Entire Bakersfield chapter of Hells Angels motorcycle gang arrested in multi-agency investigation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KABC) — The entire Bakersfield chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang was arrested Tuesday on various charges, authorities said.

Six members were arrested following a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kern County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol. A seventh member was already in custody.

The following suspects – all from Bakersfield – were arrested Tuesday morning:

Joshua Vaughn, 37, was already in custody on other charges.

The ATF said Alvarez, Villasenor, Soto Sr., Soto Jr. and Zavala are all “active, patched members” of the Hells Angels, Bakersfield Chapter. Vaughn and Seeger are members of the Sons Of Hell Motorcycle Club, which investigators believe is the sub-affiliated club that receives orders and directives from the Hells Angels.

Approximately 25 firearms, ammunition, several high-capacity magazines and gang-affiliated paraphernalia were seized, according to authorities. Investigators said eight search warrants were also executed at various locations throughout Bakersfield.

All suspects were charged with kidnapping, robbery, criminal threats, forcible confinement, assault with a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, criminal conspiracy, intimidation of a witness or a victim of elder abuse.

They were all booked into the Lerdo office of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.