Forty-one members and associates of the Devils Diciples Motorcycle Gang, including National President Jeff Garvin Smith and National Vice President Paul Anthony Darrah, have been indicted on federal charges.
An indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Michigan charges the defendants with participating in a variety of criminal offenses, including violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, obstruction of justice, and other federal offenses.
Thirty-one defendants were arrested today in Michigan and Alabama, while five defendants were already in custody. More than 60 firearms and over 6,000 rounds of ammunition were seized during the investigation.
Eight methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories were dismantled during the investigation, and the indictment alleges that the Devils Diciples members and associates participated in various criminal acts, including murder, robbery, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Eighteen of the defendants, including Smith and Darrah, are charged with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act by conducting their illegal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity.
The indictment states that the Devils Diciples is a criminal enterprise with its national headquarters in Clinton Township, Mich., and regional chapters in cities throughout Michigan, Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and elsewhere.
“For years, the Devils Diciples have spread fear in cities throughout Michigan and around the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer. “This violent criminal enterprise allegedly profits from drug trafficking and illegal gambling, and uses intimidation and violence to silence its adversaries and maintain control over its members.”
“Removing violent criminal organizations from our community is essential to attaining the quality of life we expect and deserve,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. “Federal law enforcement is using all legal tools available to prosecute violent criminal enterprises like this one.”
The FBI appreciates the strong law enforcement partnerships leading to this activity and will continue its commitment to state and local communities to address this violent, and often brutal, criminal threat across the U.S.
The indictment alleges that membership in the Devils Diciples is based in part on successfully completing a probationary period, followed by formal approval by one or more members or leaders. Members are required to own Harley Davidson motorcycles and are commonly referred to as “full patched members.”
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