HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Early Wednesday morning, a multi-jurisdictional task force arrested a senior member of the Pagan outlaw motorcycle gang on charges of illegal possession of weapons and explosive devices as part of an on-going investigation.
Jay Carl Wagner, 66, of the 600 block of Antietam Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland, was arrested by task force investigators early this morning following the execution of a search and seizure warrant. Investigators describe him as a leader within the top ranks of the Pagan Motorycle Club. State, federal and local investigators, who have been looking into illegal activities of the Pagans, determined that weapons and explosive devices were being stored at the residence. Due to past convictions of crimes, he is prohibited from possessing any regulated firearms in the state of Maryland and federally he is prohibited from possessing any rifles, handguns or ammunition.
Shortly before 6:00 a.m., investigators from the Maryland State Police, Maryland State’s Fire Marshal’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Department and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Federal Bureau of Investigation surrounded the single family home. The initial stages of the search and seizure warrant were conducted by tactical members of the Maryland State Police, Montgomery County and Howard County S.W.A.T. teams, who quickly took the suspect into custody without incident.
State Fire Marshals deployed a robot into the house to check for ‘booby-traps’ or other devices which might have been rigged to injure investigators. Following the sweep of the house by the robot, task force members discovered more than 20 firearms, including handguns and rifles. Improvised explosive devices and large quantities of ammunition were also found.
The Pagan outlaw motorcycle gang is one of the four largest outlaw motorcycle gangs in the country. Pagan members have been involved in criminal activities including those relating to firearms violations, drug related offenses and violent assaults of both rival motorcycle gang members and civilians, say police.
Jay Carl Wagner was transported to the Hagerstown Barrack for processing and will be taken before a District Court Commisioner this evening. He is facing numerous counts of firearms violations and charges relating to possession of explosive devices. Federal charges against him are pending.
The Maryland State Police will continue to investigate this and other violent gangs throughout Maryland and focus efforts to reduce crimes involving illegal possession of firearms.