Department of Justice Investigation into Vagos Motorcycle Gang Results in 26 Arrests And Seizure of Drugs, Guns and Cash

(SACRAMENTO) – A California Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into alleged gang and drug trafficking activities of several members of the Vagos Motorcycle Club has resulted in the arrests of 26 people and the seizure of more than $127,000 in cash and illegal drugs and guns, including three assault weapons. The investigation is ongoing.

Since the investigation began in April 2004, DOJ firearms and narcotics agents and officers, assisted by officers from other state and local law enforcement agencies, served 26 search warrants and conducted three probation searches. As a result of the investigation, 25 adults and one minor were arrested for various drug-related charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute steroids. Of those arrested, four confirmed members of the Vagos Club also were charged with smuggling steroids into the United States from Mexico.

Information developed during the investigation led to the arrest by Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies of Richard Gama, 37, of West Sacramento. Gama faces charges involving the homicide of Edward J. Bustillos, 42, in Rio Linda on August 12, 2003.

Seized during the investigation were more than 100 pounds of marijuana, valued at $500,000; more than one pound of methamphetamine, valued at $12,000; 250 tablets of Vicodin, valued at $625; 250 tablets of Oxycodin, valued at $625; and steroids valued at $5,000.

In addition, the following items were seized during the searches and pursuant to asset forfeiture proceedings: 18 handguns, including six that were stolen; three assault weapons, including one that was stolen; five shotguns, including one illegal sawed-off shotgun; eight rifles; more than $127,000 in cash; 13 Harley Davidson motorcycles, including five that were stolen; nine vehicles, including two Hummer H2s; two boats; and a motor home.

Arrested were the following adults:

• DOERR, Wayne Carl, 37, Rio Linda
• SPROLES, Bart Johnson, 34, Rio Linda
• COTTON, Brian Joseph, 23, Orangevale
• NEAL, Peter Afton, 24, North Highlands
• MENDOZA, Francisco Pancho, 30, Sacramento
• GAMA, Christy Gwin, 22, North Highlands
• HARRISON, Robert Allen, 46, Sacramento
• MENDOZA, Benjamin Olivares, 43, Sacramento
• RICHIE, Billie Jack, 24, Galt
• STALLINGS, Quentin, 26, Rio Linda
• VANDEVENTER, Michael Erin, 26, Sacramento
• WALTMAN, Glenn Everett, 43, Sacramento
• DEBUSK, Zona Mae, 45, North Highlands
• HARE, Michael, 34, Sacramento
• GAMA, Anna, 35, Del Paso Heights
• GAMA, Richard, 37, West Sacramento
• RICCI, Charlotte, 18, Rio Linda
• SMITH, Lauren, 54, Sacramento
• MIRANDA, Miguel, 40, Sacramento
• SALAZAR, Erica, 31, Sacramento
• SALAZAR, Eva, 57, Sacramento
• CACHO, Jorge, 53, Chula Vista
• RAYMUNDO, Javier, 54, Sacramento
• GARRETT, Michael, 28, Sacramento
• MANOR, Christina, 51, Sacramento

Agencies assisting DOJ in the investigation include: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, Sacramento Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Placer County Drug Task Force, Yuba-Sutter Narcotics Task Force, Yolo County Narcotics Task Force, West Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento County Probation Department.