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| 1966 |
Nicholas Lessa was a member of the Lucchese Family active in East Harlem.
Older brother Daniel Lessa (1914-1970) was also a Lucchese member.
Nicholas was born February 19, 1921 in Manhattan to Frank (38y) and Mary Delle Foglia (28y). Parents both from Puglia's Bari Province, with the father from the comune of Grumo Appula.
By April 1930 the Lessas resided at 135 E 114th St in the East Harlem neighborhood. Frank listed his occupation as laborer (bus motor).
As of 1935 the family had moved a few blocks over to 180 E 109th St.
By the early 1940s Nicholas listed his occupation as fruit peddler working from the family residence. His father was employed as an ice dealer.
Older brother Daniel Lessa (1914-1970) was also a Lucchese member.
Nicholas was born February 19, 1921 in Manhattan to Frank (38y) and Mary Delle Foglia (28y). Parents both from Puglia's Bari Province, with the father from the comune of Grumo Appula.
By April 1930 the Lessas resided at 135 E 114th St in the East Harlem neighborhood. Frank listed his occupation as laborer (bus motor).
As of 1935 the family had moved a few blocks over to 180 E 109th St.
By the early 1940s Nicholas listed his occupation as fruit peddler working from the family residence. His father was employed as an ice dealer.
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| V. Pacelli FBN Mafia Book |
On August 2, 1955 among 6 indicted on narcotics charges by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Co-defendants included fellow Harlem resident and Possible Genovese Member Vincent Pacelli (34y). The pair, described as ringleaders of the North American end of an operation importing cocaine from South America, was held on $15,000 bail each. (The family of Vincent Pacelli [1921-1984] was from San Salvatore Telesino in Benevento, Campania.)
Lessa, then living in the Harmony Hotel at Broadway and W 110th St in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, gave his occupation as painter.
On September 3, 1957 among sixty-two indicted on narcotics (heroin) conspiracy charges by USAO SDNY.
New York Daily News reported: "[Assistant US Attorney] said that a three-year investigation which culminated in the present indictment had been based on 'the largest seizures of heroin and prepared opium ever made in the continental United States.'"
Long Island Newsday noted: "The huge ring diluted, distributed and sold the narcotics at fantastic prices, after the dope's arrival here, the U.S. attorney said. He added that the narcotics were distributed in New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts and other places."
Those indicted in addition to Lessa included:
Lessa, then living in the Harmony Hotel at Broadway and W 110th St in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, gave his occupation as painter.
On September 3, 1957 among sixty-two indicted on narcotics (heroin) conspiracy charges by USAO SDNY.
New York Daily News reported: "[Assistant US Attorney] said that a three-year investigation which culminated in the present indictment had been based on 'the largest seizures of heroin and prepared opium ever made in the continental United States.'"
Long Island Newsday noted: "The huge ring diluted, distributed and sold the narcotics at fantastic prices, after the dope's arrival here, the U.S. attorney said. He added that the narcotics were distributed in New York, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts and other places."
Those indicted in addition to Lessa included:
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| Defendants (L to R): M. DeSaverio, J. DiPalermo, C. DiPalermo, D. Lessa, S. Maimone, F. Pasqua All but DeSaverio from FBN Mafia Book |
- Martin 'Big Jinks / Dad' DeSaverio (40y) (Lucchese Soldier from East Harlem, then serving ten-to-fifteen at Auburn Prison on a state narcotics case)
- Joseph 'Joe Beck' DiPalermo (50y) (Lucchese Soldier and Future Captain of the Prince Street Crew)
- Daniel Lessa (42y) (Lucchese Soldier and older brother of Nicholas)
- Saverio 'Sebby' Maimone (44y) (Possible Lucchese Member from Brooklyn)
- 'Big Frank' Pasqua (34y) (Harlem - Bronx based Gambino Soldier under Captain Vincent 'Jimmy Jerome' Squillante)
- - Anthony 'Tony Miserable' Vellucci (32y) (Genovese Soldier from Harlem)
- - Anthony Mirra (30y) (Genovese / Lucchese [?] Associate, later transferred to the Bonannos and inducted into the Family after the books opened in 1976)
On March 25, 1958 a Manhattan jury convicted eighteen of the narcotics case defendants after approximately twelve hours of deliberations. Judge Irving R. Kaufman told the jurors: "The narcotics traffic in this country has grown tremendously. By your verdict you have dealt an important blow to this cancer that plagues our country...I cannot praise you too much. The court and the people owe this hard-working jury a deep debt of gratitude."
On April 25, 1958 Judge Kaufman sentenced Daniel and Nicholas Lessa to five and four years imprisonment respectively. Both were freed on $15,000 bail each pending appeal.
Less than two months later, on June 5, Nicholas and his brother were indicted on another narcotics case out of the Southern District.
Others indicted included
On April 3, 1959 Nicholas, his brother Daniel and all of the co-defendants listed above were convicted.
On April 17 Nicholas was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment.
By 1960 subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
Around May 17 of that year the Supreme Court rejected the appeals of those convicted in the 1959 case.
By March 30, 1966 incarcerated at USP Leavenworth, Kansas. (See top)
On September 8, 1966 FBI CI reported: "Concerning Daniel Lessa, informant stated that he is aware Lessa is a 'button guy' in LCN, but his brother, Nick Lessa, is not known by him to be a 'made guy' in LCN."
On April 25, 1958 Judge Kaufman sentenced Daniel and Nicholas Lessa to five and four years imprisonment respectively. Both were freed on $15,000 bail each pending appeal.
Less than two months later, on June 5, Nicholas and his brother were indicted on another narcotics case out of the Southern District.
Others indicted included
- Vito Genovese (60y) (Genovese Boss)
- Natale 'Joe Diamond' Evola (51y) (Bonanno Captain and Future Boss)
- Rocco 'Rogie' Mazzie (42y) (Bronx-based Gambino Captain)
- Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro (43y) (Lucchese Captain and Future Underboss active in Harlem and The Bronx)
- Charles Barcellona (42y) (Gambino Soldier and member of Captain Arthur Leo's primarily Harlem-based crew)
- Charles 'Charlie Brody' DiPalermo (33y) (Lucchese Soldier and member of the Family's Prince Street Crew in Little Italy)
- Joseph DiPalermo (50y) (Charlie's older brother; Lucchese Soldier and Future Captain of the Prince Street Crew)
- Vincent 'Chin' Gigante (30y) (Genovese Soldier and Future Boss from Greenwich Village)
On April 3, 1959 Nicholas, his brother Daniel and all of the co-defendants listed above were convicted.
On April 17 Nicholas was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment.
By 1960 subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
Around May 17 of that year the Supreme Court rejected the appeals of those convicted in the 1959 case.
By March 30, 1966 incarcerated at USP Leavenworth, Kansas. (See top)
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| D. Lessa FBN Mafia Book |
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| V. Rao |
On January 7, 1972 FBI CI (Member Source) provided a partial breakdown of the Lucchese Family. Nicholas Lessa was identified as a Soldier reporting directly to Consigliere Vincent Rao.
Members reporting direct to Rao were Philip Alberti, Nicholas Lessa and Angelo 'Cheesecake' Urgitano. Nick's brother Daniel Lessa was named as a deceased member who formerly reported to Rao. (Daniel died June 21, 1970.)
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 51 identified Lucchese Family members.
An FBI report from February 8, 1978 described a recently arrested 'narcotic fugitive' related in some way to Lessa. (This report is mostly redacted.)
On March 20, 1978 DEA advised FBI's New York Office of an Unsub, described as a 'proposed member' of the Lucchese Family. The FBI noted a sole reference to this individual in Lessa's file.
The Unsub may have been Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta who was inducted around this time.
On May 17, 1978, at approximately 8:15 PM, Lessa and Baratta were surveilled by the FBI at the corner of 1st Ave and E 85th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Report noted: "At 8:20 PM, Baratta drove away alone [and] Lessa walked west on East 85th Street and entered the Jackson Hole Restaurant on the corner of E 85th Street and Second Avenue. He then seated himself at the counter next to a heavy set [W/M] with glasses approximately 35 years old who has previously been identified as Charles Salzano. After about two minutes, Lessa and Salzano walked north on Second Avenue and then west on E 86th Street [then] entered [auto] which was parked in front of the Ideal Restaurant. During the walk from the Jackson Hole Restaurant to the car the writer overheard Lessa say to Salzano 'They're treating me like a [racial slur] and they're supposed to be friends'. At approximately 8:29 PM [auto] departs with Salzano driving and Lessa as a passenger and proceeds south on Second Avenue." (This is possibly referring to Charles 'Fat Charlie' Salzano (27y), inducted into the Genovese Family in August 2003.)
On July 20, 1978 subject of FBI surveillance. Report noted: "[Lessa observed] heading west on 85th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, New York City. Lessa was continually looking in the rear view mirror and biting his nails and appearing very nervous."
The same month included in FBI's list of approximately 70 identified Lucchese Family members. An additional twelve individuals listed as suspected members.
On August 1, 1978 observed departing Monte Carmello's Restaurant at 1643 1st Ave in the Upper East Side.
Members reporting direct to Rao were Philip Alberti, Nicholas Lessa and Angelo 'Cheesecake' Urgitano. Nick's brother Daniel Lessa was named as a deceased member who formerly reported to Rao. (Daniel died June 21, 1970.)
In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 51 identified Lucchese Family members.
An FBI report from February 8, 1978 described a recently arrested 'narcotic fugitive' related in some way to Lessa. (This report is mostly redacted.)
On March 20, 1978 DEA advised FBI's New York Office of an Unsub, described as a 'proposed member' of the Lucchese Family. The FBI noted a sole reference to this individual in Lessa's file.
The Unsub may have been Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta who was inducted around this time.
On May 17, 1978, at approximately 8:15 PM, Lessa and Baratta were surveilled by the FBI at the corner of 1st Ave and E 85th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Report noted: "At 8:20 PM, Baratta drove away alone [and] Lessa walked west on East 85th Street and entered the Jackson Hole Restaurant on the corner of E 85th Street and Second Avenue. He then seated himself at the counter next to a heavy set [W/M] with glasses approximately 35 years old who has previously been identified as Charles Salzano. After about two minutes, Lessa and Salzano walked north on Second Avenue and then west on E 86th Street [then] entered [auto] which was parked in front of the Ideal Restaurant. During the walk from the Jackson Hole Restaurant to the car the writer overheard Lessa say to Salzano 'They're treating me like a [racial slur] and they're supposed to be friends'. At approximately 8:29 PM [auto] departs with Salzano driving and Lessa as a passenger and proceeds south on Second Avenue." (This is possibly referring to Charles 'Fat Charlie' Salzano (27y), inducted into the Genovese Family in August 2003.)
On July 20, 1978 subject of FBI surveillance. Report noted: "[Lessa observed] heading west on 85th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, New York City. Lessa was continually looking in the rear view mirror and biting his nails and appearing very nervous."
The same month included in FBI's list of approximately 70 identified Lucchese Family members. An additional twelve individuals listed as suspected members.
On August 1, 1978 observed departing Monte Carmello's Restaurant at 1643 1st Ave in the Upper East Side.
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| A. Casoria |
On February 16, 1983 Lucchese Associate Armand Casoria (64y) was convicted in USDC Manhattan on Federal narcotics (heroin) charges.
A March 13, 1983 report prepared by the US Probation Office in advance of Casoria's sentencing stated: "[Case] originated in 3/82 with information received from a [CI] he had originally sold large amounts of heroin to [Casoria] in the early seventies prior to the informant's incarceration on [narcotics charges]...Informant negotiated with Casoria on numerous occasions from 3/82 through 8/82 regarding the availability of heroin, including the price and purity of the drug. A number of these meetings took place at an apartment occupied by [Casoria] at [307 Pleasant Ave, East Harlem], a notorious narcotic trafficking area. On occasion, others were present, including major narcotic violators Nicholas Lessa and Vincent [Pacelli], Sr. Initially the conversations related to [CI] selling kilograms of heroin to Casoria at $185,000 per kilo. This offer was declined by Casoria who felt the price was too high. Further discussions led to Casoria, in street language, advising informant there was an abundance of heroin available and he, (Casoria) was purchasing the heroin for $155,000 per kilo." (Armand Casoria [1919-2011], born to parents from Caserta and Naples in Campania, was a longtime narcotics associate of the Lucchese and Genovese Families. The year prior to Casoria's conviction saw the murders of at least two Lucchese Soldiers linked to narcotics: Lessa's former co-defendant Martin DeSaverio in February and Carmelo Lazzaro in December.)
In June 1983 identified as Lucchese Soldier in Senate Chart of Lucchese Family membership.
In 1988 included in Senate list of 102 identified Lucchese Family members.
A March 13, 1983 report prepared by the US Probation Office in advance of Casoria's sentencing stated: "[Case] originated in 3/82 with information received from a [CI] he had originally sold large amounts of heroin to [Casoria] in the early seventies prior to the informant's incarceration on [narcotics charges]...Informant negotiated with Casoria on numerous occasions from 3/82 through 8/82 regarding the availability of heroin, including the price and purity of the drug. A number of these meetings took place at an apartment occupied by [Casoria] at [307 Pleasant Ave, East Harlem], a notorious narcotic trafficking area. On occasion, others were present, including major narcotic violators Nicholas Lessa and Vincent [Pacelli], Sr. Initially the conversations related to [CI] selling kilograms of heroin to Casoria at $185,000 per kilo. This offer was declined by Casoria who felt the price was too high. Further discussions led to Casoria, in street language, advising informant there was an abundance of heroin available and he, (Casoria) was purchasing the heroin for $155,000 per kilo." (Armand Casoria [1919-2011], born to parents from Caserta and Naples in Campania, was a longtime narcotics associate of the Lucchese and Genovese Families. The year prior to Casoria's conviction saw the murders of at least two Lucchese Soldiers linked to narcotics: Lessa's former co-defendant Martin DeSaverio in February and Carmelo Lazzaro in December.)
In June 1983 identified as Lucchese Soldier in Senate Chart of Lucchese Family membership.
In 1988 included in Senate list of 102 identified Lucchese Family members.
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| A. Baratta Gang Land News |
By 1989 Lessa might have been reporting to Captain Anthony Baratta.
Made members of Baratta's crew included Frank 'Hawk' Borelli, Vincent 'Jimmy 92' Ciraulo, Anthony DiMeglio, Paolo 'Paul the Zip' LoDuca, Joseph 'Joey Bang' Massaro, Antonio Pinto, Charles Tuso and Angelo Urgitano.
Associates of interest included Frank 'Frankie Pearl' Federico, inducted that October, and Thomas 'Fat Tommy' D'Ambrosia who was made in 1991.
Nicholas Lessa died on or around November 18, 2001.
More Lucchese Family posts can be found in the Index.
Made members of Baratta's crew included Frank 'Hawk' Borelli, Vincent 'Jimmy 92' Ciraulo, Anthony DiMeglio, Paolo 'Paul the Zip' LoDuca, Joseph 'Joey Bang' Massaro, Antonio Pinto, Charles Tuso and Angelo Urgitano.
Associates of interest included Frank 'Frankie Pearl' Federico, inducted that October, and Thomas 'Fat Tommy' D'Ambrosia who was made in 1991.
Nicholas Lessa died on or around November 18, 2001.
More Lucchese Family posts can be found in the Index.
