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Trial begins for two men accused of being Pagan motorcycle club members, beating former member

WASHINGTON, Pa. — 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 Olinksy, started Tuesday.

Video from inside the Charleroi Slovak Club allegedly shows 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. The men took turns punching and stomping the man as he was knocked to the ground, according to prosecutors.

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In opening statements, prosecutors told the jury the motorcycle club are outlaws who use outlaw justice who 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 and that the Pagan gang’s reputation should not sway jurors.

RELATED: 6 motorcycle club members charged with attempted homicide in violent attack at bar

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.

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