In an ongoing investigation, Vincent Romanino, 42, and Joshualee Garcia, 33, were the latest to be arrested in Florida for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of a biker named Dominick Paternoster, 46. This brings the suspect count to four. Both individuals face charges related to aiding in first-degree felony murder. Currently, Romanino is in Faulkenburg Road Jail, and Garcia is in the Pasco County Jail.
Paternoster was a member of the Raiders, a group with connections to the Mongols motorcycle club. His life was taken earlier this year when he was shot in his Palm Harbor residence, close to Tampa. His killers believed he was informing on them to law enforcement.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri shared insights about this case during a press event. He highlighted that in August 2022, another suspect, Paul Mogilevsky, 48, was identified and charged with first-degree murder. A fourth man, Dylan Pascale, 36, is also reportedly facing similar charges.
The court trial associated with this murder is scheduled to start in 2024 and might run for about three weeks, according to Paul Mogilevsky’s attorney, Roger Futerman. Despite facing major charges, Mogilevsky has entered a not guilty plea and hasn’t proposed any deals.
The broader picture points to the dubious nature of some motorcycle clubs, with the Mongols being a prominent example. Sheriff Gualtieri emphasized that these groups aren’t merely motorcycle enthusiasts but are organized crime units. Their illegal involvements are vast and go beyond just youthful indiscretions.
Dylan Pascale’s testimony about the night of the murder has proven crucial. He stated that he and another individual took Paternoster back to his home from Tampa and left him resting. However, certain pieces of evidence, including shell casings with Pascale’s DNA near the deceased, suggest multiple participants and guns were involved in the murder.
The Mongols motorcycle club, founded in California, is now found all over the US. As per Sheriff Gualtieri, the club embodies organized crime. Its members indulge in various unlawful acts and are recognizable by their distinctive motorcycle jackets that showcase their “colors.” These aren’t just decorations; they signify a key induction process in the club.
