US sweep nets 38 in biker gang

Members face range of charges

LOS ANGELES - Dozens of burly, tattoo-covered members of the Mongol motorcycle gang were arrested yesterday by federal agents in six states, following a three-year investigation in which undercover agents infiltrated the group.

At least 38 members of the Southern California-based Mongol Motorcycle Club were arrested under a federal racketeering indictment that included charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, as well as gun and drug violations, said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spokesman Mike Hoffman.

During some arrests, sharpshooters stood guard on surrounding rooftops as motorcycles were lined up and confiscated.

"It's going to be a large hit to their organization. We are arresting many of their top members," Hoffman said.

Among those arrested were the gang's former national president, Ruben Cavazos.

Federal and local agents had 110 federal arrest warrants and 160 search warrants that were being served across Southern California and in Nevada, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Ohio.

The sweep, dubbed Operation Black Rain, was to continue throughout the day yesterday, agents said

The Mongols are primarily Latino and formed because the Hells Angels refused to allow Hispanic members.