Investigation of motorcycle gang leads to 32 indictments

“Luck” had little to do with it.

At least 25 people were arrested Thursday after a four-year investigation of motorcycle gangs in Las Vegas grew into a federal case involving several agencies and spanning several states.

Operation Pure Luck saw 32 people indicted on federal and state charges, mostly related to firearm and drug crimes. The warrants were served early Thursday.

The investigation began when undercover Las Vegas police officers infiltrated the Vagos outlaw motorcycle gang in the wake of a series of high-profile crimes involving motorcycle gangs years ago, including the 2002 brawl between Hells Angels and Mongols at the Laughlin River Run and another brawl between the gangs at a Las Vegas wedding chapel in 2008.

Authorities picked the name Pure Luck because the opportunity to access the Vagos, linked to notable criminal incidents in Nevada, was a lucky break that panned out beyond expectations, police said.

But the case soon grew in scope, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives became involved. The long-term operation netted
7.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 161 grams of cocaine, 2,000 prescription pills, 43 firearms and $8,100.

Many of the suspects are high-ranking members of motorcycle gangs, including the Vagos, Bandidos, Green Machine, Wicked Riderz and the Chosen Few, Las Vegas police Assistant Sheriff Greg McCurdy said at a news conference announcing the charges.

In addition to Las Vegas police and the ATF, U.S. marshals, Henderson police, North Las Vegas police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and the Montebello, Calif., Police Department aided the investigation, he said.

“It is important that these individuals understand we’re going to come at them from all directions, utilizing all the resources available and our law enforcement partnerships,” McCurdy said.

Joseph Riehl, special agent in charge of the ATF in San Francisco, said authorities focused on violent criminals who used firearms.

Nevada U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said 15 people were arrested on federal charges in Las Vegas.

Their names were not available.

Four locals were arrested solely on state charges: Chad Kruger, 46, of Henderson, arrested on theft and insurance fraud charges; George Ward, 44, of Las Vegas, arrested on drug trafficking charges; Steven Shaw, 39, of Las Vegas, arrested on theft and insurance fraud charges; and Michael Hughes, 40, of Las Vegas, arrested on charges of conspiracy to distribute hydrocodone.

Three others from Hawaii were charged with battery and false imprisonment in Clark County: Donald Dussell, 58; Victor Ramirez, 31; and Edward Chelby, 53.

Police said the investigation resulted in spinoff investigations and additional arrests in California, Utah, Arizona, Texas, New York and Hawaii.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said the arrests are the first step.

“It’s up to our prosecutors’ offices to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that these criminals are punished,” he said.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283. Follow @blasky on Twitter.