OFF THE WIRE
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — The international president of the Vagos motorcycle club has pleaded not guilty to street terrorism and stealing a Harley-Davidson.
The San Bernardino Sun says Pastor Fausto Palafox entered the pleas Thursday in San Bernardino to felony vehicle theft, possession of a stolen motorcycle and street terrorism.
He's free on bail.
Palafox and others were arrested during an 18-month, seven-county sweep against the Vagos club. Authorities announced in October that drugs and hundreds of weapons, including a rocket launcher, were seized during the operation.
Authorities contend the club is a criminal biker gang.
However, the lawyer for Palafox, Joseph Yanny, calls his client a "God-fearing man" and says the club is a fraternal organization that includes doctors, lawyers and business owners.
