Thomas Schmidt, Racketeering, New York 2014

Defendants Charged with Racketeering, Narcotics, and Money Laundering Offenses

Six members and associates of the Hells Angels were taken into federal custody on charges of racketeering, narcotics, and money laundering offenses. The defendants, including Thomas Schmidt, Joseph Kaplan, John Calvacchio, Jeff Amato, Gary Paganelli, and Michael Piccione, were arrested in connection with a multi-count indictment.

According to the indictment, the New Roc Hells Angels were a criminal enterprise that operated in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties from 2008 to 2014. The gang’s objectives included narcotics trafficking, extortion, money laundering, contraband cigarettes, prostitution, and altered motor vehicle parts.

The indictment alleges that members and associates of the New Roc Hells Angels engaged in acts of violence against rival gang members, including a December 2012 gang assault against a rival motorcycle gang, the Diablos. During the assault, a member of the Diablos was beaten on the head with a hammer at a restaurant in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The indictment charges Thomas Schmidt, the former Vice-President of the New Roc Hells Angels, with participating in a racketeering conspiracy. Joseph Kaplan and Thomas Schmidt are also charged with assault in aid of racketeering activity in connection with the December 2012 assault of a member of a rival gang.

The indictment also charges Thomas Schmidt, Michael Piccione, John Calvacchio, Jeff Amato, and Gary Paganelli with participating in a narcotics conspiracy, in connection with the distribution of cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana. Additionally, Thomas Schmidt and Michael Piccione are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel. The defendants are expected to appear in court for a bail hearing.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said, "As alleged, through the sale of cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana and their violent conflict with rival gangs, members of the New Roc Hells Angels wreaked havoc on the streets of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties."

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. added, "Violent gangs such as the Hells Angels often use violence and intimidation as a means to establish themselves or protect their 'turf.' In this case, they allegedly used those tactics by attacking a rival gang member with a hammer in the middle of a restaurant and placing innocent people in danger."

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