Who is the head of Pagan Motorcycle club? Violent biker gang reportedly operating in NYC
"Pagans are riding the streets of New York City today, flying their colors," noted former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agent Ken Croke on March 19. His warning was in reference to the biker gang The Pagan's Motorcycle Club, known for their brutal violence, drug trade, and sex crimes. A decade after Croke helped bring the gang to its knees, it is now on a resurgence amidst America's massive crime wave.
Gangs have been linked to several brutal murders over the past two years, as the US sees a shocking uptick in crime. In August 2021, the NYPD nabbed several members of the Chico Gang of East Harlem, related to 21 shootings in the city. That same month, the Ninedee Gang was identified as being responsible for the shooting of federal witness Shatavia Walls. In April 2021, the Latin Kings gang warned of retribution for the police shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo.
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While NYC is a key hub for gang activity, it is far from the only city to suffer the consequences. All over the US, gangs are being identified as key contributors to America's gun violence epidemic, despite efforts by the government to shut them down. The Pagan's Motorcycle Club is a good example of that in action. Thanks to Croke's efforts, 20 Pagans were arrested and jailed in 2008, but it appears that they are still alive and doing well in 2022.
Who is the head of Pagan Motorcycle club?
The current leader has been identified as Robert 'Big Bob' Francis, who is from Virginia. Back in August 2021, The Gangster Report said "Francis was hand-picked by his predecessor, Keith (Conan the Barbarian) Richter." The 62-year-old Francis reportedly served "as one of Richter’s most-trusted advisers and top enforcers." Dubbed as the "good cop" during Richter's regime, he is reportedly believed to prefer a more low-key approach over his former boss.
Reports say Francis was one of the 73 Pagans arrested over the infamous 2002 brawl with the Hell's Angels in Long Island. It's unclear if Francis spent any time in jail over that arrest. Beyond that, little is known about Francis, who doesn't appear to have a presence on social media. Francis was handed the role after Richter was arrested for secretly carrying a loaded gun during a New Jersey traffic stop.
Under Richter, the group saw a massive expansion into the East Coast, along with several chapters in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona. Now it appears the group is expanding on its home turf of NYC and doing so rather openly. Speaking to The New York Post, Croke said, "There are s--tloads of Pagans running around, actively recruiting and have been for years." Croke said the group has 12 chapters in New York, with four inside NYC itself.
He's worried because, unlike the Hell's Angels, the Pagans "are just violent individuals. They’re bad dudes." In his book about his takedown of the group, Croke wrote "Pagan members sold crystal meth and guns, gang-raped women, brutalized rivals, and extorted businesses." The book's co-author, Dave Wedge noted, "The Pagans intimidate, the have a history of white supremacy, they’re misogynists, and they pump communities full of drugs and misery."