Gambino Sicilian Crew Info (1980s)

John Gambino (1990)

Brief update summarizing info from CW Salvatore Gravano relating to the Gambino Family's Sicilian crew formerly headed by John Gambino.

Made Member

- Gravano believed, but wasn't certain, that John Gambino was made as part of Gambino Family's first wave of inductions after the books re-opened. (Note: If correct this would have been circa early February 1976. Those confirmed in other sources as part of this initial group of ten included Frank DeCicco.)

- In addition to construction interests, through late 1970s and early 1980s Gambino described as 'the backbone' of 18 Ave's annual Feast of Santa Rosalia.

Inzerillo Murder

- By 1980 Gambino Family's Sicilian crew headed by Antonino 'Nino' Inzerillo.

- In October 1981 Inzerillo disappeared. Gravano not involved in murder but briefly discussed circumstances with Boss Paul Castellano: "[Castellano mentioned] the fact that Nino Inzerillo was a capodecina over here with us and obviously doing business in Italy, not only in a high position but in a war trying to take over a Family, and that Italy had reached him from a lot of different sources."

- Later received more detailed information from Soldier Frank DeCicco: "[DeCicco] told me that Nino Inzerillo was involved in the Italian mob, he was involved in a war that was going on in Italy, the Italian Families reached Castellano and asked him if he had the support of the Gambino Family [in] what he was doing in Italy. I believe Castellano got this from three or four different sources [including John Gambino]. He ordered the hit on Nino Inzerillo. Frank DeCicco was the shooter along with others [and Gambino] was involved in setting up Nino Inzerillo." Gravano not aware of whether or not John Gambino himself present during murder and also not informed of other participants' identities. "An incident happened between one of the made members who were there and Frank DeCicco. One of the made members there kicked Nino Inzerillo in the face after he was killed, and Frankie was disturbed by it and came very very close to killing the person who kicked him..We killed a man for something he had done and it had nothing to do with any kind of disrespect and [DeCicco] felt that the man when he kicked [Inzerillo] disrespected him. It was against our life, our principles, our rules. Even though he was dead, it disturbed Frankie and Frankie didn't want him disrespected even after he was dead. It may sound a little weird to different people but that's the way our life conducts business." (Note: Other defectors have identified participants in murder as including DeCicco and Gambino Associate Joseph Watts among others.)

- Following Inzerillo murder John Gambino transferred to crew headed by James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla. Remainder of Inzerillo crew essentially shelved: "The rest of their crew Paul didn't want to recognize them, he didn't know who else was involved with Nino in this war in Italy, but he didn't want them being represented by a captain, he left them in limbo without a capodecina but still with our Family."

- Not long after murder Thomas Bilotti promoted to Capodecina. John Gambino transferred from Failla to Bilotti and remained in this crew until Bilotti's December 1985 murder.

John Gambino's crew leaders James Failla (L) and Thomas Bilotti (M) with Boss Paul Castellano (1980s)

Prior to 1986 Gravano and John Gambino not closely associated: "I met John Gambino at weddings, at funerals. I was dealing in the construction business, he was in the construction business. I tried to help him from time to time with unions or get jobs. He did the same with me. He occasionally helped me to get work. Other than that [we] didn't do too much together..His company [G & G Concrete] was a major company, it was part of the [concrete] club, it was one of the companies that represented our Family in this club."

Promotion

After Paul Castellano's murder and John Gotti's election to Boss, committee formed consisting of Gravano, Captain Joseph Corrao and Captain Frank LoCascio. Group to meet with Family captains for purposes of clarifying new administration, laying out policy and allowing new leadership to become familiar with each regime's activities. Group also tasked with delivering news of Gotti's decision to promote John Gambino to Capodecina.

Meeting held at Cotillion Terrace located on 18th Ave in Bensonhurst. Those present in addition to committee members were John Gambino, approximately six to eight made members of the Sicilian crew and unspecified number of associates including Lorenzo Mannino and John's brother Joe Gambino. Majority of those present unknown to Gravano: "The only [made members] I recall was Joe Gambino's father-in-law. I don't recall who the other ones are."

Gambino called into separate room by committee: "We spoke to John Gambino first on the side. We promoted him to the position of capo decine..We told him that this was official from our representante, that he was now capo decine, and he was going to take over this decine that was left abandoned by Paul Castellano..We went inside a bigger room [and] excused everybody who wasn't a friend of ours. I believe John told some of the people, his brother and them, to be excused, they left."

"John Gambino introduced us first as committee to John Gotti, that John Gotti was our new Boss, he introduced us and our positions. We turned around, we introduced them to John as their new capo decine, and whatever they had in life, any problems that they were to see John Gambino first. [Then] we went by some of the same basic rules as when you become a friend of ours, that narcotics wouldn't be allowed. Basically we didn't go through all the rules and regulations. They already knew it. They were friends of ours already, been friends of ours for years, but we told them that John [Gotti] goes along with that same belief that drugs are not allowed, none of the basic rules have changed. Whatever questions they had stay in touch and very close to their new capo decine, Johnny Gambino. He will explain everything that they needed explained..They got up and congratulated him, they got up and kissed him and congratulated him..[Non-made members called back in and] we had a dinner. We ate. We had some wine, we congratulated John in that respect by eating and drinking a little wine. Shortly after we left."

(Note: The rule against narcotics slightly altered by Gotti: "At that point [with] our administration, our position was not to threaten [Family members] with killing them if they were caught dealing narcotics. We told them that our position was not to deal in narcotics, but we never said we would kill them. [We] felt it put too much pressure on people, if they were arrested for narcotics not only did they have to worry about going to jail, but they also had to worry about being killed by their own administration. So we dropped those remarks when we took over, John Gotti and myself, as far as killing them. [Not] that it no longer applied. We just dropped the language that we would kill them."]

Gambino meeting with Gravano crew on Stillwell Ave (Sept. 1989)

Money kicked up by Gambino crew included proceeds from annual Feast of Santa Rosalia as well as twice yearly $3,000 'gifts' to Gotti for birthday and Christmas. Later said to consist mostly of old-timers, the Gambino crew remained obscure even to Family administration; known made members included Pietro Inzerillo and Filippo LNU.

In 1988 Francesco Oliveri murdered as retaliation for death of Giuseppe Gambino, according to Gravano another made member under John Gambino. Synopsis of events surrounding this murder will be covered in a future post.

Cooperator Bio: Primo Cassarino

Primo Cassarino was a Gambino Soldier who became the fifth member of the Family to turn cooperating witness.

Born April 1956 in Brooklyn. Family believed from Terranova di Sicilia (later renamed Gela) comune of Caltanissetta, Sicily. Father and other relatives employed with Local 1814 ILA.

Grew up in neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens and Red Hook. Area then controlled by Colombo Family's Gallo faction.

Left high school and became involved in street crimes with group that included brothers Carmine and Matteo Ruggiero. Activities included gang fights, shoplifting, insurance fraud and armed robberies.

Around 1974 obtained employment in construction. Work included renovating homes of John Gambino and Castellano relatives.

By mid-1970s involved, along with Salvatore Gambino and Philly LNU, with meat markets operated by Joseph Gambino. Trio received trailor loads of hijacked meat and transported them to various shops in Brooklyn and Long Island for sale.

In mid-1970s enlisted in US Marines. Before reporting for duty arrested in assault case and given honorable discharge. Subsequently convicted and given five years probation.

Around 1976 discontinued involvement with meat market and obtained job as lasher on Brooklyn waterfront. Developed relationships with various Gambino members and associates active on docks.

Anthony Ciccone, Anthony Pimpinella and Unsubs outside ILA (1988)

Court St (L to R): Anthony Anastasio, Primo Cassarino

By 1980 frequented social club operated by Gambino member Anthony 'Sonny' Ciccone at 461 Court St in Carroll Gardens. Fixtures at club included Gambino Soldiers Anthony 'Toto' Anastasio, Jerome Brancato and Anthony Pimpinella. Associates in addition to Cassarino included Matteo Ruggiero and Anthony Castellano, who ran numbers from club. Card games held in back room. Ciccone crew primarily involved in activities concerning Local 1814 and Brooklyn waterfront.

L to R: Matteo 'Matty' Ruggiero; Anthony Castellano

In 1982 left waterfront and began working for Department of Sanitation. Held job until August 1991 when back injured in fall from truck. Received 30% pension from City of New York and, through $5,000 payment to Gambino Associate George Fortunato, later obtained additional Social Security disability benefits totaling approximately $2,100 per month.

As of mid-to-late 1980s Cassarino and Matteo Ruggiero direct with Anthony Ciccone, Captain of waterfront crew. Club at 461 Court St often visited by high ranking LCN members including Gambino Captain James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla and Genovese Captain Alfonso 'Allie Shades' Malangone. Family Boss John Gotti regularly attended monthly continental game.

Court St (L to R): Jerome Brancato, Anthony Ciccone (1990s)

In May 1992 Anthony Anastasio, Soldier under Ciccone, approached Cassarino and Ruggiero with promise of $25,000 for handling insurance job. An acquaintance of Anastasio sought to collect on Dunkin Donuts located at 1575 Flatbush Ave. On May 25, 1992, at approximately 3:00 AM, arson successfully carried out using two boxes of fireworks and a timing device supplied by Ruggiero. Although promised $25,000 upon completion, Cassarino initially received only $2,500. The pair saw no further payment until nearly ten years later, when Anastasio provided $15,000 to Cassarino. Cassarino kept $10,000 and passed on remainder to brother of then-incarcerated Ruggiero.

Arson Aftermath (May 1992)

By December 1992 partner in tanning salon located across from Court St club. Around that time Court St club hosted card game attended by Gambino Captain John Gotti Jr. Due to recent armed robberies on LCN-connected clubs, money and jewelry of those present bagged up and taken across street to salon's basement. Cassarino and Matteo Ruggiero instructed to personally safeguard valuables for duration of game. The robber duo, Thomas and Rosemarie Uva, tracked down and murdered later that month.

As one of the few crew members not on Anthony Ciccone's 'Do Not Associate' list resulting from 1991 consent decree, Cassarino given increased responsibility. He oversaw card games at the club, engaged in small scale loansharking and acted as one of Ciccone's primary methods of communicating with his men. The pair would meet daily over lunch, where Cassarino given instructions to pass on to those Ciccone barred from associating with.

L to R: Richard Bondi, Anthony Ciccone, Primo Cassarino at Unicorn Diner, SI (1990s)

Around mid-1994 participant in two failed armed robberies. In both cases Cassarino unable to enlist more trusted associates and forced to bring in outsiders. First target was unspecified drug dealer in Long Island. Cassarino and Richie LNU, uncle of Gambino Associate Dominick Natoli, knocked on target's front door. When target answered, Richie accidentally shot himself in leg. Cassarino attempted to follow through with robbery but chased off by dogs guarding room where money kept. Richie LNU voluntarily stayed behind and arrested. Second robbery attempt involved check cashing business in Staten Island. Cassarino, Dominick Natoli and third participant described by Cassarino as 'some junkie' set up on location and waited for courier to exit. As their vehicle pulled from curb to approach target, the 'junkie' pulled a gun and started firing without warning, forcing group to abort attempt and flee scene.

In November 1994 Primo Cassarino and Matteo Ruggiero indicted by USAO EDNY on charge of failure to report crime. The pair had acted as middlemen in sale of jewelry stolen by group that included Primo's brother Rocco. Primo and Ruggiero acquitted at trial in September 1996; Rocco convicted and sentenced to nearly ten years Federal imprisonment.

At the time of acquittal Matteo Ruggiero was convicted in separate case involving importation of cocaine onto waterfront. Formerly one of Anthony Ciccone's favored associates, on multiple occasions in the late 1980s and early 1990s Ruggiero was observed accompanying his crew leader on visits to the Ravenite Social Club in Manhattan. His involvement in narcotics resulted in order from Ciccone to stay away. He was sentenced to approximately twenty-three years imprisonment and released March 2013.

L to R: Cassarino, Unsub, Brancato outside Mama Tury Restaurant, Brooklyn (1996)

L to R: Ciccone and Cassarino outside Jubileo Ristorante, SI (1997)

Continued acting as middleman for Ciccone, who sponsored him for Gambino membership in Spring 1999: "[He] asked me if I want to become a member [of] La Cosa Nostra. I told him yes. He proposed me to be a member."

Top (L to R): Sponsors Ciccone, J. Juliano, A. Sclafani
Bottom (L to R): Inductees Cassarino, R. Juliano, J. Sclafani

Induction occurred on 43rd birthday, April 26, 1999. Ciccone and Cassarino picked up by Joseph 'Sonny' Juliano and taken to Bensonhurst residence of Juliano's brother Richard. Ceremony held in basement and presided over by longtime Captain Joseph Arcuri. Members present in addition to Arcuri, Ciccone and Joseph Juliano were Augustus 'Gus Boy' Sclafani and one Unsub. Those inducted were Primo Cassarino, Richard Juliano and Joseph Sclafani (son of Augustus). Cassarino called down last: "[There] was a basement with a bunch of guys sitting around a table. They told me to sit down. I sat down. Joe Arcuri asked me, do you know why you're here? I told him no, which was a lie..We heard some good things about you, he said, do you want to join our secret society? I told him yes. Then he says okay, put a picture of a saint in my hand [and] pricked my finger with a pin, a knife on the table. He put the saint on fire, said if you disobey the code of omerta, I should burn like the picture of the saint. Then they told me [the rules]." (Note: Cassarino stated Arcuri was serving as either Acting Boss or Consigliere at time of ceremony. He also identified both Joseph Juliano and August Sclafani as Captains, official or acting not specified.)

From comments made in conversation with other Gambinos, Cassarino estimated the Family numbered approximately two-hundred members as of 2000.

L to R: Brancato, Peter Gotti, Cassarino on 17th Ave, Brooklyn (May 1999)

Ciccone Crew (May 1999): Anastasio, Brancato, Cassarino, Pimpinella

As an inducted member Cassarino remained in Anthony Ciccone's regime. Other made members were Anthony Anastasio, Jerome Brancato and Anthony Pimpinella who died shortly thereafter. Associates included Richard Bondi, Anthony Castellano, Anthony Pansini and Joseph Chirico. Owner of Marco Polo Ristorante in Carroll Gardens, Chirico was inducted sometime around mid-to-late 2001. (Anthony Scotto, Captain of the waterfront crew before Ciccone, is not named as a member of this crew. He could have escaped mention due to inactive status, or he may have been placed with another regime after demotion.)

Following induction Ciccone provided Cassarino with $40,000 at one point interest to put on street as part of crew's loansharking business. As a favor Cassarino brought in associate Richard Bondi. Ciccone, Cassarino and Soldier Jerome Brancato also oversaw sportsbetting operation, ultimately abandoned after too many 'degenerates' ducked payment. In addition Ciccone and Cassarino briefly held interest in Brioso restaurant in New Dorp, Staten Island.

Top: Brioso (174 New Dorp Lane, SI)
Bottom: Cassarino and Ciccone meet outside location (May 1999)

In August 1999 imprisoned Captain James Failla died. Failla crew member Peter 'Petey 17' Piacenti transferred into Anthony Ciccone's crew and, because of Ciccone's continued legal restrictions, was made Acting Captain. Through Piacenti the crew gained control of approximately two-hundred joker poker machines placed in various bars and clubs throughout city.

Anthony Pansini

Around late December 1999 Anthony Pansini, Gambino Associate and Sonny Ciccone's point man on waterfront, accused of withholding money. Ciccone summoned Pansini to Court St club and, in front of Cassarino and others, 'gave him a beating' and chased him from the crew. Cassarino's responsibilities then expanded to include overseeing dock activity. This entailed dealing with ILA officials, passing messages and payments to and from other high ranking Gambino members as well as chasing down and sometimes assaulting Ciccone's personal loan customers.

Around 2000 involved in altercation with patrons inside cafe on 18th Ave in Bensonhurst. During incident struck cafe owner in head with unloaded .380 handgun. Owner called police and Cassarino arrested on CPW charge. Location on-record with imprisoned Captain John Gambino. Cassarino reported incident to Anthony Ciccone and instructed to see Peter Piacenti. Piacenti called for sitdown with Frank Cali, according to Cassarino at that time acting for John Gambino. After hearing tape of 911 call obtained by Cassarino's lawyer, Cali conceded owner responsible. Cassarino received compensation of $30,000, or one grand per day of his expected jail sentence.

By Spring 2000 increased role in handling crew business on waterfront led to heightened Federal scrutiny. In April 2000 FBI wiretap placed on cell phone. Wiretap active for nearly two years and Cassarino recorded in hundreds of conversations with Ciccone and crew, various ILA officials and members of Gambino and Genovese Families. By Summer 2001 FBI bug placed in Local 1814 President Frank Scollo's automobile collected additional evidence.

L to R: Ciccone, Cassarino at Villa Cafe, SI (Spring 2000)

Amidst FBI investigation Cassarino continued handling waterfront activities, collecting $4,500 every three months from Frank Molfetta on Staten Island. Payment split between Cassarino, Anthony Anastasio and Jerome Brancato. In return Cassarino and Richard Bondi assisted Molfetta in dispute with unspecified trucking company.

By 2001 opened social club at 82nd St and 17th Ave. Location served as new meeting place for Anthony Ciccone, barred by consent decree from Court St. Visitors aside from crew members included Gambino Acting Boss Peter Gotti and Gambino Captains/Acting Captains Louis Vallario, Salvatore Scala and Carmine Sciandra. Club situated near similar hangouts for crews headed by Vallario and Captain George DeCicco.

In 2001 involved in attempted extortion of actor Steven Seagal. (Note: See large amount of press coverage.)

Following April 2001 arrest of crew member Jerome Brancato for possession gambling records, Cassarino assumed responsibility of delivering payments from Ciccone crew to Gambino hierarchy. Money given to Gambino Captain Richard Gotti at various restaurants in Sheepshead Bay. On November 29, 2001 FBI search warrant executed on Gotti immediately after meeting with Cassarino held at Maria's Restaurant on Emmons Ave. $12,000 cash seized from Gotti. Cassarino pulled over nearby and $4,300 seized.

L to R: Richard Bondi, Primo Cassarino at Gambino related wake (May 2001)

Around 2002 briefly involved in stock fraud. Claimed ultimately lost money in attempt.

Ciccone Crew (May 2002): Anastasio, Brancato, Cassarino, Chirico, Piacenti (Acting Captain)

On June 4, 2002 among 17 indicted by USAO EDNY on Federal racketeering charges. Case result of multiple FBI wiretaps and bugs. Others indicted included Gambino Boss Peter Gotti, Gambino Captain Anthony Ciccone, Gambino Captain Richard Gotti, Gambino Acting Captain Peter Piacenti and several Ciccone crew associates. Frank Scollo, also indicted, became cooperating witness.

Anthony Ciccone, remanded without bail, retained Captain rank but the portion of his crew not under indictment split up: Anthony Anastasio and Joseph Chirico transferred to Daniel Marino and Nicholas Corozzo respectively.

During one week furlough set up meeting with US Government: "I went to see them one time. They asked me questions. I didn't like what they asked me, I walked out."

Upon return to MDC Brooklyn attended co-defendant meeting where Peter Gotti refused global plea offer and ordered Jerome Brancato not to enter plea: "[Peter Gotti] leaned back in the chair, Richie Gotti was across the table, sitting next to Richie. His nephew was there, Sonny [Ciccone] was talking with the lawyer, [Peter Gotti] made a motion with a gun, anybody takes a plea, like them and their family, kill them and their family. He made sure Gerry didn't take the plea."

In January 2003 Federal racketeering trial began. Evidence included recordings from Cassarino phone tap and Scollo car bug, bolstered by testimony from Scollo himself. On March 18, 2003 defendants convicted.

In August 2004 sentenced by EDNY Judge Block to one-hundred-thirty-five months Federal imprisonment. Ordered to pay $1,600,000 restitution.

Not long after sentencing became Cooperating Witness. Fifth made member of Gambino Family to turn CW; preceded by Salvatore Gravano (1991), Dominick Borghese (1995), Michael DiLeonardo (2002) and Frank Fappiano (2004). First to have never been involved in a murder. Provided evidence in multiple cases against Gambino and Genovese Families.

On August 28, 2007 re-sentenced to time served. No reduction made in restitution owed. Entered Witness Protection Program.

Only two additional Gambino members, Soldiers Joseph D'Angelo and Robert Mormando, have defected since Cassarino.

Small Update

The 1970s Bonanno Inductions post has been edited to add Robert 'Bobby Bad Heart' Perrette as another member confirmed inducted prior to the books closing in 1979.

A member of Cesare Bonventre's crew by 1980, Perrette was partners with his father-in-law, Gambino Soldier Pasquale Lauro, in a gambling operation conducted out of Lauro's social club on Ave S in Gravesend. At the time of his death in 1989 he was serving as Acting Capodecina for Louis Attanasio.