Testimony Begins In Charleroi Club Beating Trial

WASHINGTON, Pa. – (WPXI) – Five men pleaded guilty in severely beating a former member of the Pagan motorcycle gang in a bar last April. The trial for another two men, Matthew Vazquez and Joseph Olinsky III, started Tuesday. Video from inside the Charleroi Slovak Club showed seven Pagan motorcycle club members enter in a single file line and go straight for the victim, who was drinking a beer at the bar. Prosecutors said the men took turns punching and stomping the man as he was knocked to the ground. In opening statements, prosecutors told the jury the motorcycle club are outlaws who use outlaw justice. They were angry at the former member for joining another club. An emergency room surgeon who treated the victim the night of the attack said the man suffered permanent brain damage and had a face full of broken bones. Vazquez’s defense attorney argued his client could be seen in the bar video throwing just one punch. The attorney said the Pagan gang reputation should not sway jurors. He described Vazquez as a hardworking single father who joined the club for brotherhood, friendships and charitable rides. Olinsky’s attorney said the video showed her client was the first to leave and that he did not conspire against, hit or kick the victim.