hells Angels, Outlaws Motorcycle Club, and Bandidos Motorcycle Club.
