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| L to R: B. Ruggiero, J. Massino, A. Spero Massino / Spero Photo Source: Gang Land News |
On April 2, 1993 Bonanno Soldier Benjamin 'Lefty Guns' Ruggiero was released from FCI Danbury, Connecticut after serving approximately eleven years for various Racketeering offenses.
On April 6, 1993 he was interviewed by FBI Agents at his apartment in Manhattan's Knickerbocker Village:
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On April 6, 1993 he was interviewed by FBI Agents at his apartment in Manhattan's Knickerbocker Village:
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[Ruggiero] was informed the nature of the visit was twofold. He was advised that the FBI was in receipt of what it considered reliable information that a threat existed against him, and that it had additional information that Ruggiero was contemplating revenge against [Redacted; believed referring to UCA Donnie Brasco].
At no time did the interviewing agents mention [Redacted] by name, but Ruggiero made repeated references to [redacted].
Ruggiero dismissed the notion that he had anything to fear on the street because [redacted]. He pointed out that he had been in prison with many 'wiseguys' and was far more likely to have been in jeopardy there than on the streets. He commented that he had done his time 'like a man', had returned to his home neighborhood and had every intention of walking about freely. He rebuffed the agents' attempt to leave him a business card or contact number, asserting he could 'take care' of himself.
As to threats against [Redacted], Ruggiero denied making threats of any kind. He alleged that at one time an unidentified informant in prison had thwarted his bid for bail by falsely reporting he had been making threats.
Although he denied plotting any reprisal, Ruggiero made no effort to hide his resentment [redacted] and suggested the interviewing agents should share this resentment. He claimed that [redacted]. He complained that [redacted section].
Throughout the course of the interview, Ruggiero made frequent references to transcripts from his case, and displayed a thorough knowledge of [redacted]. At one point, mention was made of [redacted]. Ruggiero gestured in the direction of a stack of videotapes in his living room, and commented that the content of that program was 'old stuff'.
He assured the interviewing agents [Redacted] had nothing to fear from him, that he had terminal cancer and merely wanted to spend what time he had left with his grandchildren. Ruggiero advised he was to enter [hospital] immediately after Easter for lung surgery.
Ruggiero was warned that his activities would be monitored, and that if it was learned he was trying to determine the whereabouts of anyone connected to his case, an immediate attempt to violate his probation would be initiated.
At no time did the interviewing agents mention [Redacted] by name, but Ruggiero made repeated references to [redacted].
Ruggiero dismissed the notion that he had anything to fear on the street because [redacted]. He pointed out that he had been in prison with many 'wiseguys' and was far more likely to have been in jeopardy there than on the streets. He commented that he had done his time 'like a man', had returned to his home neighborhood and had every intention of walking about freely. He rebuffed the agents' attempt to leave him a business card or contact number, asserting he could 'take care' of himself.
As to threats against [Redacted], Ruggiero denied making threats of any kind. He alleged that at one time an unidentified informant in prison had thwarted his bid for bail by falsely reporting he had been making threats.
Although he denied plotting any reprisal, Ruggiero made no effort to hide his resentment [redacted] and suggested the interviewing agents should share this resentment. He claimed that [redacted]. He complained that [redacted section].
Throughout the course of the interview, Ruggiero made frequent references to transcripts from his case, and displayed a thorough knowledge of [redacted]. At one point, mention was made of [redacted]. Ruggiero gestured in the direction of a stack of videotapes in his living room, and commented that the content of that program was 'old stuff'.
He assured the interviewing agents [Redacted] had nothing to fear from him, that he had terminal cancer and merely wanted to spend what time he had left with his grandchildren. Ruggiero advised he was to enter [hospital] immediately after Easter for lung surgery.
Ruggiero was warned that his activities would be monitored, and that if it was learned he was trying to determine the whereabouts of anyone connected to his case, an immediate attempt to violate his probation would be initiated.
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That same day Agents visited Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino at his Howard Beach residence:
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[Joseph Massino] was contacted at his residence by [SAs], who advised him of their official identities. Massino was thereafter advised that Benjamin Ruggiero, aka 'Lefty Guns', was recently released from prison and that the FBI was concerned about Ruggiero seeking revenge against [Redacted].
Massino stated he was unaware Ruggiero was getting out of prison at which time the SAs advised him that Ruggiero was released on [4/2/93].
Massino initially indicated that he was not meeting with anyone; however, he acknowledged that he does see [Redacted].
Massino stated [he] 'would get the word out' and that 'there will be no problems - you can sleep on it'.
Massino stated he was unaware Ruggiero was getting out of prison at which time the SAs advised him that Ruggiero was released on [4/2/93].
Massino initially indicated that he was not meeting with anyone; however, he acknowledged that he does see [Redacted].
Massino stated [he] 'would get the word out' and that 'there will be no problems - you can sleep on it'.
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Agents then visited Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero at the West End Social Club in Bath Beach, Brooklyn: "[Spero] is familiar with the identity of the interviewing agent [who] told him that the [FBI] was concerned about threats made by Benjamin 'Lefty Guns' Ruggiero, [redacted]. Spero stated that there was nothing for the Bureau to be concerned about because, 'Barking dogs don't bite'. Spero stated that Ruggiero was old and sick and would be unable to do anything to [Redacted] even if he could locate [Redacted]."
Agents then visited Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero at the West End Social Club in Bath Beach, Brooklyn: "[Spero] is familiar with the identity of the interviewing agent [who] told him that the [FBI] was concerned about threats made by Benjamin 'Lefty Guns' Ruggiero, [redacted]. Spero stated that there was nothing for the Bureau to be concerned about because, 'Barking dogs don't bite'. Spero stated that Ruggiero was old and sick and would be unable to do anything to [Redacted] even if he could locate [Redacted]."
The reported threat against Ruggiero wasn't carried out, although Bonanno Underboss turned CW Salvatore Vitale later testified about an aborted plot to poison Ruggiero's food during his early 1980s incarceration at Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center. He died of natural causes in November 1994.
