National leader of Pagan biker gang caught in local drug raid
A man believed to be the national president of the Pagans motorcycle gang was taken into custody Wednesday after police conducted a drug raid at his home in Hempfield, Westmoreland County.
State police Trooper Steve Limani said Dennis “Rooster” Katona, 45, of 113 Ember Lane was charged before District Judge Joseph Dalfonso with possession and manufacture of drugs with intent to deliver and other drug related charges following the raid led by a state police SWAT team.
“We served a sealed search warrant at his residence following an investigation into his alleged distribution of cocaine and methamphetamines,” Limani said.
He said that no one was injured during the raid.
He also noted that about $20,000 worth of illegal drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamines were seized during the warrant service as well as drug-related materials.
Katona was placed in the Westmoreland County Prison on $750,000 straight cash bond following his arraignment on Thursday.
Limani said that Katona’s ties with the Pagans played no role in his arrest.
According to court documents, Katona served five years in federal prison for participating in an attack on the rival biker gang known as the Hells Angels in 2002 in Long Island, N.J.
He is allegedly the national chapter president of the biker gang that has long held ties to the region and at least one active chapter in Fayette County.
Officials said that the motorcycle gang currently operates out of its headquarters in Fallowfield Township, Washington County.