Lou, If you read Wikipedia, which just popped up when I did a search for them, then I understand why you mentioned WA, OR, NV, etc. But its all bullshit so forget it. There is so much bullshit false info on Wikipedia, about most any subject, that I don't even consider them to be a legit viable source on anything.
Like I said, they are an "East Coast" club and operate primarily in NY, NJ, PA, MD (where they originated,) VA, WV, NC, SC, and now as far down as FL.
What you're about to read below (which, BTW, is from an official U.S. Government site) is a much more realistic and accurate depiction of their M.C. Club, strength and reach.
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“THE PAGANS”
The Pagans' organization, often referred to as the Pagan Nation, appears to be going through great changes. Authorities, in some states, say that the power once reli"hed by the Pagans in their state has diminished; however, other state authorities report that the Pagans are becoming more powerful than ever.
The Pagans have 17 chapters in the United States located in Delaware;?New Jersey; Virginia; West Virginia; Florida; New York; Maryland; Pennsylvania; North and South Carolina; and Ohio. Membership is estimated to be between 150 and 200.
The Pagans are different from the other major gangs in that their bottom rocker doesn't delineate the state of which holds their membership; instead, it reads "East Coast." Pagans claim the entire East Coast as their dominion.
Pagans no longer have clubhouses to carry on gang business; instead, meet in members' houses to members' houses. This came about after the 1983 RICO investigation into the Pagans. A case which was successful in prosecuting 20 plus members for assorted weapon, narcotic, and conspiracy charges.
Other organizational changes brought about from that RICO investigation was the change in the Pagans' national bylaws. Prior to the case, the bylaws said that the Pagans' national president was paid the same salary as that of the President of the United States. It also stated the mother chapter oversaw the organizational activities. Each member of the mother chapter had certain chapters (a region) which reported to him and likewise.
The byldws (prior to the RICO investigation) determined which chapters would sell dope, where they would sell it, and to whom they would sell it to. It also stated the main responsibility of the members of the mother chapter was to collect the dope money. Their bylaws wete the first piece of evidence presented in the RICO case.
In West Virginia in 1989, 35 members of the Pagans--including the national president and vice-president--were arrested for their involvement in a large-scale narcotics operation. Since that investigation, the Pagans in West Virginia have kept a low profile.
Authorities in Virginia had reported that the Pagans in their state are steadily becoming stronger. In 1987, only five members of the Pagans were active. In 1990, authorities reported 45 active members. However, in August of 1990, more than two dozen members wete arrested behind a major narcotic investigation. Just last year, several members were found to be involved in large-scale fraud--filing false claims for stolen cars and motorcycles. Hopefully, this investigation will a minimize their activity for awhile.
In Pennsylvania, the Pagans have been severely hampered 'by successful large- scale investigations. Yet, other outlaw motorcycle gangs not previously targeted by law enforcement have started to take over the illegal operations once controlled by the Pagans.
In New York, authorities report a resurgence of Pagan activ'ity--associating it to the growing popularity of methamphetamine on the East Coast.
And, it now appears that the North Carolina chapter, once defunct, has been reopened.
