FBI Identifies Macomb Man as Leader of 'Violent Criminal' Motorcycle Gang

Federal authorities say a Macomb Township man was one of the leaders of a Clinton Township-based motorcycle gang accused of drug trafficking, robbery, gambling and countless violent crimes.

Paul Anthony “Pauli” Darrah, 47, was among 41 members of the Devils Diciples Motorcycle Gang identified in an 83-page federal indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Darrah was the club's national vice president.

“For years, according to the indictment, the Devils Diciples (sic) have spread fear in cities throughout Michigan and around the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer. “This violent criminal enterprise allegedly profits from drug trafficking and illegal gambling, and uses intimidation and violence to silence its adversaries and maintain control over its members.”

While the Devils Diciples had its national headquarters in Clinton Township, it operated chapters across the country, from California to Ohio and Indiana to Arizona, according to the indictment.

Darrah, along with 17 other defendants, is charged with violations under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The indictment alleges that the group profited by conducting a variety of criminal activities, including gambling, robbery, running meth labs and selling stolen motorcycles. 

Membership in the group is based on successfully completing a probationary period, followed by formal approval by one or more members or leaders, according to the indictment. Members are required to own Harley Davidson motorcycles and use a club name or nickname to conceal their identity from law enforcement.

"Members are required to follow orders from leadership, including orders to assault or use threats and intimidation against others, to transport or distribute drugs, to lie to law enforcement, or to hide or destroy evidence," according to an FBI press release. "Members are also required to follow the Devils Diciples by-laws and attend regular meetings referred to as 'church.'"

The indictment unsealed Friday alleges that 41 Devils Diciples committed acts such as attempted murder, robbery, extortion, assault, and threats of violence to maintain the territory of the organization and to protect the organization and its members from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

According to the new indictment, federal authorities seized more than 60 guns and 6,000 rounds of ammunition during their latest investigation. They also shut down eight meth labs.

Members of the gang were previously indicted in April 2009 on allegations of assault, illegal gambling, drug sales and insurance fraud. The indictments were later dropped.

Several agencies assisted on the investigation including the FBI, the Michigan State Police and the Macomb and St. Clair County sheriff’s offices.