An acting capo for the Genovese crime family pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to whack a Russian organized crime hit man in 1992.
Anthony (Tony D) Palumbo took the plea in Manhattan Federal Court and faces 10 years in prison when sentenced Dec. 3.
Prosecutor Avi Weitzman said Palumbo and other Genovese gangsters engaged in a plot to kill a hit man for the Russian mob, but higherups in the mob family refused to authorize the hit. As a result, it was never carried out, said Weitzman.
The rubout plot was tied to an elaborate bootleg-gasoline-tax scheme involving the Genovese and Russian gangsters.
In June, Palumbo, 61, of Bronxville, was charged with getting a fellow mobster who was stealing from him, Angelo Sangiuolo, whacked in a Bronx parking lot.
As part of the plea deal, prosecutors will not pursue Palumbo for that slaying.
Thanks to Robert Gearty
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Organized Crime and Facebook
A vast amount of modern organized crime in the U.S. and Canada revolves around high-tech scams, identity theft, and other cyber crimes.
Gone are the days, to a large degree, of the mob and its penchant for more "traditional" avenues of revenue like gambling rings, loan sharking, and basic theft.
Now, as the CBC reports, new data is revealing the face of organized crime in the 21st century, and its a face that hides behind some unlikely fronts.
Specifically, social networking sites and free classifieds forums are being used for a wide array of schemes, whether it is human trafficking via Craigslist, identity scams on Facebook, or Ponzi schemes advertised as legitimate business ventures on business forums.
The CBC cites Edmonton Police Service Chief Mike Boyd as noting the grim realities of these crimes, non-violent though they tend to be..
In Boyd's words:
A new annual report on organized crime compiled and published by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada was the source of much of this new data, collected in hopes of aiding in the fight against modern organized crime and its many branches.
Thanks to Chris Stewart
Gone are the days, to a large degree, of the mob and its penchant for more "traditional" avenues of revenue like gambling rings, loan sharking, and basic theft.
Now, as the CBC reports, new data is revealing the face of organized crime in the 21st century, and its a face that hides behind some unlikely fronts.
Specifically, social networking sites and free classifieds forums are being used for a wide array of schemes, whether it is human trafficking via Craigslist, identity scams on Facebook, or Ponzi schemes advertised as legitimate business ventures on business forums.
The CBC cites Edmonton Police Service Chief Mike Boyd as noting the grim realities of these crimes, non-violent though they tend to be..
In Boyd's words:
Thousands of people in Canada are victims of [financial fraud] … and will recover little if any of their money...
A new annual report on organized crime compiled and published by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada was the source of much of this new data, collected in hopes of aiding in the fight against modern organized crime and its many branches.
Thanks to Chris Stewart
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Under the Williamsburg Bridge: The Story of An American Family by Frank Bari
Frank Bari comes from a family of Mafia members, but opted to forsake the family business for a career in criminal law. While this sounds like the plot to a fictional crime novel, it is indeed the true story of a man whose grandfather was one of the founding members of the American Mafia. In the new biography Under the Williamsburg Bridge (published by Trafford), with help from writer Mark C. Gribben, Bari shares insight into a unique American family while revealing his own first-hand accounts of Coast Guard service in Vietnam.
Over a decade ago, Mark C. Gribben, a newspaper reporter who covered criminal trials and the police beat, published an article about the Purple Gang, a ruthless crew of killers and bootleggers who controlled Detroit during Prohibition. While this was his only foray into the writing of organized crime, Gribben was contacted by fast-talking New York lawyer, Frank Bari, who asked if Gribben had any information about Bari's great-uncle, a Big Apple transplant from Detroit named Jake Trager. While Gribben's research had never turned up anything about Trager, a friendship was struck up between Gribben and Bari. Bari eventually opened up to his friend about his family background and personal connections with organized crime.
"My grandfather was a founding member of the Syndicate, which set the pattern for organized crime in America," explains Bari, who has specialized in criminal defense law for over 20 years and is one of the foremost experts on Asian organized crime in America. "My father was a member of an organized crime family and worked with the likes of Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz and Bugsy Siegel. But more importantly, my father was a decorated war hero in World War II, serving with the famed unit Merrill's Marauders. In a strange way, it was in the Marine Corps that my father found his real niche in life, and his experience in the military would heavily influence my life. I am a Vietnam veteran, but chose a different path regarding organized crime.”
A cross between Platoon and The Godfather, Under the Williamsburg Bridge refutes, through eyewitness accounts, commonly held beliefs of organized crime. Bari recounts stories of life in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge where "boys grew up fast and they grew up mean". Stories such as how the hit on Dutch "the Dutchman" Schultz really went down as recounted by hit-man Charlie "The Bug" Workman. Bari also tells of his first-hand experiences in Vietnam that left him with a disability (determined by the VA) as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
"Although Under the Williamsburg Bridge is the saga of a unique American family that was witness to a strange chapter in American history," explains Gribben in the introduction, "it really is the story of what made Frank Bari the man he is today."
Over a decade ago, Mark C. Gribben, a newspaper reporter who covered criminal trials and the police beat, published an article about the Purple Gang, a ruthless crew of killers and bootleggers who controlled Detroit during Prohibition. While this was his only foray into the writing of organized crime, Gribben was contacted by fast-talking New York lawyer, Frank Bari, who asked if Gribben had any information about Bari's great-uncle, a Big Apple transplant from Detroit named Jake Trager. While Gribben's research had never turned up anything about Trager, a friendship was struck up between Gribben and Bari. Bari eventually opened up to his friend about his family background and personal connections with organized crime.
"My grandfather was a founding member of the Syndicate, which set the pattern for organized crime in America," explains Bari, who has specialized in criminal defense law for over 20 years and is one of the foremost experts on Asian organized crime in America. "My father was a member of an organized crime family and worked with the likes of Lucky Luciano, Dutch Schultz and Bugsy Siegel. But more importantly, my father was a decorated war hero in World War II, serving with the famed unit Merrill's Marauders. In a strange way, it was in the Marine Corps that my father found his real niche in life, and his experience in the military would heavily influence my life. I am a Vietnam veteran, but chose a different path regarding organized crime.”
A cross between Platoon and The Godfather, Under the Williamsburg Bridge refutes, through eyewitness accounts, commonly held beliefs of organized crime. Bari recounts stories of life in the shadow of the Williamsburg Bridge where "boys grew up fast and they grew up mean". Stories such as how the hit on Dutch "the Dutchman" Schultz really went down as recounted by hit-man Charlie "The Bug" Workman. Bari also tells of his first-hand experiences in Vietnam that left him with a disability (determined by the VA) as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.
"Although Under the Williamsburg Bridge is the saga of a unique American family that was witness to a strange chapter in American history," explains Gribben in the introduction, "it really is the story of what made Frank Bari the man he is today."
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Lost Vegas by Paul McGuire
Lost Vegas: 
The Redneck Riviera, Existentialist Conversations with Strippers, and the World Series of Poker... Las Vegas lures you to shed moral responsibility and piss away your money on indulgences like decadent food, entertainment, gambling, and sex. If you don't enjoy these pastimes, then what's the point of visiting the land of compromised values? Where else can you get a cheap steak, crash a Mexican wedding, get cold-decked in blackjack by a dealer named Dong, play video poker for thirteen straight hours, drink piña coladas out of a plastic coconut, bum a cigarette from an 85-year-old woman with an oxygen tank, speed away to the Spearmint Rhino in a free limo, get rubbed by a former Miss Teen USA, puke in the back of a cab driven by a retired Navy SEAL, snort cheap cocaine in the bathroom at O'Sheas, and then catch a lucky card on the river to crack pocket aces and win a poker tournament? Only in Las Vegas.
The Redneck Riviera, Existentialist Conversations with Strippers, and the World Series of Poker... Las Vegas lures you to shed moral responsibility and piss away your money on indulgences like decadent food, entertainment, gambling, and sex. If you don't enjoy these pastimes, then what's the point of visiting the land of compromised values? Where else can you get a cheap steak, crash a Mexican wedding, get cold-decked in blackjack by a dealer named Dong, play video poker for thirteen straight hours, drink piña coladas out of a plastic coconut, bum a cigarette from an 85-year-old woman with an oxygen tank, speed away to the Spearmint Rhino in a free limo, get rubbed by a former Miss Teen USA, puke in the back of a cab driven by a retired Navy SEAL, snort cheap cocaine in the bathroom at O'Sheas, and then catch a lucky card on the river to crack pocket aces and win a poker tournament? Only in Las Vegas.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Reputed Mob Boss Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno" Granted Funeral Attendance
In a cooperative that sounds like it's straight from the Sopranos, Chicago mob boss Michael "The Large Guy" Sarno has promised a federal judge to observe the Outfit's sacred code of silence known as "Omerta." Or something like that.
Sarno, who has been under house arrest on $1 million bond, will be allowed to leaving electronic monitoring Saturday morning to attend a family funeral. But under one condition. "Mr. Sarno agrees to travel directly to and from the funeral and burial and will refrain from speaking with anyone associated with the Chicago Outfit" states the agreement struck with U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney I. Schenkier on Wednesday.
Mr. Sarno has been under home confinement while awaiting trial on charges that he supervised the bombing of a Berwyn business that was competing against the mob's wildly popular-and illegal-video poker business.
There doesn't seem to be any precedent for such a general pledge-to extend the mob's sacred code of silence to an accused mob boss who wants to bend his federal bond so that he can attend a funeral. "Omerta" is a key covenant of the blood oath taken by Outfit members. Sarno is considered a "made member" of the mob according to federal law enforcement officials, because he participated in an official "making" ceremony.
Under the terms of his bond according to federal records, Sarno is "restricted to his residence at all times except for medical needs or treatment, religious services and court appearances." He needed special permission to attend the funeral. But it isn't the first time that Sarno has been allowed to leave the electronic confinement of his suburban Westchester home on family outings. Federal judges okayed his requests to attend a family holiday dinner last December and to attend an Easter gathering at his sister's house last spring if he promised to mingle only with actual blood relatives.
The Christmas festivities were held at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in downtown Chicago on Dec. 24. The Easter dinner was at his sister's home in suburban Broadview.
Saturday's funeral rites are for Sarno's first cousin, Harry Casaiani according to federal court records. Casaiani owned a popular suburban pizzeria. "Mr. Casaiani passed away on August 9, 2010. On August 14, 2010, Mr. Sarno requests the ability to arrive at St. Cletus Parish, 600 W. 55th Street, La Grange, IL for a viewing beginning at 8:00 a.m. and stay through the funeral mass" states Sarno's motion. "Mr. Sarno also requests attendance at the burial which will take place directly after the funeral mass and will be located at Mary Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162. All services are expected to conclude at 3:00 p.m."
Sarno was sentenced in 1995 to 6 1/2 years in prison for his role in a mob gambling rackets case. He was also named by the FBI in 2002 as one of the top five threats to government informant Nick Calabrese. He is an accused racketeer in the current federal bombing case.
Another defendant in the Sarno case also recently obtained court permission to leave house arrest for a family event. Reputed Chicago video poker king Casey Szaflarski will be allowed to attend his daughter's wedding on Aug. 21 at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago.
In the court OK however, Szaflarski was ordered not to speak with one of the wedding guests&his alleged Outfit boss, Frank "Toots" Caruso. Mr. Szaflarski may have to bite his tongue however. Caruso is the father of the groom.
Obituary listing for the cousin whose funeral Sarno will attend:
Harry A. Casciani, 58, of Burr Ridge, beloved Fiancé of Lilian; devoted Father of Gino, Rocco (Nina), and Carmen (Jacquie); loving Grandfather of Luca, Danilo, and Mia; fond Brother of Linda (Stanley), Laura (Jim), and Christine (Steve); son of the late Sergio and the late Jeanette; dear Uncle and friend of many. Harry was the proud owner of, and passionate about, his business Casciani's Pizzeria; and cared for his staff and customers like family. He was a very proud member of the Chicago Bears Family and above all else, loved his family, friends, and food. Visitation Friday 3 to 9p.m., at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W.55th St. Countryside. Funeral Prayers Saturday 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to St. Cletus Church, LaGrange. Mass 10 a.m. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral Info 708-352-6500.
Thanks to Chuck Goudie
Sarno, who has been under house arrest on $1 million bond, will be allowed to leaving electronic monitoring Saturday morning to attend a family funeral. But under one condition. "Mr. Sarno agrees to travel directly to and from the funeral and burial and will refrain from speaking with anyone associated with the Chicago Outfit" states the agreement struck with U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney I. Schenkier on Wednesday.
Mr. Sarno has been under home confinement while awaiting trial on charges that he supervised the bombing of a Berwyn business that was competing against the mob's wildly popular-and illegal-video poker business.
There doesn't seem to be any precedent for such a general pledge-to extend the mob's sacred code of silence to an accused mob boss who wants to bend his federal bond so that he can attend a funeral. "Omerta" is a key covenant of the blood oath taken by Outfit members. Sarno is considered a "made member" of the mob according to federal law enforcement officials, because he participated in an official "making" ceremony.
Under the terms of his bond according to federal records, Sarno is "restricted to his residence at all times except for medical needs or treatment, religious services and court appearances." He needed special permission to attend the funeral. But it isn't the first time that Sarno has been allowed to leave the electronic confinement of his suburban Westchester home on family outings. Federal judges okayed his requests to attend a family holiday dinner last December and to attend an Easter gathering at his sister's house last spring if he promised to mingle only with actual blood relatives.
The Christmas festivities were held at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in downtown Chicago on Dec. 24. The Easter dinner was at his sister's home in suburban Broadview.
Saturday's funeral rites are for Sarno's first cousin, Harry Casaiani according to federal court records. Casaiani owned a popular suburban pizzeria. "Mr. Casaiani passed away on August 9, 2010. On August 14, 2010, Mr. Sarno requests the ability to arrive at St. Cletus Parish, 600 W. 55th Street, La Grange, IL for a viewing beginning at 8:00 a.m. and stay through the funeral mass" states Sarno's motion. "Mr. Sarno also requests attendance at the burial which will take place directly after the funeral mass and will be located at Mary Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162. All services are expected to conclude at 3:00 p.m."
Sarno was sentenced in 1995 to 6 1/2 years in prison for his role in a mob gambling rackets case. He was also named by the FBI in 2002 as one of the top five threats to government informant Nick Calabrese. He is an accused racketeer in the current federal bombing case.
Another defendant in the Sarno case also recently obtained court permission to leave house arrest for a family event. Reputed Chicago video poker king Casey Szaflarski will be allowed to attend his daughter's wedding on Aug. 21 at the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago.
In the court OK however, Szaflarski was ordered not to speak with one of the wedding guests&his alleged Outfit boss, Frank "Toots" Caruso. Mr. Szaflarski may have to bite his tongue however. Caruso is the father of the groom.
Obituary listing for the cousin whose funeral Sarno will attend:
Harry A. Casciani, 58, of Burr Ridge, beloved Fiancé of Lilian; devoted Father of Gino, Rocco (Nina), and Carmen (Jacquie); loving Grandfather of Luca, Danilo, and Mia; fond Brother of Linda (Stanley), Laura (Jim), and Christine (Steve); son of the late Sergio and the late Jeanette; dear Uncle and friend of many. Harry was the proud owner of, and passionate about, his business Casciani's Pizzeria; and cared for his staff and customers like family. He was a very proud member of the Chicago Bears Family and above all else, loved his family, friends, and food. Visitation Friday 3 to 9p.m., at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W.55th St. Countryside. Funeral Prayers Saturday 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to St. Cletus Church, LaGrange. Mass 10 a.m. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Funeral Info 708-352-6500.
Thanks to Chuck Goudie
Friday, August 13, 2010
Public's Help Sought in Capture of Missing Chicago Gangster
Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is asking for the public’s help in trying to locate SAMUEL NUNEZ, age 23, whose last known address was 2719 West 39th Place in Chicago.
NUNEZ is the subject of a nationwide manhunt coordinated by the Chicago FBI’s Joint Task Force on Gangs (JTFG) since July of this year, when he was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with violation of federal drug and firearms laws.
NUNEZ and 24 others were charged with drug or weapons violations in a combined federal and state investigation which culminated in the arrest of 22 area defendants on July 21, 2010. NUNEZ was one of three defendants in this case who escaped capture and is still at-large.
NUNEZ, also known as “Sammy”, is described as a Hispanic male, 23 years of age, 5’8” tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. NUNEZ has the name “Sabina” tattooed on his chest. Due to his extensive criminal record, he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone recognizing NUNEZ or having any information as to his current whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago FBI at 312-421-6700.
NUNEZ is the subject of a nationwide manhunt coordinated by the Chicago FBI’s Joint Task Force on Gangs (JTFG) since July of this year, when he was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago with violation of federal drug and firearms laws.
NUNEZ and 24 others were charged with drug or weapons violations in a combined federal and state investigation which culminated in the arrest of 22 area defendants on July 21, 2010. NUNEZ was one of three defendants in this case who escaped capture and is still at-large.
NUNEZ, also known as “Sammy”, is described as a Hispanic male, 23 years of age, 5’8” tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. NUNEZ has the name “Sabina” tattooed on his chest. Due to his extensive criminal record, he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone recognizing NUNEZ or having any information as to his current whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago FBI at 312-421-6700.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Reputed Mob Burglar, Jerry "Witherhand" Scalise, Makes Bid for Pre-Trial Release
Chicago Outfit burglar Jerry "Witherhand" Scalise, who once grabbed a royal British diamond the size of an egg using his non-deformed hand, is making a new bid for bail in his latest legal escapade.
Attorney Edward Genson on Monday filed a motion in U.S. District Court asking that Scalise be granted pre-trial release because he has "secured additional property from his family and friends to post for bond." Genson noted in the motion that Scalise had been told by a federal judge during previous court hearings that bond would be possible if more property were posted.
Scalise, 73, is the suspected leader of a so-called "Geriatric Trio" of aging mobsters. His not-so-subtle mob nickname "Witherhand" is in recognition of having been born minus four fingers on his left hand. Arrested last April with Scalise were Robert "Bobby" Pullia, 69, and Arthur "The Genius" Rachel, 71 as they allegedly scouted banks to rob in the western suburbs.
Federal authorities picked up the three as they were preparing to rob the Bridgeport mansion of deceased Chinatown Outfit boss Angelo "The Hook" LaPietra. They were arrested outside the LaPietra home with burglary tools, guns, ammo and communications equipment, according to federal agents.
At the time, there was speculation by mobologists that Scalise and crew were going into LaPietra's former castle-like residence to retrieve the famous Marlborough diamond. The 45 carat sparkler was swiped in 1980 during a daring morning hold-up at Graff Jewelers in London, UK. Scalise and Rachel were arrested as they arrived at O'Hare Airport that evening− the diamond.
Although both men were convicted in the theft of the diamond-among $4 million in stolen gems-and served time in a British penitentiary, the royal Marlborough diamond was never recovered.
Some investigators have long held that the huge diamond was mailed to mob bosses in Chicago.
When Scalise finally got out of the UK prison, he returned to Chicago and found work as a movie consultant. Most recently he was hired by director Michael Mann as a crime consultant in the Johnny Depp film, "Public Enemies." Mann told the LA Times he wanted to know what it was like inside a robber's psyche.
According to federal prosecutors Scalise knows all about how to rob-because he is still un-gainfully self-employed as one. According to the federal court motion which will be argued Tuesday, Scalise's family and friends agree to post as security for his release:
Ms. Pizza is Scalise "longtime companion" according to the motion filed by attorney Genson. The couple lived together in a Hinsdale apartment before she purchased the home in Clarendon Hills, according to law enforcement sources. Scalise promised in the motion that Ms. Pizza "was also willing to act as the designated person for Mr. Scalise should he be released." That may be determined during tomorrow's hearing.
Thanks to Chuck Goudie
Attorney Edward Genson on Monday filed a motion in U.S. District Court asking that Scalise be granted pre-trial release because he has "secured additional property from his family and friends to post for bond." Genson noted in the motion that Scalise had been told by a federal judge during previous court hearings that bond would be possible if more property were posted.
Scalise, 73, is the suspected leader of a so-called "Geriatric Trio" of aging mobsters. His not-so-subtle mob nickname "Witherhand" is in recognition of having been born minus four fingers on his left hand. Arrested last April with Scalise were Robert "Bobby" Pullia, 69, and Arthur "The Genius" Rachel, 71 as they allegedly scouted banks to rob in the western suburbs.
Federal authorities picked up the three as they were preparing to rob the Bridgeport mansion of deceased Chinatown Outfit boss Angelo "The Hook" LaPietra. They were arrested outside the LaPietra home with burglary tools, guns, ammo and communications equipment, according to federal agents.
At the time, there was speculation by mobologists that Scalise and crew were going into LaPietra's former castle-like residence to retrieve the famous Marlborough diamond. The 45 carat sparkler was swiped in 1980 during a daring morning hold-up at Graff Jewelers in London, UK. Scalise and Rachel were arrested as they arrived at O'Hare Airport that evening− the diamond.
Although both men were convicted in the theft of the diamond-among $4 million in stolen gems-and served time in a British penitentiary, the royal Marlborough diamond was never recovered.
Some investigators have long held that the huge diamond was mailed to mob bosses in Chicago.
When Scalise finally got out of the UK prison, he returned to Chicago and found work as a movie consultant. Most recently he was hired by director Michael Mann as a crime consultant in the Johnny Depp film, "Public Enemies." Mann told the LA Times he wanted to know what it was like inside a robber's psyche.
According to federal prosecutors Scalise knows all about how to rob-because he is still un-gainfully self-employed as one. According to the federal court motion which will be argued Tuesday, Scalise's family and friends agree to post as security for his release:
- A Clarendon Hills Home, owned by Linda Pizza, Value $690,000, Equity $181,000
- Land in Hawaii, owned by Thomas Seaman (brother-in-law), Market Value per Property Assessment $365,200, no mortgage
- Monee Home, owned by Algiras A. Macevicius (friend), Appraised at $225,000, Equity $136,000
Ms. Pizza is Scalise "longtime companion" according to the motion filed by attorney Genson. The couple lived together in a Hinsdale apartment before she purchased the home in Clarendon Hills, according to law enforcement sources. Scalise promised in the motion that Ms. Pizza "was also willing to act as the designated person for Mr. Scalise should he be released." That may be determined during tomorrow's hearing.
Thanks to Chuck Goudie
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Martin Angelina, Mob Underboss, Sentenced to Probation for Aggravated Assault
Nearly a year after spitting in the face of a Margate police officer, mob underboss Martin Angelina was sentenced Friday to a year's probation and fined $1,000 for aggravated assault.
Angelina, 48, said little during the sentencing hearing before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury. Neither he nor his lawyer, M.W. "Mike" Pinsky, would comment as they left the third-floor courtroom.
Dressed in a blue striped polo shirt and jeans, the once roly-poly wiseguy appeared tan and fit as he stood before DeLury at his brief court appearance.
Asked by the judge if he had anything to say, Angelina replied, "Nothing."
DeLury described Angelina's confrontation with Police Officer Christopher Taroncher as "boisterous and profane," but said he would accept a plea deal between Pinsky and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
The South Philadelphia resident formally entered his guilty plea in June.
The fact that Taroncher was not injured apparently played a role in the prosecution's decision to downgrade the charge to a fourth-degree offense that did not require a jail sentence.
Angelina, DeLury pointed out, has 12 prior arrests and six convictions. He also has a driving-while-intoxicated charge pending in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. His most serious offense was a conviction for racketeering in 2001. Angelina served nearly six years and was twice jailed for probation violations after his release because he associated with organized-crime figures.
The current probation sentence includes a similar prohibition for the mobster. He also will be required to attend weekly counseling sessions at Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar organization.
Pinsky told DeLury that the current charge was not connected with organized criminal activity. He said it grew out of a domestic dispute.
Angelina was arrested early on Sept. 1, 2009, at an apartment in Margate where he was staying with a girlfriend, according to police. Neighbors had complained about shouting. He and the girlfriend had been arguing while drinking at some local bars and the dispute continued at home, police said.
Angelina spent several hours in the Margate lockup and was being released around 8 a.m. when, officials said, he got into an argument with Taroncher, who was in the process of freeing him. He then spit in Taroncher's face. Angelina was rearrested on an assault charge and remained in the lockup for two more hours before $2,500 bail was posted.
Once described by a federal prosecutor as a "bully running with a gang of misfits," Angelina was a close associate and enforcer for jailed mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, who ruled the Philadelphia mob family in the late 1990s. Merlino, Angelina, and five codefendants were convicted in the 2001 racketeering case in Philadelphia.
Angelina, according to federal and local police, was named underboss, the number-two man, in the local mob by reputed boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi after Angelina completed his prison sentence. The move was seen in law enforcement and underworld circles as a favor to Merlino. Angelina is not considered a close associate of Ligambi's.
Ligambi, 70, has taken a low-key approach to running the crime family and frowns on actions - like spitting on a police officer - that attract media attention.
Angelina, Ligambi, and nearly a dozen other mob figures are the focus of a racketeering investigation being conducted by the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, according to witnesses and investigators involved in that probe.
Thanks to George Anastasia
Angelina, 48, said little during the sentencing hearing before Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury. Neither he nor his lawyer, M.W. "Mike" Pinsky, would comment as they left the third-floor courtroom.
Dressed in a blue striped polo shirt and jeans, the once roly-poly wiseguy appeared tan and fit as he stood before DeLury at his brief court appearance.
Asked by the judge if he had anything to say, Angelina replied, "Nothing."
DeLury described Angelina's confrontation with Police Officer Christopher Taroncher as "boisterous and profane," but said he would accept a plea deal between Pinsky and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
The South Philadelphia resident formally entered his guilty plea in June.
The fact that Taroncher was not injured apparently played a role in the prosecution's decision to downgrade the charge to a fourth-degree offense that did not require a jail sentence.
Angelina, DeLury pointed out, has 12 prior arrests and six convictions. He also has a driving-while-intoxicated charge pending in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. His most serious offense was a conviction for racketeering in 2001. Angelina served nearly six years and was twice jailed for probation violations after his release because he associated with organized-crime figures.
The current probation sentence includes a similar prohibition for the mobster. He also will be required to attend weekly counseling sessions at Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar organization.
Pinsky told DeLury that the current charge was not connected with organized criminal activity. He said it grew out of a domestic dispute.
Angelina was arrested early on Sept. 1, 2009, at an apartment in Margate where he was staying with a girlfriend, according to police. Neighbors had complained about shouting. He and the girlfriend had been arguing while drinking at some local bars and the dispute continued at home, police said.
Angelina spent several hours in the Margate lockup and was being released around 8 a.m. when, officials said, he got into an argument with Taroncher, who was in the process of freeing him. He then spit in Taroncher's face. Angelina was rearrested on an assault charge and remained in the lockup for two more hours before $2,500 bail was posted.
Once described by a federal prosecutor as a "bully running with a gang of misfits," Angelina was a close associate and enforcer for jailed mob boss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, who ruled the Philadelphia mob family in the late 1990s. Merlino, Angelina, and five codefendants were convicted in the 2001 racketeering case in Philadelphia.
Angelina, according to federal and local police, was named underboss, the number-two man, in the local mob by reputed boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi after Angelina completed his prison sentence. The move was seen in law enforcement and underworld circles as a favor to Merlino. Angelina is not considered a close associate of Ligambi's.
Ligambi, 70, has taken a low-key approach to running the crime family and frowns on actions - like spitting on a police officer - that attract media attention.
Angelina, Ligambi, and nearly a dozen other mob figures are the focus of a racketeering investigation being conducted by the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, according to witnesses and investigators involved in that probe.
Thanks to George Anastasia
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Harry Caray Link to the Chicago Mob?
The former Chicago Varnish company building is 115 years old -- a Dutch renaissance revival masterpiece – and is famous for more than just being the home to Harry Caray’s, one of Chicago's most famous eateries.
There's a connection to Chicago's Gangland Era, and in particular to AL Capone's top henchman Frank Nitti, the enforcer, who held an apartment there from 1939 to 1943.
There's a separate bedroom with a cedar-lined closet, and a still-functioning bathroom replete with vintage pink and black tile. And there's more: Harry Caray's president and managing partner Grant Deporter took FOX Chicago to the basement, where 15 years ago an electrician discovered a passageway behind a wall he was working on.
The tunnel -- once a distribution path for coal – is now used for storage.
Back in the basement, in what is now Harry Caray's wine room, there’s a bit of history we have no chance of destroying: an old safe believed to belong to Nitti.
Thanks to Corey McPherrin
There's a connection to Chicago's Gangland Era, and in particular to AL Capone's top henchman Frank Nitti, the enforcer, who held an apartment there from 1939 to 1943.
There's a separate bedroom with a cedar-lined closet, and a still-functioning bathroom replete with vintage pink and black tile. And there's more: Harry Caray's president and managing partner Grant Deporter took FOX Chicago to the basement, where 15 years ago an electrician discovered a passageway behind a wall he was working on.
The tunnel -- once a distribution path for coal – is now used for storage.
Back in the basement, in what is now Harry Caray's wine room, there’s a bit of history we have no chance of destroying: an old safe believed to belong to Nitti.
Thanks to Corey McPherrin
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Top Organized Crime Publishers to Form Dynamic Duo
The publishers of two quarterly true-crime journals plan to pool their resources in a new, combined publication. Informer: The History of American Crime and Law Enforcement, set to launch in October, will provide informative and well-documented historical articles on crime, organized crime, policing and penology.
Rick Mattix has been publisher and editor of the On the Spot Journal of Crime and Law Enforcement since fall of 2006. Thomas Hunt has held a similar role with Informer: The Journal of American Mafia History since fall of 2008. Mattix’s publication specialized in the history of the gangster era - the 1920s and 30s, while Hunt’s dealt exclusively with the history of the American Mafia.
“Though I never thought of us as being in competition with each other,” Hunt said, “It’s clear there was considerable overlap in our publications. In fact, before launching Informer, I wrote several Mafia history articles for On the Spot. So, this seems a natural combination.”
Mattix said, “I am pleased to participate in the new Informer, which I believe will be a worthy successor to both its parent journals as well as expanding our previous horizons in the history of American crime and crime control.”
Hunt will serve as publisher of the new Informer: The History of American Crime and Law Enforcement. He also will perform copy editing and page design tasks. Mattix will serve as editorial director and will be responsible for article acquisition and issue contents.
The new publication will be distributed in electronic and print editions. The low-cost electronic edition will be distributed through the Scribd.com document sharing service. Individual electronic issues will be priced at $5 (US), with annual subscriptions available for $18. The high quality print edition will be produced and shipped by HP’s international print-on-demand service MagCloud.com. The cost of individual print edition issues, including shipping, is estimated to be just under $20. Annual subscriptions to the print edition will be offered at a price of $75.
For more information on the publication, visit its website: http://informer-journal.blogspot.com. Informer can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Rick Mattix has been publisher and editor of the On the Spot Journal of Crime and Law Enforcement since fall of 2006. Thomas Hunt has held a similar role with Informer: The Journal of American Mafia History since fall of 2008. Mattix’s publication specialized in the history of the gangster era - the 1920s and 30s, while Hunt’s dealt exclusively with the history of the American Mafia.
“Though I never thought of us as being in competition with each other,” Hunt said, “It’s clear there was considerable overlap in our publications. In fact, before launching Informer, I wrote several Mafia history articles for On the Spot. So, this seems a natural combination.”
Mattix said, “I am pleased to participate in the new Informer, which I believe will be a worthy successor to both its parent journals as well as expanding our previous horizons in the history of American crime and crime control.”
Hunt will serve as publisher of the new Informer: The History of American Crime and Law Enforcement. He also will perform copy editing and page design tasks. Mattix will serve as editorial director and will be responsible for article acquisition and issue contents.
The new publication will be distributed in electronic and print editions. The low-cost electronic edition will be distributed through the Scribd.com document sharing service. Individual electronic issues will be priced at $5 (US), with annual subscriptions available for $18. The high quality print edition will be produced and shipped by HP’s international print-on-demand service MagCloud.com. The cost of individual print edition issues, including shipping, is estimated to be just under $20. Annual subscriptions to the print edition will be offered at a price of $75.
For more information on the publication, visit its website: http://informer-journal.blogspot.com. Informer can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)