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| Oct. 1984 |
Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella was the Colombo Family Underboss beginning in the early 1980s.
Part of the first group inducted after the books opened in the 1976, he was soon promoted to Captain and, at different points during the first half of the 1980s, held each of the Family's administrative positions in either an Acting (Consigliere / Boss) or Official (Underboss) capacity.
Born December 30, 1938 in Brooklyn to Vincent (Longshoreman; 38y) and Anna Battista (30y). Father believed from Naples, Campania. Mother from Maiori comune of Salerno, Campania.
At the time of Gennaro's birth the family resided at 474 Carroll St in South Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood.
In 1952 sister Margaret (21y) married Anthony Russo in Brooklyn. Groom possibly related to some of the Colombo Family Russos who, like Langella, came up as part of the Fontana - Persico crew in South Brooklyn.
By late summer 1957 joined his father on the piers.
Part of the first group inducted after the books opened in the 1976, he was soon promoted to Captain and, at different points during the first half of the 1980s, held each of the Family's administrative positions in either an Acting (Consigliere / Boss) or Official (Underboss) capacity.
Born December 30, 1938 in Brooklyn to Vincent (Longshoreman; 38y) and Anna Battista (30y). Father believed from Naples, Campania. Mother from Maiori comune of Salerno, Campania.
At the time of Gennaro's birth the family resided at 474 Carroll St in South Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood.
In 1952 sister Margaret (21y) married Anthony Russo in Brooklyn. Groom possibly related to some of the Colombo Family Russos who, like Langella, came up as part of the Fontana - Persico crew in South Brooklyn.
By late summer 1957 joined his father on the piers.
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| H. Fontana (1957) |
Langella was probably already associated with the crew under Colombo Captain Harry Fontana, a long-time member
who headed a large crew based primarily in South Brooklyn.
Made members of Fontana's crew included:
- Anthony 'Abbey' Abbatemarco
- Frank Abbatemarco
- John 'Little John' Capichano
- James 'Jimmy Bat' Cardello
- Joseph 'Joe Bat' Cardello
- Aurelius 'Big Larry' Cirillo
- John 'Mooney' Cutrone
- Leonard 'Big Lenny' Dello
- Thomas DiBella [Son to Former Boss Salvatore]
- Philip Fontana [Brother to Harry]
- Salvatore John Fontana [Brother to Harry]
- Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano
- Aniello 'Allie LaMont' Giannattasio
- Salvatore 'Westo' Imperiale
- Lorenzo Lampasi
- Lorenzo 'Larry' Lampasi Jr.
- Joseph Magnasco
- Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo
- Marco Morello
- Carmine 'Junior' Persico
- Anthony 'Tony Long' Ricciardi
- Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli
- John 'Johnny Zip' Zozzaro [Possible Member]
As of the late 1950s the Family Boss was Joseph Profaci, who succeeded Salvatore DiBella around 1931. Joseph Magliocco and Joseph 'Peppino' Buffa served as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.
1960s
In late February 1961 Harry Fontana and other high-ranking Colombo members were kidnapped by the rebel Gallo faction. The group was released unharmed but the incident ultimately led to a shooting war that left several members and associates dead.
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| C. Persico |
Several made members in the South Brooklyn faction, including Carmine Persico, initially joined the Gallo faction before returning to the Family.
Langella's first encounter with the law came on May 24, 1961, arrested by the NYPD's 72nd Precinct in Brooklyn on a 2nd degree robbery (laundry) charge.
On January 10, 1962 sentenced by County Court Judge Sobel to one-to-two years at Sing Sing Prison.
Langella's first encounter with the law came on May 24, 1961, arrested by the NYPD's 72nd Precinct in Brooklyn on a 2nd degree robbery (laundry) charge.
On January 10, 1962 sentenced by County Court Judge Sobel to one-to-two years at Sing Sing Prison.
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| Jan. 1962 |
One week later received at Sing Sing to begin serving sentence.
Paroled February 13, 1963.
Address then listed at 364 S 1st St in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
On May 19, 1963 Langella's close associate Carmine Persico, along with another Colombo member, were shot and wounded by Gallo faction members.
Paroled February 13, 1963.
Address then listed at 364 S 1st St in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
On May 19, 1963 Langella's close associate Carmine Persico, along with another Colombo member, were shot and wounded by Gallo faction members.
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| Jul. 1963 |
On July 31, 1963, while having dinner at his parents' residence in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, arrested by NYPD 62nd Pct on CPW and parole violation charges. Vehicle searched; New York Daily News reported: "Police confiscated an arsenal in the trunk - a 30-30 rifle, a .45 automatic, five revolvers, three of them .38 Colts. Also in the car were three pairs of surgeon's gloves, two straw hats with identifying marks [ripped] off and a pair of dark glasses." (An additional CPW charge against Langella's cousin Philip Calcagno (26y), owner of the car, was eventually dismissed.)
Arraigned before Criminal Court Judge Vincent P. Rao, Langella was held pending hearing.
Police questioned him on several recent murders carried out with .38s:
Arraigned before Criminal Court Judge Vincent P. Rao, Langella was held pending hearing.
Police questioned him on several recent murders carried out with .38s:
- Walter Glockner (Union Official; 27y) (May 24 1963)
- Emil Colantuono (Gallo Faction Affiliate; 50y) (June 6, 1963)
- Alfred 'Freddie the Sidge' Santantonio (Gambino Soldier; 40y) (July 11, 1963) [FBI CI]
- Ali Waffa (Gallo Faction Affiliate; 53y) (July 24, 1963)
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| J. Cardello |
On August 9 Colombo Soldier Joseph Cardello (54y) was killed by
members of the Gallo crew. Five shots were fired into Cardello's vehicle
at a stoplight in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
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| J. Battista (L) and A. Regina |
Hours later Gallo associate Louis 'Cadillac Lou' Mariani was shot to
death along Route 80 in Suffolk County, Long Island. Anthony 'Fat Tony' Regina and longshoreman John 'Moose'
Battista were convicted. (Battista was Langella's uncle.)
Langella was re-paroled in early 1964.
By the spring of that year the Gallos were brought back into the fold under new Family Boss Joseph Colombo.
Langella was re-paroled in early 1964.
By the spring of that year the Gallos were brought back into the fold under new Family Boss Joseph Colombo.
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| J. Colombo (2) |
As
Boss Colombo retained a crew of Soldiers that included Carmine Persico and
other Gallo war participants.
Made members under Colombo included:
- Anthony Abbatemarco
- Salvatore 'Sam' Badalamenti [Former Captain]
- Nicholas Bianco [Patriarca Member; Transferred to Colombos following year]
- John Cutrone
- Thomas DiBella [Former Captain]
- Lawrence Gallo
- Charles 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero
- Ambrose Magliocco [Former Captain]
- Antonio Magliocco
- Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia
- Anthony Peraino
- Carmine Persico
- Salvatore S. Profaci [Nephew to former Boss Joseph Profaci]
- Anthony Ricciardi
- Modesto 'Duke' Santoro
- Michael Savino
- Ralph 'Whitey' Tropiano
- Joseph Yacovelli
Salvatore Badalamenti, Thomas DiBella and Ambrose Magliocco were former Captains demoted as part of the new regime.
On October 6, 1964 arrested by 76th Pct on gambling charge. On September 6, 1965 acquitted. |
| C. Persico (2) |
Carmine Persico was promoted to Captain around late December 1964.
By early January 1965 made members of Persico's crew included Anthony Abbatemarco, James Cardello and Anthony Ricciardi. (Aniello Giannattasio may have initially been with Persico but is confirmed under Nicholas Forlano later that year. Brothers Anthony 'Tony Skee' and Vincent 'Jimmy Skee' Scianna may have already been with Persico as well. In August 1965 Thomas DiBella was taken from Colombo's crew and also put with Persico.)
Associates of interest included Salvatore 'Sally' Albanese, Gennaro Langella, Hugh 'Apples' McIntosh, Carmine's brothers Alphonse 'Allie Boy' and Theodore 'Teddy' Persico, and the Spero brothers Ralph and Thomas aka 'Shorty'. ('Allie Boy' Persico was made into the Bufalino Family in 1972 then transferred to the Colombos where he succeeded Joseph Yacovelli as Consigliere. Albanese, Langella and Thomas Spero were inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. Teddy Persico was an inducted member by the mid-1980s.)
On April 1, 1965 picked up for gambling at 575 Vanderbilt Ave in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood.
By early January 1965 made members of Persico's crew included Anthony Abbatemarco, James Cardello and Anthony Ricciardi. (Aniello Giannattasio may have initially been with Persico but is confirmed under Nicholas Forlano later that year. Brothers Anthony 'Tony Skee' and Vincent 'Jimmy Skee' Scianna may have already been with Persico as well. In August 1965 Thomas DiBella was taken from Colombo's crew and also put with Persico.)
Associates of interest included Salvatore 'Sally' Albanese, Gennaro Langella, Hugh 'Apples' McIntosh, Carmine's brothers Alphonse 'Allie Boy' and Theodore 'Teddy' Persico, and the Spero brothers Ralph and Thomas aka 'Shorty'. ('Allie Boy' Persico was made into the Bufalino Family in 1972 then transferred to the Colombos where he succeeded Joseph Yacovelli as Consigliere. Albanese, Langella and Thomas Spero were inducted after the books opened in the late 1970s. Teddy Persico was an inducted member by the mid-1980s.)
On April 1, 1965 picked up for gambling at 575 Vanderbilt Ave in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood.
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| N. Forlano (1961) |
On August 7, 1965 the son of Colombo Captain Nicholas Forlano
was married, with the reception held at Astorian Manor in Astoria,
Queens. The NYPD's Criminal Intelligence Bureau conducted surveillance.
Attendees included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain John 'Sonny'
Franzese, Captain Carmine Persico and at least eight Family Soldiers. Others in attendance included Genovese
Soldier Michael Perrone and Colombo Associates Gennaro Langella and Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Stein, prominent Manhattan
loanshark, was then an on-record Associate of Forlano. He was later
murdered by the Westies.)
On August 8, 1965 drivers license revoked.
On December 15/25, 1965 arrested by 76th Pct on charges keeping place for policy and possessing policy slips.
On February 23, 1966 arrested by 72nd Squad on charges possessing bookmaking records, possessing policy slips and operating policy business.
On March 25, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is an individual who frequents the Velvet Lounge, 65th Street, Brooklyn. He is a 'lieutenant' for [Redacted]." (Redacted name is likely Carmine Persico.)
On August 8, 1965 drivers license revoked.
On December 15/25, 1965 arrested by 76th Pct on charges keeping place for policy and possessing policy slips.
On February 23, 1966 arrested by 72nd Squad on charges possessing bookmaking records, possessing policy slips and operating policy business.
On March 25, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is an individual who frequents the Velvet Lounge, 65th Street, Brooklyn. He is a 'lieutenant' for [Redacted]." (Redacted name is likely Carmine Persico.)
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| Savino Wedding Top: G. Langella Bottom (L to R): Colombo Soldier B. LoCicero, Associate H. McIntosh, G. Langella |
On March 26, 1966 the son of Colombo Soldier Michael Savino was married,
with the reception held at Queens Terrace Caterers at 68-27 Roosevelt
Ave in Woodside, Queens. Attendees included Boss Joseph Colombo,
Underboss Salvatore Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, at least
eight of the ten Family Captains (Harry Fontana and John Misuraca may
not have been present), and at least twenty-five Colombo Soldiers. Others in attendance included Genovese
Soldier (Acting Capo?) Joseph Schipani and Colombo Associates Frank
'Frankie the Beast' Falanga, Gennaro Langella, Nicholas
Mainello, Hugh McIntosh, Joseph 'Butch' Musumeci and Alfonso
'Peanuts' Serrantonio.
On July 21, 1966 arrested by 72nd Pct on gambling charges. Acquitted that November.
On July 21, 1966 arrested by 72nd Pct on gambling charges. Acquitted that November.
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| Sep. 1966 |
On September 6, 1966 arrested again for policy. On November 1 case dismissed.
On August 8, 1967 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Approximately] 1.5 weeks previously he had met with Carmine Persico at Joe's Bar, 4th Street and President Street, Brooklyn which informant described as being next door to the bar in which Frankie 'Shots' Abbatemarco was murdered. Informant said at that time Persico was in company with Hugh McIntosh, Jerry Langella and another individual who is a constant associate of Persico's and whom he described as being a tall person. Informant said that although this meeting took place in the early afternoon, Persico, et al, appeared to have been up all night and appeared to have muddy shoes. Informant guessed they had apparently been involved in a theft or other illegal activity during the night."
By 1968 both Langella and McIntosh listed employment with Murgola Knitting Mills located on 101st Ave in Richmond Hill, Queens.
On August 8, 1967 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Approximately] 1.5 weeks previously he had met with Carmine Persico at Joe's Bar, 4th Street and President Street, Brooklyn which informant described as being next door to the bar in which Frankie 'Shots' Abbatemarco was murdered. Informant said at that time Persico was in company with Hugh McIntosh, Jerry Langella and another individual who is a constant associate of Persico's and whom he described as being a tall person. Informant said that although this meeting took place in the early afternoon, Persico, et al, appeared to have been up all night and appeared to have muddy shoes. Informant guessed they had apparently been involved in a theft or other illegal activity during the night."
By 1968 both Langella and McIntosh listed employment with Murgola Knitting Mills located on 101st Ave in Richmond Hill, Queens.
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| C. Persico (1969) |
On March 21, 1968 FBI's New York Office reported: "Jerry Langella has been described as a very close associate of [Carmine Persico] in the Colombo Family of LCN. He [has] numerous arrests and resided at 2137 73rd Street [in Bensonhurst], Brooklyn. Langella is not a member of LCN, but is very active in Persico's operations."
On March 29, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is not a 'button guy', but he works for Carmine Persico and is very close to him. Informant said that Langella spends a great deal of time at Norby Walters Night Club in Manhattan."
On May 8, 1968 CI Scarpa reported: "[He] is familiar with Gennaro Langella and is aware that Langella is not an LCN member. Informant said, however, that Langella is trusted by Carmine Persico and is considered to be in Persico's crew, the same as [Nicholas Mainello] is with Colombo."
On June 1, 1968 FBI CI reported: "...[Langella] bought this second car with money he had recently received from a garment manufacturer. [CI] said he did not know all the circumstances surrounding this, but he knew Langella was not employed on a legitimate basis. He said when Langella was a teenager he had worked as a 'hold man' on the Brooklyn piers where his father was a foreman, or 'hatch boss'. He said that Langella had considered this to be too much work and had evidently decided thereafter he would make his living by other than legitimate means. [CI] stated that Langella is not very intelligent, and he had only a sixth grade education. He said Langella might be considered illiterate as he could not read or write, except with great difficulty. [CI] further related that Jerry Langella was considered a 'big man' by his family because of his association with known top hoodlums of the Brooklyn LCN Family."
On March 29, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is not a 'button guy', but he works for Carmine Persico and is very close to him. Informant said that Langella spends a great deal of time at Norby Walters Night Club in Manhattan."
On May 8, 1968 CI Scarpa reported: "[He] is familiar with Gennaro Langella and is aware that Langella is not an LCN member. Informant said, however, that Langella is trusted by Carmine Persico and is considered to be in Persico's crew, the same as [Nicholas Mainello] is with Colombo."
On June 1, 1968 FBI CI reported: "...[Langella] bought this second car with money he had recently received from a garment manufacturer. [CI] said he did not know all the circumstances surrounding this, but he knew Langella was not employed on a legitimate basis. He said when Langella was a teenager he had worked as a 'hold man' on the Brooklyn piers where his father was a foreman, or 'hatch boss'. He said that Langella had considered this to be too much work and had evidently decided thereafter he would make his living by other than legitimate means. [CI] stated that Langella is not very intelligent, and he had only a sixth grade education. He said Langella might be considered illiterate as he could not read or write, except with great difficulty. [CI] further related that Jerry Langella was considered a 'big man' by his family because of his association with known top hoodlums of the Brooklyn LCN Family."
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| A. Persico |
On June 24, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Langella] had told him that he was still drawing paychecks from Murgola Knitting Mills. Informant said he did not know if Hugh McIntosh was still receiving monies from the above company and Langella did not indicate this to him at their recent contact. Informant said Langella had intimated to him that he was doing the same type of thing with a garment manufacturer in New York City. He said he would try to determine the name of this firm and the details of Langella's involvement. Informant related that 'Allie Boy' Persico [redacted] had recently been released from prison where he had been serving a term for murder. He stated Langella and 'Allie Boy' were close friends and could be found in each other's company almost every day." (The owner of Murgola Knitting Mills was interviewed by FBI Agents and more or less stated Langella did no real work and was only brought on to avoid labor trouble; Langella left the business by the fall. Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico [1929-1989] was Carmine Persico's older brother; he later rose to official Consigliere and held that position, albeit as a fugitive, during the time Langella ran the Family in the early 1980s.)
On July 9, 1968 FBI CI reported: "Concerning the associates of Jerry Langella, informant advised the following persons were closely associated with him: Hugh McIntosh, Allie Boy Persico, [Redacted]...[As] far as he could determine, the activities of Langella were in the fields of bookmaking, numbers, the selling of stolen goods, and something to do with either unions or the garment industry. He said at one time the Persico group of which Langella is a part, were primarily concerned with hijackings. He said they did not involve themselves with this anymore and he did not think Langella was in on any hijacking activity. He said Langella hangs out most of the time in Joe's Bar on 4th Avenue near Union Street in Brooklyn. This is the main center of activity for the Persico group."
On July 23, 1968 FBI NY reported: "[Informant] was contacted several times in July and furnished the following information concerning Jerry Langella: He said that he had heard Langella and Allie Boy Persico were going to buy a bar somewhere in the vicinity of the Marra Brothers Pier on Court Street in Brooklyn. He said such a bar would probably be a front for shylocking on the piers, and for bookmaking and numbers...He said often the blue Caddy [driven by Langella] is loaned by Langella to 'Allie Boy' Persico."
By August 1968 listed residence at 447 Ave Y in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
On August 22, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has purchased a bar, 'Bruno's', on Court Street in Brooklyn. He and 'Allie Boy' Persico and [Redacted] are partners in the bar. It is the opinion of informant that the bar will be used as a front for shylocking, bookmaking and numbers in the vicinity of the Brooklyn piers."
In mid-October 1968 FBI NYO noted that Langella was often observed at Bruno's in the company of Alphonse Persico and Hugh McIntosh.
In November and December 1968 FBI CI reported that Langella and Alphonse Persico had recently taken several trips to Las Vegas: "He stated they traveled by airplane and were also accompanied at least once by [Redacted; Carmine Persico?], whom informant knows to be a big guy in LCN in Brooklyn. CI stated Langella and [Carmine?] had done a lot of gambling. He stated at least Langella is said to have used various aliases and used stolen credit cards to pay bills in hotels and restaurants."
In January 1969 (the same?) CI stated that Langella and Alphonse Persico were planning on purchasing a Vegas check cashing business to be used as a front for loansharking.
On April 28, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[He] heard [Carmine Persico, his brother], Allie and Jerry Langella had a piece of Bove Dress Company, 141 West 36th Street, New York City. He said he did not know whether they actually ran the company or whether they have forced the owners to take them in as partners because of a gambling debt. He also advised he heard that Langella was the godfather for Allie Boy's child that was baptized recently."
On April 30, 1969 Samuel Lessner (53y) disappeared. Victim, last seen getting into a car with Langella, was a co-defendant of Colombo Captain Carmine Persico in an extortion case. Murder believed solicited by Persico and authorized by Boss Joseph Colombo. Additional participants believed included Associates Alphonse Persico and Hugh McIntosh.
On May 2, 1969, at 1:50 PM, FBI surveillance conducted on Cantalupo Realty located on 86th St in Bensonhurst. Those observed included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain Carmine Persico, Soldiers John Cutrone and Rocco Miraglia as well as Associate Gennaro Langella. (Cantalupo Realty was one of the primary Family hangouts in the neighborhood.)
On September 12, 1969 Captain Carmine Persico, along with Associates Gennaro Langella and Hugh McIntosh, were arrested on harassment charges after accosting an NYPD Patrolman who was giving Carmine's brother Alphonse a traffic summons.
On July 9, 1968 FBI CI reported: "Concerning the associates of Jerry Langella, informant advised the following persons were closely associated with him: Hugh McIntosh, Allie Boy Persico, [Redacted]...[As] far as he could determine, the activities of Langella were in the fields of bookmaking, numbers, the selling of stolen goods, and something to do with either unions or the garment industry. He said at one time the Persico group of which Langella is a part, were primarily concerned with hijackings. He said they did not involve themselves with this anymore and he did not think Langella was in on any hijacking activity. He said Langella hangs out most of the time in Joe's Bar on 4th Avenue near Union Street in Brooklyn. This is the main center of activity for the Persico group."
On July 23, 1968 FBI NY reported: "[Informant] was contacted several times in July and furnished the following information concerning Jerry Langella: He said that he had heard Langella and Allie Boy Persico were going to buy a bar somewhere in the vicinity of the Marra Brothers Pier on Court Street in Brooklyn. He said such a bar would probably be a front for shylocking on the piers, and for bookmaking and numbers...He said often the blue Caddy [driven by Langella] is loaned by Langella to 'Allie Boy' Persico."
By August 1968 listed residence at 447 Ave Y in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
On August 22, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has purchased a bar, 'Bruno's', on Court Street in Brooklyn. He and 'Allie Boy' Persico and [Redacted] are partners in the bar. It is the opinion of informant that the bar will be used as a front for shylocking, bookmaking and numbers in the vicinity of the Brooklyn piers."
In mid-October 1968 FBI NYO noted that Langella was often observed at Bruno's in the company of Alphonse Persico and Hugh McIntosh.
In November and December 1968 FBI CI reported that Langella and Alphonse Persico had recently taken several trips to Las Vegas: "He stated they traveled by airplane and were also accompanied at least once by [Redacted; Carmine Persico?], whom informant knows to be a big guy in LCN in Brooklyn. CI stated Langella and [Carmine?] had done a lot of gambling. He stated at least Langella is said to have used various aliases and used stolen credit cards to pay bills in hotels and restaurants."
In January 1969 (the same?) CI stated that Langella and Alphonse Persico were planning on purchasing a Vegas check cashing business to be used as a front for loansharking.
On April 28, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[He] heard [Carmine Persico, his brother], Allie and Jerry Langella had a piece of Bove Dress Company, 141 West 36th Street, New York City. He said he did not know whether they actually ran the company or whether they have forced the owners to take them in as partners because of a gambling debt. He also advised he heard that Langella was the godfather for Allie Boy's child that was baptized recently."
On April 30, 1969 Samuel Lessner (53y) disappeared. Victim, last seen getting into a car with Langella, was a co-defendant of Colombo Captain Carmine Persico in an extortion case. Murder believed solicited by Persico and authorized by Boss Joseph Colombo. Additional participants believed included Associates Alphonse Persico and Hugh McIntosh.
On May 2, 1969, at 1:50 PM, FBI surveillance conducted on Cantalupo Realty located on 86th St in Bensonhurst. Those observed included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain Carmine Persico, Soldiers John Cutrone and Rocco Miraglia as well as Associate Gennaro Langella. (Cantalupo Realty was one of the primary Family hangouts in the neighborhood.)
On September 12, 1969 Captain Carmine Persico, along with Associates Gennaro Langella and Hugh McIntosh, were arrested on harassment charges after accosting an NYPD Patrolman who was giving Carmine's brother Alphonse a traffic summons.
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| S. D'Ambrosio (L) and F. DeLucia |
On November 21, 1969 Colombo Soldiers Salvatore 'Sally D.' D'Ambrosio (44y) and Fred 'Freddy Red' DeLucia (40y) disappeared. Murders believed ordered by Boss Joseph Colombo after D'Ambrosio determined plotting against the Family leadership. Victims reportedly lured to a Brooklyn social club and bludgeoned to death with hammers. Suspected participants included Colombo Captain Carmine Persico, Colombo Soldier Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo as well as Associates Gennaro Langella and Hugh McIntosh. (Alternate theories suggest a link to the September 1969 disappearance murders of Bonanno Family leaders Frank 'Frankie T.' Mari and Michael Adamo. It was Salvatore's twin brother Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio who was shot and wounded alongside Carmine Persico in May 1963.)
1970
On February 28 Colombo Associate Joseph Colucci (26y) was shot to death by fellow Persico crew associate Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano. Others present were Frankie LNU and Thomas 'Tommy' Spero, a nephew of Associate Thomas 'Shorty' Spero.
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| S. Gravano (L) and T. Spero (the nephew) |
The following day Gravano and the Speros were summoned to a meeting with Carmine Persico inside a Manhattan hotel room. Others present included Associates Salvatore Albanese, Gennaro Langella, Hugh McIntosh, Anthony 'Scappi' Scarpati and possibly Alphonse Persico. Gravano, who flipped in 1991, later testified: "We went upstairs in a room, a suite, and there was Junior and his crew. We went in. We sat down. [Persico] asked Shorty to have his nephew explain to him exactly what was done and who did what...[Afterwards Persico] told me good job and go back to the neighborhood and just don't circulate too much, and we left." (Within a couple of years Gravano transferred to the Gambinos and was inducted into that Family around late 1976. He later rose to the position of Underboss before defecting in November 1991.)
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| Aug. 1970 |
On August 21 arrested by NYPD Brooklyn on unspecified charge.
1971
On February 23 CI Scarpa reported that Langella, Hugh McIntosh and an unspecified Gambino Member (Name Redacted) were involved in stealing cars for a 'major' auto theft ring in Brooklyn.
On May 19 FBI CI reported: "...[Jerry] Langella has made it a practice to falsify his DOB on his New York State License. The reason for his doing this stems from a falsification made when Langella was underage to drive. In an effort to be consistent he has repeated this practice...Langella remains a key figure in the numbers racket, working [redacted] in the 5th Avenue, Brooklyn locale...Langella has shown interest in socializing with the actors and other employees of the forthcoming motion picture The Godfather a film that depicts a Mafia 'Family'. He has met with Richard Conte an actor and was observed with other associates of this movie production in and around the Hotel St. George, Brooklyn."
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| J. Gallo FBN Mafia Book |
By the summer hostilities again broke out with the Gallo faction, now headed by the recently released from prison Joseph Gallo (brother Lawrence died in 1968).
On June 10 FBI CI reported: "...Langella advised informant in connection with the shooting of Hugh McIntosh on 2/19/1971, this shooting did not represent any Family infighting, but occurred spontaneously as a result of a bar room dispute. McIntosh supposedly bought drinks for everyone at the bar, at the Cropsey Lounge, Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn, but told the bartender not to include three unknown 'toughs' that had been drinking at the bar in close proximity. 'The 3 toughs' were insulted and 'bad mouthed' McIntosh. McIntosh angered by their insults walked up to them and slapped one of the group. The '3 toughs' soon exited from the bar. A short time later, McIntosh while exiting the lounge was shot without warning presumably by one of the '3 toughs' who probably waited for him. Langella further intimated to informant that in due time this attempt on McIntosh will be avenged. Langella did not disclose the names of the three men or when he planned to take action. Langella did not mention if this assault on McIntosh was related to the factional fighting between the Gallos and the Colombos."
CI also reported: "Joe Gallo, recently out of prison is now on parole. Gallo has recently put approximately 30 men together and is planning to expand his rackets. Informant advised by Jerry Langella that he is not trusted and remains unpredictable. Gallo has taken over a car service company location unknown, from a woman who formerly owned it, presumably using strong-arm tactics, and is now operating it himself. Gallo is currently looking for other legitimate business to operate and can be expected to perform in an aggressive manner in an effort to show Joseph Colombo he is a power to be reckoned with."
On June 28 Boss Joseph Colombo was shot and seriously wounded during the Italian-American Civil Rights League's Unity Day Rally in Manhattan. (He remained disabled until his death in 1978.)
On August 9 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella was called to a 'sit down' attended by approximately nine LCN members including Carlo Gambino and [Redacted]. The purpose was to make a ruling concerning an $8,000 gambling debt owed to a 'Gambino guy' from Jerry Langella an associate of [Redacted; Carmine Persico?], member of the Colombo Family of LCN. The tribunal reportedly told Langella to pay $5,000 to the unidentified Gambino member...Jerry Langella is spending a deal of time together with 'Allie Boy' Persico and driving with him."
On September 2 FBI CI reported: "Gennaro Langella's two children [are] now in Jerry's ex-wife's custody, residence unknown. [Redacted], Jerry's ex-wife intimated she has visited the FBI Office recently and if Langella challenges her regarding the children she will provide damaging information to the Bureau concerning his past illegal activity."
On November 3 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and [Carmine Persico] were in California approximately two weeks ago at which time they attended a show in which entertainer Dean Martin's son appeared. Informant is unaware of the reason for this trip."
On December 21 FBI CI identified photos of Langella and Hugh McIntosh and stated they had recently been meeting at the Manhattan Beach Hotel in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. (The hotel was also a base of operations for Colombo Soldier Charles 'Lolly' DePierro [1928-1973].)
On June 10 FBI CI reported: "...Langella advised informant in connection with the shooting of Hugh McIntosh on 2/19/1971, this shooting did not represent any Family infighting, but occurred spontaneously as a result of a bar room dispute. McIntosh supposedly bought drinks for everyone at the bar, at the Cropsey Lounge, Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn, but told the bartender not to include three unknown 'toughs' that had been drinking at the bar in close proximity. 'The 3 toughs' were insulted and 'bad mouthed' McIntosh. McIntosh angered by their insults walked up to them and slapped one of the group. The '3 toughs' soon exited from the bar. A short time later, McIntosh while exiting the lounge was shot without warning presumably by one of the '3 toughs' who probably waited for him. Langella further intimated to informant that in due time this attempt on McIntosh will be avenged. Langella did not disclose the names of the three men or when he planned to take action. Langella did not mention if this assault on McIntosh was related to the factional fighting between the Gallos and the Colombos."
CI also reported: "Joe Gallo, recently out of prison is now on parole. Gallo has recently put approximately 30 men together and is planning to expand his rackets. Informant advised by Jerry Langella that he is not trusted and remains unpredictable. Gallo has taken over a car service company location unknown, from a woman who formerly owned it, presumably using strong-arm tactics, and is now operating it himself. Gallo is currently looking for other legitimate business to operate and can be expected to perform in an aggressive manner in an effort to show Joseph Colombo he is a power to be reckoned with."
On June 28 Boss Joseph Colombo was shot and seriously wounded during the Italian-American Civil Rights League's Unity Day Rally in Manhattan. (He remained disabled until his death in 1978.)
On August 9 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella was called to a 'sit down' attended by approximately nine LCN members including Carlo Gambino and [Redacted]. The purpose was to make a ruling concerning an $8,000 gambling debt owed to a 'Gambino guy' from Jerry Langella an associate of [Redacted; Carmine Persico?], member of the Colombo Family of LCN. The tribunal reportedly told Langella to pay $5,000 to the unidentified Gambino member...Jerry Langella is spending a deal of time together with 'Allie Boy' Persico and driving with him."
On September 2 FBI CI reported: "Gennaro Langella's two children [are] now in Jerry's ex-wife's custody, residence unknown. [Redacted], Jerry's ex-wife intimated she has visited the FBI Office recently and if Langella challenges her regarding the children she will provide damaging information to the Bureau concerning his past illegal activity."
On November 3 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and [Carmine Persico] were in California approximately two weeks ago at which time they attended a show in which entertainer Dean Martin's son appeared. Informant is unaware of the reason for this trip."
On December 21 FBI CI identified photos of Langella and Hugh McIntosh and stated they had recently been meeting at the Manhattan Beach Hotel in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. (The hotel was also a base of operations for Colombo Soldier Charles 'Lolly' DePierro [1928-1973].)
1972
In January Carmine Persico began serving a Federal prison sentence for hijacking. He would remain incarcerated until the tail end of the decade.
Around January 28 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella was present at the IACRL Fund Raising Dinner held approximately 12/18/1971. Langella suggested that a guy who won a color Television and another who won $300 donate the TV and the money back to the League. Langella accepted both items as both individuals concurred Langella's idea was valid. Langella's mother withdrew approximately $14,000 from her bank account for Jerry to invest in a 1/3 share of a bar located on 3rd Avenue near Carroll Street, Brooklyn. His partners in this business are supposed to be [Carmine Persico] and 'Allie Boy' Persico. Langella is also reported to be a partner in another bar on 5th Avenue near Carroll Street, Brooklyn, that was purchased in 1/1972."
On April 7 Colombo Soldier Joseph Gallo was shot to death by a Family hit team in Little Italy, Manhattan, setting off a fresh round of violence.
On April 10 FBI attempted to locate Langella for interview: "On 4/10/1972, [Redacted] advised he had not seen Jerry Langella for a couple of days and did not know when he would be home...[Three days later] Langella's attorney, [Redacted], contacted New York Office and advised his client could only be interviewed in his presence. [Attorney] was advised the FBI did not conduct interviews with attorneys present."
On April 12 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Allie Boy Persico are planning to purchase a gasoline station in the vicinity of Carroll Street and 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, for approximately $10,000. Jerry Langella can usually be expected to come to his bar he owns with Persico located on Carroll Street near 3rd Avenue. Jerry may be on the 'mattresses' with Allie Boy Persico as a result of the Joe Gallo killing and subsequent rubouts. Jerry told his mother who he usually resides with that [redacted]."
Sometime around the middle of April Allie Boy Persico was inducted into the Bufalino Family, then transferred back to the Colombos and made an Acting Captain to look after his imprisoned brother's interests.
On April 22 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised [redacted] had been at the Blue Mountain Horse Farm, Blue Mountain Road, Saugerties, New York. While there he observed a large quantity of rifles, shotguns and handguns in the main house and both Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico boasted they are armed on a 24 hours basis. Informant said there were other individuals there at the time but he did not know them." (The farm was owned by the Persico family.)
The following day FBI Agents observed Langella and Persico firing rifles on the property.
The day after Persico, Langella and three others departed the farm and were stopped and arrested by the FBI and New York State Police on various charges. Others held were Colombo Acting Captain Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella (50y), Colombo Associate John Pate (30y) and Panarella's twenty-three-year-old girlfriend April Ballanger. Langella specifically charged with possessing fireworks. (Panarella and Pate were both subsequently convicted of CPW and given NYS prison terms. Around 1978 Panarella sponsored Pate for induction into the Family.)
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| A. Gallo |
On April 25 the deceased Joseph Gallo's younger brother, Associate Albert 'Kid Blast' Gallo, interviewed by FBI: "Bureau Agents observed Al Gallo and approximately twenty of his crew at their President Street HQ. Al Gallo was interviewed and along with the other members of his gang seemed genuinely elated over the arrest of [Panarella, Langella, etc] and the confiscation of their arsenal. He specifically asked the Agents if they knew anything of the current whereabouts of Joe Yacovelli whom he referred to as 'the elusive fox'. He stated he recently saw that nickname attributed to Yacovelli in a newspaper or magazine story. No info concerning Yacovelli whereabouts was furnished by the Agents." (Yacovelli supervised Joseph Gallo's murder.)
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| M. Bolino |
On May 12 FBI reported: "Recent investigation [has] determined Michael Bolino is functioning as a bodyguard for organized crime figures, including Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella and Thomas Spero. Information has been obtained from confidential sources advising Bolino has been carrying a weapon at all times." (Persico loyalist Michael Bolino [1941-1997] was inducted into the Colombo Family in late April 1977 and reported to Langella.)
On June 1 FBI CI reported: "[Recently] Jerry Langella and 'Allie Boy' Persico surfaced over the Memorial Day weekend and visited their respective residences. Langella stayed with his mother at 1617 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn. Informant was advised that the Gallo faction wants to make a peace with the Colombo faction so they can return to their enterprises and the killing should stop because it is not benefiting any member. Informant was advised that two Gallo guys [Redacted] and [Redacted] have left the New York City area to avoid the war and will remain out of town until things quiet down."
On June 9 FBI CI reported: "[He] had been told that Allie Boy Persico, Jerry Langella and Hugh McIntosh were the individuals responsible for murdering a Jewish individual a couple of years ago who was to be a witness in [case re Carmine Persico]." (Re Samuel Lessner noted above.)
On July 10 FBI CI reported: "...Although having been in the area of the IACRL Chapter on 5th Avenue [illegible] and Nestor Social Club in the same block, [CI] has not seen 'Allie Boy' Persico, Jerry Langella, Abbey Abbatemarco or any of the crew that normally frequents the area. [CI] feels they are staying off the street because of the trouble with the Gallo faction."
On July 28 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is expected to be married Sunday, 7/30/1972 at a Catholic Church in Brooklyn. The wedding reception will be held at the Oriental Manor Inc., located 86th Street and 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, approximately 5PM. Informant advised that he anticipates Jerry Langella and other racketeering people will be in attendance at the wedding reception. Informant further advised a W/M Italian, 5'6", known only as Scarpa (ph) was recently observed talking to Jerry Langella." (Langella and Acting Captain Alphonse Persico attended the event.)
On August 10 Langella and Persico were both indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for firearm offenses.
On June 1 FBI CI reported: "[Recently] Jerry Langella and 'Allie Boy' Persico surfaced over the Memorial Day weekend and visited their respective residences. Langella stayed with his mother at 1617 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn. Informant was advised that the Gallo faction wants to make a peace with the Colombo faction so they can return to their enterprises and the killing should stop because it is not benefiting any member. Informant was advised that two Gallo guys [Redacted] and [Redacted] have left the New York City area to avoid the war and will remain out of town until things quiet down."
On June 9 FBI CI reported: "[He] had been told that Allie Boy Persico, Jerry Langella and Hugh McIntosh were the individuals responsible for murdering a Jewish individual a couple of years ago who was to be a witness in [case re Carmine Persico]." (Re Samuel Lessner noted above.)
On July 10 FBI CI reported: "...Although having been in the area of the IACRL Chapter on 5th Avenue [illegible] and Nestor Social Club in the same block, [CI] has not seen 'Allie Boy' Persico, Jerry Langella, Abbey Abbatemarco or any of the crew that normally frequents the area. [CI] feels they are staying off the street because of the trouble with the Gallo faction."
On July 28 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is expected to be married Sunday, 7/30/1972 at a Catholic Church in Brooklyn. The wedding reception will be held at the Oriental Manor Inc., located 86th Street and 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, approximately 5PM. Informant advised that he anticipates Jerry Langella and other racketeering people will be in attendance at the wedding reception. Informant further advised a W/M Italian, 5'6", known only as Scarpa (ph) was recently observed talking to Jerry Langella." (Langella and Acting Captain Alphonse Persico attended the event.)
On August 10 Langella and Persico were both indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for firearm offenses.
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| E. LaPonzina (L) and J. Gentile |
On August 11 FBI CI reported: "[He] had learned that Joe 'Lane' Gentile and Ernie LaPonzina, Acting Capo, Colombo LCN Family, were scheduled to attend a meet later that night with [Redacted; Charles Panarella] and Allie Boy Persico, Acting Capos of Colombo Family, 'at same place where they met with Persico and Joseph Yacovelli' previously. Yacovelli is Consigliere of the Colombo Family." (Ernest 'Ernie Lap' LaPonzina was acting for Captain Frank Fusco. In September 1983 sixty-nine-year-old Gentile was inducted into the Family.)
The meet noted by the informant was held that night inside the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant located at 320 E 79th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Attendees included Colombo Acting Captains Ernest LaPonzina, Charles Panarella and Alphonse Persico, Colombo Soldier Dominick Scialo as well as Associates Joseph Gentile and Gennaro Langella. (Associate Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano [1938-2021] may have also been present.)
At approximately 9:30 PM a man who had been sitting at the bar suddenly drew two guns and opened fire inside the restaurant, killing two civilians and wounding two others. None of the Colombos present were hit.
Following morning FBI carried out a search of the Persico horse farm and arrested Alphonse Persico. New York Daily News reported Agents were also hoping to find fugitives Consigliere Joseph Yacovelli, Possible Genovese Member Carmine 'Sonny Pinto' DiBiase and Gennaro Langella at the hideout.
The following day FBI NYO reported on the restaurant shooting: "...[NYPD] further advised that above persons were shot by an unsub W/M, 40 to 50 years old, who had seated himself at bar shortly after victims arrived. Witnesses stated assailant drew two pistols and opened fire. Assailant fled immediately and escaped. NYPD puzzled as to motive since victims apparently legitimate businessmen. [CI] advised today that Alphonse Persico (Acting Captain of Colombo LCN Family) and Jerry Langella are silent owners of Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant and were both seated at bar minutes before shooting. Persico, Langella and two others (unknown) were meeting at rear of restaurant at time of shooting. [CI] advised today [Redacted] arranged for the 'hit' to be made on Persico and Langella [however], gunman 'botched the job'. Identity of gunman unknown to informant." FBI noted: "Persico arrested by [FBI] AM 8/12/1972 [re extortion indictment] prior to receipt of above information from New York sources. During booking phase of Persico arrest, he queried Agents about above shooting."
On August 12 FBI CI reported: "[The] previous evening [Redacted; Persico / Langella?] were both at the bar, the Neopolitan Noodle, New York City, which [redacted]. At time, [Redacted; Panarella?], Joe Gentile, [Redacted] and Ernest LaPonzina. When these three arrived, [group] left bar and all sat at a table. Moments later, their barstools were taken up by other patrons and almost immediately thereafter, an unsub pulled two pistols and began firing at persons in these stools. This unsub previously had two drinks at bar and after shooting, dropped two pistols on floor and casually walked out. Moments later, the unsub returned, and looked around and finally left for good. It is noted media account varied slightly from above, but above is story recounted by [redacted]. Informant also advises before police arrived, Joseph Yacovelli appeared at restaurant but was 'waved off'. After above incident, Persico was driven to his horse farm in Saugerties, New York, by [Redacted] and Jerry Langella went to his mother's home in Brooklyn. Informant advised that Langella and Persico believe hits were intended for them by Gallo 'crew'."
The meet noted by the informant was held that night inside the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant located at 320 E 79th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Attendees included Colombo Acting Captains Ernest LaPonzina, Charles Panarella and Alphonse Persico, Colombo Soldier Dominick Scialo as well as Associates Joseph Gentile and Gennaro Langella. (Associate Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano [1938-2021] may have also been present.)
At approximately 9:30 PM a man who had been sitting at the bar suddenly drew two guns and opened fire inside the restaurant, killing two civilians and wounding two others. None of the Colombos present were hit.
Following morning FBI carried out a search of the Persico horse farm and arrested Alphonse Persico. New York Daily News reported Agents were also hoping to find fugitives Consigliere Joseph Yacovelli, Possible Genovese Member Carmine 'Sonny Pinto' DiBiase and Gennaro Langella at the hideout.
The following day FBI NYO reported on the restaurant shooting: "...[NYPD] further advised that above persons were shot by an unsub W/M, 40 to 50 years old, who had seated himself at bar shortly after victims arrived. Witnesses stated assailant drew two pistols and opened fire. Assailant fled immediately and escaped. NYPD puzzled as to motive since victims apparently legitimate businessmen. [CI] advised today that Alphonse Persico (Acting Captain of Colombo LCN Family) and Jerry Langella are silent owners of Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant and were both seated at bar minutes before shooting. Persico, Langella and two others (unknown) were meeting at rear of restaurant at time of shooting. [CI] advised today [Redacted] arranged for the 'hit' to be made on Persico and Langella [however], gunman 'botched the job'. Identity of gunman unknown to informant." FBI noted: "Persico arrested by [FBI] AM 8/12/1972 [re extortion indictment] prior to receipt of above information from New York sources. During booking phase of Persico arrest, he queried Agents about above shooting."
On August 12 FBI CI reported: "[The] previous evening [Redacted; Persico / Langella?] were both at the bar, the Neopolitan Noodle, New York City, which [redacted]. At time, [Redacted; Panarella?], Joe Gentile, [Redacted] and Ernest LaPonzina. When these three arrived, [group] left bar and all sat at a table. Moments later, their barstools were taken up by other patrons and almost immediately thereafter, an unsub pulled two pistols and began firing at persons in these stools. This unsub previously had two drinks at bar and after shooting, dropped two pistols on floor and casually walked out. Moments later, the unsub returned, and looked around and finally left for good. It is noted media account varied slightly from above, but above is story recounted by [redacted]. Informant also advises before police arrived, Joseph Yacovelli appeared at restaurant but was 'waved off'. After above incident, Persico was driven to his horse farm in Saugerties, New York, by [Redacted] and Jerry Langella went to his mother's home in Brooklyn. Informant advised that Langella and Persico believe hits were intended for them by Gallo 'crew'."
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| Aug. 1972 |
On August 14, at 2:00 PM, surrendered at SDNY Strike Force Office re firearm indictment.
On August 14 FBI CI reported: "[He] determined [Redacted], Gallo 'crew' member, had a part in the accidental shooting at the Neopolitan Noodle. This info was made available to [NYPD]."
On August 15 released on $100,000 bail.
On August 14 FBI CI reported: "[He] determined [Redacted], Gallo 'crew' member, had a part in the accidental shooting at the Neopolitan Noodle. This info was made available to [NYPD]."
On August 15 released on $100,000 bail.
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| J. Cutrone |
On August 16 FBI CI reported: "[The] word on the street is Mooney Cutrone had put out a $25,000 contract on Allie Boy Persico, and whoever attempted to 'hit' Persico and Langella at the Neopolitan Noodle could not have been anyone from President Street, because the Gallo mob knows what both of these men look like, and informant feels they must have brought someone in for this 'hit'."
On August 23 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is reported to be [redacted]. He was in attendance with Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella at the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant [during] the shooting of the four wholesale meat executives that resulted in a case of mistaken identity. The intended victims were seated in the rear of the restaurant which included Jerry Langella, Alphonse Persico and others. Immediately after the shooting [redacted] to avoid questioning by police. Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico are said to have a financial piece of the Neopolitan Noodle and therefore were known by the management of the restaurant. Langella utilized [redacted] as collateral for the $100,000 bail imposed on him in Federal Court that includes [redacted]."
On August 24 NYPD advised FBI NYO: "[Eyewitnesses] in a parking lot located directly across from Neopolitan Noodle reflect identification of Joseph Yacovelli & Carmine DiBiase as being in parking lot at time of shooting."
On August 23 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is reported to be [redacted]. He was in attendance with Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella at the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant [during] the shooting of the four wholesale meat executives that resulted in a case of mistaken identity. The intended victims were seated in the rear of the restaurant which included Jerry Langella, Alphonse Persico and others. Immediately after the shooting [redacted] to avoid questioning by police. Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico are said to have a financial piece of the Neopolitan Noodle and therefore were known by the management of the restaurant. Langella utilized [redacted] as collateral for the $100,000 bail imposed on him in Federal Court that includes [redacted]."
On August 24 NYPD advised FBI NYO: "[Eyewitnesses] in a parking lot located directly across from Neopolitan Noodle reflect identification of Joseph Yacovelli & Carmine DiBiase as being in parking lot at time of shooting."
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| M. Romanelli |
On September 14 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella finally disposed of one of the vehicles that was involved in the Joe Gallo shooting that occurred at Umberto's Clam House, Greenwich Village, NYC. Langella was directed to junk this vehicle to prevent the authorities from examining it for evidence. Two automobile junk dealers turned Langella down; however, he finally had the car junked somewhere in Brooklyn, by an unknown associate. Mike Romanelli lost a bundle of money in a card game to Jerry Langella on the night before Joe Gallo was shot down. As a result of going into debt to Jerry, Romanelli is now handling numbers action for Jerry in an effort to reduce this debt. Langella is interested in the movie The Black Gun, currently being made in California, and was said to have a financial stake in it. A lawyer, (FNU) [Redacted] (ph), is involved with Langella in some money making scheme, possibly representing Langella with regard to his interest in the movie." (Michael Romanelli [1910-1989], a Soldier in Genovese Captain Thomas 'Tommy Dogs' Lombardi's crew, may have been related to Persico crew members Anthony Abbatemarco and James Cardello.)
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| L. Hubela |
On October 11 FBI CI reported: "[Joe] Gallo is the godfather of 'Allie Boy' Persico's first child. This occurred during 1950 or 1951. [CI] further stated that Louie 'The Syrian' Hubela raised Jerry Langella [and most] all of the Gallos and Persicos grew up in the same neighborhood and were the closest of pals at one time." (In 1974 Gallo crew member Louis 'The Syrian' Hubela [1923-1976] was shot and seriously wounded in a dispute with former Gallo crew members.)
On October 24, at 8:23 PM, Colombo Member Anthony Abbatemarco was observed by the NYPD entering Langella's family residence in Bath Beach. The pair then drove to Monte's Venetian Room at 451 Carroll St in Gowanus.
On October 27 FBI NYO reported: "[Special Agents] advised during the course of an investigation, they spotted Langella and two Unsubs at the Cropsey Lounge...The two Unsubs acted as though they were Langella's bodyguard. The Unsubs were described as [two Italian W/M]. Unsub #2 was later identified through photos as [Redacted], the same individual accompanying Langella at his arraignment...When the three men left the Cropsey Lounge, they walked @ 10 blocks to Langella's residence at 1617 Cropsey Avenue."
On November 3 Genovese Soldier Michael Romanelli interviewed by FBI: "He often did work with the Scarpaci Funeral Home, 1401 86th Street, Brooklyn, so is therefore friendly with many individuals in the Bensonhurst area. He handled the funeral for Jerry Langella's father, and is friendly with both Jerry and [Redacted] Langella. He also knows Alphonse and Carmine Persico very well, and was Godfather to their niece who recently died. It was at this young girl's wake he last saw 'Allie Boy' and Jerry. He knows many of these people because of his funeral business, and he has known their families for years."
On November 6 FBI CI reported: "[He] was recently apprised of the following information: On [11/5], Jerry Langella spent most of Sunday at his mother's residence [where] he was visited by numerous individuals, some of them 'wise guys'. The last guy to see him was approximately 60 years old, bald and stayed for two hours in conference with him. Jerry is becoming uneasy by the increased police surveillance in the vicinity of [home] and was thinking of making a complaint to NYPD and to the Mayor. Jerry Langella is currently being chauffeured by [Redacted]. [Redacted] reportedly also accompanies Jerry on occasion. On Saturday night Allie Boy Persico and [Redacted] Persico were visiting Jerry at [Langella residence]. [Redacted] Persico is the guy who was at the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant the night two meat company executives were inadvertently shot to death. Allie Boy and [Redacted] was said to have argued with a police surveillance team because of the intensive coverage on them."
On November 9 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella and Allie Boy Persico still frequent the 5th Avenue area and are not making any effort to hide from anyone. Langella, Persico and Abbey Abbatemarco were recently seen in this area attending the funeral of the daughter of [Genovese Soldier] 'Tattles' Ralph Polizio."
On November 9 FBI CI reported: "[There] is a gambling operation going on at Nestors Social Club and the persons running this operation are [Redacted], Anthony 'Scappi' Scarpati and several others. [CI] stated [Redacted] met with Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella at Tito's Bar at the corner of 4th Avenue and Bergen Street, Brooklyn. He did not discuss the reason for this meeting."
On November 10, at 3:15 PM, an NYPD check on the Langella residence noted auto registered to one Carmine Dello (40y). NYPD advised FBI: "[Detective] advised he did not know if Carmine Dello could possibly be some relation to LCN figure Leonard Dello." (Colombo Soldier Leonard Dello [1927-2009] was then a member of Acting Captain Aniello Giannattasio's crew.)
On November 17, at approximately 12:15 AM, FBI Agents visited Monte's Restaurant and the Diplomat Lounge, both Persico crew hangouts, in Gowanus. About forty-five minutes later Agents discovered the rear tires of their Bureau vehicle had been slashed. Alphonse Persico and Gennaro Langella present at the time: "Al Persico and his associates vehemently denied to interviewing agents they had anything to do with the slashing of the tires. It is noted based on the intensity of their statements and the general demeanor of Persico and his associates, it is doubted they were personally involved in captioned incident. This is not to preclude the possibility Persico or one of his associates put someone up to slashing the tires."
On November 29 approached by FBI in Brooklyn: "[Gennaro Langella] was advised of the identities of the interviewing agents and stated he had nothing to say to the FBI. He advised if the agents wanted any information they should contact his attorney." Served with Federal Grand Jury subpoena.
On December 14 FBI CI reported: “[When] Alphonse Persico was released from jail, Carmine Persico directed he go into operation with Gennaro Langella in all their business. Persico and Langella then split up their shylocking and gambling business 50-50. When Carmine went to prison in 1/1972, Alphonse and Langella took over the entire operation, with weekly payments to be made to the family of Carmine Persico and Hugh McIntosh. Carmine Persico, Sr. took over the bookmaking responsibilities from [Redacted] for the entire shylocking and mortgage business the Persico crew operates.”
In mid-to-late December 1972 Thomas DiBella was elected official Boss of the Colombo Family. He appointed Anthony Abbatemarco as his Underboss.
On December 19 appeared before New York County Grand Jury investigating the April 1972 murder of Joseph Gallo (Colombo Soldier). Refused to answer questions.
On December 27 Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Colombo Associate Gennaro Langella and Unsub observed by NYPD in the vicinity of 53 Chambers St in Little Italy.
On December 28 Langella and Acting Captain Alphonse Persico subject of NYPD surveillance.
On December 30, at 8:35 PM, Abbatemarco observed by NYPD leaving Langella's residence.
On October 24, at 8:23 PM, Colombo Member Anthony Abbatemarco was observed by the NYPD entering Langella's family residence in Bath Beach. The pair then drove to Monte's Venetian Room at 451 Carroll St in Gowanus.
On October 27 FBI NYO reported: "[Special Agents] advised during the course of an investigation, they spotted Langella and two Unsubs at the Cropsey Lounge...The two Unsubs acted as though they were Langella's bodyguard. The Unsubs were described as [two Italian W/M]. Unsub #2 was later identified through photos as [Redacted], the same individual accompanying Langella at his arraignment...When the three men left the Cropsey Lounge, they walked @ 10 blocks to Langella's residence at 1617 Cropsey Avenue."
On November 3 Genovese Soldier Michael Romanelli interviewed by FBI: "He often did work with the Scarpaci Funeral Home, 1401 86th Street, Brooklyn, so is therefore friendly with many individuals in the Bensonhurst area. He handled the funeral for Jerry Langella's father, and is friendly with both Jerry and [Redacted] Langella. He also knows Alphonse and Carmine Persico very well, and was Godfather to their niece who recently died. It was at this young girl's wake he last saw 'Allie Boy' and Jerry. He knows many of these people because of his funeral business, and he has known their families for years."
On November 6 FBI CI reported: "[He] was recently apprised of the following information: On [11/5], Jerry Langella spent most of Sunday at his mother's residence [where] he was visited by numerous individuals, some of them 'wise guys'. The last guy to see him was approximately 60 years old, bald and stayed for two hours in conference with him. Jerry is becoming uneasy by the increased police surveillance in the vicinity of [home] and was thinking of making a complaint to NYPD and to the Mayor. Jerry Langella is currently being chauffeured by [Redacted]. [Redacted] reportedly also accompanies Jerry on occasion. On Saturday night Allie Boy Persico and [Redacted] Persico were visiting Jerry at [Langella residence]. [Redacted] Persico is the guy who was at the Neopolitan Noodle Restaurant the night two meat company executives were inadvertently shot to death. Allie Boy and [Redacted] was said to have argued with a police surveillance team because of the intensive coverage on them."
On November 9 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella and Allie Boy Persico still frequent the 5th Avenue area and are not making any effort to hide from anyone. Langella, Persico and Abbey Abbatemarco were recently seen in this area attending the funeral of the daughter of [Genovese Soldier] 'Tattles' Ralph Polizio."
On November 9 FBI CI reported: "[There] is a gambling operation going on at Nestors Social Club and the persons running this operation are [Redacted], Anthony 'Scappi' Scarpati and several others. [CI] stated [Redacted] met with Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella at Tito's Bar at the corner of 4th Avenue and Bergen Street, Brooklyn. He did not discuss the reason for this meeting."
On November 10, at 3:15 PM, an NYPD check on the Langella residence noted auto registered to one Carmine Dello (40y). NYPD advised FBI: "[Detective] advised he did not know if Carmine Dello could possibly be some relation to LCN figure Leonard Dello." (Colombo Soldier Leonard Dello [1927-2009] was then a member of Acting Captain Aniello Giannattasio's crew.)
On November 17, at approximately 12:15 AM, FBI Agents visited Monte's Restaurant and the Diplomat Lounge, both Persico crew hangouts, in Gowanus. About forty-five minutes later Agents discovered the rear tires of their Bureau vehicle had been slashed. Alphonse Persico and Gennaro Langella present at the time: "Al Persico and his associates vehemently denied to interviewing agents they had anything to do with the slashing of the tires. It is noted based on the intensity of their statements and the general demeanor of Persico and his associates, it is doubted they were personally involved in captioned incident. This is not to preclude the possibility Persico or one of his associates put someone up to slashing the tires."
On November 29 approached by FBI in Brooklyn: "[Gennaro Langella] was advised of the identities of the interviewing agents and stated he had nothing to say to the FBI. He advised if the agents wanted any information they should contact his attorney." Served with Federal Grand Jury subpoena.
On December 14 FBI CI reported: “[When] Alphonse Persico was released from jail, Carmine Persico directed he go into operation with Gennaro Langella in all their business. Persico and Langella then split up their shylocking and gambling business 50-50. When Carmine went to prison in 1/1972, Alphonse and Langella took over the entire operation, with weekly payments to be made to the family of Carmine Persico and Hugh McIntosh. Carmine Persico, Sr. took over the bookmaking responsibilities from [Redacted] for the entire shylocking and mortgage business the Persico crew operates.”
In mid-to-late December 1972 Thomas DiBella was elected official Boss of the Colombo Family. He appointed Anthony Abbatemarco as his Underboss.
On December 19 appeared before New York County Grand Jury investigating the April 1972 murder of Joseph Gallo (Colombo Soldier). Refused to answer questions.
On December 27 Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Colombo Associate Gennaro Langella and Unsub observed by NYPD in the vicinity of 53 Chambers St in Little Italy.
On December 28 Langella and Acting Captain Alphonse Persico subject of NYPD surveillance.
On December 30, at 8:35 PM, Abbatemarco observed by NYPD leaving Langella's residence.
1973
On January 17 Langella and Colombo Soldier (Former Captain / Acting Boss) Vincenzo Aloi indicted by Manhattan District Attorney's Office on criminal contempt charges re Gallo murder investigation. Langella arrested at 2:30 in the morning at the 1717 Club in Bensonhurst. At the time of arrest in company of Acting Capo (Consigliere?) Alphonse Persico, Associate Frank 'Beansy' Melli and others. Aloi and Langella released on $15,000 and $10,000 bail respectively. NYPD advised FBI NYO: "[Detective] advised when they arrested Langella in the 1717 Club he was in the company of Allie Persico and approximately 9 other individuals. There were no weapons found, and Langella, although obviously upset, was calm and gave no problems. At the time of his arrest, Langella had $2,700 on his person, and made bail of $10,000 although his [attorney] complained Langella was already on $100,000 bail on a Federal case. [Det] was not sure when Langella's trial would be held, as no date is as yet set. Langella faces a maximum sentence of four years on this contempt charge."(Former Captain Vincenzo Aloi headed the Family for a time after Joseph Colombo's shooting; his younger brother Benedetto was a close Langella associate. The 1717 Club was operated by Gambino Soldier Peter Piacenti [1921-2007].)
On January 18 FBI CI reported: "[Albert] Gallo was extremely pleased when Vinnie Aloi and Jerry Langella were arrested by the Manhattan DA...[Gallo] also holds Vinnie Aloi, Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella responsible for [his brother's murder] and would 'hit' them given the opportunity. Gallo also holds the police responsible for blowing the Nyack apartment surveillance of Pinto and Yacovelli and has [redacted]."
 |
| A. Persico (1970s) |
Same date CI reported that Alphonse Persico had been elected (?) Consigliere, rounding out the Family's post-Colombo administration.
On January 30 FBI spot check on Langella family residence in Bath Beach noted vehicles registered to Sebastian Badagliacca (55y) and Anthony Bentibegna (63y), both with addresses listed on 74th St in Bensonhurst.
On February 26, at 3:15 PM, FBI spot check conducted on Diplomat Lounge located at 3rd Avenue and Carroll Street in Gowanus. Those observed included Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Associates Gennaro Langella and Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo as well as Salvatore Persico.
On March 16 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is maintaining a low profile at this time and has complained he's not making money now due to the increased LE pressure put on him recently."
On March 20, at 12:27 PM, Langella and Colombo Associate Anthony Scarpati surveilled at Diplomat Lounge.
On March 27 FBI NYO reported: "[SA] advised Matteo DeLorenzo, member of the Genovese Family, frequents the Alley Cat Bar, 188 1st Avenue, NYC on a daily basis. It is noted that the name and phone number for the Alley Cat Bar were on the person of Gennaro Langella when he was arrested in [5/72], and the Alley Cat is a reported meeting place for Mob guys." (Genovese Soldier Matteo DeLorenzo [1912-1979] was a member of Captain Thomas 'Tommy Palmer' Greco's crew.)
Around early April pleaded guilty re previous year's Upstate NY and received a fine.
On January 30 FBI spot check on Langella family residence in Bath Beach noted vehicles registered to Sebastian Badagliacca (55y) and Anthony Bentibegna (63y), both with addresses listed on 74th St in Bensonhurst.
On February 26, at 3:15 PM, FBI spot check conducted on Diplomat Lounge located at 3rd Avenue and Carroll Street in Gowanus. Those observed included Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Associates Gennaro Langella and Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo as well as Salvatore Persico.
On March 16 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is maintaining a low profile at this time and has complained he's not making money now due to the increased LE pressure put on him recently."
On March 20, at 12:27 PM, Langella and Colombo Associate Anthony Scarpati surveilled at Diplomat Lounge.
On March 27 FBI NYO reported: "[SA] advised Matteo DeLorenzo, member of the Genovese Family, frequents the Alley Cat Bar, 188 1st Avenue, NYC on a daily basis. It is noted that the name and phone number for the Alley Cat Bar were on the person of Gennaro Langella when he was arrested in [5/72], and the Alley Cat is a reported meeting place for Mob guys." (Genovese Soldier Matteo DeLorenzo [1912-1979] was a member of Captain Thomas 'Tommy Palmer' Greco's crew.)
Around early April pleaded guilty re previous year's Upstate NY and received a fine.
 |
| S. Albanese (L) and G. Langella |
On April 9 FBI CI reported: "[He] learned recently on 4/2 or 4/3/73, [Redacted], close Persico associate, had driven Jerry Langella and Salvatore Albanese, 'upstate' where they were 'made' in another Family. Informant continued they returned two days later and on Saturday night past, a large celebration party was held in their honor at the Copacabana Nightclub, NYC. Informant continued [Redacted] and [Redacted] are also scheduled to be 'made' in the near future. Informant said he also heard that Bosses of all five NY Families met approximately two weeks ago and acting as the 'Commissione' had discussed proposed 'making' of new members for the Colombo Family. All agreed except Carlo Gambino whose only objection to the nominees was he believed there were others more deserving, but then relented since the others were in favor. It is noted informant previously advised the above nominees were to be made. Informant advised he would endeavor to obtain additional details and Bureau will be advised." (Albanese and Langella turned up in a membership list later the same year so the FBI, at the time at least, considered this report credible. It's possible that Albanese and Langella's early 1976 inductions were actually formalized transfers. It's also worth noting, however, that no other sources, nor FBI Agents themselves in their reports from the mid-1970s, mention this information when discussing Albanese and Langella's membership status. They are instead referred to, along with other known inductees, as having been 'recently' made in 1976.)
On April 12 FBI CI reported: "Lino's Restaurant, located in a loft building on West 36th Street, serves as a daytime hangout for a lot of 'wiseguys'. Loansharks and gamblers meet from time to time during the day and conduct meetings there. The restaurant is described as a nice looking place containing a bar. Jerry Langella and [Redacted] frequent this restaurant and have suggested it is a good place to discuss business...Jerry Langella attended a retirement party in honor of [Redacted]'s father, which was held at Allie Boy Persico's residence on Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, during the early part of April...Jerry Langella believed a narcotics case now pending in local court re [relative] may soon be dismissed. Jerry did not say why he thought he would not be convicted although the case involves a sizeable quantity of hard drugs allegedly sold to an undercover policeman. Jerry has been hanging out in a restaurant on the West Side of New York near Times Square usually Monday or Tuesday evenings and is said to conduct meetings with various hoodlums."
On April 18 FBI CI reported: "...Allie [Persico] is quite a drinker, and often spends his evenings with [Jerry] Langella drinking. Langella is unemployed, and as far as [CI] knows, has never had a job he's held for long. Jerry is also a drinker, and is often in a bar at night with Allie and others. Langella is very quiet, doesn't talk very much, and can get very violent when he's been drinking."
On April 24 FBI CI reported: "[Langella relative] is residing at his mother's residence, 1617 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn. [Relative] arrived at Jerry's mother's house every Sunday at about 4 PM via private car service. Jerry Langella had an appointment at 9 PM, on Thursday, [4/19]. He was awakened by his mother to keep the appointment since he was ill and staying in bed. Jerry awakened, quickly dressed and left the house. Regarding the restaurant where it was previously reported Jerry had been meeting with [Redacted], informant advised he was unable to determine its name but was told it may be on West 54th Street near Broadway. This restaurant is closed on Sunday." (During this period of time a source was providing occasional reports on Langella's home life.)
On April 27 FBI CI reported: "Gennaro Langella is still unemployed, and has not held a job for some time. He is living at home with his mother, and it is not known what he does on a daily basis. Most of his free time is spent with either Allie Persico or [Redacted]. As far as [CI] knows, Langella still does not have a license, and is driven everywhere. Langella is presently facing a gun possession charge in Federal court, but his attorney, [Redacted], isn't worried about beating the case."
On August 9 FBI CI reported: "[Anthony Abbatemarco] and Allie Persico are very close, and are often seen together, many times in the company of Jerry Langella. Both Abbatemarco and Persico are extremely upset over the 'bugging' of Persico, and [Redacted] is [redacted]."
On June 1 FBI CI reported: "Scapi (ph) [Scarpati] runs numbers for Jerry Langella and recently was observed riding as a passenger in an automobile driven by [Redacted] (LNU). Langella may have an interest in the fireworks now being sold in a candy store on Carroll Street one door down from 5th Avenue, Brooklyn. The fireworks are stored in the rear portion of the store. Langella is having a swimming pool built at his mother's residence [and] is supposed to be worth about $8,000. Langella is planning a party to be held [7/4] and he anticipates many of his personal friends and business associates will attend."
On June 21, at approximately 4:30 PM, FBI surveillance conducted on social club located on 18th Ave in Bensonhurst. Those observed included Colombo Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Gambino Soldier Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao as well as Colombo Associates Anthony Colombo, Philip 'Fat Philly' DioGuardi, Gennaro Langella, Natale Marcone and Philip 'Chubby' Rossillo. FBI noted: "All the above individuals left at different intervals between 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM and it appeared they had some sort of meeting at the club, possibly pertaining to the activities of the IACRL."
On April 12 FBI CI reported: "Lino's Restaurant, located in a loft building on West 36th Street, serves as a daytime hangout for a lot of 'wiseguys'. Loansharks and gamblers meet from time to time during the day and conduct meetings there. The restaurant is described as a nice looking place containing a bar. Jerry Langella and [Redacted] frequent this restaurant and have suggested it is a good place to discuss business...Jerry Langella attended a retirement party in honor of [Redacted]'s father, which was held at Allie Boy Persico's residence on Bath Avenue, Brooklyn, during the early part of April...Jerry Langella believed a narcotics case now pending in local court re [relative] may soon be dismissed. Jerry did not say why he thought he would not be convicted although the case involves a sizeable quantity of hard drugs allegedly sold to an undercover policeman. Jerry has been hanging out in a restaurant on the West Side of New York near Times Square usually Monday or Tuesday evenings and is said to conduct meetings with various hoodlums."
On April 18 FBI CI reported: "...Allie [Persico] is quite a drinker, and often spends his evenings with [Jerry] Langella drinking. Langella is unemployed, and as far as [CI] knows, has never had a job he's held for long. Jerry is also a drinker, and is often in a bar at night with Allie and others. Langella is very quiet, doesn't talk very much, and can get very violent when he's been drinking."
On April 24 FBI CI reported: "[Langella relative] is residing at his mother's residence, 1617 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn. [Relative] arrived at Jerry's mother's house every Sunday at about 4 PM via private car service. Jerry Langella had an appointment at 9 PM, on Thursday, [4/19]. He was awakened by his mother to keep the appointment since he was ill and staying in bed. Jerry awakened, quickly dressed and left the house. Regarding the restaurant where it was previously reported Jerry had been meeting with [Redacted], informant advised he was unable to determine its name but was told it may be on West 54th Street near Broadway. This restaurant is closed on Sunday." (During this period of time a source was providing occasional reports on Langella's home life.)
On April 27 FBI CI reported: "Gennaro Langella is still unemployed, and has not held a job for some time. He is living at home with his mother, and it is not known what he does on a daily basis. Most of his free time is spent with either Allie Persico or [Redacted]. As far as [CI] knows, Langella still does not have a license, and is driven everywhere. Langella is presently facing a gun possession charge in Federal court, but his attorney, [Redacted], isn't worried about beating the case."
On August 9 FBI CI reported: "[Anthony Abbatemarco] and Allie Persico are very close, and are often seen together, many times in the company of Jerry Langella. Both Abbatemarco and Persico are extremely upset over the 'bugging' of Persico, and [Redacted] is [redacted]."
On June 1 FBI CI reported: "Scapi (ph) [Scarpati] runs numbers for Jerry Langella and recently was observed riding as a passenger in an automobile driven by [Redacted] (LNU). Langella may have an interest in the fireworks now being sold in a candy store on Carroll Street one door down from 5th Avenue, Brooklyn. The fireworks are stored in the rear portion of the store. Langella is having a swimming pool built at his mother's residence [and] is supposed to be worth about $8,000. Langella is planning a party to be held [7/4] and he anticipates many of his personal friends and business associates will attend."
On June 21, at approximately 4:30 PM, FBI surveillance conducted on social club located on 18th Ave in Bensonhurst. Those observed included Colombo Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Gambino Soldier Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao as well as Colombo Associates Anthony Colombo, Philip 'Fat Philly' DioGuardi, Gennaro Langella, Natale Marcone and Philip 'Chubby' Rossillo. FBI noted: "All the above individuals left at different intervals between 4:30 PM and 5:15 PM and it appeared they had some sort of meeting at the club, possibly pertaining to the activities of the IACRL."
 |
| A. Giannattasio |
On July 26 CI Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family's structure
and the activities of various members. Scarpa identified Aniello Giannattasio as an Acting Captain and listed off his known Soldiers and
Associates.
Made members in Giannattasio's crew included James Cardello, Leonard Dello, Ambrose Magliocco, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore Mineo (Former Underboss), Carmine Persico (IP), Anthony Ricciardi, Anthony Scianna, Vincent Scianna and Joseph Yacovelli.
Made members in Giannattasio's crew included James Cardello, Leonard Dello, Ambrose Magliocco, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore Mineo (Former Underboss), Carmine Persico (IP), Anthony Ricciardi, Anthony Scianna, Vincent Scianna and Joseph Yacovelli.
Associates included Michael Bolino, Anthony Colombo, Joseph Colombo Jr.,
Gennaro Langella, Philip Rossillo, Andrew Russo, Ralph Spero and Thomas
Spero. (All except possibly Ralph Spero were inducted after the books opened in 1976.)
The report / chart itself has asterisks next to both Albanese and Langella's names, indicating that they were made members. It's not clear whether these designation were given by Scarpa himself during the contact or made by the Agent(s) who compiled the chart.
In October included in the FBI's list of 71 identified Colombo Family members. (As noted above this inclusion was probably based on the April 9 CI report.)
On October 31 Langella and Consigliere Alphonse Persico acquitted in USDC Manhattan on the firearms charges.
On November 4 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella's uncle (now dead) was a wiseguy with a ton of money. Jerry got most of that money and has made a lot on his own. Many times in the past [Redacted] has borrowed money from Langella. Langella is disliked by many members of the Persico crew."
On November 8 FBI CI reported: "[The] individual depicted in the photograph displayed to him by [SA] (surveillance photo taken by [SA] on [8/16] at Avenue J Luncheonette, Brooklyn of individual entering 1973 blue Buick) is identical to Phillip Garofolo. Informant advised Garofolo used to be seen near 5th Avenue and President Street in Brooklyn. He advised Garofolo is a 'big gambler' who used to drive Jerry Langella."
On November 17 Alphonse Persico's son Carmine Jr. was married, with the reception held at Queens Terrace Caterers in Woodside. Attendees included Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Acting Captain Aniello Giannattasio, Soldiers Leonard Dello and Vincent Scianna as well as Associates Salvatore Albanese, Michael Bolino, Anthony Colombo, Joseph Colombo Jr., Gennaro Langella, Philip Rossillo and Thomas Spero. FBI CI later noted: “...approximately 600-700 people in attendance [at reception] which was a ‘tux’ affair...[Carlo] Gambino was conspicuous by his absence.”
On December 12 dinner held inside Franklin Arms Hotel at 11 Orange St in Brooklyn Heights. Attendees included Boss Thomas DiBella, Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Soldier Anthony 'Tony Lap' LaPonzina as well as Associates Gennaro Langella and Thomas Venetucci. Vehicle registered to Daniel R. Simone observed parked outside location. The dinner was abruptly canceled when somebody spotted Agents.
Same date Unspecified Male interviewed by FBI: "[UM] was questioned concerning a party which had been held at [Franklin Arms Hotel] during the afternoon of 12/12/73. [UM] advised he is [redacted] of the Franklin Arms but he knew very little about the affair in question. He stated the party had been arranged by [Redacted] and all he [UM] knew was the participants were from the Brooklyn piers. [UM] further advised that as soon as the individuals attending the party were aware of the presence of [FBI] the gathering immediately broke up. He stated when he asked one of the participants what to do with the food, he was told 'eat it yourself'. He stated he had no idea why the affair terminated so abruptly and he firmly denied any knowledge of the attendees."
On December 19 FBI CI reported: "'Allie Boy' Persico and Jerry Langella have been discussing the feasibility of buying into a cement business in the Metropolitan area."
1974
On January 24 Langella was surveilled in discussion with an Unsub outside the Diplomat Lounge in Gowanus.
On January 31 and February 1/7 subject of additional FBI surveillance. On the latter date auto registered to Carmine Dello (50y) again observed parked at the Langella residence on Cropsey Ave.
On February 14 FBI CI reported. "...[The] Numero Ono, in which Jerry formerly had $14,000 of his mother's money invested, was refused a license by the State Liquor Authority, consequently, it never opened. According to rumors, both Jerry and Allie Persico took a bath, financially, on this business...Jerry has traveled to Las Vegas, California and especially New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. Jerry and Allie Persico recently visited [Redacted] who is [redacted]. During the Gallo - Colombo war, Jerry was known to have a .38 pistol under the seat of the vehicle in which he was driving."
On February 28 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted], a shylock, attended a dinner party with Anthony Abbatemarco, Jerry Langella and possibly others [previous day] at the Casa Storta Restaurant, 188 21st Street, Brooklyn."
On March 4 CI Scarpa reported: "Informant advised the details of a numbers operation coordinated by Jerry Langella as well as the modus operandi of the runners and locations of pickups."
On March 7 CI Scarpa reported: "Informant heard that Jerry Langella has his own trotters numbers operation which he coordinates with the overall Persico numbers operation. Informant advised an individual whose name is unknown to informant picks up the numbers slips from the runners every day and turns them in to Langella late in the evening or the following morning. Informant advised that one stop or pick up point of this runner is at a club on 15th Avenue between 69th and 70th Streets, where every evening between 9 and 9:30 PM, this runner picks up the 'work' of [redacted]. This unknown individual then makes other stops and at the end of the day or following morning turns into Langella."
On March 13 approached by FBI outside residence and served Eastern District of New York FGJ subpoena.
On April 8 Langella, Consigliere Alphonse Persico and their girlfriends left New York for California. Following day CI reported: "The expressed purpose of this trip was for business and pleasure. They are expected to return to the NYC area sometime before Easter. It was indicated that they might be going to the Los Angeles area to see a guy who owes Allie and Jerry money. This particular unknown individual formerly operated a club in Las Vegas for these two, however, he became involved with a Las Vegas prostitute, spent all of their money, and subsequently ran away to LA. He reportedly is now operating another club in LA. Informant advised Allie Boy's girlfriend is named [Redacted], and Jerry's girlfriend's identity is unknown. CI advised Jerry has an interest in a gas station located at the corner of First Street and Fourth Avenue, and during the gas shortage Jerry told all of his 'close' friends to use his station and indicate they were referred by Jerry. Informant further advised every Sunday, Jerry visits [Redacted], allegedly for the traditional Sunday dinner. The real purpose is to meet with [Redacted] and other contacts residing [redacted]."
On April 10 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella telephonically requested money be sent via Western Union. Langella has only been gone from Brooklyn for two days and he had a need for additional monies, this according to informant is indicative of Langella's presence in Las Vegas. Informant further advised that Langella's mother sent him an undisclosed sum of money on this date, however, informant is unaware of the exact address she sent this money to."
On April 15 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Alphonse Persico had visited Florida and had taken money to [Redacted]. Informant further explained the plans for the trip to California had been changed at the last moment and this party of four went instead to an unknown city in Florida."
By April 17 Langella returned to New York, where he appeared before the FGJ and refused to testify despite a grant of immunity. Charged with contempt of court and immediately remanded to the Federal House of Detention in Manhattan.
On May 30 CI Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family structure. He identified Aniello Giannattasio as Acting Captain, with a chart created from his info noting 'acting until release of Nicholas Jiggs Forlano from prison'.
Made members listed under Giannattasio were Alphonse D'Ambrosio, Frank 'Frankie the Sheik' Musacchio (brother of deceased Former Captain Salvatore), Anthony Ricciardi, Anthony Scianna and Vincent Scianna. (Others not named included James Cardello, John Capichano and Leonard Dello. Former crew members the Maglioccos had since been transferred to Vincent 'Jimmy' Muce.)
Listed associates were FNU DeSimone, Gennaro Langella, Vic Orena, Andrew Russo, Ralph Spero and Thomas Spero.
(Notably this report does not have the asterisks, indicating made status, next to Albanese and Langella's names.)
Same date FBI CI reported: "Concerning 'Allie Boy' Persico, informant understands this individual is 'on the lam', running from subpoenas for GJ appearances. Evidently, Persico does not want to join his friend, Jerry Langella, who is in the Federal House of Detention as a result of a recent GJ appearance."
On June 14 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella is telephoning from jail, on a daily basis, to his mother's residence [and] is in this manner able to keep abreast of his crew's business."
On June 25 FBI CI reported: "[He] learned [Redacted] was having trouble with [Redacted] not taking care of [redacted]. [Redacted] is said to have berated [Redacted] for this and said she would get in touch with Jerry Lang 'in the can'. Reportedly Jerry Lang 'made a telephone call and straightened out the problem'."
On July 5 FBI CI reported: "...Jerry Langella and an individual nicknamed [Redacted] are reputed to own the Diplomat Lounge. [Redacted], owner of [redacted], has been observed on a few occasions meeting with Jerry Langella at the Diplomat Bar. He is believed to be a big loanshark or money man for the Persicos."
On July 19 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella expects to be out of the Federal House of Detention on or about [8/14]; however, he believes he may be facing more time on a perjury charge."
On September 6 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Lang seems to be able to telephone out of [FHD] whenever he desires and has called Anthony Abbatemarco on several occasions at Abbey's residence."
On November 8 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is trying to shorten his stay at the Federal House of Detention by claiming a hardship due to [redacted]. Jerry is said to get good service at the jail where he currently is incarcerated due to perjury and contempt charges."
On December 9 FHD Manhattan advised FBI: "[Warden] advised Jerry Langella is in the same tank as the following: [Redacted], Ralph DeSimone, [Redacted], Vinnie Papa Sr., [Redacted Names]." (Ralph DeSimone [1935-1991] was a Genovese Associate murdered shortly after being proposed for membership in 1991. Vincent Papa [1917-1977] was a Lucchese Soldier later stabbed to death at USP Atlanta.)
1975
On January 12 FBI CI reported: "...Allie Boy and Jerry Langella are partners in the operation of the Diplomat Lounge on 3rd Avenue and Carroll Street...When [Redacted] was running the numbers business (now run by Allie Boy) he covered his 'hits' by making loans from various people including Joe Colombo, Jerry Langella, and Saro Mogavero." (Rosario 'Saro' Mogavero [1916-1973] was a Former Genovese Captain.)
On January 20 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella has mentioned to relatives he does not expect to be out of jail until [9/75] but is scheduled to be moved to another Federal detention facility from [FHD] where he is presently incarcerated."
On January 31 FBI CI reported: "Informant was shown photographs of known Colombo and Gallo members and associates [and] selected the following photographs as individuals who are known to him: Jerry Langella, Peter Diapoulas and Anthony Careccia. Informant stated Careccia had recently been killed and Langella was presently in jail. Informant stated he was not aware of the present whereabouts of Peter Diapoulas, but he would attempt to determine his location and activities." (Anthony Careccia [1935-1973] was shot to death by members of Colombo Captain Dominick Scialo's crew in November 1973.)
On February 11 Alphonse Persico was also remanded to the FHD for contempt.
Following day FBI CI reported: "Alphonse Persico had recently commented that he hoped he could avoid going to jail at this time because with Jerry Langella still in the Federal House of Detention, he has no one he can trust to look after the loansharking and gambling interests. Informant further advised Jerry Langella is supplied with liquor and other favors at the [FHD] and for these favors has made at least one cash payment of $200 to an unnamed correction officer...Informant learned [Redacted] actually furnished the cash to the correction officer and said it [redacted]."
 |
| G. Scarpa |
On April 11 FBI CI reported: "[Allie] Boy Persico made a comment in the Federal House of Detention recently that he will 'probably be out by next year', being sarcastic that he would probably be held quite a bit longer on this contempt charge. Allie Boy and Jerry Langella both telephoned from the [FHD] to [redacted] (collect call) ostensibly to [redacted]. Both Jerry and Allie Boy again share the same cell. [Redacted] (ph), and Gregory Scarpa can be expected to visit Persico and Langella at the [FHD] on Saturday afternoon. Gregory Scarpa and [Redacted] (ph) have been keeping an eye on Allie Boy and Jerry Langella's business interests during their period of incarceration. Scarpa hangs out in the vicinity of 5th Avenue and Carroll Street and spends a good deal of time in the Diplomat Bar. [Redacted] is said to be a working associate of Alphonse Persico." (Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa [1928-1994] had by then been discontinued as an FBI source and wouldn't be reactivated until the summer of 1980.)
 |
| H. McIntosh (R) with C. Persico (1970) |
On April 30 FBI CI reported: "Informant advised [Redacted] and [Redacted], a Gambino associate [redacted], were drinking in the same Brooklyn bar where Hugh McIntosh, Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico were drinking. McIntosh came over and began making fun of the Gallo gang and then of [Redacted]. McIntosh slapped [Redacted] around a little and then chased them out of the bar. [Redacted] went to [redacted], picked up some guns and returned to the bar. By this time the doors were locked and the bar was closed. They began beating on the door and [Redacted] (ph), a cousin of the Persicos came to the door. He was brushed aside by McIntosh. When [Redacted] saw McIntosh they opened up shooting him severely. They thought they had killed him. They fled the area and [Redacted] went to [redacted]. From there he contacted [Redacted] and informed him of what happened. Approximately (4) days later a sitdown was arranged and [Redacted] came down to [redacted] to give his version of what happened. Mooney Cutrone was the spokesman. Approximately two weeks later, when McIntosh got out of the hospital, a sitdown was held and it was agreed what McIntosh done was wrong and although the shooting was not condoned it was excused." (This is probably the incident from February 1971 referred to above.)
On May 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Allie Boy now expect to be out of the Federal House of Detention, West Street, by approximately [9/75]...The Diplomat Bar is doing very little business since the incarceration of Persico and Langella. The guys are afraid of going into the bar and conducting business because they feel the place is probably bugged by the cops."
Beginning in late April 1975 Colombo Associate Salvatore 'Sonny Black' Montello, a longtime Franzese - Brancato crew associate, was interviewed by the FBI and provided an extensive narrative of his time with the Colombos.
On June 17 Montello reported:
"
On May 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Allie Boy now expect to be out of the Federal House of Detention, West Street, by approximately [9/75]...The Diplomat Bar is doing very little business since the incarceration of Persico and Langella. The guys are afraid of going into the bar and conducting business because they feel the place is probably bugged by the cops."
Beginning in late April 1975 Colombo Associate Salvatore 'Sonny Black' Montello, a longtime Franzese - Brancato crew associate, was interviewed by the FBI and provided an extensive narrative of his time with the Colombos.
On June 17 Montello reported:
"
Montello was interviewed [and] was shown numerous photos of the Colombo LCN Family and their associates. He identified the following photographs:
...6) Sally D'Ambrosio - He was a 'captain' in the Colombo Family before he was killed with Freddie 'Red' DeLucia back in 1969...Supposedly Jerry Langella and Mimi Scialo were at the scene of the 'hit'.
...15) Jerry Langella aka Jerry Lang - He did not know the photo, but knows the name. He is Allie Boy's bodyguard and he has heard he 'has done a lot of work'.
...6) Sally D'Ambrosio - He was a 'captain' in the Colombo Family before he was killed with Freddie 'Red' DeLucia back in 1969...Supposedly Jerry Langella and Mimi Scialo were at the scene of the 'hit'.
...15) Jerry Langella aka Jerry Lang - He did not know the photo, but knows the name. He is Allie Boy's bodyguard and he has heard he 'has done a lot of work'.
"
On June 23 FBI CI reported: "Hughie 'Mac' McIntosh, a staunch ally of Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico, is expecting to be released from prison during this coming August." (McIntosh was then serving a nine year sentence at USP Atlanta, Georgia on the same TFIS indictment that led to Carmine Persico's conviction.)
On July 14 FBI NYO reported: "[EDNY] informed this date he had received a phone call from a Federal Correctional officer by the name of [Redacted], FCI, West Street, New York, [who] furnished the following info: [Jerry] Langella was attempting to get guns smuggled into West Street to assist in a possible escape, and based on this info, FCI personnel were considering transferring Langella to the FCI at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition, [EDNY] advised after receiving this info, he received a phone call from [Redacted], an attorney for Langella, who inquired whether the Government would resist in attempting on his part to have Langella furloughed to be examined by an eye doctor. [EDNY] was furnishing the info to this Bureau for any action we deemed appropriate. The writer attempted to contact FCI Officer [Redacted], who put me in touch with Capt. [Redacted], at the Federal House of Detention. [Cpt] stated over the past weekend, they received info from a source, whom he did not care or wish to identify, which indicated Langella was going to be part of the crowd which were considering attempting to escape through a kitchen with outside help. He said in addition to this info, a Correctional Officer at West Street allegedly overheard a conversation between Langella and some unidentified individuals in which Langella was heard to say, 'Once I get out, what will I do, because they have officers situated all over the place'. [Cpt] stated based on this info, they have sought permission, which was granted by the Judge in question and the USAs Office, to have Langella transferred to Lewisburg, and this transfer is to take place [7/15]."
On July 24 sentenced to five months imprisonment for criminal contempt conviction re December 1972 appearance before the Gallo murder Grand Jury.
On August 18 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella was expecting to be transferred to Lewisburg Penitentiary against his wishes, however, was able to have the transfer rescinded and remains in the local Federal House of Detention. Jerry and 'Allie Boy' are anticipating being released on their contempt charges on approximately [9/18], however, Jerry is uncertain about his release, because there may be a warrant on him. Informant advised Gennaro Langella's [redacted], who resides on [redacted] Brooklyn, was recently arrested for [redacted]. He is expected to get time for this charge since he was serving a five year term on probation at the time of his arrest. [Redacted] continues to [redacted] and receives little respect from members of his own family."
On September 16 FBI CI reported: "[He] has learned Jerry Langella's mother had planned to make a large party at her home to celebrate the release of her son and Allie Boy Persico. However, she was advised not to exert the energy necessary [and] plans were then made to have the party at a catering hall."
Released September 17.
Alphonse Persico released on or near same date.
Around this time Reynold 'Ren' Maragni (23y) began associating with Langella. The two had been introduced when Maragni visited an uncle at FHD. He later testified: "I mostly delivered messages for him and whatever else he asked me to do [including assaults]." In one case Maragni baseball batted an Unsub on Langella's orders as the result of an unauthorized jewelry theft. (Following Langella's incarceration in the 1980s, Maragni continued his involvement in the Family and he was inducted in March 2008, being promoted to Captain a few months later. He began cooperating in 2011.)
On June 23 FBI CI reported: "Hughie 'Mac' McIntosh, a staunch ally of Jerry Langella and Alphonse Persico, is expecting to be released from prison during this coming August." (McIntosh was then serving a nine year sentence at USP Atlanta, Georgia on the same TFIS indictment that led to Carmine Persico's conviction.)
On July 14 FBI NYO reported: "[EDNY] informed this date he had received a phone call from a Federal Correctional officer by the name of [Redacted], FCI, West Street, New York, [who] furnished the following info: [Jerry] Langella was attempting to get guns smuggled into West Street to assist in a possible escape, and based on this info, FCI personnel were considering transferring Langella to the FCI at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. In addition, [EDNY] advised after receiving this info, he received a phone call from [Redacted], an attorney for Langella, who inquired whether the Government would resist in attempting on his part to have Langella furloughed to be examined by an eye doctor. [EDNY] was furnishing the info to this Bureau for any action we deemed appropriate. The writer attempted to contact FCI Officer [Redacted], who put me in touch with Capt. [Redacted], at the Federal House of Detention. [Cpt] stated over the past weekend, they received info from a source, whom he did not care or wish to identify, which indicated Langella was going to be part of the crowd which were considering attempting to escape through a kitchen with outside help. He said in addition to this info, a Correctional Officer at West Street allegedly overheard a conversation between Langella and some unidentified individuals in which Langella was heard to say, 'Once I get out, what will I do, because they have officers situated all over the place'. [Cpt] stated based on this info, they have sought permission, which was granted by the Judge in question and the USAs Office, to have Langella transferred to Lewisburg, and this transfer is to take place [7/15]."
On July 24 sentenced to five months imprisonment for criminal contempt conviction re December 1972 appearance before the Gallo murder Grand Jury.
On August 18 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella was expecting to be transferred to Lewisburg Penitentiary against his wishes, however, was able to have the transfer rescinded and remains in the local Federal House of Detention. Jerry and 'Allie Boy' are anticipating being released on their contempt charges on approximately [9/18], however, Jerry is uncertain about his release, because there may be a warrant on him. Informant advised Gennaro Langella's [redacted], who resides on [redacted] Brooklyn, was recently arrested for [redacted]. He is expected to get time for this charge since he was serving a five year term on probation at the time of his arrest. [Redacted] continues to [redacted] and receives little respect from members of his own family."
On September 16 FBI CI reported: "[He] has learned Jerry Langella's mother had planned to make a large party at her home to celebrate the release of her son and Allie Boy Persico. However, she was advised not to exert the energy necessary [and] plans were then made to have the party at a catering hall."
Released September 17.
Alphonse Persico released on or near same date.
Around this time Reynold 'Ren' Maragni (23y) began associating with Langella. The two had been introduced when Maragni visited an uncle at FHD. He later testified: "I mostly delivered messages for him and whatever else he asked me to do [including assaults]." In one case Maragni baseball batted an Unsub on Langella's orders as the result of an unauthorized jewelry theft. (Following Langella's incarceration in the 1980s, Maragni continued his involvement in the Family and he was inducted in March 2008, being promoted to Captain a few months later. He began cooperating in 2011.)
 |
| C. Franzese |
On September 27 the daughter of Colombo Associate Carmine 'Turi' Franzese married, with
the reception held at Queens Terrace Caterers in Woodside.
Attendees included:
- Thomas DiBella (Colombo Boss)
- Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato (Acting Boss)
- Anthony Abbatemarco (Underboss)
- Alphonse Persico (Consigliere)
- James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza (Captain)
- Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro (Captain)
- Vincent Muce (Captain)
- Rosario 'Black Sam' Nastasa (Acting Captain)
- Charles Panarella (Captain)
- Alphonse D'Ambrosio (Soldier)
- Leonard Dello (Soldier)
- Lorenzo Lampasi Jr. (Soldier)
- Anthony LaPonzina (Soldier)
- Ernest LaPonzina (Soldier)
- Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero (Soldier)
- Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero (Soldier)
- Andrew Lombardino (Soldier)
- Vincent 'Little Jimmy' Melia (Soldier)
- Rocco Miraglia (Soldier)
- Modesto Santoro (Soldier)
- Vincent Scianna (Soldier)
- Joseph 'Jo Jo' Vitacco (Soldier)
- Salvatore Albanese (Associate)
- Michael Bolino (Associate)
- Dominic 'Little Dom' Cataldo (Associate)
- Anthony Colombo (Associate)
- Joseph Colombo Jr. (Associate)
- Frank Falanga (Associate)
- Salvatore 'Sally Buzzo' Fusco (Associate)
- Albert Gallo (Associate)
- Joseph 'Frankie Notch' Iannaci (Associate)
- Frank 'Punchy' Illiano (Associate)
- Gennaro Langella (Associate)
- John Pate (Associate)
- Andrew Russo (Associate)
- Ralph Scopo (Associate)
On October 4 a reception for Soldier Rocco Miraglia's daughter was held at Shalimar Caterers in New Dorp, Staten Island. Langella and most of those named above were in attendance.
Eight days later an informant reported: "[Rocky] was extremely upset because a lot of people he did invite, people he was associated with in the Colombo Family for many years, did not attend. He was particularly upset [Redacted] did not attend and was surprised [Redacted], who is related to Joe Colombo through marriage, did not attend. He advised that he did receive some envelopes containing gifts to the bride from some of the members but many of them just completely ignored the invitation and even failed to send a gift."
Attendees included:
- Thomas DiBella (Colombo Boss)
- Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato (Acting Boss)
- Anthony Abbatemarco (Underboss)
- Alphonse Persico (Consigliere)
- James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza (Captain)
- Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro (Captain)
- Vincent Muce (Captain)
- Rosario 'Black Sam' Nastasa (Acting Captain)
- Charles Panarella (Captain)
- Alphonse D'Ambrosio (Soldier)
- Leonard Dello (Soldier)
- Lorenzo Lampasi Jr. (Soldier)
- Anthony LaPonzina (Soldier)
- Ernest LaPonzina (Soldier)
- Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero (Soldier)
- Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero (Soldier)
- Andrew Lombardino (Soldier)
- Vincent 'Little Jimmy' Melia (Soldier)
- Rocco Miraglia (Soldier)
- Modesto Santoro (Soldier)
- Vincent Scianna (Soldier)
- Joseph 'Jo Jo' Vitacco (Soldier)
- Salvatore Albanese (Associate)
- Michael Bolino (Associate)
- Dominic 'Little Dom' Cataldo (Associate)
- Anthony Colombo (Associate)
- Joseph Colombo Jr. (Associate)
- Frank Falanga (Associate)
- Salvatore 'Sally Buzzo' Fusco (Associate)
- Albert Gallo (Associate)
- Joseph 'Frankie Notch' Iannaci (Associate)
- Frank 'Punchy' Illiano (Associate)
- Gennaro Langella (Associate)
- John Pate (Associate)
- Andrew Russo (Associate)
- Ralph Scopo (Associate)
On October 4 a reception for Soldier Rocco Miraglia's daughter was held at Shalimar Caterers in New Dorp, Staten Island. Langella and most of those named above were in attendance.
Eight days later an informant reported: "[Rocky] was extremely upset because a lot of people he did invite, people he was associated with in the Colombo Family for many years, did not attend. He was particularly upset [Redacted] did not attend and was surprised [Redacted], who is related to Joe Colombo through marriage, did not attend. He advised that he did receive some envelopes containing gifts to the bride from some of the members but many of them just completely ignored the invitation and even failed to send a gift."
 |
| H. McIntosh |
On October 14 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and 'Allie Boy' Persico were supposed to have taken a plane trip to the state of Florida, exact city unknown, during the week of [10/6]. The purpose of this trip was ostensibly to look for a residence for Allie Boy's parents. Both Jerry and Allie Boy were scheduled to return on [10/11]. Informant believes four people took the flight to Florida, however, at this time, had not obtained the identities of the other two people. Hughie McIntosh was recently released from serving a jail term and was observed at Langella's residence [on Cropsey Ave] approximately ten days ago. At that time he was accompanied by an individual who said he was in the floor covering laying business. McIntosh lost about 80 pounds in prison and looks slim now."
On October 20 FBI CI reported: "...Since being released Alphonse Persico has been a regular visitor to Monte's Restaurant on Carroll Street, the Diplomat Bar on Third Avenue and the Nestor Social Club on Fifth Avenue. Informant stated Jerry Langella, who was released from jail with Persico can usually be found at these haunts although Persico in general can be found in the company of Mike Bolino."
On November 7 FBI CI reported: “[He] heard Allie Boy Persico made at least three trips to Florida recently. Informant states Allie Boy accompanied by Jerry Langella on two of those occasions and believed to have visited the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami areas.”
On December 12 FBI CI reported: "[Recently] Jerry Langella was heard to mention among his friends that he had a case of hair dryers and a case of clocks located in his mother's house...Informant had no further details regarding the description of the items or how Langella acquired them."
On December 17 served EDNY FGJ subpoena.
That month included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.
Around this time Langella was identified in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau's Public Morals Violators report as an associate of Colombo Associate Gennaro 'Baby Gene' Cirillo (1929-1982). (Scans from this report were posted many years ago on the forum. Gennaro was a younger brother of deceased Colombo Soldier Aurelius Cirillo.)
On October 20 FBI CI reported: "...Since being released Alphonse Persico has been a regular visitor to Monte's Restaurant on Carroll Street, the Diplomat Bar on Third Avenue and the Nestor Social Club on Fifth Avenue. Informant stated Jerry Langella, who was released from jail with Persico can usually be found at these haunts although Persico in general can be found in the company of Mike Bolino."
On November 7 FBI CI reported: “[He] heard Allie Boy Persico made at least three trips to Florida recently. Informant states Allie Boy accompanied by Jerry Langella on two of those occasions and believed to have visited the Ft. Lauderdale and Miami areas.”
On December 12 FBI CI reported: "[Recently] Jerry Langella was heard to mention among his friends that he had a case of hair dryers and a case of clocks located in his mother's house...Informant had no further details regarding the description of the items or how Langella acquired them."
On December 17 served EDNY FGJ subpoena.
That month included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.
Around this time Langella was identified in the NYPD Organized Crime Control Bureau's Public Morals Violators report as an associate of Colombo Associate Gennaro 'Baby Gene' Cirillo (1929-1982). (Scans from this report were posted many years ago on the forum. Gennaro was a younger brother of deceased Colombo Soldier Aurelius Cirillo.)
1976 - Books Open + Attempted Coup
On January 11 wake for sister-in-law of Colombo Captain Aniello Giannattasio held at Addio's Funeral Home in Downtown Brooklyn. Attendees included Consigliere Alphonse Persico, Soldiers Alphonse D'Ambrosio, Leonard Dello, Vincent Melia and Vincent Scianna as well as Associates Frank Falanga, Salvatore Fusco, Gennaro Langella, Hugh McIntosh and Vincent Regina.
On January 12 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Joe Yak [Yacovelli] met with Allie Boy and also saw Cockeyed Allie, just before the holidays. Informant heard Vic [Redacted; Orena?], Allie Boy, Jerry Lang, Hugh McIntosh and Cockeyed Allie and his crew were seen getting together for the holidays at Sorrentos Restaurant, 5th Avenue, Brooklyn."
On January 13 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella and his mother traveled to Florida recently by plane departing from [JFKIA in Queens]. Jerry offered no reason other than to say they would probably stay at 'Allie Boy's' parents' house. Informant learned indirectly that Jerry Langella made a thousand dollar donation to a priest at the Lady of Peace Catholic Church located in Brooklyn. Informant was unable to learn if this payment was an actual donation to the church."
On January 20 EDNY Strike Force advised FBI NYO: "[SA] advised [Gennaro Langella will be called] before the Federal Grand Jury in the case US v. La Cosa Nostra. [SA] advised should Langella refuse to testify he expects to charge him with criminal contempt rather than civil contempt as civil contempt might be construed as harassment."
In early 1976 the New York Families opened the books and inductions resumed. Each Family was initially allowed ten new members. On February 5 Langella was made as part of the Colombo's initial group under Alphonse Persico's sponsorship.
 |
| Top (L to R): Albanese, Franzese, Fusco, Gambino Bottom (L to R): Langella, Russo, Spero |
Those inducted were:
That date FBI CI reported: “[The] Colombo LCN Family initiated ten new members on the previous Thursday and Friday (February 5 and 6)...Alphonse Persico (Consigliere) sponsored [Jerry Langella and three others]...[Those named] are now ‘good-fellows’ (members of LCN) and recognized as such by all Families."
On March 15 FBI CI reported: "...[With] the latest pressures being brought on Alphonse Persico to kill [Redacted] and appease [Redacted] for the shooting of [Redacted], Persico is talking of leaving Brooklyn and retiring from the 'rackets' as he does not have the stomach for the 'street law'. Informant stated in addition to [redacted], [Redacted] is also looking to take over Persico's operation in Brooklyn. Informant stated that the only one of Persico's men capable of any type of leadership is Jerry Langella, who informant stated has recently been 'made'. Informant advised Langella might stand up to [redacted] but that remains to be seen. Informant advised Langella is a Persico strong-arm man capable of killing people and has the respect of the other Persico members. Informant advised Hugh McIntosh thinks the 'Feds' are going to violate his parole for consorting with known criminals but is still hanging around the Diplomat and Monte's."
On March 26 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Jerry Langella, Salvatore Albanese and Allie Boy Persico were observed to meet on [3/17], with Cockeyed Allie Giannattasio in the vicinity of the Open Kitchen Bar, Brooklyn."
On March 29 FBI CI reported: “[CI] reported that established leaders in the LCN are now in conflict with Carlo Gambino and stated, Gambino no longer speaks with absolute authority. In recent conversations with authorities, he has learned the 'books have been opened'. He stated the following individuals have been ‘made’: Gennaro Langella; Shorty Spero aka Shorty; [Redacted] (ph) (not further identified). According to informant, all Families are considering 'taking in' enough guys to fill the many vacancies created over the years. Informant reported in the past years and confirmed on instant date that to his knowledge, membership in LCN Families has been closed since the year 1958 and with the exception of a few special situations, no one has been admitted to membership.”
On April 5 FBI CI reported: "[Many] members of different crews have been 'made' and he heard about 50 guys have been made by the local LCN. Informant advised members of the Persico crew, who have been made [are] individuals named 'Scapi' (Anthony Scarpati), [Redacted], Jerry Langella...Informant advised Jerry Langella is still held in the highest respect by Alphonse and he and [Redacted] are trusted confidantes."
On April 7 FBI CI reported: “[Although] Anthony Abbatemarco and Thomas DiBella are the titular heads of the Colombo Family, Alphonse Persico has the real power and the other two are merely puppets. [CI] stated Carmine Persico seems to be running the Family from prison. He advised Alphonse Persico has been drinking quite heavily and consumes approximately one quart and a half of scotch every day. He said of the Family members he considers Persico quite dangerous since he makes decisions without conferring with other members and without regard to the consequences. Informant advised Jerry Langella although only recently made, exercises a great deal of influence over Alphonse Persico and is therefore quite a power himself.”
On April 29 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and [Redacted] are planning to enter the pinball machine business when it is legalized in New York. They are currently traveling outside New York attempting to get the best price for the machines to purchase. Although the business will be owned and operated by Langella and [Redacted], it will be fronted by [Redacted]." (The first redacted name may be Carmine Persico's son Alphonse 'Little Allie Boy' Persico [1954-]. Alphonse was inducted the following February and headed the Family in later years before being sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009.)
On May 5 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he observed Alley Boy Persico, Hugh McIntosh, [Redacted] his associate [Redacted], Jerry Langella and Cockeyed Alley among others at the Diplomat Bar on Friday, 4/30/1976." (Others mentioned included Colombo Associate Michael Bolino, inducted under Persico sponsorship in April 1977.)
On May 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella is adding more pinball games to his stock and now has approximately 40 machines out on the street. Jerry receives a percentage of the play and is said to be earning nicely from them. [Redacted] assists him with the delivery and maintains the machines at the spots. Jerry expressed concern over the possibility of going away to do time on a conspiracy charge. He expects to be in court within a month to face disposition of the case."
On May 17 FBI CI reported: "[Alphonse] Persico, Mike Bolino and Jerry Langella have been flying together down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida every two or three weeks since Christmas holidays."
- Salvatore Albanese (40y) [Murdered 1977] [Sponsored by A. Abbatemarco]
- Carmine Franzese (44y) [Died 1990] [Sponsored by J. Brancato]
- Salvatore Fusco (44y) [Died 2000] [Sponsored by J. Yacovelli]
- Philip 'Fat Foongi' Gambino (51y) [Died 1983] [Sponsored by J. Yacovelli]
- Joseph 'Joe Black' Gorgone (50y) [Died 2010] [Sponsored by J. Yacovelli]
- Gennaro Langella (37y) [Died 2013] [Sponsored by A. Persico]
- Andrew Russo (41y) [Died 2022] [Sponsored by A. Persico]
- Anthony Scarpati (42y) [Died 2002] [Sponsored by A. Persico]
- Dominic 'Donnie' Somma (39y) [Murdered 1980] [Sponsored by C. Panarella]
- Thomas Spero (44y) [Murdered 1980] [Sponsored by A. Persico]
That date FBI CI reported: “[The] Colombo LCN Family initiated ten new members on the previous Thursday and Friday (February 5 and 6)...Alphonse Persico (Consigliere) sponsored [Jerry Langella and three others]...[Those named] are now ‘good-fellows’ (members of LCN) and recognized as such by all Families."
On March 15 FBI CI reported: "...[With] the latest pressures being brought on Alphonse Persico to kill [Redacted] and appease [Redacted] for the shooting of [Redacted], Persico is talking of leaving Brooklyn and retiring from the 'rackets' as he does not have the stomach for the 'street law'. Informant stated in addition to [redacted], [Redacted] is also looking to take over Persico's operation in Brooklyn. Informant stated that the only one of Persico's men capable of any type of leadership is Jerry Langella, who informant stated has recently been 'made'. Informant advised Langella might stand up to [redacted] but that remains to be seen. Informant advised Langella is a Persico strong-arm man capable of killing people and has the respect of the other Persico members. Informant advised Hugh McIntosh thinks the 'Feds' are going to violate his parole for consorting with known criminals but is still hanging around the Diplomat and Monte's."
On March 26 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Jerry Langella, Salvatore Albanese and Allie Boy Persico were observed to meet on [3/17], with Cockeyed Allie Giannattasio in the vicinity of the Open Kitchen Bar, Brooklyn."
On March 29 FBI CI reported: “[CI] reported that established leaders in the LCN are now in conflict with Carlo Gambino and stated, Gambino no longer speaks with absolute authority. In recent conversations with authorities, he has learned the 'books have been opened'. He stated the following individuals have been ‘made’: Gennaro Langella; Shorty Spero aka Shorty; [Redacted] (ph) (not further identified). According to informant, all Families are considering 'taking in' enough guys to fill the many vacancies created over the years. Informant reported in the past years and confirmed on instant date that to his knowledge, membership in LCN Families has been closed since the year 1958 and with the exception of a few special situations, no one has been admitted to membership.”
On April 5 FBI CI reported: "[Many] members of different crews have been 'made' and he heard about 50 guys have been made by the local LCN. Informant advised members of the Persico crew, who have been made [are] individuals named 'Scapi' (Anthony Scarpati), [Redacted], Jerry Langella...Informant advised Jerry Langella is still held in the highest respect by Alphonse and he and [Redacted] are trusted confidantes."
On April 7 FBI CI reported: “[Although] Anthony Abbatemarco and Thomas DiBella are the titular heads of the Colombo Family, Alphonse Persico has the real power and the other two are merely puppets. [CI] stated Carmine Persico seems to be running the Family from prison. He advised Alphonse Persico has been drinking quite heavily and consumes approximately one quart and a half of scotch every day. He said of the Family members he considers Persico quite dangerous since he makes decisions without conferring with other members and without regard to the consequences. Informant advised Jerry Langella although only recently made, exercises a great deal of influence over Alphonse Persico and is therefore quite a power himself.”
On April 29 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and [Redacted] are planning to enter the pinball machine business when it is legalized in New York. They are currently traveling outside New York attempting to get the best price for the machines to purchase. Although the business will be owned and operated by Langella and [Redacted], it will be fronted by [Redacted]." (The first redacted name may be Carmine Persico's son Alphonse 'Little Allie Boy' Persico [1954-]. Alphonse was inducted the following February and headed the Family in later years before being sentenced to life imprisonment in 2009.)
On May 5 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he observed Alley Boy Persico, Hugh McIntosh, [Redacted] his associate [Redacted], Jerry Langella and Cockeyed Alley among others at the Diplomat Bar on Friday, 4/30/1976." (Others mentioned included Colombo Associate Michael Bolino, inducted under Persico sponsorship in April 1977.)
On May 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella is adding more pinball games to his stock and now has approximately 40 machines out on the street. Jerry receives a percentage of the play and is said to be earning nicely from them. [Redacted] assists him with the delivery and maintains the machines at the spots. Jerry expressed concern over the possibility of going away to do time on a conspiracy charge. He expects to be in court within a month to face disposition of the case."
On May 17 FBI CI reported: "[Alphonse] Persico, Mike Bolino and Jerry Langella have been flying together down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida every two or three weeks since Christmas holidays."
 |
| S. Albanese |
On June 3 FBI CI reported: “[There] is very bad blood between Salvatore Albanese and Gennaro Langella. Informant said if Albanese had been made and Langella not made, Albanese would take steps to kill Langella. He said Langella was recently scheduled to surrender to begin serving time on a State charge, but for some reason was able to avoid being remanded.”
 |
| C. Gambino |
On June 3 FBI CI reported: "[Prior] to his having been made there was some concern Carlo Gambino would learn that [redacted re Langella]. Informant said this would have caused Langella to be deleted from the list. Now that he has been inducted he cannot be removed except by killing him. Informant said although Gambino would be extremely upset over this, he would not kill him for this reason alone. He said Tommy DiBella would be in an extremely bad light with Gambino if this were discovered."
On July 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella recently made a big party at his mother's residence...This is a private residence and Jerry invited both relatives and numerous associates with whom he conducts business. Jerry was telling some of the individuals business is very good and he is 'earning' very well. Informant added that Jerry has a large wardrobe and he is always well dressed."
On July 14 FBI CI reported: "[He] has had no direct contact with Jerry Langella for approximately 2-3 months. He indicated he learned Langella and crew in late [5/76] were involved in 'washing' large amounts of money from the west coast."
On July 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has a large shylocking business which is currently being handled by [Redacted]. Additionally, [Redacted] handles extensive pinball machine operations for Jerry. Informant is attempting to learn the identities of shylock victims of Langella and will advise."
On August 16 FBI CI reported: "Joey Langella, brother of Jerry, who was said to be a narcotics addict, recently committed an armed robbery and has been apprehended by the NYPD. Joey is being held in local detention for lack of making bail and at this time his family is not attempting to raise money for his bail. Jerry and [Redacted] flew to Las Vegas last week and returned to New York after spending only one day in Vegas. Informant thinks they may have attended a meeting in Las Vegas because of the short stay and they both traveled together. Jerry mentioned he must start serving a short local prison sentence in New York, however he did not provide the details regarding the reason for the sentence."
On August 17 FBI NYO reported: "[CI] advised Jerry Langella's [redacted] and [Redacted] for Allie Boy Persico and Hugh McIntosh in the operation of Royal Amusement Company. [CI] states Persico going to push their machines in just about every location they can on their 'reputation'. [CI] advised there are three or four partners in King Amusement Company and has sixty or seventy stops."
On August 18 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella and [Redacted] share the profits from the two pinball machines they placed at [redacted]. The machines are earning approximately $200 weekly."
On August 20 FBI CI reported: "[The] Alphonse Persico gambling operation is being conducted [redacted paragraph]. This gambling business has been in operation for many years and handles well in excess of $200,000 per week in numbers action. The numbers action is handled by Anthony Scarpati. The numbers operation [redacted]. In addition to that, the operation handles approximately $100,000 a day in football action during the football season. In addition to the numbers and football action, the business also takes bets on trotters. These bets usually come in at night and that operation is directed by Jerry Langella."
On September 24 FBI CI reported: "[Huey] McIntosh, Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella are pushing a lot of shylock money from the old Diplomat Lounge in Brooklyn."
On July 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella recently made a big party at his mother's residence...This is a private residence and Jerry invited both relatives and numerous associates with whom he conducts business. Jerry was telling some of the individuals business is very good and he is 'earning' very well. Informant added that Jerry has a large wardrobe and he is always well dressed."
On July 14 FBI CI reported: "[He] has had no direct contact with Jerry Langella for approximately 2-3 months. He indicated he learned Langella and crew in late [5/76] were involved in 'washing' large amounts of money from the west coast."
On July 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has a large shylocking business which is currently being handled by [Redacted]. Additionally, [Redacted] handles extensive pinball machine operations for Jerry. Informant is attempting to learn the identities of shylock victims of Langella and will advise."
On August 16 FBI CI reported: "Joey Langella, brother of Jerry, who was said to be a narcotics addict, recently committed an armed robbery and has been apprehended by the NYPD. Joey is being held in local detention for lack of making bail and at this time his family is not attempting to raise money for his bail. Jerry and [Redacted] flew to Las Vegas last week and returned to New York after spending only one day in Vegas. Informant thinks they may have attended a meeting in Las Vegas because of the short stay and they both traveled together. Jerry mentioned he must start serving a short local prison sentence in New York, however he did not provide the details regarding the reason for the sentence."
On August 17 FBI NYO reported: "[CI] advised Jerry Langella's [redacted] and [Redacted] for Allie Boy Persico and Hugh McIntosh in the operation of Royal Amusement Company. [CI] states Persico going to push their machines in just about every location they can on their 'reputation'. [CI] advised there are three or four partners in King Amusement Company and has sixty or seventy stops."
On August 18 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella and [Redacted] share the profits from the two pinball machines they placed at [redacted]. The machines are earning approximately $200 weekly."
On August 20 FBI CI reported: "[The] Alphonse Persico gambling operation is being conducted [redacted paragraph]. This gambling business has been in operation for many years and handles well in excess of $200,000 per week in numbers action. The numbers action is handled by Anthony Scarpati. The numbers operation [redacted]. In addition to that, the operation handles approximately $100,000 a day in football action during the football season. In addition to the numbers and football action, the business also takes bets on trotters. These bets usually come in at night and that operation is directed by Jerry Langella."
On September 24 FBI CI reported: "[Huey] McIntosh, Alphonse Persico and Jerry Langella are pushing a lot of shylock money from the old Diplomat Lounge in Brooklyn."
 |
| T. DiBella |
Langella was assigned to Boss Thomas DiBella by the Fall.
Made members reporting direct to DiBella included first wave inductees Gennaro Langella and Andrew Russo as well as Former Acting Boss Joseph Yacovelli. (Yacovelli was a central figure in the internal dissension that followed.)
Made members reporting direct to DiBella included first wave inductees Gennaro Langella and Andrew Russo as well as Former Acting Boss Joseph Yacovelli. (Yacovelli was a central figure in the internal dissension that followed.)
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| G. Langella (L) and A. Russo |
On November 9 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Andrew Russo have recently been made captains in the Colombo Family. At the present time, neither has a crew assigned to him. Source said the making of Russo and Langella as captains has further widened the rift between Tommy DiBella, Anthony Abbatemarco and Alphonse Persico. He said DiBella and Abbatemarco acted specifically against Allie Boy's wishes in making the two captains. He said after a brief sit-down between the three, it was decided no publicity within the Family would be given the new appointments until at least after the new members are inducted in November or December. He said with respect to the running of the Family, Persico has only been able to push Abbatemarco just so far. He said the making of the new captains is an example of DiBella's 'flexing his muscles'. He said despite Persico's opposition to the move, the appointments will stand." (Subsequent reports suggest that Langella and Russo were not formally promoted to Captains until early the following year, but it's possible that's when the appointments were instead made known to the wider membership.)
On November 10 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] has a Hawaiian type restaurant in New Dorp, Staten Island. CI stated [Redacted] can be found there often as can [Redacted] from the Lincoln Lounge and Jerry Lang." (One of the redacted names is Colombo Captain Charles Panarella.)
On November 10 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] has a Hawaiian type restaurant in New Dorp, Staten Island. CI stated [Redacted] can be found there often as can [Redacted] from the Lincoln Lounge and Jerry Lang." (One of the redacted names is Colombo Captain Charles Panarella.)
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| J. Yacovelli |
By the middle of November the Family had divided into two camps. One side supported DiBella and the Persicos. The other, headed by Former Acting Boss Joseph Yacovelli and Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco, felt that DiBella favored the Persicos too strongly and sought to remove him as Boss.
The Yacovelli - Abbatemarco faction had the support of Family Captains Joseph Brancato, James Clemenza, Vincent Gugliaro and Salvatore 'Turi' Lombardino Jr.
Charles Panarella was the only Captain loyal to the Persicos, although some of his men, including Colombo Soldier and Former FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, threw in with Yacovelli.
On November 29 FBI CI reported: "[He] heard on 11/24/1976 that the Colombo Family split into two factions the week of 11/22/1976, one consisting of Joseph Yacovelli, Gregory Scarpa, Salvatore Albanese, Vincent Gugliaro, Anthony Abbatemarco, [Redacted] and others, totaling 10-15 who want Yacovelli to replace Thomas DiBella as Boss of the Family. This group approached Frank Tieri, Boss of the Genovese Family, inasmuch as Tieri is a member of the Commission. There will be a meeting of the Commission to resolve the matter. When Alphonse Persico heard Yacovelli's group approached Tieri he became extremely angry and said he would go to war. In the Persico group are Michael Bolino, [Redacted], Hugh McIntosh, [Redacted] and others yet unknown. [CI] advised Albanese, Bolino and the others are all carrying guns."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "Source advised [Redacted] and Jerry Langella are canvassing connected individuals to see what side they will be on. Source advises Joe Yacovelli has five Colombo Capos aligned with him in his attempt to oust Alphonse Persico and [Redacted]. [Redacted] is trying to obtain a surveillance truck and cars. CI confirms a meeting of the Commission is to be held in the near future."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] and Jerry Lang are currently each carrying pieces. They are also spending time dealing with Apples McIntosh who is also carrying a piece. Source stated all day 11/29/76 and part of 11/30/76, these three men were calling people down and asking them to declare who you are with. Source believes they talked to at least 15 people including some people who were reporting to Mooney Cutrone. Source believes a war is about to break out in the immediate future between the Persico people and the Colombo people. Source believes [Redacted] was behind the shooting of Mooney Cutrone. Source stated contracts are currently out on [Redacted] and [Redacted]. [Redacted] and [Redacted] operate a bookmaking establishment at [redacted] in Brooklyn. There is also a contract out on [Redacted]. [Redacted] operates a night club on [redacted] in Brooklyn. [Redacted] and [Redacted] are all carrying pieces. Source stated many of the Persico crew hang around every Friday and Saturday night at a very large ziganette game which is placed in the back room of the social club at Third Street and Carroll Avenue in Brooklyn. Source stated numerous men, many of them parolees, are in this club Friday and Saturday nights carrying pieces. Source stated at [redacted] is [Redacted]'s ziganette game where numerous Colombo people go to play on every Friday and Saturday night, also heavily armed. Source believes it will be in that immediate neighborhood where the trouble will start. This being due to the fact both clubs are within a block of each other heavily armed at this time."
On December 10 FBI CI reported: "[Hugh] McIntosh frequents the Diplomat Lounge on Third Avenue, in Brooklyn, [redacted]. Among those others who frequent the club are Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella, [Redacted] and Philip Rossillo."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella got a 60 day postponement on his conviction."
In late December a meeting of the Commission was called in to resolve the dispute and sided with DiBella, leading to Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and other dissidents being demoted and the Family undergoing a large scale reorganization.
The Yacovelli - Abbatemarco faction had the support of Family Captains Joseph Brancato, James Clemenza, Vincent Gugliaro and Salvatore 'Turi' Lombardino Jr.
Charles Panarella was the only Captain loyal to the Persicos, although some of his men, including Colombo Soldier and Former FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, threw in with Yacovelli.
On November 29 FBI CI reported: "[He] heard on 11/24/1976 that the Colombo Family split into two factions the week of 11/22/1976, one consisting of Joseph Yacovelli, Gregory Scarpa, Salvatore Albanese, Vincent Gugliaro, Anthony Abbatemarco, [Redacted] and others, totaling 10-15 who want Yacovelli to replace Thomas DiBella as Boss of the Family. This group approached Frank Tieri, Boss of the Genovese Family, inasmuch as Tieri is a member of the Commission. There will be a meeting of the Commission to resolve the matter. When Alphonse Persico heard Yacovelli's group approached Tieri he became extremely angry and said he would go to war. In the Persico group are Michael Bolino, [Redacted], Hugh McIntosh, [Redacted] and others yet unknown. [CI] advised Albanese, Bolino and the others are all carrying guns."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "Source advised [Redacted] and Jerry Langella are canvassing connected individuals to see what side they will be on. Source advises Joe Yacovelli has five Colombo Capos aligned with him in his attempt to oust Alphonse Persico and [Redacted]. [Redacted] is trying to obtain a surveillance truck and cars. CI confirms a meeting of the Commission is to be held in the near future."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] and Jerry Lang are currently each carrying pieces. They are also spending time dealing with Apples McIntosh who is also carrying a piece. Source stated all day 11/29/76 and part of 11/30/76, these three men were calling people down and asking them to declare who you are with. Source believes they talked to at least 15 people including some people who were reporting to Mooney Cutrone. Source believes a war is about to break out in the immediate future between the Persico people and the Colombo people. Source believes [Redacted] was behind the shooting of Mooney Cutrone. Source stated contracts are currently out on [Redacted] and [Redacted]. [Redacted] and [Redacted] operate a bookmaking establishment at [redacted] in Brooklyn. There is also a contract out on [Redacted]. [Redacted] operates a night club on [redacted] in Brooklyn. [Redacted] and [Redacted] are all carrying pieces. Source stated many of the Persico crew hang around every Friday and Saturday night at a very large ziganette game which is placed in the back room of the social club at Third Street and Carroll Avenue in Brooklyn. Source stated numerous men, many of them parolees, are in this club Friday and Saturday nights carrying pieces. Source stated at [redacted] is [Redacted]'s ziganette game where numerous Colombo people go to play on every Friday and Saturday night, also heavily armed. Source believes it will be in that immediate neighborhood where the trouble will start. This being due to the fact both clubs are within a block of each other heavily armed at this time."
On December 10 FBI CI reported: "[Hugh] McIntosh frequents the Diplomat Lounge on Third Avenue, in Brooklyn, [redacted]. Among those others who frequent the club are Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella, [Redacted] and Philip Rossillo."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella got a 60 day postponement on his conviction."
In late December a meeting of the Commission was called in to resolve the dispute and sided with DiBella, leading to Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco and other dissidents being demoted and the Family undergoing a large scale reorganization.
1977 - Reorganization
Following the Commission ruling Joseph Brancato and Salvatore Lombardino Jr. were demoted to Soldier and Brancato was placed directly with the Boss.
Despite his involvement in the plot, James Clemenza was temporarily allowed to keep his crew because they were primarily based in Florida and he was planning to relocate there himself.
Gennaro Langella and Andrew Russo were promoted to (or formally announced as) Captains.
Salvatore J. Profaci, son of the former Boss, was made the new Captain in New Jersey.
Old-time member Vincenzo Randazzo was pulled from near obscurity and promoted as well.
The leadership also reinstated Aniello Giannattasio as Captain with the understanding that, as one informant put it, 'he had conquered his drinking problem'. The CI noted: "If Allie's drinking problem resumes, it is understood that the crew will be taken away from him."
Underboss Anthony Abbatemarco's crew was broken up and split between newly promoted Captains Gennaro Langella and Andrew Russo.
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| V. Foceri |
On January 3 FBI CI reported: "[He] heard during 12/1976, there were a number of meetings held at Vinnie Beans' club, 116th Street and Pleasant Avenue, East Harlem. Informant advised Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella, Hugh McIntosh, [Chris Furnari], Vinnie Beans Foceri, Joe Beck DiPalermo, [Anthony Tortorello and Vincent Ciraulo] all attended these meetings." (Vincent 'Vinnie Beans' Foceri [1918-1979] was elected Lucchese Consigliere around September 1977. Chris 'Christy Tick' Furnari [1924-2018] succeeded Foceri around early 1980. Joseph 'Joe Beck' DiPalermo [1907-1992] was the Lucchese Family's Captain on Prince St in Little Italy. Anthony 'Torty' Tortorello [1936-2000] was a Soldier under DiPalermo and Vincent 'Jimmy 92' Ciraulo [1919-1997] a Soldier in that Family's Harlem crew.)
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| c. Late 1970s |
On January 12 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Andrew Russo have now officially been made Captains and were introduced as such to Captains and members of the other Families."
Made members reporting to Langella included fellow first wave inductees Salvatore Fusco, Anthony Scarpati and Thomas Spero.
The same month Langella was included in the FBI's list of 67 identified Colombo Family members.
On February 4 FBI CI reported: “[Andrew] Russo and Gennaro Langella were made Captains during the previous week.”
On March 3 FBI CI provided an update on the new Family setup, naming Thomas DiBella and Alphonse Persico as Boss and Consigliere respectively. The Underboss position was vacant and would remain so until Carmine Persico was released from Federal prison in 1980.
Captains were Aniello Giannattasio, Gennaro Langella, Charles Panarella, Salvatore J. Profaci, Vincenzo Randazzo, Andrew Russo and Unassigned Florida Crew. Thomas DiBella also had a crew reporting directly to him.
Made members of Langella's crew included Joseph Brancato (Former Acting Boss), Salvatore Fusco, Joseph Peraino, Modesto Santoro, John 'Johnny Green' Scimone and Thomas Spero.
Former Langella crew member Anthony Scarpati was by then reporting direct to Consigliere Alphonse Persico and within a few months was himself promoted to Captain.
On March 31 FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella is turning out to be a very fair Capo for the Colombo Family. Informant advised (FNU) [Redacted] has been proposed for membership. Langella has said that he will speak against [Redacted] because he is only being proposed because he comes from money."
Made members reporting to Langella included fellow first wave inductees Salvatore Fusco, Anthony Scarpati and Thomas Spero.
The same month Langella was included in the FBI's list of 67 identified Colombo Family members.
On February 4 FBI CI reported: “[Andrew] Russo and Gennaro Langella were made Captains during the previous week.”
On March 3 FBI CI provided an update on the new Family setup, naming Thomas DiBella and Alphonse Persico as Boss and Consigliere respectively. The Underboss position was vacant and would remain so until Carmine Persico was released from Federal prison in 1980.
Captains were Aniello Giannattasio, Gennaro Langella, Charles Panarella, Salvatore J. Profaci, Vincenzo Randazzo, Andrew Russo and Unassigned Florida Crew. Thomas DiBella also had a crew reporting directly to him.
Made members of Langella's crew included Joseph Brancato (Former Acting Boss), Salvatore Fusco, Joseph Peraino, Modesto Santoro, John 'Johnny Green' Scimone and Thomas Spero.
Former Langella crew member Anthony Scarpati was by then reporting direct to Consigliere Alphonse Persico and within a few months was himself promoted to Captain.
On March 31 FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella is turning out to be a very fair Capo for the Colombo Family. Informant advised (FNU) [Redacted] has been proposed for membership. Langella has said that he will speak against [Redacted] because he is only being proposed because he comes from money."
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| S. Albanese |
On May 3 Colombo Soldier Salvatore Albanese, who had been one of the dissident faction's strongest supporters, disappeared. He was last seen by members of his family at 3:00 PM. Four hours later he was observed by local police outside a social club at 1714 86th St in Bensonhurst. NYPD intelligence claimed he was en route to a 'peace meeting' with DiBella and members of the Persico faction. It's believed he was murdered the same night on Family orders. Informants later named Colombo Soldier and Former FBI CI Gregory Scarpa and Persico loyalist Hugh McIntosh as suspects.
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| N. Marangello (R) at Toyland (1977) |
On May 11 FBI CI identified surveillance photographs of Langella and Captain Aniello Giannattasio visiting the Bonanno Family's Toyland Social Club in Lower Manhattan. Club overseen by Bonanno Underboss Nicholas 'Nicky Glasses' Marangello.
On May 27 FBI CI reported: "[Alphonse] Persico has put out the word through Jerry Langella the FBI is going to hit all the social clubs and gambling establishments in Brooklyn when the arrest warrant is issued for Salvatore Albanese."
On June 17 FBI attempted interview of Langella: "[Additional] attempts to interview Langella were made at which time unknown individuals at [Langella family] residence, 1617 Cropsey Avenue, were extremely uncooperative refusing to either identify themselves or furnish any information concerning Langella. The hostility which was displayed indicates a complete and total lack of cooperation with the FBI and it is felt that any additional attempts to interview Langella will have to be made on an impromptu basis."
On June 21 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella said to be making good money from his 'pinball machine' business. [Redacted] is employed by this business and drives a [redacted] truck when servicing the route. Jerry thinks he may be jailed again soon on a contempt of court charge. Jerry, at this point, not sure he will have a July 4th party at his home because of [relative's health]."
An FBI chart compiled that month depicted Langella's crew as including the following made members:
On May 27 FBI CI reported: "[Alphonse] Persico has put out the word through Jerry Langella the FBI is going to hit all the social clubs and gambling establishments in Brooklyn when the arrest warrant is issued for Salvatore Albanese."
On June 17 FBI attempted interview of Langella: "[Additional] attempts to interview Langella were made at which time unknown individuals at [Langella family] residence, 1617 Cropsey Avenue, were extremely uncooperative refusing to either identify themselves or furnish any information concerning Langella. The hostility which was displayed indicates a complete and total lack of cooperation with the FBI and it is felt that any additional attempts to interview Langella will have to be made on an impromptu basis."
On June 21 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella said to be making good money from his 'pinball machine' business. [Redacted] is employed by this business and drives a [redacted] truck when servicing the route. Jerry thinks he may be jailed again soon on a contempt of court charge. Jerry, at this point, not sure he will have a July 4th party at his home because of [relative's health]."
An FBI chart compiled that month depicted Langella's crew as including the following made members:
- Anthony 'Gawk' Augello - Former Franzese / Brancato crew
- Michael Bolino - Persico loyalist inducted that April
- Vincent Gugliaro - Another of the Former Captains who had sided against DiBella
- Rosario Nastasa - Former Franzese / Brancato crew
- Philip Rossillo - Inducted that February
- Thomas Spero
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| Sep. 1977 |
On September 9 FBI CI reported: "[He] viewed the attached [surveillance photo and] and identified unsub as Colombo Family Captain Jerry Langella." (These photos were taken at the Bonanno Family's Toyland club.)
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| B. Aloi |
Around September 17 ceremony held where ten new members inducted. Langella sponsored at least one of the inductees, Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi.
When Langella was appointed to the Family's administration Aloi took over his crew, and later followed him into the Underboss position when Langella was incarcerated in the mid-1980s.
Around September 29 FBI CI reported: "[Ten] new members were 'made' in the Colombo Family [on 9/17]. One new member, Benedetto Aloi, was sponsored by Langella."
On September 29 FBI CI reported: “[Jerry] Langella [in CI's estimation] should be 'made' by now. Approximately ten years ago, informant held a crap game [redacted], which was run by the Persico crew. At this time, Jerry Langella was the money man for the game, and informant [redacted]. Informant viewed a photo of the Persico regime and advised he knows, to various degrees, all members and associates of this crew. He added he no longer directly associates with these people, as he has before via gambling, etc.”
On November 3 FBI CI reported: "[Michael] Bolino, Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella and Charles Panarella are opening a discotheque on 13th Avenue and 76th Street, Brooklyn. Informant advised the place is due to open on [11/5] and will have gambling upstairs. Informant stated the discotheque is located in a building which was formerly a tile warehouse."
By mid-November made members of Langella's crew included Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Vincent Gugliaro, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo and Joseph Yacovelli.
When Langella was appointed to the Family's administration Aloi took over his crew, and later followed him into the Underboss position when Langella was incarcerated in the mid-1980s.
Around September 29 FBI CI reported: "[Ten] new members were 'made' in the Colombo Family [on 9/17]. One new member, Benedetto Aloi, was sponsored by Langella."
On September 29 FBI CI reported: “[Jerry] Langella [in CI's estimation] should be 'made' by now. Approximately ten years ago, informant held a crap game [redacted], which was run by the Persico crew. At this time, Jerry Langella was the money man for the game, and informant [redacted]. Informant viewed a photo of the Persico regime and advised he knows, to various degrees, all members and associates of this crew. He added he no longer directly associates with these people, as he has before via gambling, etc.”
On November 3 FBI CI reported: "[Michael] Bolino, Alphonse Persico, Jerry Langella and Charles Panarella are opening a discotheque on 13th Avenue and 76th Street, Brooklyn. Informant advised the place is due to open on [11/5] and will have gambling upstairs. Informant stated the discotheque is located in a building which was formerly a tile warehouse."
By mid-November made members of Langella's crew included Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Vincent Gugliaro, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo and Joseph Yacovelli.
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| J. Matera |
On November 16 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Allie Boy Persico recently traveled to Miami, Florida, for a week to meet with Johnny Irish [Matera]. Informant said Allie Boy wants to have a skipper and a crew in the Miami area to branch out the Colombo Family operations. Informant said Allie Boy is very impressed with Matera and will increase his strength. Informant said Persico has been able to control Tommy DiBella, who does not appear to be able to make any decisions without consulting Allie Boy. Informant also noted Jerry Langella has said in case of his absence should he be imprisoned, Vincent Randazzo would assume leadership of his crew." (Vincenzo Randazzo [1901-1987] had been named Captain of his own small crew following the reorganization in early 1977. John 'Johnny Irish' Matera [1932-1981] was inducted in early February 1977.)
On November 29 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella, Allie Boy and Scappy [Scarpati] handle most of the gambling action for the Colombo Family. Informant said Jerry and Allie Boy handle the flats and trotters and [Redacted] handles all of Jerry Lang's work, but does not use the Diplomat Lounge as a drop or office. Informant said Scappy handles the sports and policy and much of the shylocking. Informant said Scappy has football cards printed on Monday and Monday night they are sold at the 5th Avenue Club at a rate of 2000 cards for $37. Informant said Scappy personally handles the money from the sports action and has the policy collection turned over to him personally. Informant noted this gambling action is the largest source of revenue to the Colombo Family."
That month FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella's crew consists of: Anthony Augello; [Redacted Names]; Thomas Spero; Joseph Yacovelli; Benedetto Aloi and [Redacted]."
On December 1 FBI CI noted Langella was 'extremely upset' about a recent FBI raid, details redacted.
Also on that date (same?) CI reported on recent wakes for relatives of both Langella and Captain Anthony Scarpati held at the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst: "[Wakes] were attended by numerous New York City area Organized Crime figures including virtually all members of the Joseph Colombo LCN Family."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[He] had heard that Jerry Lang is now a Capo in the Colombos."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella had a meeting of his crew on [12/20], at Georgy Girl's, Brooklyn, which is owned in part by Vincent Gugliaro. Informant said that Langella wanted to get the crew together as a Christmas gesture and also to bring the crew closer together."
On November 29 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella, Allie Boy and Scappy [Scarpati] handle most of the gambling action for the Colombo Family. Informant said Jerry and Allie Boy handle the flats and trotters and [Redacted] handles all of Jerry Lang's work, but does not use the Diplomat Lounge as a drop or office. Informant said Scappy handles the sports and policy and much of the shylocking. Informant said Scappy has football cards printed on Monday and Monday night they are sold at the 5th Avenue Club at a rate of 2000 cards for $37. Informant said Scappy personally handles the money from the sports action and has the policy collection turned over to him personally. Informant noted this gambling action is the largest source of revenue to the Colombo Family."
That month FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella's crew consists of: Anthony Augello; [Redacted Names]; Thomas Spero; Joseph Yacovelli; Benedetto Aloi and [Redacted]."
On December 1 FBI CI noted Langella was 'extremely upset' about a recent FBI raid, details redacted.
Also on that date (same?) CI reported on recent wakes for relatives of both Langella and Captain Anthony Scarpati held at the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst: "[Wakes] were attended by numerous New York City area Organized Crime figures including virtually all members of the Joseph Colombo LCN Family."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[He] had heard that Jerry Lang is now a Capo in the Colombos."
On December 22 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella had a meeting of his crew on [12/20], at Georgy Girl's, Brooklyn, which is owned in part by Vincent Gugliaro. Informant said that Langella wanted to get the crew together as a Christmas gesture and also to bring the crew closer together."
1978
In January FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Brancato, [Redacted] and [Redacted] had joined the Langella crew."
On January 11 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Yacovelli has been coming into the city about every two weeks to meet with Jerry Langella concerning Family business. Informant said Yacovelli seldom leaves his residence in Norwood, New Jersey, and the only time he is seen is to meet with Langella."
On February 19 FBI CI reported: "[Alphonse] Persico and Jerry Langella spent the weekend of [2/17] in Florida. Informant stated it is his belief that Persico and Langella went to Florida to attend some type of meeting."
Same month FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella and Alphonse Persico flew to Florida on [2/17]. Langella visited [Redacted] and then reported to Alphonse at his summer home in the Catskills concerning James Fratianno. On [2/24] Langella and Persico met with John Matera in Miami concerning Fratianno and returned to New York [2/27]." (Los Angeles Member Aladena 'Jimmy the Weasel' Fratianno had recently defected.)
On March 15 FBI CI reported: "[Michael] Bolino has put in a slot machine in the Diplomat Lounge, 3rd Avenue and Carroll Street, Brooklyn and said it is on the left hand side of the entrance. Informant said he does not understand why Jerry Langella allows a slot machine in the Diplomat, particularly since they have lost machines in the past from raids, plus the fact that Langella operates a very large loansharking business from the Diplomat."
On March 15 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that [redacted]. Informant said [Redacted] is still under Jerry Langella at this time, but may be placed in Johnny 'Irish' Matera's crew in the near future." (Matera was promoted to Captain by the summer.)
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| C. Furnari |
On March 31 FBI CI reported: "[Lucchese Captain Chris] Furnari recently advised informant that someone close to Allie Boy Persico has a direct line to the FBI and advises the FBI on Colombo Family business. Informant said this information came from someone in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office who kept Chris Furnari informed, and noted that Furnari is very close-mouthed about the identity of this source. Informant said Chris Furnari met on [redacted] with Allie Boy Persico at [redacted] concerning this matter. Informant said Chris Furnari also met with Jerry Langella the same evening to discuss not only the Colombo leak, but also what attempts the Colombo and Lucchese Families can make in an effort to determine who has been kidnapping relatives of 'good fellows'. Informant said that several attempts have apparently been made to kidnap the children of 'made guys' for the purpose of ransom. Informant said this same type of activity occurred a couple of years ago when several 'wise guys' were kidnapped and ransomed back at that time, three individuals believed to be former police officers were suspected of doing the kidnappings." (In later years Furnari's protege, Lucchese Underboss Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso, had his own LE source: two NYPD Detectives, both of whom were subsequently convicted of Federal racketeering charges that included the murder of a Gambino Captain on Casso's behalf.)
On March 31 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Yacovelli comes into Brooklyn about every two weeks to meet with Jerry Langella and Anthony Scarpati."
On May 14 received at Rikers Island Penitentiary re contempt conviction.
On March 31 FBI CI reported: "[Joseph] Yacovelli comes into Brooklyn about every two weeks to meet with Jerry Langella and Anthony Scarpati."
On May 14 received at Rikers Island Penitentiary re contempt conviction.
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| T. Spero |
Crew member Thomas Spero was designated the Acting Captain while Langella served his sentence.
On May 18 FBI CI reported: "[Hugh] McIntosh accompanied Gennaro Langella when Langella surrendered to begin serving a five month State sentence for contempt of court. (This sentence was imposed as a result of Langella's refusal to answer GJ questions in connection with the 1972 killing of Joe Gallo)."
On May 18 FBI CI reported: “[Jerry] Langella was incarcerated at Rikers Island on [5/15] and will be there until [9/78]. Informant said Langella was sent to Rikers on a local charge. Informant said ‘Shorty’ Spero will be the acting captain of Langella's crew. Informant said that Allie Boy Persico wants Langella to become Underboss of the Family which would give Spero the captain's job permanently. Informant said [Redacted] wants the Underboss position but is not liked by Allie Boy and Persico usually gets what he wants in Family matters. Informant said Langella could assume this position while in Rikers Island. Informant said the Family is looking for contacts in Rikers Island so as to get Langella a job in the hospital."
On June 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has not been allowed to see any visitors at Rikers Island and members of his crew cannot get to see him concerning Family business."
Same month FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is a Colombo Family member and part of Jerry Lang's crew."
On July 31 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Lang is supposed to get out of Rikers Island on [8/8] and will resume control of his crew. Informant said Allie Boy Persico is still considering recommending Langella to be the Underboss and giving the crew to Shorty Spero. Informant also noted that Langella may take over Cockeye Al's crew since Giannattasio has a serious drinking problem." (Giannattasio held on to the position until his death the following year.)
Released from Rikers by mid-August.
On August 17 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Hugh Apples McIntosh of the Colombo crew meet daily in Monte's Restaurant on Carroll Street in Brooklyn. They then go to Jerry Lang's club on the next corner and conduct pinochle games for stakes as high as $1,000 per game or $500 per hole."
On September 7 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is loansharking on [redacted] with some of Jerry Lang's money. Informant said [Redacted] is not made, but can be found at [redacted]."
On May 18 FBI CI reported: "[Hugh] McIntosh accompanied Gennaro Langella when Langella surrendered to begin serving a five month State sentence for contempt of court. (This sentence was imposed as a result of Langella's refusal to answer GJ questions in connection with the 1972 killing of Joe Gallo)."
On May 18 FBI CI reported: “[Jerry] Langella was incarcerated at Rikers Island on [5/15] and will be there until [9/78]. Informant said Langella was sent to Rikers on a local charge. Informant said ‘Shorty’ Spero will be the acting captain of Langella's crew. Informant said that Allie Boy Persico wants Langella to become Underboss of the Family which would give Spero the captain's job permanently. Informant said [Redacted] wants the Underboss position but is not liked by Allie Boy and Persico usually gets what he wants in Family matters. Informant said Langella could assume this position while in Rikers Island. Informant said the Family is looking for contacts in Rikers Island so as to get Langella a job in the hospital."
On June 19 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has not been allowed to see any visitors at Rikers Island and members of his crew cannot get to see him concerning Family business."
Same month FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is a Colombo Family member and part of Jerry Lang's crew."
On July 31 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Lang is supposed to get out of Rikers Island on [8/8] and will resume control of his crew. Informant said Allie Boy Persico is still considering recommending Langella to be the Underboss and giving the crew to Shorty Spero. Informant also noted that Langella may take over Cockeye Al's crew since Giannattasio has a serious drinking problem." (Giannattasio held on to the position until his death the following year.)
Released from Rikers by mid-August.
On August 17 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella and Hugh Apples McIntosh of the Colombo crew meet daily in Monte's Restaurant on Carroll Street in Brooklyn. They then go to Jerry Lang's club on the next corner and conduct pinochle games for stakes as high as $1,000 per game or $500 per hole."
On September 7 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] is loansharking on [redacted] with some of Jerry Lang's money. Informant said [Redacted] is not made, but can be found at [redacted]."
1979
 |
| J. Cacace Gang Land News |
In May FBI CI reported: "[Joel] Cacace, who operates Waverly Florist, 1322 Avenue U, Brooklyn, was made in the Colombo Family as a favor after hiding one of Jerry Langella's nephews. Informant said Cacace, aka Joe Waverly, did a great service to Langella and was rewarded for his efforts."
By June made members of Langella's crew included Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Joseph Brancato, Edward Fanelli, Vincent Gugliaro, Vito Guzzo, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo, Joseph 'Lefty' SanGiorgio, Ralph Scopo, Thomas Spero and Joseph Yacovelli.
Associates of interest believed included Louis 'Bobo' Malpeso, Joseph Scopo and Ralph Scopo Jr. among others. (All were inducted in later years.)
Same month included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.
By June made members of Langella's crew included Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Joseph Brancato, Edward Fanelli, Vincent Gugliaro, Vito Guzzo, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo, Joseph 'Lefty' SanGiorgio, Ralph Scopo, Thomas Spero and Joseph Yacovelli.
Associates of interest believed included Louis 'Bobo' Malpeso, Joseph Scopo and Ralph Scopo Jr. among others. (All were inducted in later years.)
Same month included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.
 |
| C. Persico |
On December 5 Carmine Persico was released from Federal prison and began maneuvering to take over the Family.
 |
| A. Augello |
On December 24 FBI CI reported: "[Langella crew member Tony] Augello attended a meeting at [redacted], and noted Colombo Boss Thomas DiBella and all of the Colombo Capos were there. Informant noted that Augello was in violation of his parole and was worried about being seen." (In May 1983 Colombo Soldier Anthony Augello (59y) shot himself inside a phone booth in Long Island. He and Carmine Persico's son Alphonse were indicted the previous month on Federal narcotics charges, and Augello may have been blamed for getting the Boss's son involved in a drug case.)
1980
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| J. Franzese (L) and A. Russo |
On February 22 FBI CI reported: "[Carmine Persico] recently has made a move to establish himself as the Boss of the Colombo Family by requesting a sit-down with the current Boss, Thomas DiBella. Informant said DiBella is currently residing in Florida, is not in good health and has refused to meet with [Persico] concerning this matter. Informant said that it is only a matter of one or two months before [Persico] advises DiBella it is time for him to retire, at which time [Persico] will assume control of the Family, leaving Allie Boy Persico, [his brother], in the possession of Consigliere, and filling the position of Underboss with Jerry Langella. Informant advised that contrary to belief among local LE officials, [Redacted; John Franzese?] is still maintaining a very low profile and does not have the strength [Persico] has in the Colombo Family, and although it would be wise to put [Franzese?] in as Underboss to solidify the Family activities, [Franzese?] has already expressed his preference for Jerry Langella to fill that slot. Furthermore, informant advised that there was speculation [Andrew Russo] may also be in the running for the position of Underboss, which he would like to have, but [Russo]'s problems with the IRS people have him extremely worried and as a result, he has become very scarce."
On March 18 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has moved from his Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn address to a new residence in Staten Island. Informant said that Langella also continues to engage in shylocking and has become very strong in the Family due to closeness to 'Allie Boy' Persico. Informant noted, however, that Langella is not as close to [Carmine Persico] as to Allie Boy and he may lose some of his influence when [Carmine] becomes a boss of the Family."
On April 5 Vincent DeMaio (31y) shotgunned to death outside his residence on E 23rd St in Sheepshead Bay. Suspected participants included Samuel 'Sammy the Syrian' Zahlraban, a longtime Gallo faction affiliate who was reporting direct to Alphonse Persico by the mid-1970s. At the time of his murder DeMaio was associated with the Langella crew.
On June 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang', Colombo Capo, has a severe drinking problem, is halfway intelligent, and has a lot of nerve. Langella made 'Capo' as he is a Persico guy."
On June 23 Consigliere Alphonse Persico failed to appear in USDC Brooklyn for a pre-sentencing hearing re May 1980 loansharking conviction. He remained a fugitive for the next seven years.
Three days later CI Scarpa, now reactivated as an FBI source, identified Langella, Scarpati and others as Captains and gave Agent(s) a general breakdown of the Family's status.
On July 30 FBI CI reported: "...Colombo Capo [Redacted] has risen steadily in influence in the Colombo Family particularly since the disappearance of Allie Boy Persico, and continues to operate at [redacted]. Source advised [Redacted] can be found frequently with Jerry Langella, also a Colombo Capo, and noted Langella is rumored to be in line for the position of Consigliere, as a replacement for Allie Boy Persico."
On August 5 CI Scarpa reported: "[It] appears that Jerry Langella will become the Consigliere of the Colombo Family in the near future to replace the vacancy left by Alphonse Persico. Source noted [Carmine Persico] has been running the Family since [redacted] and Thomas DiBella is strictly the titular head of the Colombo Family and prefers to remain in semi-retirement in Florida."
Following the death of Captain Aniello Giannattasio on August 10, his crew was taken over by close Langella associate Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano. (Within a couple of years Montemarano was helping Langella run the Family.)
On August 26 CI Scarpa reported: “[Jerry] Langella, in the absence of Alphonse Persico, has been meeting with Lucchese Capo, Chris Furnari, at the 19th Hole, 86th Street and 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, noting there has been a long time association between the two Families with respect to the exchange of information, and Langella is now handling this contact."
On March 18 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has moved from his Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn address to a new residence in Staten Island. Informant said that Langella also continues to engage in shylocking and has become very strong in the Family due to closeness to 'Allie Boy' Persico. Informant noted, however, that Langella is not as close to [Carmine Persico] as to Allie Boy and he may lose some of his influence when [Carmine] becomes a boss of the Family."
On April 5 Vincent DeMaio (31y) shotgunned to death outside his residence on E 23rd St in Sheepshead Bay. Suspected participants included Samuel 'Sammy the Syrian' Zahlraban, a longtime Gallo faction affiliate who was reporting direct to Alphonse Persico by the mid-1970s. At the time of his murder DeMaio was associated with the Langella crew.
On June 6 FBI CI reported: "Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang', Colombo Capo, has a severe drinking problem, is halfway intelligent, and has a lot of nerve. Langella made 'Capo' as he is a Persico guy."
On June 23 Consigliere Alphonse Persico failed to appear in USDC Brooklyn for a pre-sentencing hearing re May 1980 loansharking conviction. He remained a fugitive for the next seven years.
Three days later CI Scarpa, now reactivated as an FBI source, identified Langella, Scarpati and others as Captains and gave Agent(s) a general breakdown of the Family's status.
On July 30 FBI CI reported: "...Colombo Capo [Redacted] has risen steadily in influence in the Colombo Family particularly since the disappearance of Allie Boy Persico, and continues to operate at [redacted]. Source advised [Redacted] can be found frequently with Jerry Langella, also a Colombo Capo, and noted Langella is rumored to be in line for the position of Consigliere, as a replacement for Allie Boy Persico."
On August 5 CI Scarpa reported: "[It] appears that Jerry Langella will become the Consigliere of the Colombo Family in the near future to replace the vacancy left by Alphonse Persico. Source noted [Carmine Persico] has been running the Family since [redacted] and Thomas DiBella is strictly the titular head of the Colombo Family and prefers to remain in semi-retirement in Florida."
Following the death of Captain Aniello Giannattasio on August 10, his crew was taken over by close Langella associate Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano. (Within a couple of years Montemarano was helping Langella run the Family.)
On August 26 CI Scarpa reported: “[Jerry] Langella, in the absence of Alphonse Persico, has been meeting with Lucchese Capo, Chris Furnari, at the 19th Hole, 86th Street and 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, noting there has been a long time association between the two Families with respect to the exchange of information, and Langella is now handling this contact."
 |
P. Rossillo |
On September 9, at approximately 8:15 AM, Associate Samuel Zahlraban wounded in shooting attempt outside his residence in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Zahralban hit in right leg, arm and chest by shotgun pellets. CI Scarpa subsequently identified the Langella crew as responsible and named Soldier Philip Rossillo as one of the participants.
On September 23 FBI CI reported: "Colombo LCN Family Capo Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang' in early 1980, stole away Vincent De Meio (ph) from the 'crew' of [Redacted] (ph), aka 'Sammy the Syrian'. At that time, Langella and [Redacted] were involved in some major hard narcotics dealings. From all this narcotics money, De Meio (ph) promptly got a 'big head' and soon became involved in a dispute with an unsub hoodlum. De Meio (ph) was murdered gangland style in about [4/80]. Langella told his associates he thought [Redacted] was responsible for De Meio's murder. Just before the murder, De Meio (ph) had been associating with [Redacted], some of whom were recently 'made'. In [9/80], an unsuccessful murder attempt was made on [Redacted] (ph). Informant believes [Redacted] and J. Langella to be behind this murder attempt." (Re Zahralban noted above.)
On October 17 included in the FBI's list of 90 identified Colombo Family members.
An FBI chart compiled the same date noted that Langella's crew now consisted of made members Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Joseph Brancato, Fred Clemenza, Edward Fanelli, Vincent Gugliaro, Vito Guzzo, Benjamin LoCicero, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo, Joseph SanGiorgio, Ralph Scopo and Joseph Yacovelli.
On October 23 FBI CI reported: "In late 1979, two unsubs of the about fifteen members of the 'crew' of [Redacted] left [Redacted] as they could not 'earn' with him. These unsubs went with Colombo LCN Family Capo Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang'. Langella was also running a lucrative narcotics operation. The two unsubs persuaded [Redacted] crew member Vincent DeMaio [to] join Langella's crew in early 1980. DeMaio was murdered on [4/5] and Langella suspected [Redacted] of the murder and was furious as a result. DeMaio, and probably the two unsubs and others in Langella's crew were involved at that time in 'ripping off', robbing and sometimes murdering legitimate citizens, gamblers, etc., who were trying to make some fast narcotics money. Informant guesses DeMaio may have robbed or murdered someone who turned out to be well connected and got 'hit' as a result."
Around this time Boss Thomas DiBella stepped down and was replaced by Carmine Persico.
Following Persico's election to Boss, Langella was initially appointed Acting Consigliere.
On October 27 FBI CI reported: "[Tommy] DiBella recently stepped-down as Boss of the Colombo Family. Informant stated [Carmine Persico] has assumed leadership of the Family with Allie Boy Persico being appointed Underboss and Jerry Lang appointed Consigliere."
On November 5 CI Scarpa reported: “[Carmine] Persico has been officially elevated to the position of Boss of the Colombo Family, and Jerry Langella is the Acting Consigliere. Source advised Thomas DiBella was requested to step down in favor of Persico, with the approval of the National Commission.”
On November 24 FBI CI reported: "[Since] Carmine Persico has assumed leadership of the Colombo Family, he recently appointed Jerry Lang as Underboss and Tommy DiBella is acting as Consigliere."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is currently the Acting Consigliere of the Colombo Family in the absence of Allie Boy Persico. Source advised Langella can still be found on a regular basis at the Diplomat Social Club on Carroll Street and Third Avenue, Brooklyn, but now meets more frequently with [Redacted]."
On December 2 CI Scarpa reported: “[One] of the individuals involved in [attempted hit on Samuel Zahralban] was Chubby Rossillo, a member of the Colombo Family under Jerry Langella. Source noted the Colombo Family is still seeking the whereabouts of Zahralban in an effort to finish the job.” (Zahralban died in 2006.)
On September 23 FBI CI reported: "Colombo LCN Family Capo Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang' in early 1980, stole away Vincent De Meio (ph) from the 'crew' of [Redacted] (ph), aka 'Sammy the Syrian'. At that time, Langella and [Redacted] were involved in some major hard narcotics dealings. From all this narcotics money, De Meio (ph) promptly got a 'big head' and soon became involved in a dispute with an unsub hoodlum. De Meio (ph) was murdered gangland style in about [4/80]. Langella told his associates he thought [Redacted] was responsible for De Meio's murder. Just before the murder, De Meio (ph) had been associating with [Redacted], some of whom were recently 'made'. In [9/80], an unsuccessful murder attempt was made on [Redacted] (ph). Informant believes [Redacted] and J. Langella to be behind this murder attempt." (Re Zahralban noted above.)
On October 17 included in the FBI's list of 90 identified Colombo Family members.
An FBI chart compiled the same date noted that Langella's crew now consisted of made members Benedetto Aloi, Anthony Augello, Michael Bolino, Joseph Brancato, Fred Clemenza, Edward Fanelli, Vincent Gugliaro, Vito Guzzo, Benjamin LoCicero, Rosario Nastasa, Philip Rossillo, Joseph SanGiorgio, Ralph Scopo and Joseph Yacovelli.
On October 23 FBI CI reported: "In late 1979, two unsubs of the about fifteen members of the 'crew' of [Redacted] left [Redacted] as they could not 'earn' with him. These unsubs went with Colombo LCN Family Capo Jerry Langella, aka 'Jerry Lang'. Langella was also running a lucrative narcotics operation. The two unsubs persuaded [Redacted] crew member Vincent DeMaio [to] join Langella's crew in early 1980. DeMaio was murdered on [4/5] and Langella suspected [Redacted] of the murder and was furious as a result. DeMaio, and probably the two unsubs and others in Langella's crew were involved at that time in 'ripping off', robbing and sometimes murdering legitimate citizens, gamblers, etc., who were trying to make some fast narcotics money. Informant guesses DeMaio may have robbed or murdered someone who turned out to be well connected and got 'hit' as a result."
Around this time Boss Thomas DiBella stepped down and was replaced by Carmine Persico.
Following Persico's election to Boss, Langella was initially appointed Acting Consigliere.
On October 27 FBI CI reported: "[Tommy] DiBella recently stepped-down as Boss of the Colombo Family. Informant stated [Carmine Persico] has assumed leadership of the Family with Allie Boy Persico being appointed Underboss and Jerry Lang appointed Consigliere."
On November 5 CI Scarpa reported: “[Carmine] Persico has been officially elevated to the position of Boss of the Colombo Family, and Jerry Langella is the Acting Consigliere. Source advised Thomas DiBella was requested to step down in favor of Persico, with the approval of the National Commission.”
On November 24 FBI CI reported: "[Since] Carmine Persico has assumed leadership of the Colombo Family, he recently appointed Jerry Lang as Underboss and Tommy DiBella is acting as Consigliere."
On December 1 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is currently the Acting Consigliere of the Colombo Family in the absence of Allie Boy Persico. Source advised Langella can still be found on a regular basis at the Diplomat Social Club on Carroll Street and Third Avenue, Brooklyn, but now meets more frequently with [Redacted]."
On December 2 CI Scarpa reported: “[One] of the individuals involved in [attempted hit on Samuel Zahralban] was Chubby Rossillo, a member of the Colombo Family under Jerry Langella. Source noted the Colombo Family is still seeking the whereabouts of Zahralban in an effort to finish the job.” (Zahralban died in 2006.)
On December 17 Langella crew member Fred Clemenza died. Waked two days later at Guarino Funeral Home in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
1981 - Underboss + Acting Boss
By early January appointed official Colombo Underboss.
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| Gang Land News |
On January 7 CI Scarpa reported: “[Benny] Aloi is now the acting capo for Jerry Langella inasmuch as Langella has now been permanently appointed the Underboss of the Colombo Family.”
On January 15 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has now taken over the position of Underboss of the Colombo Family, and is no longer the Acting Consigliere. Source advised the position of Consigliere is now open, and will probably be filled in the near future as soon as [Carmine Persico] has had a chance to meet with the National Commission. Source advised [Persico] is seeking a Commission meeting in an attempt to bring in more members into the Colombo Family."
On February 4 members of the Bonanno Family met at Ferncliffe Caterers in Gravesend in an attempt to peacefully resolve a leadership dispute.
Attendees included Bonanno Acting Boss Salvatore 'Toto' Catalano, at least nine of that Family's Captains, at least four of their Soldiers as well as the following representatives from the Colombo and Gambino Families:
On January 15 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has now taken over the position of Underboss of the Colombo Family, and is no longer the Acting Consigliere. Source advised the position of Consigliere is now open, and will probably be filled in the near future as soon as [Carmine Persico] has had a chance to meet with the National Commission. Source advised [Persico] is seeking a Commission meeting in an attempt to bring in more members into the Colombo Family."
On February 4 members of the Bonanno Family met at Ferncliffe Caterers in Gravesend in an attempt to peacefully resolve a leadership dispute.
Attendees included Bonanno Acting Boss Salvatore 'Toto' Catalano, at least nine of that Family's Captains, at least four of their Soldiers as well as the following representatives from the Colombo and Gambino Families:
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
Joseph N. Gallo (Gambino Consigliere) [No relation to the Colombo Gallos]
John Matera (Colombo Captain)
Angelo Ruggiero (Gambino Soldier)
Joseph N. Gallo (Gambino Consigliere) [No relation to the Colombo Gallos]
John Matera (Colombo Captain)
Angelo Ruggiero (Gambino Soldier)
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| J. Gallo (L) and G. Langella at Ferncliffe Caterers (Feb. 1981) |
Langella, Gallo and their subordinates attended as neutral mediators.
Meeting cut short when the group noticed members of the Suffolk County PD conducting surveillance.
(Additional meetings were held but the situation continued to deteriorate, resulting in the May 5 murder of three Bonanno Captains. Following those murders Langella was among the leaders of New York's other four Families whom the victorious faction reached out to in order to justify their actions.)
Meeting cut short when the group noticed members of the Suffolk County PD conducting surveillance.
(Additional meetings were held but the situation continued to deteriorate, resulting in the May 5 murder of three Bonanno Captains. Following those murders Langella was among the leaders of New York's other four Families whom the victorious faction reached out to in order to justify their actions.)
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| R. DeMeo |
On February 22 FBI CI reported on hijacking arrests carried out the previous day that in some way involved Langella as well as Gambino Soldier Roy DeMeo.
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| V. Orena Gang Land News |
Around early March Colombo Soldier 'Little Vic' Orena was transferred to Langella's crew. (The following decade Orena would spearhead another failed attempt at ousting the Persicos from power.)
On March 24 CI Scarpa reported that Benedetto Aloi was now the official Captain of Langella's former crew. He also noted: "[Langella] now hangs out at a new location on 18th Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets in Brooklyn."
On April 8 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has recently become extremely powerful in the Colombo LCN Family, and more and more he is handling the daily business of that Family at the request of [Carmine Persico]. Source noted Jerry Lang has moved his operation from Carroll Street and Third Avenue, Brooklyn, to the area of 76th Street, in Brooklyn, between 19th and 20th Streets."
By May resided on Gold Ave in Staten Island's Arden Heights neighborhood.
On May 6 meeting being held between the Colombo and DeCavalcante Families at the home of Colombo Associate Vincent Regina in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. At approximately 10:30 PM Federal Agents raided the location. Those present included:
On March 24 CI Scarpa reported that Benedetto Aloi was now the official Captain of Langella's former crew. He also noted: "[Langella] now hangs out at a new location on 18th Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets in Brooklyn."
On April 8 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella has recently become extremely powerful in the Colombo LCN Family, and more and more he is handling the daily business of that Family at the request of [Carmine Persico]. Source noted Jerry Lang has moved his operation from Carroll Street and Third Avenue, Brooklyn, to the area of 76th Street, in Brooklyn, between 19th and 20th Streets."
By May resided on Gold Ave in Staten Island's Arden Heights neighborhood.
On May 6 meeting being held between the Colombo and DeCavalcante Families at the home of Colombo Associate Vincent Regina in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. At approximately 10:30 PM Federal Agents raided the location. Those present included:
Simone 'Sam' DeCavalcante (DeCav Boss)
Carmine Persico (Colombo Boss)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
John Riggi (DeCavalcante Underboss)
Thomas DiBella (Colombo Acting Consigliere?)
Stefano 'Steve' Vitabile (DeCavalcante Consigliere)
John Matera (Colombo Captain)
Alphonse 'Little Allie Boy' Persico (Colombo Captain?)
Vincent 'Jimmy' Rotondo (DeCavalcante Captain)
Anthony 'Tony Black' Induisi (Colombo Soldier)
Vic Orena (Colombo Soldier)
Carmine Persico (Colombo Boss)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
John Riggi (DeCavalcante Underboss)
Thomas DiBella (Colombo Acting Consigliere?)
Stefano 'Steve' Vitabile (DeCavalcante Consigliere)
John Matera (Colombo Captain)
Alphonse 'Little Allie Boy' Persico (Colombo Captain?)
Vincent 'Jimmy' Rotondo (DeCavalcante Captain)
Anthony 'Tony Black' Induisi (Colombo Soldier)
Vic Orena (Colombo Soldier)
Persico, apprehended with Langella on a terrace outside the basement of the home, would subsequently be returned to Federal prison for violating parole.
The legal fallout from the raid, for Persico and others, is believed to have led to host Vincent Regina's murder two years later (see below).
On May 12 CI Scarpa reported: “[The 5/6 meeting] meeting between Carmine Persico, Thomas DiBella, Jerry Langella, and other members of the Colombo Family, along with high ranking members of the DeCavalcante Family of New Jersey, was a result of a business dispute involving the DeCavalcantes and John Matera, the Colombo Capo in the North Miami area. Source advised the exact nature of the business at this time is unknown, however, the problem was serious enough it had to be handled at the highest levels of the two Families...[If] Persico returns to jail, Jerry Langella will run the Family with the advice of Thomas DiBella, the former Colombo Family Boss with help from Dominick Montemarano.”
Langella is believed to have been appointed Acting Boss by the summer.
In July FBI CI reported: "[Gennaro] Langella is running the Persico faction of the Colombo Family while [redacted]."
Suspected co-conspirator in mid-July disappearance murder of Captain John Matera in Florida. (Matera's crew went Anthony Induisi, who was present with Matera at the May 1981 meeting.)
On July 16 Colombo Associate Robert 'Bucky' DiLeonardo (34y) shot to death on Harold Ave in Annadale, Staten Island. Co-conspirators included Colombo Acting Boss Gennaro Langella and Captain Anthony Scarpati. Participants included Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa Jr. and Scarpa crew members / Associates Kevin Granato and Carmine Sessa. CW Michael DiLeonardo, the victim's brother, later testified: "[The] excuse was that he was dealing drugs...My brother was doing bank robberies with [the Scarpa crew], they had a crew broke into safe deposit vaults and emptied them, that was their crew. My brother was on one of them and expressed displeasure, they took 4, 5 million out of the bank, he only got $40,000, I think it was, he wasn't happy, let it be known and they killed him." DiLeonardo ordered not to retaliate by Gambino leadership.
On July 17 Langella testified before EDNY FGJ re May 1981 Colombo - DeCav meeting. In September 1984 Long Island Newsday summarized testimony: "When questioned about the meeting, Langella testified [that Carmine] Persico was upstairs during the meeting of crime figures and never went into the basement to participate in the discussion. He said he was told Persico was in the Regina house by Persico's son, Alphonse. He said he then went upstairs and, upon seeing Persico, told his boss to 'beat it' because 'I got some guys down here and if you get caught [in the house with them] you will get violated' (charged with parole violation). He claimed that minutes later federal agents raided the house and caught Persico." Another article noted Langella claimed during his testimony that the gathering was a 'barbecue to discuss civil rights'.
On August 5 FBI CI reported: "[Jerry] Langella is the Boss of the Colombo LCN Family, acting in behalf of Carmine Persico."
On August 26 FBI CI reported: "[Benny] Aloi meets Jerry Langella, Acting Boss of the Colombo Family, at Langella's Club on Third Avenue in Brooklyn, possibly the Diplomat."
On September 16 FBI CI reported: "[The] 'Lion's Den' after-hours club on East 74th Street between First Avenue and York Avenue, New York City, recently re-opened. Source stated club is controlled by 'Little John' [Capichano], 'Moe' (LNU) and Jerry Lang, Colombo LCN Family." ('Little John' Capichano [1909-1986] was a longtime Colombo member who also came up in South Brooklyn's Fontana crew.)
On October 16 FBI CI reported: "[He] learned from a high-ranking member of the Genovese Family that Jerry Lang (TN Jerry Langella) and [Redacted] (ph) are running the Colombo LCN Family due to Carmine Persico's incarceration and Alphonse Persico's fugitive status."
1982
On February 23 Colombo Associate Vincent Rizzo (39y) shot to death behind apartment complex at 55 Holland Ave in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island. Victim with the widow of a murdered Gambino Associate when two assailants opened fire, hitting him three times in the neck and head. Murder authorized by imprisoned Boss Carmine Persico after Rizzo pulled a gun on Colombo Soldier Charles Panarella during an argument. Co-conspirators included Acting Boss Gennaro Langella and Captain Alphonse 'Little Allie Boy' Persico. Participants believed included Colombo Soldier John 'Jackie' DeRoss.
On March 9 CI Scarpa reported:
“
[Vincent] Rizzo who was killed about a week ago, was ‘hit’ [and] noted Carmine Persico authorized the hit, and the work was carried out by members of Little Allie Boy’s crew, probably by Jackie DeRoss [Redacted] (LNU).
...[There] continues to be no Consigliere of the Colombo Family and Jerry Langella is still the Acting Boss with help from Dominick Montemarano.
...[Thomas] DiBella who was Boss to the Family prior to 1981, has been acting in the capacity as an advisor since Carmine Persico and Jerry Langella started running the day to day operations of the Colombo Family. Source noted DiBella meets with members of the Colombo Family on a daily basis and is frequently seen at Dominick Montemarano’s social club in company with Frank Falanga.
...[There] continues to be no Consigliere of the Colombo Family and Jerry Langella is still the Acting Boss with help from Dominick Montemarano.
...[Thomas] DiBella who was Boss to the Family prior to 1981, has been acting in the capacity as an advisor since Carmine Persico and Jerry Langella started running the day to day operations of the Colombo Family. Source noted DiBella meets with members of the Colombo Family on a daily basis and is frequently seen at Dominick Montemarano’s social club in company with Frank Falanga.
”
 |
| D. Montemarano Gang Land News |
On May 4 CI Scarpa reported: “[Dominick] Montemarano also used Romano’s Restaurant, Brooklyn; his residence; his girlfriend’s residence or Jerry Langella’s residence as meeting places to discuss the Colombo Family business. Source also noted Alphonse Persico, on occasion, directly contacts Montemarano via telephone to discuss the operation of the Colombo Family activities.”
On May 18 CI Scarpa reported: “[John] Scimone is the Acting Capo of Dominick Montemarano’s crew while Montemarano is assisting Jerry Langella in running the Colombo Family.”
On June 18 FBI NYO reported: "[Gennaro] Langella is presently serving in the capacity of Acting Boss of the Colombo Crime Family...Langella's crew has consisted of at least 13 members of the Family."
On August 20 FBI CI reported: "[He] has recently heard that Jerry Langella, aka Jerry Lang, has expanded his operation and is currently the Acting Boss of the Colombo LCN Family in the absence of [Carmine Persico]."
On September 29 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] Underboss of the Colombo Family, Jerry Langella, [frequently] uses his residence as a place to meet other members of the Colombo Family to discuss ‘Family illegal activities’. Source also noted that Langella uses his telephone to discuss Family business. Source advised Langella and Colombo member Vic Orena, own Ken Air Freight at [JFKIA], which provides considerable revenue for the Colombo Family.”
On October 12 CI Scarpa reported: “[Jerry] Langella also uses his house as a meeting place, and more recently, numerous Family meetings have been occurring at the Casa Storta Restaurant, 21st Street, Brooklyn.”
On December 8 CI Scarpa reported: “[Acting] Colombo Family Boss Jerry Langella continues to use his residence telephone in Staten Island to discuss ‘Family business’ but noted that Langella is very cryptic in his conversations inasmuch as numerous illegal activities are discussed on this phone with his subordinates.”
On December 16 CI Scarpa reported: “[Dominick] Montemarano has become very powerful in the Colombo Family because of his personality and contacts with other LCN Families, and is heavily relied upon by the Acting Colombo Boss Jerry Langella to handle much of the Family’s illegal activities.”
On December 12 LE raided gambling operation operating out of Lisa's Luncheonette at 4013 8th Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. New York Daily News reported: "When marshals burst into the luncheonette [they] found thousands of slips for numbers and sports bets. In addition, they said, they collected evidence that the operation was taking bets for horse tracks across the country; they also seized two slot machines." Those present at time of raid included Jerry's older brother Anthony Langella (49y) who was held for parole violation. (Anthony Langella [1933-2009] had been paroled in 1980 after serving approximately eight years on a drug charge; he was ultimately sent back to prison and released in June 1983.)
On May 18 CI Scarpa reported: “[John] Scimone is the Acting Capo of Dominick Montemarano’s crew while Montemarano is assisting Jerry Langella in running the Colombo Family.”
On June 18 FBI NYO reported: "[Gennaro] Langella is presently serving in the capacity of Acting Boss of the Colombo Crime Family...Langella's crew has consisted of at least 13 members of the Family."
On August 20 FBI CI reported: "[He] has recently heard that Jerry Langella, aka Jerry Lang, has expanded his operation and is currently the Acting Boss of the Colombo LCN Family in the absence of [Carmine Persico]."
On September 29 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] Underboss of the Colombo Family, Jerry Langella, [frequently] uses his residence as a place to meet other members of the Colombo Family to discuss ‘Family illegal activities’. Source also noted that Langella uses his telephone to discuss Family business. Source advised Langella and Colombo member Vic Orena, own Ken Air Freight at [JFKIA], which provides considerable revenue for the Colombo Family.”
On October 12 CI Scarpa reported: “[Jerry] Langella also uses his house as a meeting place, and more recently, numerous Family meetings have been occurring at the Casa Storta Restaurant, 21st Street, Brooklyn.”
On December 8 CI Scarpa reported: “[Acting] Colombo Family Boss Jerry Langella continues to use his residence telephone in Staten Island to discuss ‘Family business’ but noted that Langella is very cryptic in his conversations inasmuch as numerous illegal activities are discussed on this phone with his subordinates.”
On December 16 CI Scarpa reported: “[Dominick] Montemarano has become very powerful in the Colombo Family because of his personality and contacts with other LCN Families, and is heavily relied upon by the Acting Colombo Boss Jerry Langella to handle much of the Family’s illegal activities.”
On December 12 LE raided gambling operation operating out of Lisa's Luncheonette at 4013 8th Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. New York Daily News reported: "When marshals burst into the luncheonette [they] found thousands of slips for numbers and sports bets. In addition, they said, they collected evidence that the operation was taking bets for horse tracks across the country; they also seized two slot machines." Those present at time of raid included Jerry's older brother Anthony Langella (49y) who was held for parole violation. (Anthony Langella [1933-2009] had been paroled in 1980 after serving approximately eight years on a drug charge; he was ultimately sent back to prison and released in June 1983.)
1983
 |
| L to R: P. Castellano, A. Dellacroce, A. Ruggiero |
On January 23/26 Acting Boss Gennaro Langella, Captain Dominick Montemarano and Gambino Soldier Angelo Ruggiero met at Casa Storta Restaurant located at 186-88 21st St in South Slope, Brooklyn. Conversation surreptitiously recorded by FBI bug hidden inside establishment. Trio discussed dispute between Gambino Boss Paul Castellano and Gambino Underboss Aniello 'Neil' Dellacroce. Long Island Newsday published transcript:
"
"
Ruggiero: He [Dellacroce] said that if Carlo [Gambino] would have lasted one more month, till he came home [from prison], he woulda took his spot.
Langella: He would've.
Ruggiero: Johnny [Gotti] told him last night, Paul forbids anybody to go see Neil [Dellacroce]...Anybody's going to see Neil is knocked out...He don't want nobody seeing him...I think he's looking to whack Neil.
...
Langella, to Ruggiero: Your boss [Castellano] is breaking our ---. This --- is going to --- us. And I'm telling you don't repeat this because I don't want anybody to think I'm a --- wacko. What did I tell you, Donny [Montemarano], after the holidays, what would happen?
Montemarano: Neil and Johnny will die.
Langella: That's it. I said I made a prediction, and you know what?
Montemarano: Just what you see is going on.
Ruggiero: It's getting worse and worse.
Langella: I'm not as smart as I thought.
Ruggiero: It's getting worse and worse.
...
Langella: I think I told Neil, 'I know this --- [Castellano] is badmouthing you...'
Ruggiero: To me, he badmouths you, he badmouths everybody...He badmouths his own Family.
Langella: He ain't going to get away with it no more, somebody's gonna...
Ruggiero: I know.
...
Ruggiero, quoting Dellacroce: He's disgusted with construction. He said, 'They called a --- Commission meet for construction.' He said, 'I can't believe it.' He said, 'That's all they talk about is money. Money, money, money. This is this guy's [Castellano's] move,' he says. 'If this guy sees money, he gets --- moving.'
...
Ruggiero: Where's the honor? Where is the --- honor?
Langella: There's the honor, Angelo.
Ruggiero: Money?
Montemarano: Yeah, that's it.
Langella: There's your honor.
...
Ruggiero: If anything happens to Johnny and Neil, I'll come to see you...I don't trust nobody else.
Langella: I don't blame you.
Ruggiero: I don't trust nobody else.
Langella: I don't blame you, it's not a nice way to live today.
Langella: He would've.
Ruggiero: Johnny [Gotti] told him last night, Paul forbids anybody to go see Neil [Dellacroce]...Anybody's going to see Neil is knocked out...He don't want nobody seeing him...I think he's looking to whack Neil.
...
Langella, to Ruggiero: Your boss [Castellano] is breaking our ---. This --- is going to --- us. And I'm telling you don't repeat this because I don't want anybody to think I'm a --- wacko. What did I tell you, Donny [Montemarano], after the holidays, what would happen?
Montemarano: Neil and Johnny will die.
Langella: That's it. I said I made a prediction, and you know what?
Montemarano: Just what you see is going on.
Ruggiero: It's getting worse and worse.
Langella: I'm not as smart as I thought.
Ruggiero: It's getting worse and worse.
...
Langella: I think I told Neil, 'I know this --- [Castellano] is badmouthing you...'
Ruggiero: To me, he badmouths you, he badmouths everybody...He badmouths his own Family.
Langella: He ain't going to get away with it no more, somebody's gonna...
Ruggiero: I know.
...
Ruggiero, quoting Dellacroce: He's disgusted with construction. He said, 'They called a --- Commission meet for construction.' He said, 'I can't believe it.' He said, 'That's all they talk about is money. Money, money, money. This is this guy's [Castellano's] move,' he says. 'If this guy sees money, he gets --- moving.'
...
Ruggiero: Where's the honor? Where is the --- honor?
Langella: There's the honor, Angelo.
Ruggiero: Money?
Montemarano: Yeah, that's it.
Langella: There's your honor.
...
Ruggiero: If anything happens to Johnny and Neil, I'll come to see you...I don't trust nobody else.
Langella: I don't blame you.
Ruggiero: I don't trust nobody else.
Langella: I don't blame you, it's not a nice way to live today.
Ruggiero: It's getting worse and worse...he (Castellano) don't want nobody around him carrying pistols to meets...I never go on a meet with a pistol. It's a shame.
Langella: That man (Castellano) -- Most of the guys got guns, and you know he ain't going easy.
Ruggiero: No I know, and Neil knows it and Johnny knows it. If anything happens to Johnny and Neil, I'll come to see you, cause I don't trust those...
Langella: I don't blame you, it's not a nice way to live today.
Langella: That man (Castellano) -- Most of the guys got guns, and you know he ain't going easy.
Ruggiero: No I know, and Neil knows it and Johnny knows it. If anything happens to Johnny and Neil, I'll come to see you, cause I don't trust those...
Langella: I don't blame you, it's not a nice way to live today.
"
During the conversation Langella was also heard referring to a previous Commission meeting, during which Castellano accused Langella of forming a 'secret alliance' with Lucchese Boss Antonio Corallo.
The New York Times later reported on the recording: "[Langella] recalled bristling at the suggestion that he did not have the authority to act. "'They're my people, and it's my decision and they'll live with it. Anyway I decide.' Something like that. When I waive, I waive, nobody else. Nobody tells me how to run the Family," he interjected, referring to [payment dispute]."
(Castellano was subsequently murdered in a conspiracy led by Ruggiero's Acting Captain John Gotti.)
On February 8 CI Scarpa reported: “[Dominick] Montemarano does not use the club at 15th Avenue and 74th Street, Brooklyn, at this time because of a recent problem with the FBI at that location, but does continue to meet with Acting Boss Jerry Langella, at Langella’s residence.”
On March 15 CI Scarpa reported: “[Members] of the Colombo Family believe the Casa Storta Restaurant, Brooklyn, is ‘bugged’, and are being very cautious as a result. Scarpa said Jerry Langella and Donny Shacks became suspicious of the Casa Storta because of the apparent lack of law enforcement interest at that location, despite their frequent meetings of Colombo members. As a result, they had the premises checked and believed they found evidence of electronic devices although no specific piece of equipment was found.”
On April 5 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] Casa Storta Restaurant continues to operate as a meeting place for the Colombo Family, the Colombo members believing they took care of any listening devices which may have been planted at the restaurant, and now feel safe to resume their conversations of illegal activities.”
During the conversation Langella was also heard referring to a previous Commission meeting, during which Castellano accused Langella of forming a 'secret alliance' with Lucchese Boss Antonio Corallo.
The New York Times later reported on the recording: "[Langella] recalled bristling at the suggestion that he did not have the authority to act. "'They're my people, and it's my decision and they'll live with it. Anyway I decide.' Something like that. When I waive, I waive, nobody else. Nobody tells me how to run the Family," he interjected, referring to [payment dispute]."
(Castellano was subsequently murdered in a conspiracy led by Ruggiero's Acting Captain John Gotti.)
On February 8 CI Scarpa reported: “[Dominick] Montemarano does not use the club at 15th Avenue and 74th Street, Brooklyn, at this time because of a recent problem with the FBI at that location, but does continue to meet with Acting Boss Jerry Langella, at Langella’s residence.”
On March 15 CI Scarpa reported: “[Members] of the Colombo Family believe the Casa Storta Restaurant, Brooklyn, is ‘bugged’, and are being very cautious as a result. Scarpa said Jerry Langella and Donny Shacks became suspicious of the Casa Storta because of the apparent lack of law enforcement interest at that location, despite their frequent meetings of Colombo members. As a result, they had the premises checked and believed they found evidence of electronic devices although no specific piece of equipment was found.”
On April 5 CI Scarpa reported: “[The] Casa Storta Restaurant continues to operate as a meeting place for the Colombo Family, the Colombo members believing they took care of any listening devices which may have been planted at the restaurant, and now feel safe to resume their conversations of illegal activities.”
On April 12 Acting Boss Gennaro Langella, Colombo Captain Dominick Montemarano, Lucchese Soldier (Captain?) Louis 'Louie Beans' Foceri and Colombo Soldier Ralph Scopo met at Casa Storta. FBI bug still active and recorded a conversation involving labor extortion, including a $55,000 payoff given to Gambino Underboss Aniello Dellacroce and owed to the Colombo Family. Others mentioned included Gambino Boss Paul Castellano, Lucchese Boss Antonio Corallo and Genovese Acting Boss (?) Anthony 'Fat Tony' Salerno. New York Daily News reported: "Later in the tape it was revealed that Langella accepted a $25,000 settlement in a negotiation with [Antonio] Corallo, who apparently had acted as mediator in the dispute."
On June 21 CI Scarpa identified Peacocks, located at 9404 4th Ave in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, as a 'known hangout' of Langella's.
In June listed as Colombo Captain in Senate Chart of Family membership.
On July 7 FBI CI reported: "[Carmine] Persico remains active as the Boss of the Colombo Family despite his incarceration in the Federal prison in Lompoc, California. Source said Jerry Langella is the Underboss, and is responsible for the day to day running of the Family business, except on those matters requiring the approval of Persico. Source said 'Family business' means the illegal activities engaged in by the Family including loansharking, gambling, labor racketeering and the settling of intra and inter-Family disputes by whatever means appropriate."
On August 16 CI Scarpa reported: “[Colombo] Acting Boss Jerry Langella and Dominick Montemarano have been using a restaurant in Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, as a meeting place, having moved out of the Casa Storta Restaurant. Source noted that this restaurant on Bay Parkway is owned by another Colombo member, John Scimone, and noted all of the high ranking members of the Colombo Family are now using this location as their regular meeting place.”
On November 23 Colombo Associates Anthony and Vincent Regina were found shot to death inside a burning car in Coney Island.
It's believed that Vincent was marked for death as a result of the May 1981 DeCav - Colombo raid and Carmine Persico's subsequent parole violation.
Vincent's brother Anthony Regina was released from New York State Prison in September, having served nearly twenty years for his part in the Gallo war murder of Louis Mariani, and it's believed the contract against Vincent was held off until both brothers could be taken care of at the same time. (Anthony had been convicted of the Mariani murder along with Langella's uncle John Battista.)
On June 21 CI Scarpa identified Peacocks, located at 9404 4th Ave in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, as a 'known hangout' of Langella's.
In June listed as Colombo Captain in Senate Chart of Family membership.
On July 7 FBI CI reported: "[Carmine] Persico remains active as the Boss of the Colombo Family despite his incarceration in the Federal prison in Lompoc, California. Source said Jerry Langella is the Underboss, and is responsible for the day to day running of the Family business, except on those matters requiring the approval of Persico. Source said 'Family business' means the illegal activities engaged in by the Family including loansharking, gambling, labor racketeering and the settling of intra and inter-Family disputes by whatever means appropriate."
On August 16 CI Scarpa reported: “[Colombo] Acting Boss Jerry Langella and Dominick Montemarano have been using a restaurant in Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, as a meeting place, having moved out of the Casa Storta Restaurant. Source noted that this restaurant on Bay Parkway is owned by another Colombo member, John Scimone, and noted all of the high ranking members of the Colombo Family are now using this location as their regular meeting place.”
On November 23 Colombo Associates Anthony and Vincent Regina were found shot to death inside a burning car in Coney Island.
It's believed that Vincent was marked for death as a result of the May 1981 DeCav - Colombo raid and Carmine Persico's subsequent parole violation.
Vincent's brother Anthony Regina was released from New York State Prison in September, having served nearly twenty years for his part in the Gallo war murder of Louis Mariani, and it's believed the contract against Vincent was held off until both brothers could be taken care of at the same time. (Anthony had been convicted of the Mariani murder along with Langella's uncle John Battista.)
1984 - Legal Troubles
 |
| L to R: G. Langella, T. Bilotti, R. Scopo (May 1984) |
Langella was photographed attending a Commission meeting held May 15 at 34 Cameron Ave in Arrochar, Staten Island.
Those present in addition to Langella included Gambino Boss Paul Castellano, Genovese Acting Boss (?) Anthony Salerno, Lucchese Underboss Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro, Gambino Captain Thomas Bilotti, Colombo Soldier Ralph Scopo and others.
By the following month Carmine Persico had been released from Federal prison.
On July 6 indicted by USAO EDNY on perjury charge re July 1981 FGJ testimony. Indictment initially kept sealed.
On September 10 indictment unsealed. Langella unable to be located and briefly declared fugitive. Staten Island Advance reported: "Langella told a grand jury in July 1981 that Carmine Persico, who was found in the house, had merely stopped in for a visit and did not take part in the meeting in the basement. But the indictment charged that Persico did, in fact, take part in a discussion aimed at forging an alliance between the Colombo family and the DeCavalcante organization."
Those present in addition to Langella included Gambino Boss Paul Castellano, Genovese Acting Boss (?) Anthony Salerno, Lucchese Underboss Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro, Gambino Captain Thomas Bilotti, Colombo Soldier Ralph Scopo and others.
By the following month Carmine Persico had been released from Federal prison.
On July 6 indicted by USAO EDNY on perjury charge re July 1981 FGJ testimony. Indictment initially kept sealed.
On September 10 indictment unsealed. Langella unable to be located and briefly declared fugitive. Staten Island Advance reported: "Langella told a grand jury in July 1981 that Carmine Persico, who was found in the house, had merely stopped in for a visit and did not take part in the meeting in the basement. But the indictment charged that Persico did, in fact, take part in a discussion aimed at forging an alliance between the Colombo family and the DeCavalcante organization."
 |
| R. Scopo (R) and G. Langella (Early 1980s) |
By Fall 1984 those who reported direct to Langella included Colombo Soldier Ralph Scopo.
On October 24 among eleven indicted by USAO SDNY on Federal racketeering charges.
Defendants were:
On October 24 among eleven indicted by USAO SDNY on Federal racketeering charges.
Defendants were:
Carmine Persico (Colombo Boss)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
Thomas DiBella (Former Colombo Boss)
John DeRoss (Colombo Captain)
Dominick Montemarano (Captain)
Anthony Scarpati (Captain)
Dominic Cataldo (Soldier)
Frank Melli (Colombo Soldier) [Acting Captain?]
Ralph Scopo (Colombo Soldier)
Frank Falanga (Colombo Associate)
Vito Pitta (Colombo Associate)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
Thomas DiBella (Former Colombo Boss)
John DeRoss (Colombo Captain)
Dominick Montemarano (Captain)
Anthony Scarpati (Captain)
Dominic Cataldo (Soldier)
Frank Melli (Colombo Soldier) [Acting Captain?]
Ralph Scopo (Colombo Soldier)
Frank Falanga (Colombo Associate)
Vito Pitta (Colombo Associate)
Langella specifically charged with two counts RICO violations, eleven counts extortion, ten counts labor racketeering, six counts loansharking, one count bribery and one count gambling. Arrested at residence and initially held without bail. (Arrest Photo: See top)
Persico and Montemarano became fugitives and weren't apprehended February 15 of the following year.
DiBella in hospital at time of indictment.
After arraignment Scopo, held on $300,000 bond, was taken to Beekman Downtown Hospital for heart trouble.
Pitta surrendered late that afternoon and was released on $500,000 bond.
DeRoss, Melli and possibly Falanga surrendered one week later. The latter was released on $600,000 bail.
Cataldo was apprehended November 16 and remanded to the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan for violating parole on a previous firearms case.
 |
| J. Carneglia |
Same date Gambino Soldier John Carneglia met with CI Salvatore Polisi outside Carneglia's junkyard in Queens. Meeting, ostensibly to discuss $15,000 debt owed to Carneglia, recorded by Polisi. Staten Island Advance later reported: "During the conversation, Carneglia is heard on the tape saying, 'They found a bug over in Brooklyn with Donnie [Montemarano], Gerry Lang. (Unintelligible) say right now there ain't a wiseguy left in Brooklyn. They're all getting pinched within the next (unintelligible).'"
Five days after indictment SDNY Judge Charles Brieant set Langella's bail at $1.5 million.
Five days after indictment SDNY Judge Charles Brieant set Langella's bail at $1.5 million.
1985 - Incarceration
On January 29 convicted in USDC Brooklyn on one count perjury and one count obstruction of justice re FGJ appearance on the Colombo - DeCav meeting in May 1981.
On February 26 among 9 indicted on Federal racketeering charges in USAO SDNY's 'Commission' case.
Defendants were:
Paul Castellano (Gambino Boss)
Antonio Corallo (Lucchese Boss)
Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli (Bonanno Boss)
Anthony Salerno (Former Genovese Acting [?] Boss)
Aniello Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
Salvatore Santoro (Lucchese Underboss)
Christopher Furnari (Lucchese Consigliere)
Ralph Scopo (Colombo Soldier)
Antonio Corallo (Lucchese Boss)
Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli (Bonanno Boss)
Anthony Salerno (Former Genovese Acting [?] Boss)
Aniello Dellacroce (Gambino Underboss)
Gennaro Langella (Colombo Underboss)
Salvatore Santoro (Lucchese Underboss)
Christopher Furnari (Lucchese Consigliere)
Ralph Scopo (Colombo Soldier)
On February 28 Langella and five of the other defendants were arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
Corallo, Dellacroce and Scopo were hospitalized following arrest and did not appear.
Colombo Boss Carmine Persico and Bonanno Soldier Anthony 'Bruno' Indelicato were subsequently added to the case.
Others would be removed as trial approached.
On March 14 sentenced by EDNY Judge to ten years Federal imprisonment re perjury and obstruction conviction.
Despite incarceration remained the official Underboss.
On November 4 the SDNY Colombo trial began.
Colombo Captain Alphonse Persico, Carmine's son, along with Colombo Captain Andrew Russo and Associate Hugh McIntosh had since been added as defendants.
Montemarano, Scopo and possibly DiBella were severed from the case due to health. (The first two would be convicted together at a separate trial in 1987.)
New York Daily News reported: "Gennaro Langella, described by [prosecutor] as the 'acting boss' of the family while Persico was in prison, is accused along with other defendants of seizing control of construction and restaurant unions and 'selling' labor peace in the city. 'It's called labor peace,' said [prosecutor]. 'It's also called extortion.' (Langella was represented by Attorney David Breitbart, who went on to defend Bonanno Boss Joseph Massino in the 2004 racketeering trial that ultimately led to Massino's defection.)
Trial spectators included actors James Caan and Burt Young. New York Daily News reported: "Young said he was a boyhood pal of defendants Gennaro Langella and Andrew Russo in their Corona, Queens neighborhood. 'I knew these guys since we played stickball together', he said."
On December 2 Gambino Underboss Aniello Dellacroce, Langella's Commission case co-defendant, died of natural causes.
Two weeks later another co-defendant, Gambino Boss Paul Castellano, was shot to death in Manhattan.
On December 23 the Colombo case recessed for the holidays.
That year listed as Underboss in a 1985 Federal chart. Colombo's total membership shown as 108.
1986 - 65 Years
On January 16 John Gotti was elected Gambino Boss to replace the murdered Paul Castellano. He then appointed Frank DeCicco as his Underboss and kept Joseph N. Gallo as Consigliere. Following the election a committee was sent to inform the other New York Families of the new leadership. CW Salvatore Gravano later testified: "We [notified the Families] that we had elected a new boss, who our new boss was, who our new administration was, and we wanted their approval, for one thing, that we had no sanctions against our Family and we would be able to have no restrictions against our Commission seat...We have no problems within our Family. Every Captain is in total agreement. We were still investigating the Paul [Castellano] situation, and we didn't want any restrictions on our Family...It was a positive response. Every Family sent their blessing and they accepted it. Except for the Genovese Family. They accepted it but they told Joe 'Piney' [Armone] that to the exception, there was a rule broken, some day somebody would have to answer for that if and when the Commission ever got together again." (Three months later Frank DeCicco was killed by bomb in a joint Genovese - Lucchese plot.)
The January 19 edition of New York Daily News included an article with quotes from the various ongoing LCN trials: "An FBI agent testified he overheard a conversation between reputed Colombo underboss Gennaro Langella and accused mob captain Anthony Scarpatti when they were arrested in October 1984. 'Gerry, we're facing 400 years,' a visibly upset Scarpatti said. 'Don't worry Scappi,' Langella shot back. 'We only have to do a third.'"
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| A. Fratianno (1976) |
On February 7/10 Former Los Angeles Member Aladena 'Jimmy the Weasel' Fratianno testified in the SDNY Colombo trial. Fratianno provided testimony on a 1976 visit to New York where he was introduced to Colombo Boss Thomas DiBella and defendants Langella and Russo, although he was unable to identify Langella and Russo in court.
On June 13 all nine of the Colombo case defendants were convicted; immediately remanded to MCC Manhattan pending sentencing scheduled for August 12.
Following day co-defendant Frank Falanga died of a heart attack at the facility.
On June 19 USAO SDNY filed civil racketeering suit re Colombo Family infiltration of concrete union. Long Island Newsday reported: "[Suit] seeks the removal of all 11 officers of Local 6A of the Cement and Concrete Workers Union and the removal of all 13 officers of the union's district council. All but two of the officers are defendants in the suit." Additional defendants included Boss Carmine Persico, Underboss Gennaro Langella, Captain Dominick Montemarano and Soldier Ralph Scopo.
On September 18 SDNY Commission trial began.
By October 1986 individuals incarcerated at MCC Manhattan included Colombo Underboss Gennaro Langella, Gambino Captain Angelo Ruggiero, Lucchese Captain Paul Vario, Gambino Soldier Leonard DiMaria and most of the aforementioned trial defendants.
On November 17 among eight sentenced re SDNY Colombo convictions:
Sentences were:
On June 13 all nine of the Colombo case defendants were convicted; immediately remanded to MCC Manhattan pending sentencing scheduled for August 12.
Following day co-defendant Frank Falanga died of a heart attack at the facility.
On June 19 USAO SDNY filed civil racketeering suit re Colombo Family infiltration of concrete union. Long Island Newsday reported: "[Suit] seeks the removal of all 11 officers of Local 6A of the Cement and Concrete Workers Union and the removal of all 13 officers of the union's district council. All but two of the officers are defendants in the suit." Additional defendants included Boss Carmine Persico, Underboss Gennaro Langella, Captain Dominick Montemarano and Soldier Ralph Scopo.
On September 18 SDNY Commission trial began.
By October 1986 individuals incarcerated at MCC Manhattan included Colombo Underboss Gennaro Langella, Gambino Captain Angelo Ruggiero, Lucchese Captain Paul Vario, Gambino Soldier Leonard DiMaria and most of the aforementioned trial defendants.
On November 17 among eight sentenced re SDNY Colombo convictions:
Sentences were:
Carmine Persico (Boss) (39 years)
Gennaro Langella (Underboss) (65 years)
John DeRoss (Captain) (12 years)
Alphonse Persico (Captain) (12 years)
Andrew Russo (Captain) (14 years)
Anthony Scarpati (Captain) (35 years)
Dominic Cataldo (Soldier) (14 years)
Hugh McIntosh (Associate) (10 years)
Gennaro Langella (Underboss) (65 years)
John DeRoss (Captain) (12 years)
Alphonse Persico (Captain) (12 years)
Andrew Russo (Captain) (14 years)
Anthony Scarpati (Captain) (35 years)
Dominic Cataldo (Soldier) (14 years)
Hugh McIntosh (Associate) (10 years)
Two days later Langella and the other seven Commission case were convicted.
On December 18 Staten Island Advance published letter from Langella's niece defending his character.
1987 - 100 Years
On January 13 sentences were handed down in the Commission case.
Langella was given 100 years and a $250,000 fine, as were Colombo Boss Carmine Persico, Soldier Ralph Scopo and most of the other defendants.
The exception was Bonanno Soldier Anthony Indelicato, who received forty years and a $50,000 fine.
1988
Identified in an April Senate Report as Colombo Underboss. The report, prepared by NYPD's Intelligence Division, noted: "Langella was recently convicted in two (2) Federal trials, the 'Colombo Family Trial', held in the EDNY, and the 'Commission Trial', held in the SDNY. He was sentenced to a total of 165 years in Federal Prison...Although he is currently serving 165 years in Federal Prison, he has not relinquished his position as Underboss in this Network." (Both of the noted trials were in SDNY.)
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| V. Orena |
Early that month Vic Orena was appointed the Colombo Family's official Acting Boss with the assent of three of the other New York Families. CW Salvatore Gravano, then the Gambino Acting Consigliere, later testified: "[The Colombo Family] couldn't have a Commission seat because every other week they were changing or every couple of weeks they were changing their actual leadership role and only the Boss of the Family was allowed to sit on Commission meetings. For a time after that this problem was relayed to Junior [Persico] in jail which he agreed on that they had this problem with their seat in the Commission, Junior sent out word eventually to his brother Teddy Persico that Vic would be his choice as being Acting Boss and when we had our Commission meeting, this was taken up by the Families that were there. All three Families who had seats approved Vic as being the official Acting Boss. It was a decision that the Commission had made. It couldn't be changed. It gave him the authority to be the official Acting Boss." (The Bonannos had lost their Commission seat at the time.)
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| L to R: V. Angellino, G. Langella, H. McIntosh (Arrow) and V. Langella (right side) (Early 1980s) |
Following Orena's appointment Benedetto Aloi and Vincent 'Jimmy' Angellino were made Acting Underboss and Acting Consigliere respectively.
On November 29 CI Scarpa reported: “[It] was Gambino Boss John Gotti who forced the Colombo Family to appoint a permanent hierarchy so they could sit down with the other Families. Source said the ‘Acting’ designations are a formality in view of the incarceration of Junior Persico, Jerry Langella, and Allie Boy Persico, however Orena and Aloi have full power to run the Family.”
On November 29 CI Scarpa reported: “[It] was Gambino Boss John Gotti who forced the Colombo Family to appoint a permanent hierarchy so they could sit down with the other Families. Source said the ‘Acting’ designations are a formality in view of the incarceration of Junior Persico, Jerry Langella, and Allie Boy Persico, however Orena and Aloi have full power to run the Family.”
1989
On October 2 Supreme Court upheld convictions in SDNY Commission case.
On November 30 Gambino Boss John Gotti, Gambino Acting Underboss Frank LoCascio and Gambino Consigliere Salvatore Gravano met inside an apartment located above the Ravenite Social Club in Little Italy. An FBI bug, placed the previous November, recorded the trio discussing various topics. Those mentioned included Langella.
1990s
In January 1990 CW Joseph Cantalupo, Former Colombo Associate, published Body Mike: An Unsparing Expose by the Mafia Insider Who Turned on the Mob. Book described Gennaro Langella as part of Colombo 'power' Carmine Persico's 'crew of hitters' circa early 1970s.
By late 1991 hostilities broke out between a faction loyal to imprisoned Boss Carmine Persico and those loyal to Acting Boss
Vic Orena.
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| B. Aloi |
Orena's Underboss Benedetto Aloi, who Langella had sponsored for membership and who was then tapped to take over Langella's crew in 1981, sided with Orena.
After a shooting war that left several dead, Orena was incarcerated and the Persicos remained in power.
On March 2-13, 1992 CW Salvatore Gravano testified in the Federal racketeering trial of Gambino Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio. During his testimony Gravano identified Langella as the Colombo Family's Underboss during the mid-1980s.
2000s
On June 14, 2000 son Vincent Langella (38y), a Colombo Associate, among several indicted by USAO SDNY on Federal stock fraud charges.
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| Gang Land News |
In December 2008 transferred to Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.
Release date listed as September 2, 2052.
A Government Detention Memo from 2011 identified Langella as the official Underboss. (This was posted on the forum.)
Langella died December 15, 2013 at MCFP Springfield.
Five days later his wake was held at Colonial Funeral Home in New Dorp, Staten Island.
Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.
Release date listed as September 2, 2052.
A Government Detention Memo from 2011 identified Langella as the official Underboss. (This was posted on the forum.)
Langella died December 15, 2013 at MCFP Springfield.
Five days later his wake was held at Colonial Funeral Home in New Dorp, Staten Island.
Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.
More Colombo Family posts can be found in the Index.
