Leader of Massachusetts Pagans biker gang among 49 arrested in raid that netted drugs and 53 guns
* By Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com

A year-long investigation of biker gangs in Rhode Island led to the arrests of at least 49 people and the seizure of 53 illegal guns. (Rhode Island State Police)

The leader of the Massachusetts Pagans motorcycle gang was among 49 people arrested this week following a year-long investigation by Rhode Island authorities that resulted in the seizure of 53 illegal guns as well as large quantities of heroin and other drugs, according to officials.

Col. Ann C. Assumpico, the superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, announced the arrests Wednesday, saying that the bust is believed to be the single largest takedown in the Rhode Island State Police history.

The investigation focused on two gangs, The Pagans and Kryptmen, whose members were allegedly involved in gun and drug trafficking and other criminal activity, officials said.

Jason Oliver from Fall River was identified as the leader of the Massachusetts Pagans biker gang, according to Rhode Island State Police. He was among 49 people arrested, several of whom are Massachusetts residents.

The arrests were made following a series of pre-dawn raids conducted by authorities. Most of the raids were conducted at Rhode Island addresses, but police received search warrants for and raided the following properties in Massachusetts: 111 Pulaski Blvd. in Bellingham; 7 Old Mendon Road in Blackstone; 30 Old Worcester Road in Charlton; and 196 West St. in Milford.

"These gang members are not recreational bikers organizing local charities. These are violent criminals who belong to some of the most sinister motorcycle gangs in this country," Assumpico said in a statement. "[Wednesday's] arrests send a clear and convincing message: we will not allow motorcycle gangs and other criminals to sell guns and drugs on our streets and commit violent crimes in our communities."

In conducting the raids shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday, authorities used explosive devices to breach heavily fortified buildings, an armored truck and battering ram to break down doors, and dozens of heavily armed SWAT team members and other officers, Rhode Island State Police said.

The raids were conducted without incident.

Escalating tension and an increased risk of violence in recent weeks led to the decision to conduct the raids Wednesday, according to Rhode Island State Police Lt. Colonel Philbin.

Massachusetts residents arrested in the raid included Robert Hamilton, of Franklin; Lisa Kakazu, of Bellingham; Marc Bunnell, of Blackstone; and Jason Oliver, of Fall River.

Massachusetts residents still wanted by authorities include Robert Gill, of Blackstone; Robert Minior, of Milford; and Joejihao Qian, of Norwood.

The 12-month investigation was dubbed Operation Patched Out and included assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, among other agencies.

In addition to the 53 illegal guns that were seized, authorities also discovered large quantities of marijuana, crack, cocaine and heroin, Rhode Island State Police said.

Rhode Island State Police investigators intercepted thousands of phone calls and text messages through electronic surveillance and court-ordered wiretaps through the investigation.

The investigation also revealed what Rhode Island State Police called "extensive evidence" of other criminal activity, including large-scale gun and drug trafficking; widespread theft and sale of stolen ATVs, lawn tractors, snow blowers and other equipment; and fraudulent mortgage and bank activity.