Authentic Mexican food in Sterling Heights is a bit unorthodox but perfectly nestled in a strip mall at the corner of 15 Mile and Ryan Road. There, you will find Aref ‘Steve’ Nagi, popularly known as ‘Scarface’ either seating and serving customers or getting ready for his next community-related meeting at Pancho Villas.
Steve is rebuilding his life after a tumultuous legal battle that led to his early release from prison in 2021. His incarceration came as a result of his involvement with the notorious biker gang, the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club, located in southwest Detroit on Michigan Avenue. Over the years, the gang has been the subject of several large-scale investigations by law enforcement agencies. One of these investigations took place in 2007 and culminated in the arrest of 40 members and associates of the gang. The charges against these individuals ranged from racketeering and extortion to drug trafficking and police corruption. Nagi was one of the gang’s leaders and was among those arrested. He was subsequently sentenced to 37 years in prison.
Today, Nagi is on a path of redemption that transcends the shadows of his past. Notably, before his legal troubles began, Nagi had a thriving career as a restaurant and bar owner, where he was celebrated for his passion for the hospitality industry and dedication to excellent customer service – a legacy he is determined to continue to build.
“My daughter kept this place (Pancho Villas) open at 17 years old and didn’t know anything about the business then, but today knows more than I do. Right now, with the trauma of being locked up, two years of being out is not going to fix 15 years of damage,” Nagi says.
Nagi’s daughter, Amani Nagi, took on the role of restaurant owner at a young age and is taking it one day at a time to adjust to the family’s new normal with her father back in her life. “Starting my journey in the restaurant industry at 17 posed its challenges. It was my first job, and I had to learn about running a business and develop my interpersonal skills to connect with people on a deeper level. As time passed, I gradually grew comfortable stepping into the shoes my father once filled. Coming from a close-knit, large family, we understand the importance of unity and teamwork, which we apply in our restaurant. Our team is like family, and our customers are treated as such. Of course, it required tremendous hard work, with long days and nights. However, at the end of it all, I don’t see it as work but as taking care of my extended family,” says Amani.
Today, Steve Nagi holds many titles besides the founder and CEO of Pancho Villas. He is the Founder and Program Coordinator of Steps2Change, a locally-based non-profit organization that creates safe social and emotional learning spaces for high school students. Nagi volunteers weekly in high schools downriver, such as Melvindale High School, and at Pershing High School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
He speaks with students who may be troubled, just want someone to connect with, or simply listen to them. Nagi is surrounded by individuals who are just as passionate about making change in the community and with the youth of the community. He has been working alongside organizers for Southwest Detroit youth like Joanna and Vanessa Velazquez. “It’s important to mention that the students are leaders, and what this organization (Steps2Change) grows into will be created by them,” Vanessa says.
Nagi is committed to restoring his place in the community as a restaurant owner and advocating for youth before he started heading down the wrong path. He has intensified his plan to rebuild trust and redefine his narrative by connecting with other nonprofits across the country. The challenges ahead are undeniable as Nagi continues to face skepticism and preconceived notions about his past and the possibility of returning to prison.
“The students I work with come and want to discuss their issues. I volunteer my time, and these kids are learning to organize. I know transportation is a problem, but children come from everywhere; some walk to the school, some from Ecorse, and some from Southwest Detroit,” Nagi says.
The road to redemption is often fraught with challenges, and Nagi is no stranger to the uphill battle ahead. The former vice president of the Highwaymen Motorcycle Club is now presented with a chance to distance himself from the shadow of allegations and create a new course toward rehabilitation.
Navigating the complexities of reintegration into society, Nagi is continuously working to mend broken relationships, rebuild trust, and prove that he is committed to a path dedicated to the betterment of his community. It’s a journey that requires resilience, accountability, and a genuine desire for change. Nagi is checking all the boxes so far.
“Every week, I’m in therapy, and I decided when I got out, everyone was so excited, saying, ‘Oh Scarface, you’re out.’ I tell people Scarface died in 2007. People just wanted to hear gangster stories; they didn’t want to hear about my family; most stories about me were fabricated. I’m not saying I was a Boy Scout, but many stories were made up,” Nagi says.
It is worth noting that redemption is a journey, not a destination. Nagi’s story is still unfolding as he navigates his newfound freedom. He is optimistic about creating and leaving his legacy for his children and grandchildren.
