6 Hell’s Angels Accused of Selling Drugs in Putnam and Dutchess Counties
A group of Hells Angels members are accused of selling drugs all over southern New York, money laundering, assault and more.
According to the indictment unsealed in Southern District of New York Court, the New Roc Hells Angels sold cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties for at least five years. The group are also accused of extortion, money laundering, contraband cigarettes, prostitution and altered motor vehicle parts.
Members and associates of the New Roc Hells Angels also allegedly beat up a member of a rival gang at a Poughkeepsie diner with a hammer in front of other customers in December 2012.
Thomas Schmidt, 52, of Staten Island was charged with racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, assault and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Joseph Kaplan, 30, of Valhalla was arrested for assault. Michael Piccione, 33, of California was arrested for conspiracy to commit money laundering and narcotics conspiracy.
John Calvacchio, 53, of Kent; 47-year-old Gary Paganelli of Cortlandt Manor; and 50-year-old Jeff Amato from Mamaroneck were all charged with narcotics conspiracy.
Amato was additionally charged with intent to sell meth. Paganelli was also charged with intent to sell cocaine.
The group faces 20 years to life in prison.