As the bloody fight for control of the Montreal mafia rages on the city of Laval has decided its time for a more aggressive approach.

Police chief Pierre Brochet announced the creation of a special organized crime squad called Project Répercussion. The city of Laval has been a battleground for rival mafia factions leading to multiple murders including the brutal hit on Salvatore Scoppa just days ago. According to reports Scoppa was killed at a reception celebrating his son’s confirmation. A gunman fired multiple shots inside of the Sheraton Hotel in Laval putting hundreds of innocent people including children at risk. When talking about the incident Brochet said: “That an individual would fire several shots inside a hotel without considering the repercussions — that is unacceptable.”

Over the past few years, several people with ties to the mafia including Rizzuto crime family leaders Lorenzo Giordano and Rocco Sollecito have been murdered in Laval. These along with the Scoppa murder among others remain unsolved as law enforcement has struggled in their efforts to put an end to the violence. The newly formed organized crime squad will include investigators from the Laval police department, the RCMP, and the Sûreté du Québec according to the release. It will be composed of uniformed officers and investigators that specialize in organized crime.

“Together, the members of this project will be omnipresent in the places frequented by individuals linked to organized crime, notably bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments,” according to the information provided in the release. This Project Répercussion squad could be the beginning of Canada’s version of the organized crime squads that were formed years ago in New York to battle the five families of the New York Mafia. These squads and or tasks forces were extremely effective in putting together cases and taking down various members of the Mafia. For years when it came to mafia news out of New York they were almost always part of the story.

It will be interesting to see what kind of effect this new squad can have on the ongoing Montreal mafia war. During the days of Vito Rizzuto, the old school rules and regulations of the Mafia were followed at least to some extent. A brutal hit in front of innocent women and children would have been discouraged at the highest levels of the administration. But time changes all and these new players don’t seem to have any regard for how things were done in the past.

With Vito gone and the Rizzuto family seemingly transforming into the Sollecito-Rizzuto organization under new boss Stefano Sollecito things have become increasingly unstable leading to more and more bloodshed. With no end to the conflict in sight and mafia hits becoming more and more brazen Canadian law enforcement well at least in Laval seems to finally be going on the offensive in an effort to keep it contained. In the end, tougher laws like the RICO act in the states may ultimately be needed to win the war but the fight has to start somewhere.

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Vincent Gigante the former boss of the Genovese crime family is one of the most notorious godfathers in New York Mafia history.

We take look back at the life and downfall of the famous Mafia leader often referred to as “The Oddfather” for his antics. Few mobsters tried harder then Gigante to avoid being part of Mafia news headlines. He reportedly took control of the powerful Cosa Nostra family back in the early 1980s and remained in control for the better part of 30 years. He controlled one of the largest and most influential American mafia families for decades yet is probably more known for his crazy act. The video includes footage of Gigante along with some very interesting news reports, interviews, and trial footage from various archives. Some very cool footage and a great look back into Mafia history.

Vincent “The Chin” Gigante

The former boxer turned mobster feigned insanity often wandering the streets of Greenwich Village in his bathrobe and slippers, mumbling incoherently to himself in an effort to throw off authorities. For years the legendary godfather’s shenanigans helped him avoid being convicted of various mob-related crimes. In 1990 after being hit with federal racketeering charges it was determined that he was mentally unfit to stand trial. But the feds maintained that Gigante also known as “The Chin” wasn’t insane but he was instead crazy like a fox.

The insanity act that kept Vincent Gigante out of prison for years came to an end in 1997. He was tried and convicted of racketeering charges and was sentenced to 12 years behind bars. This marked the beginning of the end for the powerful NY Mafia leader. He would plead guilty to new charges in 2003 and admitted that his elaborate claims of insanity were nothing more than an act. The now aging godfather’s health really began to fail and he passed away back in 2005 at a United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners.

When it comes to the New York Mafia and its leaders Vincent “The Chin” Gigante is certainly one of the names that immediately comes to mind. A lot of this historical footage will be new to many of us and is certainly worth the watch! The Genovese family is often referred to as the Ivy League of Organized Crime remains one of New York’s most powerful Italian Mafia families.

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Reputed mobster Philip Narducci has pleaded guilty to federal loan sharking charges and is headed back to prison.

The 56-year-old wiseguy agreed to a plea deal which will put him behind bars for 12 months and 1 day. His lawyer Brian J. McMonagle said, “They made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.” The reputed Philadelphia mafia enforcer was originally charged with multiple crimes including the making of extortionate loans, conspiracy, and collections of loans by extortionate means and was facing a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count if convicted. In an unusual request, he asked that his bail so he could begin serving his sentence before it was officially imposed by U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Savage. His lawyer made it clear his client was ready to move on saying “The sooner he goes in, the sooner he gets out. He wants to get back to work.”

“Philip Narducci”

It was eventually determined that Narducci could surrender to the Bureau of Prison on Monday and begin earning credit for time served. The feds claimed that Narducci loaned $20,000 to a local business owner named Rabih Masri in January of 2018. The loan was made with an extortionate interest rate attached to it and Marsi began to miss payments causing his loan value to balloon to $115,000.

Marsi continually failed to keep up with payments and according to the indictment, this led to him being assaulted by Narducci last October. After the alleged assault, Philip allegedly dispatched mafia associate James Gallo to collect his money. By then the debtor had turned to the feds and was wired up recording multiple conversations with Gallo. In one conversation Gallo allegedly told the debtor “He’s a killer, you … idiot,” in reference to Narducci on Oct. 27, according to excerpts quoted in court papers. “He’s killed eight … people.”

Then days later during another attempted collection visit Gallo said: “I’m not saying that [Narducci] won’t come in and strangle you, but he’s not gonna kill you.” These recorded conversations seem incredibly incriminating to Gallo although Narducci was never actually captured on any recordings making threats. Once the identity of the debtor and chief accuser became known he began to face some serious credibility issues that could have been damaging to his testimony.

As previously reported court documents revealed that he was Lebanese national with ties to a terrorist group and a frequent federal informant. The prospect of having a former informant cross-examined on the stand may have played a part in the feds seemingly light plea deal. According to Phil’s lawyer, the plea offer came just hours after hearing on how much he would be allowed to delve into the witnesses history at trial. Many outside observers believed to the overall case against Gallo was much stronger than it was against Narducci.

Narducci claimed that he was coned by Marsi who played on his sympathy using a fake story about his mother’s health to get the loan. He then gambled the money away and when he couldn’t pay he ran to the feds for help. But if Phil Narducci gambled and lost at trial he could have been facing several more years under federal sentencing guidelines. Plus his lengthy criminal history in the Philly mafia may have exposed him to an even longer sentence.

He has already spent more than half his life behind bars for various mafia-related crimes. He was a member of a mafia crew controlled by former Philly mob boss Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo and prosecutors claim they can tie him to at least three mob slayings. He was convicted of murder back in the late 1980s but the verdict was eventually overturned on appeal and a second trial ended in a hung jury.

He was released from prison back in 2012 after serving a lengthy sentence on racketeering charges and since then he claims to have gone legit. He maintains that he is no longer involved with the mafia in Philadelphia and is now a legit businessman. He opened up a restaurant with his wife in 2017 named “Chick’s” after his father Frank “Chickie” Narducci Sr. a purported mafia captain who was killed back in the early 1980s.  The Philip Narducci plea may come as a surprise to some but all thing considered it wasn’t the worse outcome possible. Gallo has also reportedly agreed to a plea deal and is awaiting sentencing.

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As we reach the halfway point of 2019 we stop to take a closer look at the current status of the various New York Mafia families.

There has been no shortage of New York mafia news to report so far this year having to do with all of the Five families and more. While the Mafia as a whole isn’t the force it once was it remains a viable criminal enterprise worth millions and the NY Mafia still leads the way. The mob has always found a way to adapt and survive and over the last year in New York may actually be back on the rise at least to an extent. While we await more breaking New York Mafia news we stop to take a look at how each of the families has fared of late and debate about who’s currently the strongest. This year we will also include a bit of a twist tossing the hotly debated Buffalo Mafia family into the mix!

Some of the New York Mob families have benefited from recent events while others may have taken a step back. A decreased presence from law enforcement whos main focus over the last several years has been terrorism has given the Cosa Nostra families a small window to stabilize and even rebuild somewhat. Some families have benefited more than others behind new administrations and 2019 mafia leaders. But as the times continue to change the mafia in New York will have to continue to find ways to survive although they certainly aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So let’s take on each of the families one by one to see Who’s up, Who’s down, Who’s the strongest…

Genovese Crime Family: The Ivy League of Organized Crime is a phrase we still hear tossed around when talking about the Genovese family. They have done a better job than most at keeping the identities of their current administration a mystery. There were reports back in 2016 that Liborio “Barney” Bellomo has taken the reigns and was new boss which seems to be the case.

They are still one of the largest crime families in Gotham in terms of numbers although there is some moderate debate as to whether or not that makes them the strongest. They have made more headlines in the year or so than in the past although they have seemingly been able to avoid any major blows to the hierarchy. They have taken hits to their crews in both New Jersey and Springfield of late and had some recent unwanted exposure from a case that included Vincent Esposito the son of former boss Vincent (The Chin) Gigante.

It showed the family may still have ties to lucrative union rackets and that they continue to have a presence both inside and outside of the Big Apple. With a veteran wiseguy like 62-year-old Bellomo calling the shots the family is in good hands and probably still leads the way in NY.

Gambino Crime Family: The Gambino’s have had their share of bumps and bruises of late including the murder of Francesco “Franky Boy” Cali. The infamous Cosa Nostra family has been on the rise again in recent years behind the leadership of their influential Sicilian faction. They rank only behind the Genovese family in terms of made guys and associates and have certainly put themselves into the conversation when it comes to the strongest of the NY families today. But Cali who was gunned down in front of his home in what doesn’t seem to be a mafia related event was a huge loss.

He was highly respected locally and his influence extended outside of New York due to his family ties to mobsters in Sicily. His low key approach and old school attitude had turned him into one of the families biggest earners and strongest voices. It’s still unclear as to what rank he held in the families hierarchy at the time of his death but he was likely in control of the families day to day operations behind alleged boss Domenico “Italian Dom” Cefalu.

The family moved quickly to fill the void adding veteran mobsters Lorenzo Mannino and Michael Paradiso to its new administration. It will be interesting to see if the loss of Cali has any short or long term effects on the family. While the Sicilian faction remains strong within the family behind Cefalu and Mannino the winds of change can turn quickly when it comes to the mafia especially when an opportunity presents itself. We will definitely be keeping a close eye and seeing whether or not the Gambino’s can avoid turmoil and maintain their recent momentum.

Bonanno Crime Family: It’s never really a dull year when it comes to covering New York’s Bonanno family. The families current acting boss Joseph Cammarano Jr and consigliere John Zancocchio recently beat the feds getting acquitted of racketeering and conspiracy to commit extortion charges. Plus charges were filed earlier this year after a joint US-Canadian operation exposed potential links between the Bonanno family and the mafia in Canada. An acting Bonanno capo named Damiano Zummo was caught on tape presiding over a 2015 NY Mafia induction ceremony that took place in Canada.

It remains unclear as to exactly what the current relationship is between the Bonanno’s and Canadian mob families but the Bonanno family name has been linked to the current unrest in both Montreal and Hamilton. It seems like a stretch that the Bonanno’s would still have any real influence across the border but the historical ties are there and if nothing else it’s an interesting new twist into the Bonanno families current drama.

This year also marks the return of Michael Mancuso the alleged official boss of the family. He has been behind bars since 2008 and it will be interesting to see how his return affects the current Bonanno family administration. The Bonanno’s will definitely be one of the families we keep a close eye on moving forward. More Bonano family unrest wouldn’t be out of character for this dysfunctional group but it would be big New York Mafia News.

Lucchese Crime Family: With long-time leaders Matthew Madonna and Steven Crea still awaiting trial the beleaguered crime family has been keeping a fairly low profile of late. The landmark 2017 case took down three members of the families hierarchy and multiple captains bringing to a halt what was a fairly good run. According to the feds and some reports, imprisoned mobster Vittorio “Vic” Amuso is still the official boss of the family.

It remains unclear as to who has stepped up to fill the current power void but Anthony Santorelli, Joseph “Joey” Giampa, James “Froggy” Galione, and Joseph “Joe C.” Caridi is some names that have surfaced of late and may be in play. Whoever is put in place within the new administration whether it be in an acting or official capacity certainly has some work to do after losing more proven veterans from the ranks.

It’s never a good spot to be when you are teetering on possibly falling behind the Bonanno’s when it comes to stability. Although there still seems to be some talent left in the pool for the Lucchese’s so the potential to make it past a rough patch remains. If the feds are successful in getting convictions against all of the administration members in the upcoming trials then it seems clear a new era of sorts may be upcoming for the Lucchese family.

Colombo Crime Family: The Colombo’s have long been the runt of the litter when it comes to the Five Families of New York. Yet they have always been one of the more interesting ones. The death of longtime boss Carmine Persico signals the end of an era for the crime family although Persico family members and loyalist remain throughout the family. The Snake may be dead and gone but it may take the Colombo’s a few more years to break free from the Persico family grip.

Who’s next up to take over as boss of the Colombo’s is still unclear although there are some seemingly capable wiseguys in the mix. Some of the names that have surfaced since Carmine’s passing include Andrew “Andy Mush” Russo, Ralph Lombardo, William Russo, and Theodore “Teddy Boy” Persico, Jr. The feds still consider Carmine’s son Alphonse “Little Allie Boy” Persico to be the families official acting boss although with him behind bars for life and his father gone it’s unclear as to how much input and influence he can maintain.

There will definitely be some watchful eyes on the Colombo family in the months to come to see who takes the reigns. It could very well be a sign as to whether or not the Persico families dominance is ending with the death or the longtime godfather which would certainly grab headlines and be big New York Mafia news. While the family remains profitable and still controls a share of viable mob rackets it hasn’t been able to benefit as much as some of the other families have over the last few years in form of growth and expansion from the downturn in law enforcement scrutiny.

Buffalo Mafia: The status of the Buffalo mafia family also known as the Todaro crime family has been a hot topic of debate recently. There have certainly been some interesting developments of late surrounding the family including the recording of Hamilton mobster Domenico Violi claiming to be the families new underboss. According to court documents he was hand-picked for the job by alleged Buffalo mob boss Joseph Todaro Jr. after a meeting in Florida back in October of 2017. In those documents was also a reference to the Luppino-Violi crime family.

This has sparked renewed interests and even led to new theories that the Buffalo mafia may still be active and functioning. When commenting on the state of the Buffalo Mob in 2017 the FBI field office said scattered remnants that are no longer believed to be active or organized remain. The Cosa Nostra family was considered to be defunct and all but dead. But the recent arrest of alleged members of the Todaro family in Canada and the Violi wiretap recordings seem to bring those assessments into question.

There have been rumors of their increased influence across the border and alleged links to their involvement in the ongoing Hamilton mafia war. While there is no corroborating evidence to support any of these claims the debate over them is alive and well. Is it possible that the mafia in Buffalo is not only active but still powerful enough to be involved in Canada? It seems like a bit of a stretch that in this day and age a crime family of that capacity could stay off the Fed’s radar. But even those who remain skeptical seem to be keeping an eye out just in case. It would be some of the biggest 2019 New York Mafia News!

So where do you rank each of the New York Mafia families as of today? Please feel free to comment below and let us know what you think. We will, of course, be bringing you the latest in New York Mafia News and more as the year continues!

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Philadelphia mafia captain Anthony Staino has been released from prison according to mafia insider Dave Schrawieser.

The 62-year-old mob capo was indicted in 2011 along with former acting mob boss Joseph Ligambi, underboss Joseph Massimino, capos Joseph Licata and George Borgesi, and mob soldier Damion Canalichio on various charges including racketeering. While Ligambi, Borgesi, and Licata would eventually beat the wrap Staino and the others weren’t so lucky. Staino was captured on a wiretap telling an FBI undercover agent that he was the crime family’s “CFO” before threatening him over repayment of an outstanding 30k loan. The South Jersey captain had routinely made collections on behalf of Ligambi and the Philly mafia according to the feds. In 2013 he plead guilty to federal racketeering and extortion charges and admitted to holding the rank of captain in the Cosa Nostra family. He has been released after doing six years of his eight-year sentence.

“Anthony Staino”

Staino made his way through the ranks of the crime family rather quickly and was Ligambi’s right-hand man before the administration was taken down. The Ligambi led administration was holding down the fort running the family for then imprisoned boss Joey Merlino. After pleading guilty Staino said he was done with the mafia and it will be interesting to see if that holds true now that he is out. The landscape has changed since Anthony Staino went away but Ligambi still seems to be in play at least to some extent so if he wants back in there should still be a place for him somewhere within the organization.

Merlino is once again a guest of the government after pleading guilty to illegal gambling charges. According to reports Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti is the families new street boss and sits atop a seemingly still functional hierarchy. Staino adds to the list of wiseguys that have made their way back to the streets over the last few years boosting the families ranks. Although it’s still unclear as to just how active some of these mobsters are today. Is there enough left on the street’s of Philly to keep all these guys profitable? Maybe!

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Anthony Graziano the former consigliere for the Bonanno crime family has passed away according to a report from his daughter Renee Graziano.

The 78-year-old mobster was once a force within the New York Mafia family. Graziano made his way up the ranks of the Cosa Nostra family from capo to eventually becoming consigliere for friend and boss Joseph Massino. He was a wiseguy through and through known for being a money maker with a violent edge. Massino would eventually become the first American Mafia boss to turn state’s evidence and is now in the witness protection program. He was never called to testify against his former consigliere even though Graziano’s organized crime career included several run-ins with the law.

Anthony Graziano also known as “T.G.” was indicted multiple times on various mafia-related crimes. During the 1990s he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion and spent five years as a guest of the government. Then in 2002, he was hit with various charges in New York and Florida that included murder conspiracy, illegal bookmaking, and investment fraud among others. The murder conspiracy charges dated back to 1994 when he ordered members of his Bonanno family crew to clip two Colombo family mobsters. The two had fired shots into a topless bar on Staten Island that was owned by Graziano. The beef was settled before either guy was killed but he would still be indicted for conspiring to have them whacked.

In 2003 he was sentenced to 11 years behind bars for the case in Florida and then nine years for the case in New York. He was released from prison in 2011 but was indicted again in 2012 on federal racketeering and extortion charges. His then son in law and mob turncoat Hector Pagan Jr. secretly recorded conversations that included T.G. and other members of the Boanano’s helping the feds to build the case. T.G. would agree to a plea deal later that year that put him back behind bars for another 19 months. He was again released from prison in 2013.

Graziano got some very unwanted attention after the VH1 cable reality television program Mob Wives made its debut in 2011. His daughter Jennifer Graziano created and produced it while his other daughter Renee Graziano was one of the leading cast members. The show was not a hit with Graziano’s mafia pals, to say the least. It led to conflict inside his own family as well although he and his daughters would eventually reconcile. There were mafia news reports that the aging wiseguy had been shelved several years ago by the new Bonanno family leadership bringing an end to his mob career. He was a stand-up guy unlike other Bonanno family mobsters he came up with he stayed loyal to the mob code and never ratted.

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The Lucchese crime family has a new rat problem in the form of former wiseguy turned government informant John Pennisi. He is set to take the stand for the first time on behalf of the feds at the upcoming trial of veteran mobster Eugene Castelle.

According to reports Castelle has had quite the up and down career in the New York Mafia. He held the rank of captain before allegedly becoming the families underboss for a short time but was identified by the feds in his latest indictment as a soldier. He was part of a large racketeering conspiracy case that targeted members of the Bonanno and Lucchese families early last year. He was charged with various crimes including conspiracy to commit extortion and is facing up to 20 years behind bars if convicted. He was offered a sweet plea deal by the feds that would have allowed him to plead guilty to gambling charges and serve only 8-14 months behind bars while avoiding trial and the chances of a much harsher sentence.

“Eugene (Boobsie) Castelle”

But Castelle surprisingly turned down the plea offer and decided to roll the dice. After seeing alleged Bonanno family acting boss Joseph Cammarano Jr and underboss John Zancocchio who were charged in the same case beat the wrap in March he figured he may be able to do the same. This unexpected turn of events led to the feds having to unveil their new snitch sooner than they planned to.

They were reportedly hoping to have Pennisi debut as a witness in the much larger trail against Lucchese family leaders set to take place later this year. That racketeering trial includes alleged street boss Matthew Madonna and underboss Steven Crea Sr. who face multiple charges including murder of former Purple Gang leader Michael Meldish.

Prosecutors claim that had to keep the fact that Pennisi was a government witness under wraps until now for safety reasons. The 39-year-old mafia snitch had been recording conversations with fellow mobsters in recent months. It’s still unclear as to what kind of evidence that the feds have from Pennisi that would help to prove that Eugene Castelle is guilty of the crimes he has been charged with or of being part of a racketeering enterprise.

According to a Gangland News report, Pennisi became a made man in the Lucchese family back in 2013. He was a soldier in a crew led by Castelle’s brother capo John (Big John) Castellucci. According to the report he was inducted into the family along with other new members at a mob ceremony led by Madonna. He claims Madonna brought a large hunting knife to the ceremony and he was so impressed by it he kept it as a souvenir. As soon as he flipped he turned it over to the feds.

The feds plan to introduce this and more as evidence against Madonna in his upcoming trial. They also plan to introduce new evidence believed to have come from Pennisi that alleged underboss Steven Crea encouraged and suggested the murder of two men in 1998 and 1999. While the case linking both mobsters to the Meldish hit may be somewhat weaker than the feds would like it seems they may still have enough to nail both Cosa Nostra leaders.  It will also be interesting to see as to whether or not the gamble pays off for Eugene Castelle.

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Lucchese crime family turncoat claims that veteran mobster Michael DeSantis is the crime families new acting boss.

John Pennisi took the stand at the racketeering trial of alleged wiseguy Eugene Castelle and had some interesting things to say. Although most of it didn’t seem all that damaging to Castelle’s case in particular. According to Pennisi imprisoned Lucchese family boss Vittorio Amuso authorized a changing of the guard within the crime family back in 2017. He claims a coded letter was sent by Amuso from prison to loyalists and passed on to Steven Crea threatening deadly action if his orders were not carried out. Amuso wanted then acting boss Matthew Madonna to step aside and let DeSantis take the reigns. Amuso threatened to have Crea his son and other members of the families Bronx crews taken out if they didn’t go along with him said, Pennisi. Crea has long been seen as the leading voice within the family even though it was Madonna who carried the title of acting boss for years.

“Michael DeSantis”

Pennisi claims that he learned about the takeover plan from fellow wiseguy Patrick (Patty Red) Dellorusso. According to the Gangland News report, law enforcement sources say that Dellorusso is now the families acting underboss for Crea who is awaiting trial. If the elder Crea is convicted in the upcoming trial Dellorusso would then officially replace him. They also believe that Andrew DeSimone is the Cosa Nostra families new consigliere replacing imprisoned mobster Joseph DiNapoli. According to Pennisi DeSimone would have been one of the targeted Bronx crew members along with the Creas if they didn’t fall in line.

While on the stand Pennisi laid out the details of how he became aware of the takeover plan. He testified that the purposed hit list were members of the families Bronx faction that may have been a problem for those planning to take control of the family. Pennisi said that a coded letter sent to Amuso detailed complaints that the families administration had shifted to be the Bronx but “there was a crew of guys very loyal to him out here, all Brooklyn guys, (who) wanted to take the family back to Brooklyn. That’s really what this was about.” Dellorusso later told Pennisi that they received a letter back from Amuso and he approved of them taking over positions in the families new administration.

A meeting with Crea was set to show him the letter according to Pennisi. He said Dellorusso told him he hoped Crea would step aside peacefully but if he didn’t agree with the moves they would deal with the guys from the Bronx. But Crea and Madonna both agreed to the changes to avoid what may have turned into a bloodbath. Crea was well aware of Amuso’s violent history and the last time he and his top lieutenant Anthony Casso had suspicions about the families Bronx crew which led to several murders. Michael DeSantis and Dellorusso were both convicted of racketeering back in the 1990s but have been back in the mix for several years since their release.

Pennisi also laid out the current list of crews within the Lucchese family while he was on the stand. He claimed there were currently seven active crews which included two crews in both the Bronx and Long Island, along with crews in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. He also replayed the events that led to his defection. He said members of the mafia family had wrongly suspected him of being an informer and had marked him for death. He claims that he became concerned after spotting two guys parked on the street near his home. He said the men turned their faces so he couldn’t see them and one pulled down a baseball cap over his face.

He immediately recognized it as being something the mob had taught him to do. He said, “That’s the first thing that, in that life, that they do; they want to start getting your routine down, what time you come home, what time you leave, which way you go, you know, they start getting a pattern with you.” So back in October of last year he simply walked into the Manhattan headquarters of the FBI and said he needed protection. He is also set to testify against Madonna and Crea in the upcoming Lucchese family trial.

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Eugene Boobsie Castelle an alleged soldier in the Lucchese crime family gambled and lost in Manhattan federal court.

The 59-year-old mobster was convicted on one count of conducting an illegal gambling business and one count of racketeering conspiracy. Castelle was part of a large mafia bust in 2018 that targeted members of two New York Mafia families. Prosecutors proved that he used his position in the Lucchese family to muscle his way into a large scale illegal sports betting business. He used threats of violence to protect the business and to collect from deadbeat debtors while extorting tribute payments worth thousands of dollars from the bookmakers. He also held a no show carpenters job at a major construction project said, prosecutors.

“Eugene (Boobsie) Castelle”

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said “For years, Eugene Castelle used intimidation and threats of violence to line his pockets as a member of the Lucchese Family of La Cosa Nostra. Castelle now stands convicted of serious federal crimes. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute members of the Mafia.” The feds offered Boobsie a plea deal that would have sent him to prison for just 8-14 months but he turned them down and decided to roll the dice.

Now he is facing between 30 and 40 months behind bars according to the sentencing guidelines. He was allowed to walk free on a $1 million dollar bond since he wasn’t found guilty of any violent crimes. He is expected back in court at the end of September to be sentenced. Castelle’s defense lawyer Gerald J. McMahon called the trial a glorified gambling case. He is expected to ask the judge that his client shouldn’t be punished too harshly for these kinds of charges.

Along with getting a conviction against Eugene Boobsie Castelle the feds also showcased the inner working of the Lucchese family. The feds latest Cosa Nostra snitch John Pennisi took the stand and testified about the new crime family administration that includes newly position acting boss Michael DeSantis. For more information about the new Lucchese family administration check out this previous report on About The Mafia. There is still a larger racketeering case featuring Lucchese family leaders that is sure to be part of the upcoming Mafia news cycle.

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With all the Mafia news of late surrounding the Lucchese crime family, we decided to take a look back at former underboss and boss Anthony Casso.

The former mafia leader turned government informant admitted to personally having a hand in the killing of thirty-six people. In his heyday, he was one of the countries most powerful and feared mob bosses. He was arrested in 1994 and decided to turn on his mob pals in an effort to save himself. Casso would supply the feds with the ins and outs of the New York Mafia family. The information he supplied led to dozens of arrests and convictions including the dismantling of his own Cosa Nostra family. He exposed how the NY Mafia controlled the garbage hauling industry and the garment district through union corruption and how the proceeds were divided up between three of the five families. In this 1998 60 Minutes special report, Anthony Casso talks about his life in the mafia and more along with his decision to become an informant.

The ruthless mobster even had two NYPD detectives named Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa on the Lucchese family payroll. They committed several crimes on behalf of Casso including multiple murders. He and then soldier Vittorio Amuso were tasked with whacking Gambino family boss John Gotti after the unauthorized killing of Paul Castellano. Vic Amuso would eventually become the boss of the crime family a post that he still holds today from behind bars.

Casso ultimately landed up behind bars for the rest of his life even after becoming a turncoat. He was set to walk away a free man in exchange for the information he supplied the feds that is until he committed crimes in prison after becoming an informant. At least that’s what the feds claimed happened when they ripped up Casso’s agreement. But Anthony Casso claims the feds double-crossed him and tore up his deal after he committed what he called minor infractions. He is currently serving multiple life sentences in a maximum security prison.

Check out the video of the 60 Minutes special news report featuring a face to face interview with Anthony Casso.

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Alessandro Sucapane has been released from the halfway house where he has spent the last six months after being released from prison last year.

The Parole Board of Canada is allowing the 54-year-old mobster to return home. He was sentenced to 10 years behind bar’s back in 2015 on multiple charges associated with project Clemenza including drug trafficking and gangsterism. Alessandro’s case for being released was aided by the RCMP who told the board that he was no longer a person of interest and there were reasons to believe that he had retired from the Mafia.  Among his parole stipulations is having to avoid anyone known to be involved in criminal activities. Sucapane was a key lieutenant of former Montreal Mafia leader Giuseppe De Vito.

“Alessandro Sucapane”

In the five-page decision released by the commissioners last month, they wrote “You said you have been withdrawn since 2013 and others have taken your place. You now want to dedicate yourself to your job as a manager, salesman, and businessman, and make your family your priority. In addition, your friend’s death and incarceration influenced your decision to stay away from the criminal scene.” His former boss De Vito was killed after being poisoned with cyanide back in 2013.

De Vito along with fellow mobsters Raynald Desjardins and deported NY Mafia boss Salvatore Montagna were part of an insurrection within the Rizzuto crime family. They tried to take control of the Montreal mob from the Rizzuto’s while longtime godfather Vito Rizzuto was behind bars. Their attempted coup that began in the late 2000s led to tons of violence and bloodshed and evolved into the still ongoing Montreal mafia war. To date, there have been over 100 deaths associated with the conflict that stretches from Montreal to Ontario and beyond.

The war claimed the lives of many of De Vito’s top men including Giuseppe (Joe Closure) Colapelle, Vinnie Scuderi and Nick Di Marco. While Alessandro Sucapane may indeed be done with the Mafia the questions of whether or not the mob is done with him remains. The Rizzuto family may not be the powerhouse they once were but they remain a key part of the organized crime landscape in Montreal. When it comes to the Mob old grievances are seldom forgotten and the Rizzuto’s seem to be reorganizing at least to an extent under new boss Stefano Sollecito.

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On this day in 2002 flamboyant Gambino crime family boss, John Gotti passed away at the age of 61.

Gotti died in the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, MO after a long batter with cancer. The Dapper Don never shunned the spotlight and was one of the most celebrated gangsters in New York Mafia history. Gotti’s downfall came back in December of 1990 when the Bronx-base mobster was arrested along with Sammy Gravano and Frank Locascio. The new racketeering indictment from the feds charged Gotti with five murders and various other mafia-related crimes. tapes from FBI bugs placed in a room above the Ravenite Social Club on Mulberry St. captured Gotti and others talking about criminal activities and more. These recordings led to Gotti’s underboss and right-hand man Sammy Gravano turning state’s evidence and agreed to testify.

Now retired FBI agent Bruce Mouw said of Gotti “He was a gangster and proud of it. He was an old-fashioned La Cosa Nostra mobster.” Mouw spent 18 years as part of the team that built the case that led to Gotti’s conviction. The leader of one of New York’s most powerful mafia families had become Public Enemy #1 for the feds. John Gotti had beaten multiple cases leading to his infamous nickname “The Teflon Don” before the feds with the help of Gravano were finally able to put him behind bars.

It seems unlikely that modern-day Cosa Nostra will ever see another boss like John Gotti and that may be a good thing as far as the mob’s concerned. Since the days of Gotti, the New York Mafia has transformed itself back into an organization that centers around staying out of the headlines and away from public eye which is the way it was always meant to be. A quote from the 1996 Gotti movie “A Cosa Nostra boss don’t belong on the cover of Time magazine” was certainly spot on.

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In this new episode of Mob Talk Sitdown, we get a heads up on the latest Philadelphia Mafia news and more.

Mob experts George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser check back in with some new information on mobsters Joey Merlino and Anthony Staino. While Joey is doing his two years in federal prison down in Florida he’s gotten some visitors from Philly. Seems like the local wiseguys are keeping Merlino in the loop as to what’s happening on the streets back home. The guys also take a look at a recent rally held in Northeastern Philly by the Pagans MC. Leaders including their National President Keith “Conan” Richter were in attendance. The outlaw bikers are evidently looking to regroup and could step in to fill some of the voids in various rackets that have developed from a weakening Philly mafia.

Former Philly Mob underboss Anthony Staino is out of federal prison and is on his way back home. He was once the right-hand man of acting boss Joseph Ligambi. According to both George and Dave, there doesn’t seem to be much of a place in the organization today for Staino and he doesn’t seem to want back in regardless. With Uncle Joe semi-retired and new leaders including street boss Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti now in place it seems like Anthony’s Cosa Nostra career may have ended when he went away.

As the summer kicks into high gear the guys will be heading down to the Jersey Shore while the rumors continue to circulate about the work being done by the newly updated organized crime task force and potential new indictments. Perhaps there will be more happening on that front for the next episode of Mob Talk Sitdown. While things seem to be quieter than usual when it comes to the Philly Mafia that can change rather quickly.

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Giuseppe Cortese described as a prominent member of the Calabrian Mafia also known as the Ndrangheta has been arrested in France.

According to reports, the 53-year-old alleged mobster was a financial specialist that played a key role in helping the Calabrian’s control the trafficking of cocaine into Europe. The BNRF of the judicial police carried out the low key operation that led to Cortese’s arrest. Authorities in France were contacted by the Italian’s and made aware that a wanted man was in the region of Macon. Arrest warrants were issued with the utmost discretion during early morning hours to prevent any potential leaks. He was taken into custody without incident as he exited his a hotel in Mâcon in Saône-et-Loire in route to his Porsche911.

He is being held in France until he can be transported back to Italy according to the Le Parisien report. The arrest of Giuseppe Cortese was aided by a European Arrest Warrant targeting over 30 individuals linked to the importation of Colombian cocaine into Europe. The Ndrangheta is believed to have surpassed the Neapolitan and Sicilian mafia to become Italy’s most powerful mafia organization. They are based out of Calabria but have become influential in several parts of the world including Europe, Australia, and Canada in recent years. It is currently believed to be the only Mafia with a presence on all continents.

Authorities continue to target the organized crime families financing as part of an effort to dismantle them. They continue to bring in enormous amounts of illegal proceeds some of which comes from their control over the majority of Europe’s cocaine trade. Italy is not alone in their fight against the Ndrangheta as other countries including Europe have begun to target Calabrian clans and interests.

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According to reports alleged Musitano crime family associate Jason Lalonde was shot multiple times in a targeted hit.

The 43-year-old reportedly answered the door of his Stoney Creek townhouse and was shot several times by his attacker. He was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and is expected to survive. According to a Toronto Sun report, police are investigating a possible Mafia link to the shooting. Authorities are looking into a black SUV that was seen leaving the area following the shooting. They are hoping to uncover additional information from local surveillance videos along with any witnesses who are willing to come forward. Lalonde is apparently known to police but sources say he is not believed to be a made member of the mafia clan.

Back in April Musitano family boss Pat Musitano barely survived an assassination attempt that took place outside his lawyer’s office in Mississauga. This seems like it could be yet another strike against the Musitano’s in the ongoing Hamilton Mafia war. There have already been multiple casualties including Pat’s brother Angelo Musitano and Cece Luppino. While CeCe was not believed to be directly involved in organized crime he is the son of reputed mob leader Rocco Luppino.

It remains unclear as to whether or not the Luppino crime family is the rival faction behind the attacks on the Musitano’s. There have been plenty of rumors and theories surrounding the bloodshed that include links to the GTA, Montreal, and even the New York and Buffalo Mafia. If this Jason Lalonde shooting is what it seems to be another hit against them it will be interesting to see if Pat and what remains of the family can find a way to strike back. The Musitano’s backed by the once powerful Rizzuto crime family in Montreal have a had long run at the top in Hamilton. But with Vito Rizzuto gone and the Rizzuto family battling their own enemies the Musitano families allies are fewer and an era may be coming to an end.

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Joseph Servidio a soldier in the Philadelphia mafia pleaded guilty this week to drug trafficking charges.

The 59-year-old mobster was busted back in 2018 on multiple charges including dealing cocaine, heroin, and meth. Servidio known on the streets as “Joey Electric” will be facing up to 12.5 years behind bars at sentencing which is scheduled to take place sometime later this year. According to reports, the Jersey-based Cosa Nostra wiseguy is part of a North Jersey crew run by longtime captain Joseph (Scoops) Licata. The case against Servidio was built around recordings made by former mobster turned informant Anthony Persiano and an undercover FBI agent. The mafia snitch had been working with the feds since back in 2015.

“Joseph Servidio”

The conversations recorded by Persiano were damning and it didn’t seem like Servidio was going to have much of a chance in court. During these various recorded conversations, Joey Electric talks about everything from kicking up to his mafia superiors to murder. He talked about how he washed the money made from mob rackets through his construction company. He even talks about wanting to make a move into Atlantic City taking over protection rackets taxing bookmakers and drug dealers. Although according to the transcripts Philly Mafia leaders put a stop to those plans.

Here are some of the conversations recorded by the informant that was laid out in transcripts included in the 60+ page indictment: (CS-1 identified as Persiano)

Planning a hit

Servidio and Chianese hung around outside a drug-dealing associate’s home for three hours, waiting for him to be alone in his house so they could gun him down, the indictment says. They apparently were seeking revenge because the associate, only identified as “Individual 3,” was “suspected of talking openly and disparagingly about Servidio’s criminal activity.”

Servidio allegedly was caught on tape July 6, 2017, discussing how he and Chianese would leave no trace of their involvement.

“Me and Carl got two phones, just (exclusively) for this, you know. … The thing is everything is away. I’ve been leaving my phones home. I made him (Chianese) leave his E-ZPass home. We paid cash, you know.”

Paying tribute

In the Philadelphia crime family, like in other organized crime organizations, there is a process known as “tribute.” Essentially, an earner has to “kick” money up the ladder to his superiors.

In a meeting on Oct. 18, 2016, in Philadelphia, authorities say, an unidentified member of the Philly mob lays out that process to a cooperating witness.

“I mean this from my heart … but whatever I do, you get a piece of it, doesn’t matter whether it’s legitimate, illegitimate, whatever I do,” an unnamed confidential informant explains to a member of the Philly mob.

The anonymous Philly mob member responds, “Yeah that’s our business. … Believe me, whatever I do, it goes up, and all this is, is structure. … What you do (kick proceeds up the hierarchy), I do the same thing. I do it on a weekly basis.”

‘Making my bones’

On Dec. 2, 2016, authorities say, CS-1 called Servidio to arrange a meeting in Atlantic City about handing off 60 cartons of stolen cigarettes.

“During a recorded phone conversation Servidio discussed ‘making my bones’ at age 19. … The phrase ‘making bones’ signifies the committing of a murder, and that Servidio was claiming to have killed somebody when Servidio was 19 years of age,” the indictment states.

No shells, no evidence

Revolvers don’t leave casings after they are fired. No shells, no evidence. Authorities say that’s why Servidio, in a phone conversation on Dec. 31, 2016, was interested in purchasing a revolver.

“Does he got any revolvers … like a .32, .38 (caliber) ?” an undercover agent said. “… Just like something you put on like a foot or something to just have?”

Servidio said, “Well not, not to just to have, to use it and throw it the f— away. … Don’t want no cases (casings) to come out. … A revolver, it’s better off.”

‘I like to spend money’

Servidio loved to spend money, he told CS-1. Selling drugs was a way to make sure the cash kept flowing, he allegedly said. So there was no love lost when a friend’s son died from a drug overdose and he was confronted by a grieving mother.

On the recording, Servidio said: “His wife, when I talked to her, she said, ‘You’re the only person that ever sold drugs that I love. I despise people because my son OD’d. … She said, ‘Joe (Servidio) please stop what you’re doing (selling drugs), you hurt people, people like you hurt people.’ ”

“You think she’s right?” CS-1 responded.

“Yes,” Servidio said.

“What’s wrong with us?” CS-1 asked.

“It’s the most money I can make (selling drugs), I like to spend money,” Servidio responded.

‘I’m a criminal. Everything I do is criminal.’

It’s not every day investigators catch someone on tape copping to being a criminal. In one of the recordings, Servidio explains where he cleans his cash made from illegal activity. He also admits to robbing an armored car just “to break even,” the indictment said.

“We need something (income) legitimate. I’m a criminal. Everything I do is criminal, I got to get out of it. … I need like $250,000 a year, or two, to break even. That’s what I need,” Servidio said.

“So I got to do other (criminal) things, ’cause I don’t make enough money. Ninety percent of my (remodeling/renovation) work is for friends and family, for free. … I laugh, what did I tell you, why do I keep my company going? ‘Cause I got to put the cash (from criminal activity) somewhere. I have to show it (income). How am I paying the mortgage, how am I paying my car payment, how am I paying my insurance, how am I paying my business insurance, how am I paying all these other bills? … Last year I robbed an armored car to break even. What am I gonna do this year?”

‘I make money every day, illegally’

Aside from his remodeling business, Servidio talks about showing legitimate income by making a power move into Atlantic City.

“We don’t want, we’re not looking to take over the whole town, people don’t know, need to know who the f— we are (Philadelphia LCN). Only if they give us a hard time, then we tell them who we are, we push our chest out.”

Later in the conversation Servidio said, “there’s nothing better than making money. I make money every day, illegally. I don’t want to do this shit.”

During yet another recorded conversations Joseph Servidio says “almost all the eyewitnesses get the wrong person, you can beat that, you know what you can’t beat? Tapes. Tapes with you saying it right there staring back at you.” Well, it seems like Joey Electric was spot on there as the tapes proved to be something he just couldn’t beat.

While the case against Joey Electric may be coming to an end it remains to be seen if there are more indictments to come. The informant was able to record conversations with other Philadelphia mob members as well. There is one conversation from Atlantic City that included a Philly Mafia captain that sources believe was Domenic Grande. During that meeting, approval was given for drug operations in Atlantic City. So there may be some Philly wiseguys waiting for the other shoe to drop. Although that seems to be par for the course when it comes to the mafia in Philadelphia.

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The murder of alleged Bonanno crime family associate Sylvester Zottola wasn’t mafia related at all according to a new indictment.

Although it was a family affair with a wicked twist. Mafia scion Anthony Zottola has been charged with arranging the murder of his Cosa Nostra linked dad and a failed hit on his older brother Salvatore Zottola. According to prosecutors, Anthony conspired with members of the Bloods street gang to carry out the murders. He had been plotting to kill both his father and brother since back in November of 2017. The rift in the family developed over a business dispute according to information from the indictment. Killing one’s own family over money is certainly dirtier than most mob business.

(Sylvester “Sally Daz” Zottola)

Text messages recovered by authorities showed Anthony plotting to kill his family members on Christmas day in 2017. He sent a message to Brooklyn gang member Bushawn Shelton asking if it was possible to kill both his father and brother at the same time. He said in the text “Can we get a doubleheader at all. My business is all messed up by both of them especially the MF captain (his father) the worst. Every day (it) gets harder for me.” Shelton who is a co-conspirator in the case has also been arrested.

Salvatore survived being shot several times in a failed hit back in July 2018 in front of the families Waterfront home. His father who had survived multiple attempts on his life was murdered on October 4, 2018, while waiting for coffee at a local McDonalds drive-thru. Authorities recovered a photo of 200k from Shelton’s cell phone that was taken a day after the hit on Sylvester “Sally Daz” Zottola. According to the feds Anthony supplied the attackers with keys to his dad’s home and a security passcode for a family office. They were also able to plant a tracking device of some kind to vehicles belonging to both.

After Sally Daz was taken out a text was sent from other conspirators to Shelton that contained only the word “Done” to signal the job had been completed. Shelton then texted Zottola a message that said “Can we party today or tomorrow?” to confirm the hit had been successful. The men seemingly met and the payoff of the 200k was made. Zottola exchanged messages with Shelton referring to the murders as “the filming” and the “final scene.” His father was referred to as “the actor” and the hitman as the “director.”

A total of ten suspects have now been charged in the case with nine of the having plead not guilty to murder, conspiracy, and weapons charges. Anthony Zottola and Shelton were charged with a murder-for-hire conspiracy, unlawful use, and possession of a firearm, and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted they face a mandatory sentence of life behind bars. So what was once thought to possibly be a tale of New York Mafia retribution ends up being something you would be more likely to see in a mafia movie.

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Over the last few years, the Chicago Mafia has reportedly been led by veteran mafia boss Salvatore (Solly D) DeLaurentis and street boss Albert Vena.

Former boss John DiFronzo had semi-retired by 2014 and Solly D had taken over the families day to day operations. DeLaurentis allegedly took full control of the Chicago Outfit after DiFronzo passed away in 2018. A new hierarchy was put in place under DeLaurentis that included Vena, Marco D’Amico, and Salvatore Cataudella. Vena was promoted to street boss and began handling most of the organizations day to day operations just like Solly D had done before him. According to reports Solly D now 80 has recently taken a step back and may himself be semi-retired spending most of his time in Wisconsin. This seems to have opened to door for Vena to have an even bigger hand in running things and he may be in a position to become the next boss of the Chicago Outfit.

“Albert (Albie the Falcon) Vena” 

The 70-year-old Albert Vena has been head of the families infamous Grand Avenue crew since 2005 and has quite the reputation. He has always been known for his small size and big temper and was once dubbed as the most dangerous and feared man in Chicago. According to Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport, the veteran mobster was allowed to form his own semi administration or cabinet of sorts when he took over as street boss. According to the report, Vena tabbed James Inendino to act as his underboss and Joe Andriacchi as his consigliere.

Andriacchi has been a part of the mafia in Chicago for decades and is now one of the organization’s elder statesman. He has held multiple administrative positions in the Outfit over the years. Inendino also a veteran mob captain has allegedly been head of the families Cicero crew for the past 11 years. DeLaurentis may have seen this as the best way to begin another transition of power within the mob in Chicago ending with Vena at the top. Albert Vena certainly has the moxie and experience needed to take the reigns.

DeLaurentis has always denied being a part of the Chicago mob and even insists that the organization no longer exists. In a previous interview, he said “We gamble. but as far as Mafia, I don’t know what that is.” But there are plenty of people who disagree with Solly D on the status of the Outfit including Jeffrey Sallet the new head of the FBI in Chicago. When asked about the Chicago Outfit during an interview last year he said:

“Are they out there leaving people dead in the streets? No. But just because people aren’t killing somebody doesn’t mean that they don’t represent a threat. Mob guys or Outfit guys-whatever you want to call them-are resilient. Where there is an opportunity to make money, they will engage. The reason they don’t kill people the same way they did 25 years ago is because it’s bad for business.”

 

There has been plenty of debate in recent years as to the current size and strength of the family. Some mob watchers point to a lack of reported activity and recent indictments as a signal that the once powerful American Mafia family is at an end but that doesn’t seem to be the case.  While the Chicago mafia clearly isn’t the force it once was it still seems to be a functioning and viable organization at least for now.

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It seems new Lucchese crime family snitch John Pennisi is set to become an even more productive asset for the feds after helping to take down fellow mobster Eugene Castelle.

The 49-year-old wiseguy turned informant was inducted into the New York Mafia family back in 2013 according to reports. But last year he walked in the Manhattan headquarters of the FBI and said he needed protection and was ready to cooperate. According to Pennisi a series of events led him to believe his mafia pals were wrongly fingering him for being a rat. He was concerned that he was marked for death so he decided it was time to turn on his wiseguy pals. The feds were so impressed with him after the Castelle trial that they planned to use him in the racketeering trial of Frank (Frankie G) Giovinco.

(Castelle,Madonna,Crea,DeSantis)

Giovinco was busted along with Vincent Esposito and other Genovese mobsters and associates earlier this year. The case centered around the Cosa Nostra families control of the Local 2D of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union. All the defendants including Esposito have taken plea deals leaving Giovinco as the last man standing. While Pennisi doesn’t have information as to the union shakedown and wrongdoings he can testify that he and Frankie G were introduced to each other as made guys proving that Frankie is a made member of the Genovese family.

Pennisi would also take the stand and testify that a mafia associate has to demonstrate the ability to make money and or commit violent acts in order to get sponsored for induction. He would explain to the jury that as both a mob associate and solider a portion of all illegal proceeds have to be kicked up to mob superiors as tribute according to the Ganglandnews report. Feds seem to believe that having Pennisi help prove that Frankie G was indeed a member of the NY Mafia family should strengthen their case against him.

But before Pennisi could take the stand Manhattan Federal Court Judge Victor Marrero delayed the start of the trial till November. In addition to the Giovinco trial, he will also appear in White Plains Federal Court this summer. There he will testify against five Lucchese family mobsters charged with various racketeering charges including the murder of former Purple Gang leader Michael Meldish. Among the defendants, in that case, are high ranking Lucchese mobsters Matthew Madonna and Steven Crea.

During the Castelle trial, Pennisi laid out the inner working of the Lucchese crime family including listing the families seven active crews. He even detailed a recent coup from within the crime family which led to Michael DeSantis becoming the families new acting boss. It seems like Pennisi is proving to be quite a find for the feds and could make quite an impact before his time on the witness stand comes to an end. There is no telling where John Pennisi pops up next.

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According to the feds Peter Gotti has been the official boss of the Gambino crime family since back in 2002.

He took control of the Cosa Nostra family from his infamous brother John Gotti who was dying in prison. His time on the streets as the official boss of the family was short lived as he was indicted that same year and later convicted of federal racketeering charges that included a plot to kill mafia turncoat Sammy Gravano and was sentenced to 25 years behind bars. While Peter may still hold the official ranking within the family its seemingly in name only having no real influence over the families current day to day operations. But now it seems the 79-year-old former sanitation worker turned mobster has decided to turn his back on the mafia in hopes of being granted an early release from prison. He isn’t scheduled to be released until May of 2032 but it seems like the 17 years he has been behind bars to date have taken a heavy toll on him.

“Peter Gotti”

Gotti’s attorney James Craven has filed a motion in Manhattan Federal Court requesting a compassionate release from prison under the First Step Act of 2018 according to a Ganglandnews report. He has reportedly renounced the criminal lifestyle which put him behind bars and would like to help others not make the same mistakes he made according to court documents. Craven said, “No longer does Gotti try to justify his actions or defend the choices he made that brought him to prison.” While there is no direct mention of the Mafia or the Gambino’s in the documents it seems clear as to what he is referring to.

Craven went on to say that Gotti “wants now to tell anyone who will listen that there is truly zero benefits to unlawful activity. He has hurt other people, including family members, and he wants to spend the balance of his life making amends as best he can.” They maintain that Gotti is in very poor health and in the motion included 22 different medical ailments he is allegedly suffering from. Craven wrote that “His vital organs have been compromised by disease, and the continual use of high-risk medications to treat the various illnesses has dramatically diminished any chance that he may have had to recover.”

This course of action is in contrast to the way his brother John and recently released brother Gene Gotti dealt with their lengthy prison terms. Gene even refused to ask for an early release to a halfway house at the end of his decade’s long prison sentence. It also seems unlikely that it will be looked upon favorably by the current Gambino family leadership. The families Sicilian faction is now in control and veteran leaders Lorenzo Mannino and Domenico Cefalu certainly won’t be in agreement with the denouncing of the mob. With Peter choosing to break that long-held mafia code it could lead to him being stripped of whatever standing he still maintains in the New York Mafia family even though he isn’t actually ratting on anyone.

Many including those inside his own organized crime family believed that Peter Gotti never should have been made boss to begin with as he lacked the leadership skills and charisma needed for the position. His rise through the ranks of the NY Mafia family was greatly aided by the fact that John had taken control. The beginning of the end of the Gotti era left Peter in a kind of the last man standing situation as they tried to maintain control thrusting him into the top spot. If his health is currently as bad as the court documents indicate it seems unlikely that he would be in shape to return to his life of crime.

The Gotti name is certainly a hurdle that will be hard to overcome in addition to his criminal record could make getting an early release a real long shot.

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