Joseph 'Little Joe' DeFede was the Acting Boss of the Lucchese Family during the mid-to-late 1990s. He became a cooperating witness in 2001.
Pre-LCN Affiliation
Born February 1, 1934 in Brooklyn to Louis (Construction Laborer; 32y) and Palma Sassano (31y).
At the time of Joseph's birth the family resided at 91 Sackman St in the Cypress Hills neighborhood.
Joseph left school around the 11th grade and found work in a pocketbook factory.
Other legitimate employment included with a private cab service and a veterinary hospital.
By 1953 he had moved one block over at 2367 Atlantic Ave.
In September 1953 completed US Army Basic Training at Medical Replacement Training Center located at Camp Pickett, Virginia.
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| J. DeFede (1953) Press |
He served for approximately four months and was given an honorable discharge on hardship to care for his family. Returned to the veterinary hospital.
Around the late 1950s began working for Western Electric as a phone repairman.
In the 1960s hospitalized for a couple of months to undergo treatment for alcoholism and depression. He later testified the treatment was unsuccessful.
Around the late 1950s began working for Western Electric as a phone repairman.
In the 1960s hospitalized for a couple of months to undergo treatment for alcoholism and depression. He later testified the treatment was unsuccessful.
Colombo Association
By 1962 employed as bartender at Bel-Crest Tavern located at 1039 Belmont Ave in East New York, Brooklyn. Business owned Frank 'Cheech' DeLucia, a Colombo Associate and brother of Colombo Soldier Fred 'Freddy Red / No Nose' DeLucia.
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| F. DeLucia (1962) |
By the mid-1960s DeFede was an on-record associate of DeLucia and became involved in loansharking, numbers and horse betting.
DeLucia, who spent much of the decade in either state or Federal prison, reported to Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese.
On-record associates of DeLucia included brothers Dominic and Joseph Cataldo, Joseph DeFede, Frank DeLucia, John 'Jackie' Donnelly, Alfred 'The Whip' DiMichele and Salvatore 'Sonny Black' Montello.
Through his period of association with Colombo Family, DeFede operated approximately six gambling locations in Brooklyn and Queens.
Around this time he also earned approximately $7,000 in the robbery of a truck containing coats and jackets. The truck driver, complicit in the holdup, received $2,000.
On November 21, 1969 Fred DeLucia disappeared along with Colombo Soldier Salvatore 'Sally D.' D'Ambrosio, a highly influential and feared member of the Family. (Various theories were put forth by informants. One claimed that DeLucia was collateral damage who was taken out only because he was with D'Ambrosio at the time. Another described the disappearances as retaliation for the pairs' suspected involvement in the September 1969 murders of Bonanno leaders Frank Mari and Mike Adamo. Others claimed the pair was hit for plotting against Boss Joseph Colombo. Suspected participants included Capodecina Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Soldier Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo and Associates Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella and Hugh 'Apples' McIntosh.)
DeLucia, who spent much of the decade in either state or Federal prison, reported to Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese.
On-record associates of DeLucia included brothers Dominic and Joseph Cataldo, Joseph DeFede, Frank DeLucia, John 'Jackie' Donnelly, Alfred 'The Whip' DiMichele and Salvatore 'Sonny Black' Montello.
Through his period of association with Colombo Family, DeFede operated approximately six gambling locations in Brooklyn and Queens.
Around this time he also earned approximately $7,000 in the robbery of a truck containing coats and jackets. The truck driver, complicit in the holdup, received $2,000.
On November 21, 1969 Fred DeLucia disappeared along with Colombo Soldier Salvatore 'Sally D.' D'Ambrosio, a highly influential and feared member of the Family. (Various theories were put forth by informants. One claimed that DeLucia was collateral damage who was taken out only because he was with D'Ambrosio at the time. Another described the disappearances as retaliation for the pairs' suspected involvement in the September 1969 murders of Bonanno leaders Frank Mari and Mike Adamo. Others claimed the pair was hit for plotting against Boss Joseph Colombo. Suspected participants included Capodecina Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Soldier Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo and Associates Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella and Hugh 'Apples' McIntosh.)
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| J. Brancato (1970s) Press |
Following DeLucia's murder, his territory and former associates went to Colombo Acting Captain Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato.
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| D. Cataldo |
By 1978 DeFede was on-record with Colombo Soldier Dominic 'Little Dom' Cataldo, a former DeLucia Associate who was inducted the previous year.
Then a member of Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio's crew, Cataldo's associates included his younger brother Joseph, Stephen Cilluffo, DeFede, Robert 'Bobby' Joyce, Billy Ray LNU, 'Mickey Brown' LNU, Ralphie LNU and Cataldo's brother-in-law Vito Scaglione.
Around 1979 Cataldo met with Gambino Associate Peter Gotti at Kennedy Inn in Queens. Others present included Colombo Associates Joseph DeFede and Joseph Scopo. DeFede later testified: "It was around '79 or the early part of 80's, Peter Gotti came down [with] one Joseph Scopo. Joe Scopo was [later] a cappo in the Colombo crime Family. He came down there to meet a friend of mine Dom, who was also a member of the Colombo crime family. They walked over to the side and took about five minutes or so. Dom came back to the bar and [Scopo and Gotti left]." (Scopo was inducted in 1981 and murdered in 1993. Peter Gotti was inducted in 1986 and went on to head the Gambino Family after his brother John. He died in 2021).
Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano took over Allie Giannattasio's crew following the latter's death in August 1979.
In 1980 DeFede was arrested by the NYPD on a gambling charge. Pleaded guilty to final charge disorderly conduct and fined.
In October 1981 Dominic Cataldo began serving a Federal prison sentence re attempted bribery and firearm / silencer possession charges. Paroled in December 1983, he was returned to prison following indictment in the October 1984 SDNY Colombo indictment that also charged Boss Carmine Persico and others. (During Cataldo's incarceration his brother-in-law Vito Scaglione was shot to death in Queens. He died August 1990 at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota.)
By 1985 DeFede's gambling establishments included The Liberty Lounge at 102nd St and Liberty Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Earned up to $3,000 per week from gambling activities.
Then a member of Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio's crew, Cataldo's associates included his younger brother Joseph, Stephen Cilluffo, DeFede, Robert 'Bobby' Joyce, Billy Ray LNU, 'Mickey Brown' LNU, Ralphie LNU and Cataldo's brother-in-law Vito Scaglione.
Around 1979 Cataldo met with Gambino Associate Peter Gotti at Kennedy Inn in Queens. Others present included Colombo Associates Joseph DeFede and Joseph Scopo. DeFede later testified: "It was around '79 or the early part of 80's, Peter Gotti came down [with] one Joseph Scopo. Joe Scopo was [later] a cappo in the Colombo crime Family. He came down there to meet a friend of mine Dom, who was also a member of the Colombo crime family. They walked over to the side and took about five minutes or so. Dom came back to the bar and [Scopo and Gotti left]." (Scopo was inducted in 1981 and murdered in 1993. Peter Gotti was inducted in 1986 and went on to head the Gambino Family after his brother John. He died in 2021).
Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano took over Allie Giannattasio's crew following the latter's death in August 1979.
In 1980 DeFede was arrested by the NYPD on a gambling charge. Pleaded guilty to final charge disorderly conduct and fined.
In October 1981 Dominic Cataldo began serving a Federal prison sentence re attempted bribery and firearm / silencer possession charges. Paroled in December 1983, he was returned to prison following indictment in the October 1984 SDNY Colombo indictment that also charged Boss Carmine Persico and others. (During Cataldo's incarceration his brother-in-law Vito Scaglione was shot to death in Queens. He died August 1990 at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota.)
By 1985 DeFede's gambling establishments included The Liberty Lounge at 102nd St and Liberty Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Earned up to $3,000 per week from gambling activities.
Lucchese Association
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| V. Amuso (L) and V. Orena (R) Source: Gang Land News (GLN) |
In or around Summer 1988 transferred to Lucchese Family through Lucchese Boss Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso. Transfer authorized by Colombo Acting Boss Vic Orena: "[Amuso] asked me first - he said first that I should be a made man, and he wanted me to go into [the] Colombos. At that time the Colombos [admin members] were new and I was never what we call going downtown. In other words, I didn't know any captains or any bosses there at the time. And he asked me if I was more comfortable with him, and I said yes." Also testified: "[Orena] gave the permission for me to move over to Vic Amuso...As a matter of fact, I was called down on a Sunday night by skipper named Patty Amato. He come over and he gave me his best wishes, and that's when I became a Luchese."
As a Lucchese associate he continued involvement in loansharking, horse betting and numbers.
As a Lucchese associate he continued involvement in loansharking, horse betting and numbers.
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| T. Gilmore |
In December 1988 Amuso visited DeFede at The Liberty Lounge. Topics of discussion included Lucchese Associate Thomas 'Red' Gilmore: "[Amuso] was very upset, saying that Gilmore was trying to set him up. He's asking certain questions that he shouldn't be asking to him, and he -- looked like he was setting him up for law enforcement...[Amuso] mentioned one time [Gilmore] was sitting out in the car with two guys all dressed, they looked like [law enforcement]. And that was it." (In early February 1989 Gilmore was shot to death by a team supervised by Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco, Captain over the Family's other local crew and who, like DeFede, later cooperated after a brief time as Acting Boss.)
In early February 1989 Gilmore was shot to death by members of the Lucchese Family's other local crew then headed by Captain Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco. Like DeFede, D'Arco later cooperated after a brief time as Acting Boss.)
In early February 1989 Gilmore was shot to death by members of the Lucchese Family's other local crew then headed by Captain Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco. Like DeFede, D'Arco later cooperated after a brief time as Acting Boss.)
Lucchese Soldier
By 1989 DeFede reported directly to Amuso, and the two were also close social acquaintances.
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| J. DeFede (1980s) GLN |
DeFede was driven by Lucchese Associate James 'Jimmy' McCann to The Pier restaurant in Canarsie. From there he and others were taken to a residence on Farragut Rd where the ceremony occurred. (The house was owned by Lucchese Soldier Peter 'Rugsy' Vario's son-in-law, named by CW Alfonso D'Arco as [FNU] Albanese. This may be Lucchese Associate Anthony 'Tony Shape' Albanese.)
The ceremony was presided over by Boss Vic Amuso and (Acting?) Underboss Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso.
Others present included Captains Robert Amuso, Salvatore Avellino, Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta, Peter 'Fat Pete' Chiodo, Alfonso D'Arco and Soldier John Conti.
DeFede: "...When I walked into the house, a couple of other people there, there was a living room, we sat around for a while, somebody got called downstairs to go into the basement...[I waited] and they sent for me next one to go downstairs...When I got downstairs there was a table, administration sitting behind that table, there was a gun and knife on the table. [Administration] at that time it was Boss and Underboss and a Capo [Sal Avellino].
...They asked me two questions, do you know what you are doing here tonight, I told them no. The right answer was no. Then they asked me, if we ask you to kill somebody, the right answer was yes, which I did...They started the thing where they pinch my finger, got some blood, a little tissue, roll it on my finger, the blood got on the tissue, they come up with words, if you tell on your friends or anybody in this place what happened tonight, may you burn like this paper...[After my induction the others] all come down one at a time, we get introduced to them as amica nostra.
...[After] inductions, we sat around the table and then they start introducing the administration and then we start to get rules. Somebody would say in Italian, the Lucchese business is now open, and they start giving out the rules...No drugs, no paper, no counterfeit, no securities, anything to get back to the Lucchese Family, no things with guys' wives, daughters and sisters. [You] are not allowed to touch any other member, you can't hit any other member in the Luccheses or other crews. [Afterwards everyone] held their hands and in Italian they said, the Lucchese business is finished."
Others inducted in addition to DeFede (55y) were Michael DeSantis (34y), Frank 'Frankie Pearl' Federico (61y), Richard Pagliarulo (40y) and Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni (32y).
In D'Arco's debriefing on the ceremony, it states that DeFede was assigned to Robert Amuso's crew after induction.
During his court appearances DeFede made no mention of being in Amuso's crew and instead testified that he was placed with Captain Frank Lastorino.
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| F. Lastorino GLN |
By 1990 made members of the Lastorino crew included Joseph DeFede, Angelo Defendis, Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo, 'Butch' LNU and Butch's father Degar (ph), described by DeFede as '80-some odd years old'.
Around that time Lucchese Soldier Anthony 'Blue Eyes' Santorelli was transferred to the Lastorino crew. DeFede: "They had problems. [Santorelli] had problems in the Bronx. So Vic Amuso felt it was better that he will move them over to Brooklyn. This is done a long time [prior to 1995]."
DeFede also testified: "It was up to maybe nine [or] ten-men crew. I can't think of the rest...I stayed in that crew until '93."
Around 1990 Amuso provided $50,000 to DeFede to start a loanshark business. Partners were Associates Oscar Ansourian and James McCann.
Around 1990 made partner in card game operated at 80th St and Roosevelt Ave in Jackson Heights, Queens. Later testified: "[One] night I lost $30,000. I got a phone call that I had to bring down $30,000...[After that], we had a dealer that knew how to manipulate the cards and we started to cheat in order to get the money back."
In or around 1991 began extorting $150 per week from Glenn Patrick's Pub. Payments continued until approximately 1998.
Around that time Lucchese Soldier Anthony 'Blue Eyes' Santorelli was transferred to the Lastorino crew. DeFede: "They had problems. [Santorelli] had problems in the Bronx. So Vic Amuso felt it was better that he will move them over to Brooklyn. This is done a long time [prior to 1995]."
DeFede also testified: "It was up to maybe nine [or] ten-men crew. I can't think of the rest...I stayed in that crew until '93."
Around 1990 Amuso provided $50,000 to DeFede to start a loanshark business. Partners were Associates Oscar Ansourian and James McCann.
Around 1990 made partner in card game operated at 80th St and Roosevelt Ave in Jackson Heights, Queens. Later testified: "[One] night I lost $30,000. I got a phone call that I had to bring down $30,000...[After that], we had a dealer that knew how to manipulate the cards and we started to cheat in order to get the money back."
In or around 1991 began extorting $150 per week from Glenn Patrick's Pub. Payments continued until approximately 1998.
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| J. Corozzo GLN |
Around 1991 meeting held between DeFede and Gambino Soldier Joseph Corozzo re Glenn Patrick's Pub. DeFede: "[I] was clearing out the place because there was a lot of trouble there and I started to have people stay out of the place. Then I got a call to come down and to meet somebody and I did, from the Gambinos. It was Joe [Corozzo]...He wanted to know why I was keeping these people out. And I explained this was [Lucchese] business, and he went to check it out, he came back and he agreed with it and that was the end of that."
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| R. Pagliarulo GLN |
Around October 1991 transferred to Captain Richard Pagliarulo. DeFede: "I went up to one of [Pagliarulo's] restaurants to have lunch and he was there, few people there, he got me off to the side, he introduced me to another inductee, Whitey Cappello. He said, Joe, amica nostra [means] Our friends. He introduced me [then Cappello] says Richie Pagliarulo is my captain. Richie told me, I am your captain too, which I didn't know." (Cappello was inducted October 2, 1991. DeFede later stated that Pagliarulo was 'still the same crew' as Lastorino and that Pagliarulo 'just took over' as Captain.)
On June 15, 1992 Vic Amuso was convicted in USDC Brooklyn on Federal racketeering charges.
Key prosecution witnesses were Alfonso D'Arco and Peter Chiodo, former Lucchese Acting Boss and Captain respectively. Both had attended the ceremony where DeFede was inducted.
DeFede provided an unspecified amount for legal fees to help with the appeal.
On October 9, 1992 Amuso was given to life term and sent to FCI Terre Haute, Indiana.
DeFede went on to visit Amuso thirty-seven times at the facility.
On June 15, 1992 Vic Amuso was convicted in USDC Brooklyn on Federal racketeering charges.
Key prosecution witnesses were Alfonso D'Arco and Peter Chiodo, former Lucchese Acting Boss and Captain respectively. Both had attended the ceremony where DeFede was inducted.
DeFede provided an unspecified amount for legal fees to help with the appeal.
On October 9, 1992 Amuso was given to life term and sent to FCI Terre Haute, Indiana.
DeFede went on to visit Amuso thirty-seven times at the facility.
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| N. DiCostanzo |
Following October 1992 indictment of Richard Pagliarulo on Federal racketeering charges, Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo took over as Acting Captain.
On or around February 17, 1993 DeFede purchased horse betting parlor located in Astoria, Queens from Chris and George Remini (ph).
On March 17, 1993 parlor raided by NYPD. Following raid DeFede and two others met with previous owners and attempted to get money back, as it was felt the parlor was under police surveillance at the time of sale. During the confrontation Louie (Charlie?) 'The Albanian' LNU pulled pistol on DeFede. The argument immediately ended and DeFede went to Nicky DiCostanzo for permission to murder the Albanian. DeFede and two Unsubs were assigned by DiCostanzo to search Astoria but the victim was unable to be located.
Soon after, the Albanian was summoned to meet with DeFede at a Brooklyn social club owned by Lucchese Soldier Angelo Defendis. Others present included Captain George 'Goggles' Conte and Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. Gioia later testified: "[DeFede said] I'm going to call the guy in. The guy wants to apologize. If I take his apology sincerely, we'll call it off. If not, he said, we'll kill him. So we set it up that day in Angelique's club [and we were] behind the bar drinking coffee, waiting with guns and silencers. Joe DeFede was facing us while Charlie was apologizing to him...Joe accepted the apology and basically gave us the nod that, you know, he didn't want to go through with it."
Around mid-1993 the Lucchese Family formulated a plot to break Underboss Anthony Casso out of Federal prison. Co-conspirators included Captain George 'Georgie Neck' Zappola, Acting Captain George Conte, Soldiers Jody Calabrese, Gregory 'Whitey' Cappello, Joseph DeFede, James 'Froggy' Galione, Frank Gioia Jr., Frank Papagni and Associates Frank 'Skippy' DiPietro and Mario Gallo. Gioia later testified: "Basically Gas wanted us to -- while he was being transported from prison to court, we were supposed to go and hit the vehicle he was in. He had a handcuff key around his neck, and we were supposed to take him into the car and [escape]...It was called off [after] other Families got wind of it. Basically told Joe D, you know -- because there was 10 of us -- and said not to do it; it would cause too much heat. And thought it was just absolutely crazy, which it was...We were all called in and basically told [if] we even talk about it or even attempt or even think about it [basically] we would all be killed. So it was just called off."
Around September 1993 Lucchese Family Captains called in for questioning to ensure loyalty to the imprisoned Boss. Those involved in questioning included Captain Robert Amuso, Soldier Joseph DeFede, Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. and Associate Oscar Ansourian. Gioia later testified: "Vic said, Call in all the captains. I want you to ask them all a question: Am I still your Boss? And I call the captains. A lot of captains showed; two didn't show: George Conte and George Zappola. [Zappola] used the excuse he was on the lam. Conte was paranoid. And we figured out who the guys were, and then we were plotting to have them killed." Ansourian suggested calling all identified conspirators against Amuso into social club and firing rocket launcher into establishment. Gioia testified: "I was arrested right after [the initial plotting]. Bones [Frank Papagni] was relaying messages to me, telling me that basically all the captains came in. [Zappola and Conte] was shelved [and] they were worried for their lives. And everything came out (about the plot)."
On or around February 17, 1993 DeFede purchased horse betting parlor located in Astoria, Queens from Chris and George Remini (ph).
On March 17, 1993 parlor raided by NYPD. Following raid DeFede and two others met with previous owners and attempted to get money back, as it was felt the parlor was under police surveillance at the time of sale. During the confrontation Louie (Charlie?) 'The Albanian' LNU pulled pistol on DeFede. The argument immediately ended and DeFede went to Nicky DiCostanzo for permission to murder the Albanian. DeFede and two Unsubs were assigned by DiCostanzo to search Astoria but the victim was unable to be located.
Soon after, the Albanian was summoned to meet with DeFede at a Brooklyn social club owned by Lucchese Soldier Angelo Defendis. Others present included Captain George 'Goggles' Conte and Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. Gioia later testified: "[DeFede said] I'm going to call the guy in. The guy wants to apologize. If I take his apology sincerely, we'll call it off. If not, he said, we'll kill him. So we set it up that day in Angelique's club [and we were] behind the bar drinking coffee, waiting with guns and silencers. Joe DeFede was facing us while Charlie was apologizing to him...Joe accepted the apology and basically gave us the nod that, you know, he didn't want to go through with it."
Around mid-1993 the Lucchese Family formulated a plot to break Underboss Anthony Casso out of Federal prison. Co-conspirators included Captain George 'Georgie Neck' Zappola, Acting Captain George Conte, Soldiers Jody Calabrese, Gregory 'Whitey' Cappello, Joseph DeFede, James 'Froggy' Galione, Frank Gioia Jr., Frank Papagni and Associates Frank 'Skippy' DiPietro and Mario Gallo. Gioia later testified: "Basically Gas wanted us to -- while he was being transported from prison to court, we were supposed to go and hit the vehicle he was in. He had a handcuff key around his neck, and we were supposed to take him into the car and [escape]...It was called off [after] other Families got wind of it. Basically told Joe D, you know -- because there was 10 of us -- and said not to do it; it would cause too much heat. And thought it was just absolutely crazy, which it was...We were all called in and basically told [if] we even talk about it or even attempt or even think about it [basically] we would all be killed. So it was just called off."
Around September 1993 Lucchese Family Captains called in for questioning to ensure loyalty to the imprisoned Boss. Those involved in questioning included Captain Robert Amuso, Soldier Joseph DeFede, Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. and Associate Oscar Ansourian. Gioia later testified: "Vic said, Call in all the captains. I want you to ask them all a question: Am I still your Boss? And I call the captains. A lot of captains showed; two didn't show: George Conte and George Zappola. [Zappola] used the excuse he was on the lam. Conte was paranoid. And we figured out who the guys were, and then we were plotting to have them killed." Ansourian suggested calling all identified conspirators against Amuso into social club and firing rocket launcher into establishment. Gioia testified: "I was arrested right after [the initial plotting]. Bones [Frank Papagni] was relaying messages to me, telling me that basically all the captains came in. [Zappola and Conte] was shelved [and] they were worried for their lives. And everything came out (about the plot)."
Lucchese Captain
Around October 1993 DeFede was summoned to meet with Vic Amuso at FCI Terre Haute. The pair discussed tape-recorded comments made by Underboss Anthony Casso and Acting Consigliere Frank Lastorino regarding a plot to murder Captain Robert Amuso and Associate Oscar Ansourian.
During the visit DeFede was promoted to Captain. It doesn't appear that he had any Soldiers under him, but he was given the responsibility of carrying messages from Amuso to the Family. DeFede was also designated the head of a three-member Administrative Panel; other members were Captains Steven Crea and Domenico 'Danny' Cutaia.
Around November 1993 meeting between Genovese Family and Lucchese Family held at unspecified restaurant in Manhattan. Attendees included Genovese Acting Boss Liborio 'Barney' Bellomo, Genovese Acting Boss Michele 'Mickey Dimino' Generoso, Consigliere James 'Jimmy' Ida and Lucchese Captains / Panel Members Steven Crea, Domenico Cutaia and Joseph DeFede. Purpose of meeting to formally introduce Lucchese Panel members to Genovese Family. DeFede: "Just for an introduction, that's all, that I was a member [of] the panel, they were part of the panel. And I was the head of the panel over there. Then they just said, you have to be careful nowadays, this and that because of law enforcement and things like that...After that, maybe an hour or so, we were gone."
Acting Boss
In April 1994 DeFede met with Vic Amuso at FCI Terre Haute. During the meeting DeFede and Steven Crea were appointed Acting Boss and Acting Underboss respectively.
DeFede was ordered to demote Anthony Casso, Anthony Baratta and Frank Lastorino to Soldier and to meet with each Family Captain and pass along news of the demotions.
By May 1994 DeFede was in charge of dropping off Lucchese Family money for Amuso. The drops were made on the fifteenth of each month. Approximately $13,300 was left at the Surf Side Motel on Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach, Queens. (The business was linked to Amuso's brother Bobby, who died that September.)
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| A. Casso (1993) |
Around mid-July 1994 the demoted Anthony Casso was target of an aborted murder plot. Co-conspirators included Acting Boss Joseph DeFede and Soldiers Anthony Baratta, Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni. Plot canceled after Vic Amuso refused to give permission. Gioia later testified: "At the time I bumped into Gas [at MCC and he] was bitter with the Family because they busted him down to a Soldier. There were tapes that came out with him, Big Frank Lastorino, and other members that they were plotting to take over the Family. So they demoted him. He was bitter with the Family about Vic [and Joe DeFede]. He was bitter with [Baratta], Sally Avellino, wanted to kill everybody. He was sending messages about money that he used to get that he don't get anymore." Information related by Gioia to Frank Papagni. Gioia testified: "[Bones] says they were talking about killing Gas in jail. And Bones volunteered to Joe D, he says, look, [Gioia]'s in there. He'll take care of it...[They] went up to Vic and asked him if it was okay to do it because it was me and [Baratta were] there on the floor with him. We were talking about if the Family asks us to do it, we'd have had to do it...Joe D went up to see Vic and Vic said he would never put one of his guys in that position, to kill somebody in jail like that because he knew [it'd be] a suicide mission, probably get caught, get locked down somewhere, and you know, get life." (Casso subsequently made a failed attempt to cooperate. Baratta, demoted at the same time as Casso, may have been involved in an plot to regain favor. He remained on the shelf until sometime after his September 2012 release.)
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| S. Vitale (L) and G. Conte (R) |
Around Summer 1994 DeFede met with Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale regarding dispute over on-record associate of Lucchese Soldier George Conte. DeFede: "[There] was a discussion about an individual that belonged to one George Conti, who is a made man with the Luccheses, and they tried to put a claim on it. When we discuss it, I finally gave them the man. I sent the message out to Conti and Conti gave him up. He was in the drug [business]."
Around Fall 1994 sitdown between Gambino and Lucchese Families held at Gramercy Park Hotel on Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Attendees were DeFede, Lucchese Acting Underboss Steven Crea, Gambino Captain Nicholas Corozzo, Gambino Captain (?) Thomas Gambino, Gambino Soldier (Acting Captain?) Leonard DiMaria, Gambino Soldier Edward Garafola, Lucchese Associate Sidney Lieberman and possibly Gambino Soldier Joseph Gallo Jr. Purpose of meeting to resolve dispute re Manhattan Garment Center. DeFede: "[Vic] Amuso, he made the complaint about there was a one Sidney Lieberman, an associate of us, giving more work to Tommy Gambino and taking away his work, and just his personal problem that I was supposed to handle, nothing to do with the Lucchese Family at all, except for Vic Amuso...[Matter seemed resolved] because the next time I went up to see Victor Amuso he never complained after that."
Around November 1994 Lucchese Soldier Frank Gioia Jr., awaiting trial on Federal narcotics charges, was visited at FCI Otisville by Associate Vincent Salanardi. Gioia later testified: "After I got a visit from my cousin, Vin, they called him Egghead, he came up to Otisville, sat down next to me, after 2 months of abusing my family, ripping pay phones out of my mother's restaurants, abusing them in the street like they are nobodies, I told them a few times, why don't they stop it, act like men, leave everything as it is. They kept going doing. They didn't want to stop. Egghead came on a visit, sat down, said, Frank, sit down for this one. I said what it is now, I got an ulcer in my stomach, I am thinking what else could they do. They want to kill your father. Why do they want to kill my old man. Bones [Frank Papagni] going to Joe D [DeFede], everybody else, trying to get permission to kill my parents. I said what do I do Vinny, what do I do. He says pull a Sammy the Bull or pull a Gaspipe [meaning] cooperate with the government...I gave him a kiss, I says, Cuz, I will see you, went to the cell, decided to do it, decided to cooperate, plead guilty after that." (Gioia's father was an inactive Lucchese member.)
General (1995)
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| N. Corozzo (1996) |
Around 1995 DeFede met with Gambino Captain Nicholas Corozzo re joker poker business: "One time I was called down to Brooklyn that there was a Luchese Joker-Poker in one of [the Gambino] places and in turn I turned around, there was Gambino Joker-Pokers in Astoria and they told me about the one, I yes, you are right but there is two of yours and we went along and cleared it up."
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| J. Massino GLN |
Around 1995 DeFede met with Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino. Purpose of meeting to arrange transfer of Joseph Caridi from Bonanno Family to Lucchese Family. Unspecified Lucchese Associate in turn given to the Bonannos.
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| J. Benanti GLN |
Around 1995 Bonanno and Lucchese Families met in New York. Attendees included DeFede, Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Bonanno Captain Anthony 'T.G.' Graziano and Bonanno Soldier and Graziano crew member Joseph Benanti. Purpose of meeting to discuss debt owed by Benanti to Vic Amuso.
In 1995 DeFede prevented a bagel store opening in the area of Howard Beach, Queens. Store potential competition for shop operated by Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone. DeFede: "Neil Colello came over to me. I told him to go down to that store and tell them that you can't open. They reached out for someone. It so happened to be a Lucchese member, I found out later on. I told them they can't open it, and they didn't."
In 1995 DeFede prevented a bagel store opening in the area of Howard Beach, Queens. Store potential competition for shop operated by Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone. DeFede: "Neil Colello came over to me. I told him to go down to that store and tell them that you can't open. They reached out for someone. It so happened to be a Lucchese member, I found out later on. I told them they can't open it, and they didn't."
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| P. Gotti |
In 1995 DeFede and Gambino Captain Peter Gotti met to discuss money owed by Unsub to Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone. DeFede and Gotti formally introduced by Lucchese Captain Domenico Cutaia. DeFede: "[Gotti] said the tenant of a building wasn't doing too good in his bar business, and that he couldn't pay up each month that kind of money. If I could cut it down. I says, That's -- I couldn't do that. You have to wait till Daidone comes out of [prison] and speak to him." (Daidone was imprisoned from approximately April 1992 - June 1996 for conspiring to rob an armored car.)
In or around 1995 DeFede loaned $5,000 to Lucchese Associate Aniello 'Neil' Colello. Colello, on-record with imprisoned Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone, charged two points interest.
In or around 1995 DeFede loaned $5,000 to Lucchese Associate Aniello 'Neil' Colello. Colello, on-record with imprisoned Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone, charged two points interest.
Genovese / Lucchese Incident (Summer 1995)
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| Darin Mazzarella (L) and Anthony Santorelli (R) |
On June 20, 1995 Lucchese Associate Darin Mazzarella shot and seriously wounded by Genovese Associate Michael 'Hippy' Zanfardino at Loreto Park in Morris Park, The Bronx. The shooting followed an earlier altercation between Lucchese Associate John Petrucelli Jr. and Genovese Associate Gene Gallo. Mazzarella hit approximately one dozen times in extremities and lower torso. Shortly after the incident Petrucelli Jr. returned to the scene and fatally stabbed Gene Gallo's seventeen-year-old cousin Paul Cicero in retaliation. After the incident DeFede was informed of the situation in a meeting with Lucchese Acting Captain Anthony Santorelli at the Waterview Diner in Howard Beach.
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| Steve Crea (L) and Vincent Russo (R) |
Within a couple of days a meeting to discuss the shooting was held at Santorelli's residence in Yonkers. Attendees included Lucchese Acting Underboss Steven Crea, Anthony Santorelli, John Petrucelli Jr, and Lucchese Associate Vincent Russo. CW Darin Mazzarella later testified: "[The] Genovese Family reached out to Stevie Crea [and Crea] reached out to Anthony Santorelli and had Johnny Boy Petrucelli and Vinny Russo meet him at Anthony's house in Yonkers...At that meeting, what Vinny told me was that Stevie had asked what had happened that night I got shot, and Johnny told him that I had got shot by Hippie [Zanfardino]. And then he asked what happened to the kid that got killed afterwards. Did you do it? Johnny replied yes. He said he had stabbed him...[At subsequent meeting Russo told me] everything was still at a standstill as far as me and Hippie were concerned."
Around late June 1995 a meeting was held between the Genovese and Lucchese Families on Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Attendees included Genovese Acting Boss Liborio 'Barney' Bellomo, DeFede, Steven Crea, Genovese Consigliere James Ida, Genovese Captain Ralph Coppola and Lucchese Acting Captain Anthony Santorelli. Meeting held outdoors on Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Following a walk and talk between Bellomo and DeFede it was decided that the situation was settled and no further hostility was to occur between the groups. One or two days later DeFede met with Lucchese Associate Alfred 'Freddy Boy' Santorelli at the Waterview Diner to explain the decision.
Around late July 1995 DeFede met with Lucchese Associate Oscar Ansourian at Ram's Horn diner in Rockaway Beach, Queens. During meeting pair discussed the Mazzarella / Cicero incident. DeFede: "I used [incident] as a centerpiece, just a matter of a conversation. I said, gee, I happened to see the Genovese Family. And I explained that there was a shooting, and I explained to them...[I told Ansourian] about the shooting and about what would happen to Darin, and the stabbing of the kid, of the child...[Ansourian] was very upset. He was like a father image to Fat Face (Petrucelli Jr.) at the time. And he started to say, he told him that one day he was going to get into trouble. And he started to get into about his father, when his father died. He started to get worse. And I tried to correct him on things. And then he told me who his father was. His father was a made man in the Lucchese Family, and his name was John Petrucelli." (The elder Petrucelli was shot to death on Vic Amuso's orders in September 1989.)
Around February 1996 Darin Mazzarella met with Anthony Santorelli at the residence of Santorelli's mother in Westchester County. Mazzarella later testified: "[Vinny] Russo said to me that Anthony [Santorelli] wanted to see me, so I met him [and he] expressed to me that the Genovese Family had reached out again. That I had been seen in the Bronx, and [they] wanted to know what my intentions were as far as retaliating against Hippie. They wanted to make sure it was squashed. I asked Anthony his advice on what he thinks I should do. He said that me and my brother (Nicholas) couldn't win alone, and he suggested that I should squash it."
Around late June 1995 a meeting was held between the Genovese and Lucchese Families on Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Attendees included Genovese Acting Boss Liborio 'Barney' Bellomo, DeFede, Steven Crea, Genovese Consigliere James Ida, Genovese Captain Ralph Coppola and Lucchese Acting Captain Anthony Santorelli. Meeting held outdoors on Lexington Ave in Manhattan. Following a walk and talk between Bellomo and DeFede it was decided that the situation was settled and no further hostility was to occur between the groups. One or two days later DeFede met with Lucchese Associate Alfred 'Freddy Boy' Santorelli at the Waterview Diner to explain the decision.
Around late July 1995 DeFede met with Lucchese Associate Oscar Ansourian at Ram's Horn diner in Rockaway Beach, Queens. During meeting pair discussed the Mazzarella / Cicero incident. DeFede: "I used [incident] as a centerpiece, just a matter of a conversation. I said, gee, I happened to see the Genovese Family. And I explained that there was a shooting, and I explained to them...[I told Ansourian] about the shooting and about what would happen to Darin, and the stabbing of the kid, of the child...[Ansourian] was very upset. He was like a father image to Fat Face (Petrucelli Jr.) at the time. And he started to say, he told him that one day he was going to get into trouble. And he started to get into about his father, when his father died. He started to get worse. And I tried to correct him on things. And then he told me who his father was. His father was a made man in the Lucchese Family, and his name was John Petrucelli." (The elder Petrucelli was shot to death on Vic Amuso's orders in September 1989.)
Around February 1996 Darin Mazzarella met with Anthony Santorelli at the residence of Santorelli's mother in Westchester County. Mazzarella later testified: "[Vinny] Russo said to me that Anthony [Santorelli] wanted to see me, so I met him [and he] expressed to me that the Genovese Family had reached out again. That I had been seen in the Bronx, and [they] wanted to know what my intentions were as far as retaliating against Hippie. They wanted to make sure it was squashed. I asked Anthony his advice on what he thinks I should do. He said that me and my brother (Nicholas) couldn't win alone, and he suggested that I should squash it."
Around the same month DeFede met with Darin Mazzarella and Associate Alfred Santorelli. Meeting set up by Lucchese Soldier Joseph 'Joey Flowers' Tangorra and held inside Brooklyn restaurant. Others present included Acting Captain Anthony Santorelli and Soldier Eugene Castelle. DeFede: "When I found out that Darin came out of the hospital, I decided myself that I should speak to Darin, not Freddie Boy or Anthony Santorelli...We sat at the table down there and we were talking. I took Santorelli and Darin to the side and I explained to Darin that this is what happened. There was a boy that died. There's nothing that we can do about that. We were in the wrong. We were right at one time, but we were in the wrong. He was upset that he couldn't do anything about him being shot, but I told him we didn't send then for the Genovese, the Genovese sent for us. That seemed to ease his pain a little bit. It seemed to end the conversation...I told him. Listen, we don't last a lifetime. This is a life when you are a boss, and then all of a sudden you're in jail -- and not in them words -- but in years to come, I said, you won't find us there, and the rest is up to you.
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| Genovese / Lucchese Meeting in The Bronx (2001) L to R: Joseph Lubrano, John Petrucelli Jr., Michael Zanfardino, Unsub, Salvatore Larca |
No retaliation was ever carried out. Darin Mazzarella flipped a year later. His brother Nicholas followed him in March 1998. John Petrucelli Jr. and Michael Zanfardino were later inducted into the Lucchese and Genovese Families respectively.
DeFede Inductions (c. July 1995 - c. Fall 1996)
In early 1995 represented the Luccheses at a meeting of the New York Families in Manhattan. Purpose of meeting to discuss opening the books for new membership. DeFede: "I was allowed eight members, I put the eight members in by July...(Prior to this meeting the books) were closed a long time from what I understand." (The books are believed to have been closed for all local Families at the time of Gambino Underboss Salvatore Gravano's defection in November 1991. Inductions appear to have resumed around the summer of 1995 for all but the Colombos and DeCavalcantes, whose books remained closed through the rest of the decade.)
When questioned in 2004 about any ceremonies he had presided over, he replied: "Well, I did 13; but I did eight at one time, three and two...[Three] separate: Eight, three and two."
As Acting Boss DeFede inducted the following:
- John Baudanza : Sponsored by his father-in-law, Lucchese Captain Domenico Cutaia.
- Joseph Caridi : Sponsored by imprisoned Soldier Louis Daidone and assigned to Domenico Cutaia. Described by DeFede as an earner. (Caridi and two of the others listed were part of the ceremony where three were made.)
- Eugene Castelle
- Joseph Datello : Sponsored by Captain Dominic Truscello. DeFede: "Joe Datello [was] neither a murderer or earner. Joe Datello knew a lot about construction, and we could have used him. Matter of fact, we had him on what we called the construction panel."
- Philip DeSimone : One of the first eight made circa July 1995. DeFede claimed not to know DeSimone 'that good' and stated that he 'came in through' Westchester.
- Andrew DiSimone : Made Fall 1996 through sponsorship of father Salvatore.
- Joseph 'Little Joe' DiBenedetto : Sponsored by Vic Amuso. DeFede: "Joe was a son-in-law to the boss [and] Amuso asked that he wanted him to be put in."
- Marco Minuto : Described as 'basically like a bookmaker'.
- Anthony 'Razor Head' Pezzullo : One of the first eight made circa July 1995. Described as an earner.
- Daniel Rizzo : One of the first eight made circa July 1995.
- Alfred 'Freddy Boy' Santorelli : Possibly made with Andrew DiSimone in the last of the three ceremonies held circa Fall 1996. Son of Acting Captain Anthony Santorelli. DeFede: "Basically, I liked Freddy Boy at that time. I asked his father if he wanted him inducted [and he] said yes." (DeFede's testimony names one 'Mike Salenti' as the other guy made with DiSimone. This might be a typo referring to Santorelli, who CW Mazzarella identified as having been made around that time. Mazzarella and Santorelli were close associates.)
- John Sorrentino Jr : Member of Prince Street crew and son to Soldier John Sorrentino. DeFede: "[Sorrentino Jr.] was the son of a made man, and he asked for his son to be inducted and I did."
- Joseph 'Joey Flowers' Tangorra : Sponsored by DeFede: "...Tangorra was an earner on his own by himself. He was a bookmaker. He was a shylock. He was a gambler and he did things on his own." Despite this, DeFede testified he never received any money from him.
Around 1996 met with Genovese Acting Boss Liborio Bellomo: "[We] wanted our books open to make more members beside making more members for the dead."
Family Structure (1996 - 1999)
Some of the changes made in the Lucchese Family during DeFede's time as Acting Boss include:
- Promoted Eugene Castelle to Acting Captain.
- Promoted Louis Daidone to Consigliere with Amuso's authorization.
- Promoted Patrick Dello Russo to (Acting?) Captain while both were imprisoned.
- Promoted Joseph DiNapoli to (Acting?) Captain. Reported promotion to Amuso after the fact.
- Promoted Salvatore 'Sally Bo' DiSimone to Acting Captain. Promotion requested by Acting Underboss Steven Crea and approved after the fact by Amuso.
- Promoted Anthony Santorelli to Acting Captain. (Not clear if over the old Lastorino crew or one of the Bronx / Westchester groups.)
- Promoted Joseph 'Joey Flowers' Tangorra to Captain.
- Reinstated Dominic Truscello to Captain of the Prince Street crew. Ralph Cuomo made the crew's Acting Captain. Done at the imprisoned Amuso's request.
General (1996)
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| J. DeFede GLN |
In mid-to-late 1990s authorized beating of Unidentified Male. Assault
solicited by Genovese Soldier Alfonso 'Funzi' Tarricone and carried out
by Lucchese Soldiers Eugene Castelle and Joseph Tangorra. DeFede: "[A]
Genovese soldier asked me for a favor, that somebody was around him that
owed some food stores and a food truck, and he wasn't giving them any
money, and he started to -- you know, to make it look bad for them. So I
did. I said, Take him down a little. They slapped him around a little
bit, and sure enough, he went back to Genovese soldier."
In mid-to-late 1990s Lucchese Captain Domenico Cutaia sought permission to murder Unsub. DeFede denied the request.
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| R. Trucchio GLN |
Around 1996 involved in minor confrontation with David LNU inside bagel shop owned by Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone. DeFede: "The issue was: There was an argument [in] Daidone's bagel shop. I walked in for coffee. The guy was yelling at the girl. He walked out the door. I kept -- when he walked out the door, I walked out behind him. I turned him around and said to him, Listen, keep your personal business out of this place [and] he says, Come on, I don't want to talk to you. Don't know me and I don't know him. And I turned around. And I says, if I have to, I like the people on the corner. That was the end of the conversation. He got in his car and he left." Determined David LNU on-record associate of Gambino Soldier Ronald Trucchio. Lucchese Soldier Daniel Rizzo delivered a message from DeFede to Trucchio requesting that he keep the individual away from the bagel shop. David LNU subsequently shot to death. DeFede claimed no involvement in the murder plot.
In 1996 obtained employment with Royal Packing in New Jersey. Company operated by Frank Piccolo. Later testified: "What I did, I harbored one of, if I would have been able to sell, [Piccolo] would have been a millionaire, he invented what he called a carrier. I worked on it for 4 months...[Piccolo] invented the product. I gave him a customer, gave him Jim Murphy, he owned a hockey team, and he was very close with Phil Esposito, Phil Esposito was going to buy this thing up, he went to Florida, see Phil Esposito, that's how business was starting to take off, that's what he was concentrating off. I would up getting incarcerated [following April 1998 indictment] and I was canned."
Around 1996 meeting held in Manhattan hotel suite. Attendees included Genovese Acting Boss Liborio Bellomo, Joseph DeFede, Colombo Acting Boss Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo, Lucchese Acting Underboss Steven Crea, Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero, Gambino Captain Nicholas Corozzo, Gambino Captain Peter Gotti and Colombo Soldier Vincent Aloi. Primary purpose of meeting to attempt reconciliation between rival factions within Colombo Family. CW Vitale later testified: "[Bellomo] told us we can't go on like this, there's bodies all over the street, legitimate people are getting killed, we want you to go into the other room and resolve your differences, and when you come out you tell us how you resolved it and whatever you have to say we'll abide by. They were gone for about five minutes. They come out yelling and screaming at each other and they were both red in the face and they were both cursing each other out and we got nowhere. So Barney says why don't you two just leave and we will work it out from this end. They were dismissed. They left and ten minutes later we left." (This continuing dispute within the Family is the primary reason the Colombos weren't allowed to initiate new members through the rest of the 1990s.)
In 1996 obtained employment with Royal Packing in New Jersey. Company operated by Frank Piccolo. Later testified: "What I did, I harbored one of, if I would have been able to sell, [Piccolo] would have been a millionaire, he invented what he called a carrier. I worked on it for 4 months...[Piccolo] invented the product. I gave him a customer, gave him Jim Murphy, he owned a hockey team, and he was very close with Phil Esposito, Phil Esposito was going to buy this thing up, he went to Florida, see Phil Esposito, that's how business was starting to take off, that's what he was concentrating off. I would up getting incarcerated [following April 1998 indictment] and I was canned."
Around 1996 meeting held in Manhattan hotel suite. Attendees included Genovese Acting Boss Liborio Bellomo, Joseph DeFede, Colombo Acting Boss Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo, Lucchese Acting Underboss Steven Crea, Bonanno Underboss Salvatore Vitale, Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero, Gambino Captain Nicholas Corozzo, Gambino Captain Peter Gotti and Colombo Soldier Vincent Aloi. Primary purpose of meeting to attempt reconciliation between rival factions within Colombo Family. CW Vitale later testified: "[Bellomo] told us we can't go on like this, there's bodies all over the street, legitimate people are getting killed, we want you to go into the other room and resolve your differences, and when you come out you tell us how you resolved it and whatever you have to say we'll abide by. They were gone for about five minutes. They come out yelling and screaming at each other and they were both red in the face and they were both cursing each other out and we got nowhere. So Barney says why don't you two just leave and we will work it out from this end. They were dismissed. They left and ten minutes later we left." (This continuing dispute within the Family is the primary reason the Colombos weren't allowed to initiate new members through the rest of the 1990s.)
Around 1996 DeFede met with representatives of other New York Families re imprisoned Nicodemo 'Nicky' Scarfo. Those contacted included Gambino Captain Peter Gotti. DeFede: "I went around to a few Families [and asked] if they recognize Nicky Scarfo [as] Boss of the Philadelphia Family...[Gotti said] he will get back to me...[Subsequently he] came back and told me it was [Scarfo]."
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| L. Daidone GLN |
Around Summer 1996 DeFede met with imprisoned Vic Amuso and received authorization to promote Lucchese Soldier Louis Daidone to position of Consigliere. Following promotion DeFede and Daidone met on several occasions to discuss Family business. DeFede: "[Meetings not] often. But we did meet a few times...He used to play paddle ball in the club. I used to go down to see him. And one driver, Bobby Griffin's mother's house."
On July 11, 1996 DeFede and Lucchese Soldier Eugene Castelle picked up unspecified payment re Garment Center extortion.
On July 11, 1996 DeFede and Lucchese Soldier Eugene Castelle picked up unspecified payment re Garment Center extortion.
General (1997)
By 1997 Lucchese Captain Domenico Cutaia heavily involved in loansharking. Turned in weekly payments to DeFede on behalf of Vic Amuso. DeFede: "[Cutaia] had 345,000 of Lucchese money; and another extra $3,000 that he had to give the Luccheses. That was Vic Amuso's order...I believe that Vic Amuso was reading transcripts and he found out that Danny Cutaia was giving somebody 6,000 a week, another capo. So he told him to stop and give us the $6,000, but Danny Cutaia says he didn't have that kind action anymore, that he would give three. So he would give weekly $6,450."
By 1997 Aniello Colello, on-record associate of Lucchese Consigliere Louis Daidone, involved in extortion of JR's Trucking. Colello passed on payment from extortion to DeFede: "[Colello] came over to me and gave me -- two years, he gave me 3500, which I gave back 25 percent."
In 1997 Amuso, DeFede, Acting Underboss Steven Crea, Consigliere Louis Daidone and Associate Thomas Padavona became partners in Advantage Funding factoring business. DeFede later testified: "It's like loaning money to business people where you have collectibles; in other words, you give $100,000, there is $100,000, if they don't come up with the money, we have available to us $100,000 worth of goods, whatever...I put my own money, $320,000 I made as acting boss of the Lucchese Family [and] made five other partners in that business [including Amuso, Crea, Daidone and Padavona]. He had two other people that were involved in the business that I didn't know. I says all right, go ahead, put them in. I took his word."
In or around 1997 worked at steakhouse owned by son and daughter. Employment lasted approximately six months.
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| J. Caridi GLN |
In or around 1997 Lucchese Soldier Joseph Caridi taken from crew headed by Domenico Cutaia and placed directly with Consigliere Louis Daidone. Transfer authorized by DeFede: "...I told [Daidone] to go talk to Danny Cutaia, straighten it out, and that's how [Daidone] wound up with Joe Caridi."
In or around early 1997 DeFede loaned $100,000 or $130,000 to Lucchese Associate Thomas Padavona on behalf of Consigliere Louis Daidone. Padavona charged five points per week. DeFede: "[I] was a little leery. For five points, that means, you know -- that's a lot of money, you know. I was afraid to lose the 100,000. And it lasted six weeks. We got back 30,000, and the guy paid back the 100,000. So I gave back 20, 10 for the Luccheses, 10 for Padavona and 10 for Daidone."
In or around early 1997 DeFede loaned $100,000 or $130,000 to Lucchese Associate Thomas Padavona on behalf of Consigliere Louis Daidone. Padavona charged five points per week. DeFede: "[I] was a little leery. For five points, that means, you know -- that's a lot of money, you know. I was afraid to lose the 100,000. And it lasted six weeks. We got back 30,000, and the guy paid back the 100,000. So I gave back 20, 10 for the Luccheses, 10 for Padavona and 10 for Daidone."
In or around 1997 rumor circulated indicating Former Lucchese Captain Richard Pagliarulo, serving a life sentence for racketeering, was cooperating. DeFede: "There was a rumor going around [Pagliarulo] was cooperating, [Neil Colello] came over to me, he says to let him know [because] Louis [Daidone] is interested to find out, let him know." Rumor false. (Pagliarulo died two years later.)
 |
| J. Tangorra GLN |
In or around 1997 promoted Joseph Tangorra to Captain: "[Tangorra] was my right hand and I made him a skipper where he couldn't talk to anyone except the boss."
In or around September 1997 DeFede loaned $35,000 at three points per week to Associate Thomas Padavona. Padavona vouched for by Consigliere Louis Daidone. DeFede: "I stated at the beginning that the 35,000 had to come back to me first, before any split-up, which it did come back. It came back 1,050 a week, and I got it up to 35,000. I took that back, and then we started cutting money up. 350 a week each [between] the Luccheses, Tom Padavona and Louie Daidone. [It] was $35,000 that was brought back. And yet that 35,000 is out in the street. That 35,000 was still making money. That wound up a three-way cut, say 11,000 and change each. So that was still out on the street and we were still collecting three points on that."
In or around Fall 1997 obtained employment as salesman with unspecified company through Unsub (Lucchese Associate).
In or around September 1997 DeFede loaned $35,000 at three points per week to Associate Thomas Padavona. Padavona vouched for by Consigliere Louis Daidone. DeFede: "I stated at the beginning that the 35,000 had to come back to me first, before any split-up, which it did come back. It came back 1,050 a week, and I got it up to 35,000. I took that back, and then we started cutting money up. 350 a week each [between] the Luccheses, Tom Padavona and Louie Daidone. [It] was $35,000 that was brought back. And yet that 35,000 is out in the street. That 35,000 was still making money. That wound up a three-way cut, say 11,000 and change each. So that was still out on the street and we were still collecting three points on that."
In or around Fall 1997 obtained employment as salesman with unspecified company through Unsub (Lucchese Associate).
Early 1998
By 1998 Lucchese Family numbered approximately 100 to 110 members. Each member required to kick up $1,000 per year around Christmas. DeFede later testified: "[I] used to collect [year end payments and] there was some soldiers that were in jail, some can't that were in jail, and average the year [maybe] 35,000. There were a lot of men missing and there were guys that could not afford to give the thousand."
DeFede also received $5,000 monthly payments and additional $50,000 every three months. Received additional payments during Christmas period. Later testified: "It varied. I had three contractors. Used to get 40,000 off of them a piece. Got about 30,000 from my soldiers. Some businesses, maybe a couple thousand here, there. It was hard to -- it varied."
By 1998 assigned certain unspecified Lucchese members to handle construction extortion. Firms extorted included Scalamandra, Martinelli and Piccone. DeFede: "Construction was our big thing [and] when I was acting boss, the extortions from constructions came to me [and] I put it into the well. What I call the Lucchese well [which] was money from all criminal activity...We put some soldiers on that there. And he would earn 25 percent of what he take in from them."
By 1998 Lucchese Family involved in extortion of multiple businesses including Angels by the Bay, Tony Roma Restaurant and Palm Steakhouse. Owners of Palm Steakhouse kicked up $7,500 twice per year.
By 1998 Soldier Eugene Castelle heavily involved in loansharking on behalf of Lucchese Family with approximately $650,000 on street.
Around the same time DeFede promoted Castelle to Acting Captain.
By 1998 Captain Joseph Tangorra involved in loansharking on behalf of Lucchese Family. DeFede: "[He] has over 70,000 of Luchese money [on the street]. I gave him $51,000 that he invested in stock. And then there was another 200,000 and change that he had out on the street that was making money."
By 1998 Associate James McCann involved in collecting Astoria, Queens area gambling proceeds on behalf of Lucchese Family. Payments delivered to DeFede weekly.
Around 1998 approached by Associate Thomas Padavona re potential $100,000 loan. Offer refused by DeFede.
Around 1998 DeFede met with Genovese panel members Frank Serpico and Michael Coppola: "[After Bellomo] they came up with another panel after a while and I don't recall their names. One, I believe, was Frank [Serpico and] two other gentleman over there. As a matter of fact, there was one more named Michael Coppola, but I didn't see him after that."
Imprisonment / Demotion
On April 28, 1998 DeFede, Lucchese Soldier Daniel Rizzo, Associate Oscar Ansourian and nine others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York on Federal extortion charges. Newsday reported: "...Prosecutors charge that Sidney Lieberman, 60, an alleged Luchese associate, collected extortion payments [from Manhattan's Garment Center] for DeFede until he was imprisoned in the fall of 1994. He was later replaced by Irwin Schlacter, 67, a Manhattan lawyer who is an alleged Luchese associate, according to the indictment." DeFede, accused of overseeing the scheme, was denied bail and remanded to the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
From April to December 1998 incarcerated at multiple institutions including the MCC in Manhattan, FCI Otisville in New York and facilities in Westchester County as well as in Hudson County and Passaic, New Jersey.
On December 7, 1998 DeFede pleaded guilty to extortion charges and was shipped out to FCI Otisville the following day.
On March 22, 1999 transferred to MCC Manhattan for sentencing. Given a five-and-one-half term and three years supervised release.
On March 24 returned to FCI Otisville.
While at Otisville promoted fellow inmate Patrick Dello Russo, a Lucchese Soldier, to (Acting?) Captain.
In September 1999 demoted from Acting Boss to Soldier as a result of suspected profit skimming. Visited by Captain Joseph Tangorra at FCI Otisville where informed of his demotion and assignment to Tangorra's crew. DeFede: "Well, the money didn't jibe, is what [Tangorra] told me. In other words, I stole money [but] I didn't steal a quarter off of anyone...I just had a heart operation as I wasn't feeling too well. And I just shoved him off, I says, When I get out, I'll speak to Victor myself and I'll show him where [everything] that was out and what money was coming in. Exactly to the quarter...[Tangorra] was telling me that they were cleaning house, is how he put it. And I didn't ask questions. I was very upset."
In or around 2000 DeFede's son was visited by Captain Joseph Tangorra at his business. DeFede: "[Tangorra] came over to my son's business and told him that -- to tell your mother not to use her private cab service in the neighborhood. He [Louis Daidone] didn't want her to use a private cab service...And [Daidone] has nothing to do with this private cab service, either. So that was adding salt to the wound [re my demotion]."
In or around 2001 DeFede and Lucchese Captain Dominic Truscello were incarcerated in the same unit at FCI Otisville. Pair discussed Lucchese Family business including increased stature of Acting Boss Louis Daidone. DeFede later testified: "[Truscello] violated [Federal parole]. That's why he wound up where I was. He violated his supervised release. And he got 10 months, and he had an operation on the outside, a heart operation, and he happened to come into my unit where I was. And I said, What's going on out there? You know. And he says, Well, I was sent in by Louie Daidone because Danny Cutaia had a beef about something, about taking away a construction worker. I says -- well, that surprised me a little bit because we had [an Underboss], Stevie Crea, and he [oversaw] the construction business. I knew right away it must be something to [Daidone] to do that there -- he just did it on his own -- I felt that [Daidone] had more status than Steve Crea."
Around the same time DeFede attempted to contact Vic Amuso to discuss the demotion: "I sent a lawyer come up and asked him to go see him, and explain to him, and when I do come out I got everything in black and white so he can see. It's just my family was jeopardized [and being threatened] out there, and I just wanted him to -- to show him that there was nothing taken. People were living on lies."
In or around 2001 DeFede and Lucchese Captain Dominic Truscello were incarcerated in the same unit at FCI Otisville. Pair discussed Lucchese Family business including increased stature of Acting Boss Louis Daidone. DeFede later testified: "[Truscello] violated [Federal parole]. That's why he wound up where I was. He violated his supervised release. And he got 10 months, and he had an operation on the outside, a heart operation, and he happened to come into my unit where I was. And I said, What's going on out there? You know. And he says, Well, I was sent in by Louie Daidone because Danny Cutaia had a beef about something, about taking away a construction worker. I says -- well, that surprised me a little bit because we had [an Underboss], Stevie Crea, and he [oversaw] the construction business. I knew right away it must be something to [Daidone] to do that there -- he just did it on his own -- I felt that [Daidone] had more status than Steve Crea."
Around the same time DeFede attempted to contact Vic Amuso to discuss the demotion: "I sent a lawyer come up and asked him to go see him, and explain to him, and when I do come out I got everything in black and white so he can see. It's just my family was jeopardized [and being threatened] out there, and I just wanted him to -- to show him that there was nothing taken. People were living on lies."
Cooperation
In November 2001 DeFede, then incarcerated at FCI Lexington in Kentucky, voluntarily contacted the US Government and agreed to cooperate. Later testified that he flipped specifically due to threats made on the lives of himself and his family members.
Debriefed multiple times through December 2001 and into early 2002.
On February 1, 2002 signed Cooperation Agreement.
Following day pleaded guilty in USDC Manhattan to a Federal racketeering charge encompassing five acts: conspiracy to commit murder, extortion, gambling, loansharking and money laundering.
On February 4/5 released from Federal prison and placed into the Witness Protection Program. Allowed to keep approximately $200,000.
Debriefings continued through the month.
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| J. Petrucelli Jr. GLN |
On October 28, 2002 DeFede testified for the first time in the SDNY racketeering trial of Lucchese Soldier John Petrucelli Jr. His testimony covered the fallout surrounding Darin Mazzarella's 1995 shooting and the subsequent fatal stabbing of Paul Cicero. Mazzarella himself also testified. Thirty-year-old Petrucelli, inducted into the Luccheses sometime after DeFede's indictment, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
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| P. Gotti (2000s) GLN |
On January 21, 2003 DeFede testified in the Federal racketeering trial of Gambino Boss Peter Gotti in Brooklyn. He provided information primarily on the various meetings held between Families during the mid-to-late 1990s. The case resulted in convictions for Gotti and six others. [A Gotti co-defendant, Gambino Soldier Primo Cassarino, subsequently cooperated.]
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| L. Daidone GLN |
On January 20, 2004 he testified for the third and final time in the SDNY racketeering trial of Lucchese Acting Boss Louis Daidone. DeFede's testimony linked Daidone to loansharking and murder, and he also noted the latter's presence at the Fall 1996 induction ceremony. Other witnesses included Former Lucchese Acting Boss Alfonso D'Arco and Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. Daidone was convicted and sentence to life imprisonment.
On April 30, 2010 The New York Times published an article covering DeFede's life post-cooperation. The piece, "After Mob, Joe DeFede, Ex-Crime Boss, Is Scraping By", noted that he and his wife lived in South Florida and were having financial difficulties after leaving the WPP.
He reportedly died in 2012.
On April 30, 2010 The New York Times published an article covering DeFede's life post-cooperation. The piece, "After Mob, Joe DeFede, Ex-Crime Boss, Is Scraping By", noted that he and his wife lived in South Florida and were having financial difficulties after leaving the WPP.
He reportedly died in 2012.