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| 1962 |
Virgil Alessi was a DeCavalcante Captain and part of the Family's New York faction.
Inducted in the late 1970s, he was caught up in the French Connection and related drug cases from that decade.
Born June 1, 1932 in Manhattan to Virgilio (23y) and Rose Biancaniello (20y). Father from Linguaglossa comune of Catalonia, Sicily. Mother from Nusco comune of Avellino, Campania.
Within a couple of years the family was residing at 5-34 47th Ave in Long Island City, Queens. Father worked as post office clerk.
On February 3, 1950 inducted into US Army.
On July 3, 1950 deserted from 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On November 6, 1950 arrested by FBI on desertion charge. Sentenced to one year at United States Disciplinary Barracks in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
On January 8, 1951 given dishonorable discharge. Released from USDB nine months later.
On December 22, 1957 among forty-eight arrested by NYPD following raid on dice game held inside loft building in Queens.
Alessi was then residing at 47-10 Vernon Blvd in Long Island City.
On February 20, 1958 arrested by NYPD Manhattan on unlawful entry charge. Case dismissed six days later.
A March 2 gambling charged in Brooklyn was also dismissed.
On June 13, 1958 arrested with Edward Villante (29y) while attempting to hold up the owner of a local check cashing service. New York Daily News reported: "Carrying $11,000, [victim] was getting into his car on Avenue B near Third St. [when] a man prodded him with a loaded .25 automatic and climbed behind the wheel of the car. Another man tried to get in the other door, but it was locked...In a police radio car up the street, [two Patrolmen] witnessed the scene [and interfered]." Villante, the armed suspect, was charged with attempted robbery and criminal possession of a weapon; Alessi was charged with acting in concert. Pair arraigned in Felony Court and held on $7,500 bail each pending hearing. Case against Alessi subsequently dismissed by Grand Jury.
On April 8, 1960 father Virgilio indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn for using his post office's parcel fund to pay off gambling losses.
Over a two year period beginning in September 1960 arrested five times for gambling in Queens. All cases ended in dismissal or acquittal.
By 1963 resided at 11-25 46th Rd in Long Island City.
On November 13, 1964 arrested by NYPD Queens on bookmaking charges. Around April 2, 1965 convicted and sentenced to thirty days imprisonment and a $100 fine.
Inducted in the late 1970s, he was caught up in the French Connection and related drug cases from that decade.
Born June 1, 1932 in Manhattan to Virgilio (23y) and Rose Biancaniello (20y). Father from Linguaglossa comune of Catalonia, Sicily. Mother from Nusco comune of Avellino, Campania.
Within a couple of years the family was residing at 5-34 47th Ave in Long Island City, Queens. Father worked as post office clerk.
On February 3, 1950 inducted into US Army.
On July 3, 1950 deserted from 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On November 6, 1950 arrested by FBI on desertion charge. Sentenced to one year at United States Disciplinary Barracks in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.
On January 8, 1951 given dishonorable discharge. Released from USDB nine months later.
On December 22, 1957 among forty-eight arrested by NYPD following raid on dice game held inside loft building in Queens.
Alessi was then residing at 47-10 Vernon Blvd in Long Island City.
On February 20, 1958 arrested by NYPD Manhattan on unlawful entry charge. Case dismissed six days later.
A March 2 gambling charged in Brooklyn was also dismissed.
On June 13, 1958 arrested with Edward Villante (29y) while attempting to hold up the owner of a local check cashing service. New York Daily News reported: "Carrying $11,000, [victim] was getting into his car on Avenue B near Third St. [when] a man prodded him with a loaded .25 automatic and climbed behind the wheel of the car. Another man tried to get in the other door, but it was locked...In a police radio car up the street, [two Patrolmen] witnessed the scene [and interfered]." Villante, the armed suspect, was charged with attempted robbery and criminal possession of a weapon; Alessi was charged with acting in concert. Pair arraigned in Felony Court and held on $7,500 bail each pending hearing. Case against Alessi subsequently dismissed by Grand Jury.
On April 8, 1960 father Virgilio indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn for using his post office's parcel fund to pay off gambling losses.
Over a two year period beginning in September 1960 arrested five times for gambling in Queens. All cases ended in dismissal or acquittal.
By 1963 resided at 11-25 46th Rd in Long Island City.
On November 13, 1964 arrested by NYPD Queens on bookmaking charges. Around April 2, 1965 convicted and sentenced to thirty days imprisonment and a $100 fine.
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| A. Napolitano (L), N. Forlano (Mid-1960s) |
On January 8, FBI CI reported: “[During] the recent past [Anthony] Napolitano had been complaining to him he has lost a large sum of money because of the trust and confidence he placed in a young hoodlum named Virgil Alessi, who was shylocking Napolitano's money and made some bad loans (borrowers did not repay). Napolitano complained that he himself is now 'stuck' for this money and would have to pay Carlo (unquestionably Carlo Gambino). Informant said Napolitano is apparently powerless to act against Alessi inasmuch as Alessi is closely associated with Jiggs Forlano who is highly regarded in another La Cosa Nostra Family."
Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano (1900-1992) was a Gambino Captain active primarily in East Harlem, Manhattan and Astoria, Queens.
Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano (1913-1977) was a Colombo Captain with interests in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
Alessi may have been an Associate in Forlano's crew at the time.
Made members of the crew included 'Little John' Capichano, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Leonard 'Big Lenny' Dello, Aniello 'Allie LaMont' Giannattasio, Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro, Salvatore 'Westo' Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi and George Tropiano. Possible additional crew members included Lorenzo Lampasi Jr.
Associates of interest included future Colombo Captains Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio and Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello, future Gambino Captain Gregory DePalma as well as future Bonanno Captain turned CW Frank 'Curly' Lino. Non-Italian associates included loanshark Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Carna was believed on-record with Gugliaro. DePalma, Grancio and Lino were with Alphonse D'Ambrosio and his imprisoned brother Salvatore aka Sally D. Not long after Forlano's death in 1977 Charles Stein was murdered by the Westies.)
On February 21, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he had recently met with Jiggs Forlano at which time Forlano complained to him that Virgil Alessi had made some bad shylock loans with his, Forlano's, money and he was having difficulty in getting repayment. Forlano expressed dissatisfaction with Alessi for his lack of good judgement. It is noted informant previously advised that Anthony Napolitano had expressed dissatisfaction with Alessi for the same reason."
On March 3, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Virgil] Alessi is a sports bookmaker in Queens and works under Jiggs Forlano. Informant did not know the specifics on where or how Alessi operates the sports book. Informant indicated the following locations as hangouts for Alessi: [Cafe Royale, 28th Ave; Star Glow Bar; Danny and Al's Italian Restaurant; 29th Street Social Club, all in Queens]. Informant further advised Alessi's [Redacted] was recently arrested by Nassau County PD concerning theft of airline tickets."
On May 24, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Virgil] Alessi continues to frequent the Star Glow Bar in Astoria, Queens. [Redacted] Jiggs Forlano. Informant advised that Alessi has gone to Las Vegas a number of times with [Redacted] on gambling junkets. He also stated Alessi is a friend of [Redacted] in Queens. Informant further advised Alessi resides in Long Island City, Queens; [redacted]. Alessi is a 'ladies man'."
By May 1971 subject of FBI gambling investigation.
Additional activities included heroin trafficking, for which Alessi and five others were arrested by the Suffolk County, Long Island Police Department on August 11, 1971. Long Island Newsday reported: "The arrests followed a six-month, undercover investigation by the narcotics squad, whose agents, [Police Commissioner Barry's] release said, bought quantities of heroin from key figures in the ring. Police could not say what amounts were purchased. Barry's release said that Alessi and others in the organization got the drug from Italy and other, unnamed, foreign ports. The drug was then broken down into smaller amounts which were recut in North Amityville and packaged for street sale. Most of the sales were made in Suffolk, principally in the southwestern part of the county, police sources said. Barry's release said that the Suffolk gross was $100,000 weekly. But other police sources said that any estimate was 'a guessing game', arrived at by talking to defendants and undercover agents."
Coverage in New York Daily News noted: "[Ring] had connections in Miami and New Orleans...[Det. Sgt.] said that heroin assertedly delivered by Alessi would be redistributed by the senior [Anthony] Loria and his two accused sons to pushers in New York City's five boroughs and throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties." (Anthony Loria [1921-1989] resided on Spangle Drive in North Babylon, Long Island.)
Alessi, specifically charged with conspiracy to sell and assault 2nd degree, held on $10,000 bail. Subsequently pleaded guilty and received a five year Federal probation term.
Around January 24 of the following year among twenty indicted by USAO Eastern District of New York on Federal narcotics charges. Others indicted included Possible DeCav Associate Henry Uvino (30y) as well as Joseph 'Joe Dirt' Cesario (29y) and Salvatore Graziano (52y). Alessi surrendered same date at the US Attorney's Office in Westbury, LI and released on $25,000 the next day. On January 26 Long Island Newsday, describing Alessi as a 'major figure in the ring' with a 'prior narcotics arrest' record, reported: "The alleged narcotics ring was discovered by Suffolk detectives and federal agents working with the U.S. Justice Department's organized-crime task force. [Task Force head] said that 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds) of 96-per-cent pure heroin was seized during the investigation [which was] 'only a small portion' of the narcotics distributed by the ring during the last four years."
Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano (1900-1992) was a Gambino Captain active primarily in East Harlem, Manhattan and Astoria, Queens.
Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano (1913-1977) was a Colombo Captain with interests in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
Alessi may have been an Associate in Forlano's crew at the time.
Made members of the crew included 'Little John' Capichano, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Leonard 'Big Lenny' Dello, Aniello 'Allie LaMont' Giannattasio, Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro, Salvatore 'Westo' Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi and George Tropiano. Possible additional crew members included Lorenzo Lampasi Jr.
Associates of interest included future Colombo Captains Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio and Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello, future Gambino Captain Gregory DePalma as well as future Bonanno Captain turned CW Frank 'Curly' Lino. Non-Italian associates included loanshark Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Carna was believed on-record with Gugliaro. DePalma, Grancio and Lino were with Alphonse D'Ambrosio and his imprisoned brother Salvatore aka Sally D. Not long after Forlano's death in 1977 Charles Stein was murdered by the Westies.)
On February 21, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he had recently met with Jiggs Forlano at which time Forlano complained to him that Virgil Alessi had made some bad shylock loans with his, Forlano's, money and he was having difficulty in getting repayment. Forlano expressed dissatisfaction with Alessi for his lack of good judgement. It is noted informant previously advised that Anthony Napolitano had expressed dissatisfaction with Alessi for the same reason."
On March 3, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Virgil] Alessi is a sports bookmaker in Queens and works under Jiggs Forlano. Informant did not know the specifics on where or how Alessi operates the sports book. Informant indicated the following locations as hangouts for Alessi: [Cafe Royale, 28th Ave; Star Glow Bar; Danny and Al's Italian Restaurant; 29th Street Social Club, all in Queens]. Informant further advised Alessi's [Redacted] was recently arrested by Nassau County PD concerning theft of airline tickets."
On May 24, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Virgil] Alessi continues to frequent the Star Glow Bar in Astoria, Queens. [Redacted] Jiggs Forlano. Informant advised that Alessi has gone to Las Vegas a number of times with [Redacted] on gambling junkets. He also stated Alessi is a friend of [Redacted] in Queens. Informant further advised Alessi resides in Long Island City, Queens; [redacted]. Alessi is a 'ladies man'."
By May 1971 subject of FBI gambling investigation.
Additional activities included heroin trafficking, for which Alessi and five others were arrested by the Suffolk County, Long Island Police Department on August 11, 1971. Long Island Newsday reported: "The arrests followed a six-month, undercover investigation by the narcotics squad, whose agents, [Police Commissioner Barry's] release said, bought quantities of heroin from key figures in the ring. Police could not say what amounts were purchased. Barry's release said that Alessi and others in the organization got the drug from Italy and other, unnamed, foreign ports. The drug was then broken down into smaller amounts which were recut in North Amityville and packaged for street sale. Most of the sales were made in Suffolk, principally in the southwestern part of the county, police sources said. Barry's release said that the Suffolk gross was $100,000 weekly. But other police sources said that any estimate was 'a guessing game', arrived at by talking to defendants and undercover agents."
Coverage in New York Daily News noted: "[Ring] had connections in Miami and New Orleans...[Det. Sgt.] said that heroin assertedly delivered by Alessi would be redistributed by the senior [Anthony] Loria and his two accused sons to pushers in New York City's five boroughs and throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties." (Anthony Loria [1921-1989] resided on Spangle Drive in North Babylon, Long Island.)
Alessi, specifically charged with conspiracy to sell and assault 2nd degree, held on $10,000 bail. Subsequently pleaded guilty and received a five year Federal probation term.
Around January 24 of the following year among twenty indicted by USAO Eastern District of New York on Federal narcotics charges. Others indicted included Possible DeCav Associate Henry Uvino (30y) as well as Joseph 'Joe Dirt' Cesario (29y) and Salvatore Graziano (52y). Alessi surrendered same date at the US Attorney's Office in Westbury, LI and released on $25,000 the next day. On January 26 Long Island Newsday, describing Alessi as a 'major figure in the ring' with a 'prior narcotics arrest' record, reported: "The alleged narcotics ring was discovered by Suffolk detectives and federal agents working with the U.S. Justice Department's organized-crime task force. [Task Force head] said that 50 kilograms (about 110 pounds) of 96-per-cent pure heroin was seized during the investigation [which was] 'only a small portion' of the narcotics distributed by the ring during the last four years."
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| V. Papa |
On February 3, 1972 Lucchese Soldier Vincent Papa arrested by FBN on Federal narcotics conspiracy charge. Papa, in possession of $1,000,000 cash, in company of Virgil Alessi at time of arrest.
On June 14, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[A] Virgil (LNU) is connected with a luncheonette on Jackson Avenue, between 48th and 50th Avenues, Queens. This person deals in gambling, narcotics and 'hot goods'. On 6/26/1972, CI advised the luncheonette is the E and B Coffee Shop, 1070 Jackson Avenue, Queens."
On July 19, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[A] Virgil (LNU) operates Scott's Pub, 29th Street and 39th Avenue, Queens. This individual is big in narcotics and hijacking and utilizes Scott's for this purpose."
On August 3, 1972 the FBI's New York Office reported: "Investigation has disclosed while Virgil Alessi has been a gambler for many years, he does not appear to have any permanent location at which he participates in gambling. Also, while he has had acquaintances who are members of the Mafia, he does not appear to have engaged in illegal activity with them." Gambling investigation closed.
On June 14, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[A] Virgil (LNU) is connected with a luncheonette on Jackson Avenue, between 48th and 50th Avenues, Queens. This person deals in gambling, narcotics and 'hot goods'. On 6/26/1972, CI advised the luncheonette is the E and B Coffee Shop, 1070 Jackson Avenue, Queens."
On July 19, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[A] Virgil (LNU) operates Scott's Pub, 29th Street and 39th Avenue, Queens. This individual is big in narcotics and hijacking and utilizes Scott's for this purpose."
On August 3, 1972 the FBI's New York Office reported: "Investigation has disclosed while Virgil Alessi has been a gambler for many years, he does not appear to have any permanent location at which he participates in gambling. Also, while he has had acquaintances who are members of the Mafia, he does not appear to have engaged in illegal activity with them." Gambling investigation closed.
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| John (L) and Frank D'Amato |
On April 2, 1974 body of Louis LaSerra (38y) found floating in Manhattan's East River. He had been shot one or more times in head. Suspects included Virgil Alessi, with the imprisoned Vincent Papa as a possible co-conspirator. (LaSerra had previously been arrested on heroin charges with Alessi associate John D'Amato and his brother Frank, both of whom were later inducted into the DeCavalcante Family. It was during John D'Amato's time as Underboss in the early 1990s that Virgil Alessi was promoted to Acting Captain.)
On February 21, 1975 New York Daily News published article covering 1974 LE bugging of yacht used by Virgil Alessi and others: "...In addition to conversations about the 'French Connection' thefts, Alessi and other hoods, including [Vincent] Papa henchmen Rocco Evangelista and Daniel Ranieri, allegedly discussed their various illegal activities. Loan-sharking and gambling operations were reportedly openly discussed as the yacht headed for the open seas. The tapes have Alessi commenting on the murders of two lower-echelon hoods who fell under Papa's disfavor, it was said."
By Summer 1975 moved to 30-48 36th St in Astoria.
On July 7 Alessi, Attorney Frank Lopez and four others indicted by Manhattan District Attorney's Office on criminal contempt charges re French Connection investigation. New York Daily News reported: "[Summary of indictment] added that Lopez refused to answer questions about how the 398 pounds of heroin and cocaine were taken from the property clerk's office and 'distributed by [Vincent] Papa and Alessi'...The summary said Lopez also 'refused to answer questions relating to whether he had carried instructions between Papa and Alessi in connection with the death of Louis LaSerra."
One month later Alessi and two others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York on Federal narcotics charges. New York Daily News reported: "[Defendants] were part of a 14-member dope ring that operated from 1968 through 1973 and distributed 40 to 45 kilos of heroin and cocaine worth more than $7 million...[US Attorney] said that Alessi, Panebianco and others still being sought, teamed with [Vincent] Papa to deal in narcotics. Papa is doing 55 years in a federal prison for dope trafficking. He was named as a co-conspirator." Defendants arraigned before Judge Charles E. Stewart Jr. and held on $50,000 bail each.
On February 21, 1975 New York Daily News published article covering 1974 LE bugging of yacht used by Virgil Alessi and others: "...In addition to conversations about the 'French Connection' thefts, Alessi and other hoods, including [Vincent] Papa henchmen Rocco Evangelista and Daniel Ranieri, allegedly discussed their various illegal activities. Loan-sharking and gambling operations were reportedly openly discussed as the yacht headed for the open seas. The tapes have Alessi commenting on the murders of two lower-echelon hoods who fell under Papa's disfavor, it was said."
By Summer 1975 moved to 30-48 36th St in Astoria.
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| New York Daily News |
One month later Alessi and two others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York on Federal narcotics charges. New York Daily News reported: "[Defendants] were part of a 14-member dope ring that operated from 1968 through 1973 and distributed 40 to 45 kilos of heroin and cocaine worth more than $7 million...[US Attorney] said that Alessi, Panebianco and others still being sought, teamed with [Vincent] Papa to deal in narcotics. Papa is doing 55 years in a federal prison for dope trafficking. He was named as a co-conspirator." Defendants arraigned before Judge Charles E. Stewart Jr. and held on $50,000 bail each.
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| A. Carubia |
If Alessi was previously a Colombo Associate, by 1976 he had transferred to the DeCavalcantes and was on-record with Soldier Anthony Carubia. Others with Carubia included John D'Amato noted above.
Carubia, born 1919 to parents from Ribera in Agrigento, Sicily, likely reported to Captain Larry 'Shorty' Schiro in Upper Manhattan. (Per CW Anthony Rotondo. Another source noted below suggests that Carubia may himself have been a Captain around this time and up until his death in 1981.)
Around this time both John and Virgil Alessi were inducted into the DeCavalcante Family under Carubia's sponsorship.
The Family was then headed by Simone 'Sam' DeCavalcante. John Riggi served as Acting Boss and Official Underboss. Stefano 'Steve' Vitabile was the (Acting?) Consigliere.
On November 12, 1976 Alessi pleaded guilty in USDC Manhattan to one count distributing one-half pound heroin and one count evading $9,000 worth income taxes.
On January 5, 1977 sentenced to fifteen years Federal imprisonment and twelve years special probation.
By Summer 1977 serving sentence at USP Atlanta, Georgia. Fellow inmates included former narcotics associate and Lucchese Soldier Vincent Papa as well as Lucchese Associate Herbert Sperling.
Carubia, born 1919 to parents from Ribera in Agrigento, Sicily, likely reported to Captain Larry 'Shorty' Schiro in Upper Manhattan. (Per CW Anthony Rotondo. Another source noted below suggests that Carubia may himself have been a Captain around this time and up until his death in 1981.)
Around this time both John and Virgil Alessi were inducted into the DeCavalcante Family under Carubia's sponsorship.
The Family was then headed by Simone 'Sam' DeCavalcante. John Riggi served as Acting Boss and Official Underboss. Stefano 'Steve' Vitabile was the (Acting?) Consigliere.
On November 12, 1976 Alessi pleaded guilty in USDC Manhattan to one count distributing one-half pound heroin and one count evading $9,000 worth income taxes.
On January 5, 1977 sentenced to fifteen years Federal imprisonment and twelve years special probation.
By Summer 1977 serving sentence at USP Atlanta, Georgia. Fellow inmates included former narcotics associate and Lucchese Soldier Vincent Papa as well as Lucchese Associate Herbert Sperling.
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| V. Papa |
On July 26, 1977 Papa was stabbed to death at the facility.
The FBI opened a murder investigation that included Alessi and Sperling as subjects of interest.
On August 1, 1977 Agents interviewed Alessi at the prison:
"
The FBI opened a murder investigation that included Alessi and Sperling as subjects of interest.
On August 1, 1977 Agents interviewed Alessi at the prison:
"
He advised he and Vincent Papa were close friends when they resided in New York City. However, since he has been in the Atlanta Penitentiary, he and Papa were not friends inasmuch as it became apparent to him that Papa desired to continue his criminal ways and he, Alessi, no longer desired to be involved in criminal activities. He only spoke to Papa five or six times since he has been in the Atlanta Penitentiary.
With regard to Papa's murder, he last saw Papa about lunch time the day of the murder. He did not speak with Papa at that time.
He personally works in the Institution Learning Center and reported for work around 4:40 or 4:45 PM on the evening that Papa got killed. While in the Learning Center word got around that an inmate had been killed and was laying out on the ramp. He heard some talk in the Learning Center and somebody said a [Redacted] (ph) had been killed. He had no reason at that time to believe that it was Vincent Papa. By the time he looked out the window of the Learning Center the body was still laying on the ramp but had a sheet covering it and he could not see who it was. He did not actually know it was Vincent Papa until later that evening when he was called to the Lieutenant's Office and was interviewed by Lieutenant [Redacted].
With regard to the murder, he stated he was in no way involved nor did he have any information that Papa was to be murdered. He has no idea who murdered Vincent Papa.
With regard to Papa's murder, he last saw Papa about lunch time the day of the murder. He did not speak with Papa at that time.
He personally works in the Institution Learning Center and reported for work around 4:40 or 4:45 PM on the evening that Papa got killed. While in the Learning Center word got around that an inmate had been killed and was laying out on the ramp. He heard some talk in the Learning Center and somebody said a [Redacted] (ph) had been killed. He had no reason at that time to believe that it was Vincent Papa. By the time he looked out the window of the Learning Center the body was still laying on the ramp but had a sheet covering it and he could not see who it was. He did not actually know it was Vincent Papa until later that evening when he was called to the Lieutenant's Office and was interviewed by Lieutenant [Redacted].
With regard to the murder, he stated he was in no way involved nor did he have any information that Papa was to be murdered. He has no idea who murdered Vincent Papa.
"
On August 6, 1978 Long Island Newsday published article re LCN-linked residents of Hampton Bays, Long Island: "...Other East End residents familiar to law enforcement officials include Virgil Alessi, a close associate of the late New York area drug czar Vincent Papa Sr. and Adolph (Peg Leg) Troiso, a close associate of [Bonanno Acting Boss Carmine] Galante. Both have homes in Hampton Bays."
On October 15, 1978 the paper profiled Alessi, mistakenly referred to as a Colombo, in an article on the 'Top 25' Queens mobsters. Entry noted: "Major narcotics trafficker and importer, currently serving a 15-year federal prison term for conspiracy to sell narcotics; a former partner of Vincent Papa, a key figure in the 'French Connection' case. Activities include policy and bookmaking. He is believed to be the owner of a Long Island City bar and two restaurants." (Alessi's misidentification by some sources as a Colombo member continued into the mid-to-late 1980s, when his mugshot turned up on a photo chart of that Family's membership compiled by New York LE.)
On July 2, 1979 FBI NYO reported: "[The] following individuals were determined to be associates of the Gambino Family [illegible] are alleged to have been inducted into the Family however are not in the LCN index..Alessi, Virgil."
On August 8, 1980 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Frank D'Amato and his brother John D'Amato hang out at a club on East 76th Street between First and Second Avenues, New York City and run a shylocking and gambling operation at this location. Source identified John D'Amato as a member of the Gambino [sic] Family in the crew of Anthony Carubia. Source also advised that both of the D'Amatos have been heavily involved in narcotics activities. The source also advised that the D'Amatos are known to associate with [Redacted], a member of the Bonanno Family." (Carubia was identified in more than one report as a Gambino Soldier in the crew of Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano noted above. The CI who provided that information is not known.)
On March 11, 1981 Alessi's possible Captain Anthony Carubia died.
CW Vincent Palermo, a former member of the Family's Acting Administration, testified in 2003: "Originally [Virgil] was with Tony Carubia, and then when Tony died, the guys that were with Tony went over to Larry [Schiro]."
On August 6, 1978 Long Island Newsday published article re LCN-linked residents of Hampton Bays, Long Island: "...Other East End residents familiar to law enforcement officials include Virgil Alessi, a close associate of the late New York area drug czar Vincent Papa Sr. and Adolph (Peg Leg) Troiso, a close associate of [Bonanno Acting Boss Carmine] Galante. Both have homes in Hampton Bays."
On October 15, 1978 the paper profiled Alessi, mistakenly referred to as a Colombo, in an article on the 'Top 25' Queens mobsters. Entry noted: "Major narcotics trafficker and importer, currently serving a 15-year federal prison term for conspiracy to sell narcotics; a former partner of Vincent Papa, a key figure in the 'French Connection' case. Activities include policy and bookmaking. He is believed to be the owner of a Long Island City bar and two restaurants." (Alessi's misidentification by some sources as a Colombo member continued into the mid-to-late 1980s, when his mugshot turned up on a photo chart of that Family's membership compiled by New York LE.)
On July 2, 1979 FBI NYO reported: "[The] following individuals were determined to be associates of the Gambino Family [illegible] are alleged to have been inducted into the Family however are not in the LCN index..Alessi, Virgil."
On August 8, 1980 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Frank D'Amato and his brother John D'Amato hang out at a club on East 76th Street between First and Second Avenues, New York City and run a shylocking and gambling operation at this location. Source identified John D'Amato as a member of the Gambino [sic] Family in the crew of Anthony Carubia. Source also advised that both of the D'Amatos have been heavily involved in narcotics activities. The source also advised that the D'Amatos are known to associate with [Redacted], a member of the Bonanno Family." (Carubia was identified in more than one report as a Gambino Soldier in the crew of Anthony 'Tony Baker' Napolitano noted above. The CI who provided that information is not known.)
On March 11, 1981 Alessi's possible Captain Anthony Carubia died.
CW Vincent Palermo, a former member of the Family's Acting Administration, testified in 2003: "Originally [Virgil] was with Tony Carubia, and then when Tony died, the guys that were with Tony went over to Larry [Schiro]."
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| L. Schiro Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary |
Born July 1920 in Brooklyn, Larry Schiro resided in The Bronx and East Harlem but operated primarily in Manhattan. He was closely associated with the local Gambino crew headed by Captain Joseph Arcuri and was frequently surveilled at the latter's Victory Star Social Club on East 76th St. Known crew members operated primarily in that borough's Upper East Side and Little Italy sections and across the bridge in nearby Astoria, Queens.
Made members of Schiro's crew included Philip Abramo, Virgil Alessi, John D'Amato and Joseph Miranda.
Possible crew members included Pietro Galletta, Joseph Giacobbe and one or more of the LaMelas.
By May 1982 serving sentence at FCI Otisville, New York.
In September 1982 Boss Sam DeCavalcante voluntarily stepped down and was replaced by John Riggi.
On October 26, 1982 granted early release.
On August 17, 1983 ordered to surrender to FCI Otisville within one week to serve the remaining thirty-eight days of his sentence. New York Daily News reported: "[Alessi] has been identified by federal and police sources as a Colombo crime family associate with ties to John (Sonny) Franzese, the Colombo family underboss and Carmine Persico Jr., the family crime boss, both of whom are in federal prison in Otisville." (John Franzese was a Captain and wouldn't serve as the Colombo Family Underboss until 2004.)
In October 1984 arrested in Flushing, Queens on a parole violation charge.
By 1985 the DeCavalcante Family hierarchy consisted of Boss John Riggi, Underboss Girolamo 'Jimmy' Palermo and Consigliere Stefano Vitabile.
On January 4, 1985 the US Probation and Parole Office EDNY recommended another prison term for Alessi as the result of telephone calls received during his time under special probation. Long Island Newsday reported: "[Deputy Chief] said Alessi was on parole [when] he received 41 collect calls at home from the federal prisons in Otisville, N.Y., and Danbury between November, 1983 and May, 1984. 'We do not believe they were just social calls', he said. 'They were instructed not to have anything to do with persons with prior [criminal] histories.'" (Inmates at FCI Danbury during the relevant time period included John D'Amato's younger brother Frank.)
Alessi may have been among the group of DeCavalcante members who in the summer of 1988 had to be re-inducted into the Family using the more traditional ceremony. CWs Vincent Palermo and Anthony Rotondo both underwent a second ceremony, and between the two nearly every New York member is named as also being present except Alessi.
Made members of Schiro's crew included Philip Abramo, Virgil Alessi, John D'Amato and Joseph Miranda.
Possible crew members included Pietro Galletta, Joseph Giacobbe and one or more of the LaMelas.
By May 1982 serving sentence at FCI Otisville, New York.
In September 1982 Boss Sam DeCavalcante voluntarily stepped down and was replaced by John Riggi.
On October 26, 1982 granted early release.
On August 17, 1983 ordered to surrender to FCI Otisville within one week to serve the remaining thirty-eight days of his sentence. New York Daily News reported: "[Alessi] has been identified by federal and police sources as a Colombo crime family associate with ties to John (Sonny) Franzese, the Colombo family underboss and Carmine Persico Jr., the family crime boss, both of whom are in federal prison in Otisville." (John Franzese was a Captain and wouldn't serve as the Colombo Family Underboss until 2004.)
In October 1984 arrested in Flushing, Queens on a parole violation charge.
By 1985 the DeCavalcante Family hierarchy consisted of Boss John Riggi, Underboss Girolamo 'Jimmy' Palermo and Consigliere Stefano Vitabile.
On January 4, 1985 the US Probation and Parole Office EDNY recommended another prison term for Alessi as the result of telephone calls received during his time under special probation. Long Island Newsday reported: "[Deputy Chief] said Alessi was on parole [when] he received 41 collect calls at home from the federal prisons in Otisville, N.Y., and Danbury between November, 1983 and May, 1984. 'We do not believe they were just social calls', he said. 'They were instructed not to have anything to do with persons with prior [criminal] histories.'" (Inmates at FCI Danbury during the relevant time period included John D'Amato's younger brother Frank.)
Alessi may have been among the group of DeCavalcante members who in the summer of 1988 had to be re-inducted into the Family using the more traditional ceremony. CWs Vincent Palermo and Anthony Rotondo both underwent a second ceremony, and between the two nearly every New York member is named as also being present except Alessi.
Around this time Girolamo Palermo was taken down from Underboss and replaced with Alessi's close associate John D'Amato.
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| P. Abramo |
In December of that year Philip Abramo was promoted to Captain of D'Amato's former crew.
Not long afterwards Alessi was transferred from Larry Schiro to Abramo.
Made members of Abramo's crew included Virgil Alessi and Louis 'Louie Eggs' Consalvo.
Associates included Gregory Rago and Nicky Yak LNU.
Not long afterwards Alessi was transferred from Larry Schiro to Abramo.
Made members of Abramo's crew included Virgil Alessi and Louis 'Louie Eggs' Consalvo.
Associates included Gregory Rago and Nicky Yak LNU.
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| A.D'Arco (1991) |
Around 1989 Lucchese Captain Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco and Lucchese Soldier Louis 'Crossbay Louie' Daidone met with Alessi re labor insurance dispute. D'Arco later testified: "Two private sanitation guys were hooked up with the DeCavalcante Family, with a guy named Virgil in Brooklyn. When you get an OK to go to an insurance guy [like D'Arco Associate Nicholas Romano] and he tells you [to] bring me $5,000 or $8,000 down payment, they didn't have the down payment for him right there, [Romano] just said OK, you are insured, he put it down. Afterwards they went and got insured with somebody else, they refused to give them the down payment. So this was reported to me, and I sent Louie Daidone out there to talk a little sense into [the private sanitation guys] who made a meeting out there. And at that point, Virgil [Alessi] came to see me. He was a member of the DeCavalcante Family. I ran that down to him. I wanted the guys down there for the meeting. He said one of the guys got hit in his house last night. It's true, the guy did get killed. I don't know how he got killed."
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| F. Weiss Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary |
On September 11, 1989 members of a DeCavalcante hit team shot Gambino Associate Frederick Weiss to death outside his residence in Staten Island.
After the murder participant Joseph Garofano, a DeCav Associate, made statements that led others to suspect he was susceptible to police pressure.
On September 17 a meeting was held at DeCav Captain Rudolph 'Rudy' Farone's residence in Brooklyn. Attendees included Underboss John D'Amato, Farone, Captains Philip Abramo and Anthony Rotondo as well as Soldiers Virgil Alessi, Michael 'Mickey' DePietro, Felice 'Phil the Undertaker' LaMela and Louis Telese.
Soldier Vincent 'Vinny Ocean' Palermo was scheduled to attend but, fearing a possible setup, intentionally avoided the meeting. Later the same day he visited Farone by himself and was informed that Garofano was slated to be hit. The pair left for Florida pending the outcome.
Four days later Garofano, believing he was going to be holed up at a safehouse until the heat from the Weiss murder died down, was driven by Rotondo to the Farone residence. After pulling into the garage Rotondo walked out and left Garofano sitting in the car, at which point Virgil Alessi entered the garage and shot the victim multiple times.
Others present at the house included Soldiers Michael DePietro and Louis Telese as well as Rotondo Crew Associate Bernard NiCastro.
After shooting Garofano, Alessi collapsed of a heart attack was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Rosyln, Long Island.
Felice LaMela transported Garofano's body for burial on property he owned in Newburgh, New York.
After the murder participant Joseph Garofano, a DeCav Associate, made statements that led others to suspect he was susceptible to police pressure.
On September 17 a meeting was held at DeCav Captain Rudolph 'Rudy' Farone's residence in Brooklyn. Attendees included Underboss John D'Amato, Farone, Captains Philip Abramo and Anthony Rotondo as well as Soldiers Virgil Alessi, Michael 'Mickey' DePietro, Felice 'Phil the Undertaker' LaMela and Louis Telese.
Soldier Vincent 'Vinny Ocean' Palermo was scheduled to attend but, fearing a possible setup, intentionally avoided the meeting. Later the same day he visited Farone by himself and was informed that Garofano was slated to be hit. The pair left for Florida pending the outcome.
Four days later Garofano, believing he was going to be holed up at a safehouse until the heat from the Weiss murder died down, was driven by Rotondo to the Farone residence. After pulling into the garage Rotondo walked out and left Garofano sitting in the car, at which point Virgil Alessi entered the garage and shot the victim multiple times.
Others present at the house included Soldiers Michael DePietro and Louis Telese as well as Rotondo Crew Associate Bernard NiCastro.
After shooting Garofano, Alessi collapsed of a heart attack was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Rosyln, Long Island.
Felice LaMela transported Garofano's body for burial on property he owned in Newburgh, New York.
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| D. Annunziata (L), G. Vastola Press |
The day prior to the Weiss murder, a Family meeting had been held at the residence of Soldier Daniel Annunziata. Attendees were Underboss John D'Amato, Captain Philip Abramo, Annunziata and Soldier Gaetano 'Corky' Vastola. Purpose of meeting for D'Amato and Abramo to discuss the refusal of Annunziata and Vastola to participate in the Weiss murder. Before the meeting, Soldier Vincent Palermo and Associate Anthony Capo were told to follow D'Amato and Abramo to the residence; they planned for Annunziata and Vastola to be murdered if they continued to disobey orders.
The meeting lasted approximately forty-five minutes, after which the D'Amato group left and no action was taken against Annunziata and Vastola. Anthony Capo later testified: "[Abramo and D'Amato] were pissed off. They talked to Corky [Vastola] and Danny. Corky told them I don't give a fuck what John Gotti wants or the Gambino Family. We ain't doing it. And if you want, we'll go to war. I got my own guys you don't even know about...[No action taken because] John D'Amato and Phil had felt they heard some noises upstairs, there might be some guys inside with machine guns and we might be walking into an ambush. But it was decided [that] the most important thing to do was to kill Frederick Weiss, that's the job at hand and to beat the Gambino squad to it. And that we could kill Corky and Danny at any time."
With Weiss dead and loose ends tied up, members of the Family convened to discuss the plot against Annunziata and Vastola. The conspirators included the entire DeCavalcante hierarchy and all of its Captains.
One plot was overseen by Captain Giuseppe 'Pino' Schifilliti and Soldier Joseph 'Tin Ear' Sclafani. (Sclafani was a Schiro crew member.)
Annunziata and Vastola went into hiding, and Boss John Riggi dispatched John D'Amato and Alessi to seek assistance from New York.
The meeting lasted approximately forty-five minutes, after which the D'Amato group left and no action was taken against Annunziata and Vastola. Anthony Capo later testified: "[Abramo and D'Amato] were pissed off. They talked to Corky [Vastola] and Danny. Corky told them I don't give a fuck what John Gotti wants or the Gambino Family. We ain't doing it. And if you want, we'll go to war. I got my own guys you don't even know about...[No action taken because] John D'Amato and Phil had felt they heard some noises upstairs, there might be some guys inside with machine guns and we might be walking into an ambush. But it was decided [that] the most important thing to do was to kill Frederick Weiss, that's the job at hand and to beat the Gambino squad to it. And that we could kill Corky and Danny at any time."
With Weiss dead and loose ends tied up, members of the Family convened to discuss the plot against Annunziata and Vastola. The conspirators included the entire DeCavalcante hierarchy and all of its Captains.
One plot was overseen by Captain Giuseppe 'Pino' Schifilliti and Soldier Joseph 'Tin Ear' Sclafani. (Sclafani was a Schiro crew member.)
Annunziata and Vastola went into hiding, and Boss John Riggi dispatched John D'Amato and Alessi to seek assistance from New York.
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| S. Gravano |
On January 24, 1990 Alessi met with Gambino Underboss Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano and Genovese Associate Bartolomeo 'Barry' Nichilo outside Gravano's construction office in Gravesend, Brooklyn. A plan was proposed to have Nichilo lure Vastola to a location where he could be killed. (Surveillance photos of this meeting were taken by FBI Agents.)
Because Nichilo was a Genovese Associate, Gravano needed to get permission from that Family to use him in the plot.
Later the same day Gravano met with Gambino Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio inside an apartment located above the Ravenite Social Club in Little Italy. An FBI bug, placed the previous November, recorded the trio discussing the Vastola plot and Gotti authorizing Gravano to contact the Genovese Family for permission to use Nichilo.
Because Nichilo was a Genovese Associate, Gravano needed to get permission from that Family to use him in the plot.
Later the same day Gravano met with Gambino Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio inside an apartment located above the Ravenite Social Club in Little Italy. An FBI bug, placed the previous November, recorded the trio discussing the Vastola plot and Gotti authorizing Gravano to contact the Genovese Family for permission to use Nichilo.
The following day Gravano met with Genovese Underboss Venero 'Benny Eggs' Mangano inside a park located next to the latter's Manhattan social club. Mangano said he would take the request to Boss Vincent 'Chin' Gigante, who ultimately refused due to a feud between the Genovese and DeCav Families. (Barry Nichilo, then an Associate in the crew of Genovese Captain Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi, was made a member by the end of the decade.)
Annunziata and Vastola ultimately sought out retired Former Boss Sam DeCavalcante and Captain Louis LaRasso in Florida. Following negotiations the plot was called off and the pair were placed direct with the Family Administration.
In October 1990 DeCav Boss John Riggi began serving a twenty-three year Federal prison sentence for racketeering.
Although still officially the Underboss, John D'Amato began running the Family.
Around September 1991 D'Amato appointed Alessi an Acting Captain. This appears to have been done without the knowledge of at least some of the other Family leaders.
By Fall 1991 the DeCavalcante hierarchy consisted of Boss John Riggi (IP), Underboss John D'Amato, Acting Underboss Jake Amari and Consigliere Stefano Vitabile. Captains were Philip Abramo, Virgil Alessi (Acting), Joseph 'Joe C.' Caruano, Rudolph Farone, Joseph 'Jo Jo' Ferrara, Louis LaRasso, Charles Majuri, Vincent Palermo, Anthony Rotondo, Giuseppe Schifilliti and Larry Schiro.
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| L. LaRasso |
Captain Louis LaRasso, who years earlier had served as Underboss before being demoted and shelved for plotting against the Family leadership, was suspected of instigating another coup attempt.
The Admin and other Family Captains convened and voted to have him killed and on November 11, 1991 he was shot to death in New Jersey and buried at an undisclosed location.
The initial plan had been for LaRasso to be killed by New York faction members including Virgil Alessi, Anthony Capo, Louis Consalvo and Gregory Rago.
This changed and the job was believed handled by a group that included two of the Jersey Captains along with members of the Abramo crew.
The Admin and other Family Captains convened and voted to have him killed and on November 11, 1991 he was shot to death in New Jersey and buried at an undisclosed location.
The initial plan had been for LaRasso to be killed by New York faction members including Virgil Alessi, Anthony Capo, Louis Consalvo and Gregory Rago.
This changed and the job was believed handled by a group that included two of the Jersey Captains along with members of the Abramo crew.
Within a few days of LaRasso's disappearance, Captain Anthony Rotondo was driven by DeCav Soldier Michael DePietro to a meeting with Acting Underboss Jake Amari at Cafe Italia in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Rotondo later testified: "[Amari instructed me to] tell Rudy [Farone] and Vinnie [Palermo], get a message to Larry [Schiro], that Louie was gone and tell everybody to watch their backs...[Amari] told me that Philly Abramo's crew carried it out honorably."
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| J. D'Amato Gang Land News |
By this time John D'Amato was himself targeted for murder.
A fugitive since the summer, D'Amato had committed several transgressions during his time as Underboss, including attempting to put close associates into positions of power without authorization, mishandling Family funds, and borrowing from his own Family members as well as from the New York Families without repaying. CW Anthony Rotondo later testified: "[Captain Rudy] Farone and I learned from Anthony [Spero], who was then Consigliere of the Bonanno Family, he had given Johnny D'Amato $50,000, and he wanted to know if we were aware that he told them that it was for [the] DeCavalcante administration..All through the spring and summer, we heard -- well, $50,000 to [Spero], $50,000 to [Gambino Associate] Joe Watts, $50,000 to Vic [Orena] who was Acting Boss of the Colombos at the time. I believe $50,000 to Big Louie [Vallario] who was a Gambino captain, Louie [Attanasio] who was a captain in the Bonanno Family had a $30,000 loan, and the figure just kept adding up and up [to about] between a half million and 750,000...A lot of that money was loans. And partially we learned later on he had bankrupted the [DeCav] Family treasury." At a sitdown between D'Amato and Attanasio earlier that year, D'Amato had actually claimed Rotondo and Anthony Capo spent the money he borrowed and made Capo responsible for repaying the loan.
Two weeks after LaRasso's murder D'Amato was shot to death by Capo, who he had been relying on as his contact with the Family during his time as fugitive. Like LaRasso, the body was buried in an undisclosed location. (Probably the Upstate New York property owned by DeCav Soldier Felice LaMela.)
Murder orchestrated by New York faction leaders without the authorization of the rest of the Family.
On November 26, the day after D'Amato was killed, the New York faction received permission after the fact in a DeCavalcante Family administration meeting held at Caldor's Shopping Center in Staten Island. Attendees were Acting Underboss Jake Amari, Consigliere Stefano Vitabile, Captains Joseph Caruano, Rudolph Farone, Joseph Ferrara, Charles Majuri, Vincent Palermo, Anthony Rotondo, Larry Schiro and Giuseppe Schifilliti. D'Amato loyalists Philip Abramo and Virgil Alessi had been excluded. At the meeting D'Amato's behavior was discussed and his murder was voted on.
The following day another administration meeting was held, this one at Consigliere Steve Vitabile's residence in Millstone, New Jersey. With former D'Amato loyalists Abramo and Alessi now in attendance, D'Amato's disappearance was discussed and the plotters disavowed any knowledge or involvement.
A fugitive since the summer, D'Amato had committed several transgressions during his time as Underboss, including attempting to put close associates into positions of power without authorization, mishandling Family funds, and borrowing from his own Family members as well as from the New York Families without repaying. CW Anthony Rotondo later testified: "[Captain Rudy] Farone and I learned from Anthony [Spero], who was then Consigliere of the Bonanno Family, he had given Johnny D'Amato $50,000, and he wanted to know if we were aware that he told them that it was for [the] DeCavalcante administration..All through the spring and summer, we heard -- well, $50,000 to [Spero], $50,000 to [Gambino Associate] Joe Watts, $50,000 to Vic [Orena] who was Acting Boss of the Colombos at the time. I believe $50,000 to Big Louie [Vallario] who was a Gambino captain, Louie [Attanasio] who was a captain in the Bonanno Family had a $30,000 loan, and the figure just kept adding up and up [to about] between a half million and 750,000...A lot of that money was loans. And partially we learned later on he had bankrupted the [DeCav] Family treasury." At a sitdown between D'Amato and Attanasio earlier that year, D'Amato had actually claimed Rotondo and Anthony Capo spent the money he borrowed and made Capo responsible for repaying the loan.
Two weeks after LaRasso's murder D'Amato was shot to death by Capo, who he had been relying on as his contact with the Family during his time as fugitive. Like LaRasso, the body was buried in an undisclosed location. (Probably the Upstate New York property owned by DeCav Soldier Felice LaMela.)
Murder orchestrated by New York faction leaders without the authorization of the rest of the Family.
On November 26, the day after D'Amato was killed, the New York faction received permission after the fact in a DeCavalcante Family administration meeting held at Caldor's Shopping Center in Staten Island. Attendees were Acting Underboss Jake Amari, Consigliere Stefano Vitabile, Captains Joseph Caruano, Rudolph Farone, Joseph Ferrara, Charles Majuri, Vincent Palermo, Anthony Rotondo, Larry Schiro and Giuseppe Schifilliti. D'Amato loyalists Philip Abramo and Virgil Alessi had been excluded. At the meeting D'Amato's behavior was discussed and his murder was voted on.
The following day another administration meeting was held, this one at Consigliere Steve Vitabile's residence in Millstone, New Jersey. With former D'Amato loyalists Abramo and Alessi now in attendance, D'Amato's disappearance was discussed and the plotters disavowed any knowledge or involvement.
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| J. Amari Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary |
Around December Jake Amari, now the Family's Acting Boss, named Alessi an official Captain. CW Anthony Rotondo later testified: "Well, what happened was after John [D'Amato] went on the lam, Jake Amari found out that Johnny had made Virgil an acting captain. And at first he was pretty upset. Then after a couple of months, he accepted it, and Virgil was made an official captain."
Alessi initially had no Soldiers under him and no information is yet available on the later makeup of his crew.
Around early 1992 the DeCavalcante Family voted unanimously to take down the imprisoned John Riggi as Boss. Jake Amari didn't follow through with the vote and Riggi remained in the position.
On March 2-13, 1992 Former Gambino Underboss Salvatore Gravano testified as prosecution witness in Federal racketeering trial of Gambino Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio.
During his testimony Gravano identified Virgil Alessi as a DeCavalcante Member and detailed the aborted plot against Gaetano Vastola.
On July 14, 1992 among four indicted by USAO EDNY on charges re Vastola murder conspiracy. Those indicted were imprisoned DeCav Boss John Riggi, DeCav Captain Virgil Alessi, Genovese Associate Barry Nichilo and the missing John D'Amato.
On June 28, 1993 pleaded guilty to Federal racketeering conspiracy.
On April 4, 1994 sentenced by EDNY Judge Leo Glasser to forty-six months imprisonment and three years supervised release.
On April 25, 1994 received at FCI White Deer, Pennsylvania to serve sentence.
Believed to have remained as Captain during imprisonment.
Released April 30, 1997.
About a month later Acting Boss Jake Amari died and a ruling panel was instated.
Alessi initially had no Soldiers under him and no information is yet available on the later makeup of his crew.
Around early 1992 the DeCavalcante Family voted unanimously to take down the imprisoned John Riggi as Boss. Jake Amari didn't follow through with the vote and Riggi remained in the position.
On March 2-13, 1992 Former Gambino Underboss Salvatore Gravano testified as prosecution witness in Federal racketeering trial of Gambino Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio.
During his testimony Gravano identified Virgil Alessi as a DeCavalcante Member and detailed the aborted plot against Gaetano Vastola.
On July 14, 1992 among four indicted by USAO EDNY on charges re Vastola murder conspiracy. Those indicted were imprisoned DeCav Boss John Riggi, DeCav Captain Virgil Alessi, Genovese Associate Barry Nichilo and the missing John D'Amato.
On June 28, 1993 pleaded guilty to Federal racketeering conspiracy.
On April 4, 1994 sentenced by EDNY Judge Leo Glasser to forty-six months imprisonment and three years supervised release.
On April 25, 1994 received at FCI White Deer, Pennsylvania to serve sentence.
Believed to have remained as Captain during imprisonment.
Released April 30, 1997.
About a month later Acting Boss Jake Amari died and a ruling panel was instated.
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| DeCav Captains c. Fall 1997 Court Exhibit / Press |
By Fall 1997 the DeCavalcante Family hierarchy consisted of Boss John Riggi (IP), Consigliere Stefano Vitabile and Acting Admin members Vincent Palermo, Girolamo Palermo and Charles Majuri. Captains were Philip Abramo, Virgil Alessi, Joseph Caruano, Joseph Ferrara, Joseph Giacobbe (Acting), Frank Polizzi, Anthony Rotondo, Giuseppe Schifilliti and Larry Schiro. (Giacobbe was Acting for Schiro.)
Alessi died July 15, 1998 and was buried in Saint Charles Cemetery located in East Farmingdale, Long Island.
On December 2, 1999 DeCav Acting Admin member Vincent Palermo arrested by FBI following indictment on Federal racketeering charges. Phone book seized at time of arrest included entries for many LCN members and associates including Virgil Alessi.
One week later Soldier Anthony Capo became the first made member of the DeCavalcante Family to turn cooperating witness.
He was followed by Vincent Palermo in March 2000 and Anthony Rotondo in May 2001.
The many convictions that followed included several for the Garofano, LaRasso and D'Amato murders.
During the 2003 trial of Consigliere Stefano Vitabile and Captains Philip Abramo and Giuseppe Schifilliti, the prosecution introduced multiple guilty pleas, including Alessi's 1993 plea in the Vastola conspiracy case, as evidence proving the defendants' guilt. This led to the trio's convictions being overturned and their life sentences vacated in 2008. Each was allowed to enter guilty pleas of their own for a reduced sentence and all three have since been released.
Alessi died July 15, 1998 and was buried in Saint Charles Cemetery located in East Farmingdale, Long Island.
On December 2, 1999 DeCav Acting Admin member Vincent Palermo arrested by FBI following indictment on Federal racketeering charges. Phone book seized at time of arrest included entries for many LCN members and associates including Virgil Alessi.
One week later Soldier Anthony Capo became the first made member of the DeCavalcante Family to turn cooperating witness.
He was followed by Vincent Palermo in March 2000 and Anthony Rotondo in May 2001.
The many convictions that followed included several for the Garofano, LaRasso and D'Amato murders.
During the 2003 trial of Consigliere Stefano Vitabile and Captains Philip Abramo and Giuseppe Schifilliti, the prosecution introduced multiple guilty pleas, including Alessi's 1993 plea in the Vastola conspiracy case, as evidence proving the defendants' guilt. This led to the trio's convictions being overturned and their life sentences vacated in 2008. Each was allowed to enter guilty pleas of their own for a reduced sentence and all three have since been released.
More DeCavalcante Family posts can be found in the Index.
