Operation Black Rain
Encyclopedia
Operation Black Rain was an operation
by the ATF
in 2008 to stop alleged criminal activity within the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
s were carried out in the operation. Initially, the US government also issued a court order to prohibit the use of the Mongols MC logo and emblem, so the traditional Mongols symbols could no longer be worn. However, in a ruling issued on September 21, 2010, Federal District Judge Otis D. Wright declared that the U.S. Government cannot seize the name and patch of the club.
had exclusive access to the operation, and broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the many arrests.
and others pleaded guilty to the racketeering charge and Cavazos faces up to 20 years in prison along with the others arrested.
Cavazos was later voted out of the club by its members on August 30, 2008.
Sting operation
In law enforcement, a sting operation is a deceptive operation designed to catch a person committing a crime. A typical sting will have a law-enforcement officer or cooperative member of the public play a role as criminal partner or potential victim and go along with a suspect's actions to gather...
by the ATF
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is a federal law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Justice...
in 2008 to stop alleged criminal activity within the Mongols Motorcycle Club.
Background
As part of the operation, four agents became patched members of the club. In the end, a large indictment was issued to over 50 members, including senior leaders of the club.Outcome
Operation Black Rain resulted in the arrest of 38 members of the Mongols motorcycle club, including the club's president, Ruben "Doc" Cavazos. Federal authorities also served over 160 search warrants in California, Ohio, Colorado, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. A total of 110 arrest warrantArrest warrant
An arrest warrant is a warrant issued by and on behalf of the state, which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.-Canada:Arrest warrants are issued by a judge or justice of the peace under the Criminal Code of Canada....
s were carried out in the operation. Initially, the US government also issued a court order to prohibit the use of the Mongols MC logo and emblem, so the traditional Mongols symbols could no longer be worn. However, in a ruling issued on September 21, 2010, Federal District Judge Otis D. Wright declared that the U.S. Government cannot seize the name and patch of the club.
Media coverage
The television show America's Most WantedAmerica's Most Wanted
America's Most Wanted is an American television program produced by 20th Television, and was the longest-running program of any kind in the history of the Fox Television Network until it was announced on May 16, 2011 that the series was canceled after twenty-three years, with the final episode...
had exclusive access to the operation, and broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the many arrests.
Charges
The club president Ruben CavazosRuben Cavazos
Ruben "Doc" Cavazos is an American criminal and former International President of the Mongols Motorcycle Club. His autobiography, Honor Few, Fear None: The Life & Times of a Mongol, was published by HarperCollins in June 2008....
and others pleaded guilty to the racketeering charge and Cavazos faces up to 20 years in prison along with the others arrested.
Cavazos was later voted out of the club by its members on August 30, 2008.