ATF Press Release

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Six members of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang were arrested today on various violent charges, following a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kern County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol. A seventh additional individual was already in law enforcement custody.

Ricardo Alvarez, 42, of Bakersfield, Armando Villasenor, 55, of Bakersfield, Joseph Soto Sr., 57, of Bakersfield, Joseph Soto Jr., 33, of Bakersfield, Joshua Zavala, 31, of Bakersfield, and John Seeger, 57, of Bakersfield, were all arrested early this morning. Joshua Vaughn, 37, of Bakersfield, was already in custody on other charges. In addition, eight search warrants were executed at various locations throughout Bakersfield.

More than 150 law enforcement personnel seized approximately 25 firearms, ammunition, multiple high-capacity magazines, and gang affiliate paraphernalia.

Alvarez, Villasenor, Soto Sr., Soto Jr., and Zavala are active, patched members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, Bakersfield Chapter. Vaughn and Seeger are members of the Sons Of Hell Motorcycle Club. This sub-affiliate Motorcycle Club takes orders and direction from the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

All suspects were charged with PC 207(a) kidnapping, PC 212.5(A) first degree robbery, PC 422 criminal threats, PC 236(F) false imprisonment, PC 245(a)(2) assault with a firearm, PC 186.22(a) participation in a criminal street gang, PC 182(a)(1) criminal conspiracy, PC 136.1(a)(1) intimidating a witness or victim and PC 368(F) elder abuse and booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Lerdo Facility.

This investigation is ongoing, and charges are being referred to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. For more information about ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division follow on X at @LosAngelesATF. For more information about ATF’s San Franscisco Field Division follow on X at @ATFSanFranscisco.

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