CHARLESTON, W.Va. — National leaders of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and more than 50 members and associates of the outlaw biker gang are accused of plotting to kill and extort rivals to consolidate the club's power, according to an indictment unsealed today.

The defendants include national Pagans President David Keith "Bart" Barbeito of Myersville, Md., and national Vice President Floyd B. "Jesse" Moore of St. Albans. Prosecutors said both were in custody but did not know if they had attorneys. Also named are members and associates in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida.

The 44-count indictment unsealed in Charleston centers on the Pagans' efforts to remain the pre-eminent biker gang in the region, said Charles Miller, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Many of the charges detail violent efforts to intimidate and extort smaller biker gangs and clubs, and illegal gambling centered on raffles for nonexistent motorcycles. Other crimes listed in the 83-page document include drug dealing and weapons violations.