A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, James W. Prettyman, pleaded guilty on March 12 before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays for his role in a series of armed assaults targeting rival motorcycle club members.
Prettyman, also known as “Rugby,” age 44 and from Kansas City, Missouri, admitted guilt to one count of attempt to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, on September 3, 2022, Prettyman and other members traveled to Topeka, Kansas intending to attack a rival gang during an event. The group planned to use either an axe handle or a gun but left after an internal disagreement. Two weeks later, on September 17, Prettyman and others chased down a lone rival gang member in Blue Springs, Missouri. Armed with firearms and at least one axe handle, they forced the victim off the road and confronted him. The victim was shot seven times in various parts of his body.
Under federal law, Prettyman faces between five years and life in prison without parole. Sentencing will be determined by the court following completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith are prosecuting the case after investigations by multiple agencies including the FBI and local police departments.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The task force brings together several federal agencies to combat criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri supports community outreach programs addressing violent crime and drug trafficking according to its official website. The office has locations in Kansas City, Jefferson City, and Springfield according to its official website, is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Justice according to its official website, handles federal prosecutions across 66 counties according to its official website, covers jurisdiction from Iowa to Arkansas borders according to its official website, and collaborates with various law enforcement partners according to its official website.
The outcome of this case may have broader implications for efforts aimed at reducing organized gang violence through coordinated law enforcement actions.
