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| F. Leto Gang Land News |
Frank 'Chickie' Leto was a Colombo Soldier active in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.
Affiliated with the Family since at least the 1970s, he was an inducted member by late 1989 and aligned with the Orena faction during the early 1990s Colombo war.
Following the war he reported to Captain Frank Melia and subsequently to Ralph Lombardo in Long Island.
Son Angelo Leto has been identified in multiple FBI reports and associated documents as also being a Colombo member.
Born June 26, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Angelo (30y) and Maria Selvaggio (34y). Father from Borgetto comune of Palermo, Sicily. Mother from Province of Bari, Puglia (possibly Palo del Colle).
Other New York LCN members from Borgetto included Colombo Soldier Salvatore Cammarata (1918-2008), Genovese Soldier Gaspare Lupo (1923-1989) and Lucchese Captain Paolo 'Paulie the Zip' LoDuca (1940-).
Prior to Frank's birth the Letos resided at 411 E 63rd St in Lenox Hill, Manhattan.
By the early 1930s the family had moved to Brooklyn, living at 623 Lincoln Ave in the East New York neighborhood. They remained at this address over the next two decades.
On November 20, 1935 father filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Brooklyn. Witnesses were (stepson?) Anthony Cassano and Mary Cassano. Naturalized following month.
By April 1940 father listed occupation as ice man (route delivery).
By April 1950 Frank worked as a building contractor's helper. Father Angelo partner in fuel oil company.
On December 7, 1951 enlisted in the US Marine Corps.
On December 4, 1953 discharged.
During 1966 spent time as member of Local 37 Hod Carriers' Union in Brooklyn.
By Summer 1968 moved to 88-28 195th Place in Hollis, Queens. Owned Party Time liquor store at 2518 Linden Blvd in East New York.
Affiliated with the Family since at least the 1970s, he was an inducted member by late 1989 and aligned with the Orena faction during the early 1990s Colombo war.
Following the war he reported to Captain Frank Melia and subsequently to Ralph Lombardo in Long Island.
Son Angelo Leto has been identified in multiple FBI reports and associated documents as also being a Colombo member.
Born June 26, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York to Angelo (30y) and Maria Selvaggio (34y). Father from Borgetto comune of Palermo, Sicily. Mother from Province of Bari, Puglia (possibly Palo del Colle).
Other New York LCN members from Borgetto included Colombo Soldier Salvatore Cammarata (1918-2008), Genovese Soldier Gaspare Lupo (1923-1989) and Lucchese Captain Paolo 'Paulie the Zip' LoDuca (1940-).
Prior to Frank's birth the Letos resided at 411 E 63rd St in Lenox Hill, Manhattan.
By the early 1930s the family had moved to Brooklyn, living at 623 Lincoln Ave in the East New York neighborhood. They remained at this address over the next two decades.
On November 20, 1935 father filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Brooklyn. Witnesses were (stepson?) Anthony Cassano and Mary Cassano. Naturalized following month.
By April 1940 father listed occupation as ice man (route delivery).
By April 1950 Frank worked as a building contractor's helper. Father Angelo partner in fuel oil company.
On December 7, 1951 enlisted in the US Marine Corps.
On December 4, 1953 discharged.
During 1966 spent time as member of Local 37 Hod Carriers' Union in Brooklyn.
By Summer 1968 moved to 88-28 195th Place in Hollis, Queens. Owned Party Time liquor store at 2518 Linden Blvd in East New York.
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| Press |
On June 12, 1968 called to testify before State Investigation Commission Hearing regarding LCN influence with the hod carriers. New York Daily News reported:
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Charges of threats came from [Leto who] was driven from the hod carriers' ranks, he testified.
Leto said he was a member of Local 37 Brooklyn. He said he wanted to reform things.
'When I tried to run for assistant delegate, I heard men talking that they had to pay to work,' he testified. 'I would hear payoffs had to be made to a shop steward or a delegate, that a shop steward had to pay a delegate $1,000 for the post.'
...He said former local Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Falletta had asked him to run with him because he wanted 'somebody honest'. Leto's post, had he won, would have paid $300 to $350 a week.
Leto said he and his wife received phone threats.
Leto said he was a member of Local 37 Brooklyn. He said he wanted to reform things.
'When I tried to run for assistant delegate, I heard men talking that they had to pay to work,' he testified. 'I would hear payoffs had to be made to a shop steward or a delegate, that a shop steward had to pay a delegate $1,000 for the post.'
...He said former local Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Falletta had asked him to run with him because he wanted 'somebody honest'. Leto's post, had he won, would have paid $300 to $350 a week.
Leto said he and his wife received phone threats.
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Associated Press, describing Leto as a 'hesitant' witness, reported: "Leto started his testimony by saying he 'never heard nothing' about rackets in the union. But he told about his candidacy and other things after testimony he had given at a closed session of the commission was read to him." Leto was quoted as testifying: "I was told they would blow my (obscenity) head off if I ran."
Associated Press, describing Leto as a 'hesitant' witness, reported: "Leto started his testimony by saying he 'never heard nothing' about rackets in the union. But he told about his candidacy and other things after testimony he had given at a closed session of the commission was read to him." Leto was quoted as testifying: "I was told they would blow my (obscenity) head off if I ran."
Thomas Falletta was blackballed from the union for the attempt and Leto
was forced out of the race on a legal technicality; a friend, Joseph A.
Ferrara, had forged documents to ensure Leto met the requirements to run
for the position.
By May 1976 involved in bribery of Green Haven Prison guards on behalf of Colombo Associate Edward Fanelli.
Fanelli, a childhood friend of Leto's, was then serving a twenty-to-life NYS sentence for murder.
The New York State Commission of Investigation later summarized the scheme in a report titled Corruption and Abuses in the Correctional System: The Green Haven Correctional Facility.
On the morning of May 26, 1976, Fanelli escorted from Green Haven to visit ailing sister at Goldwater Memorial Hospital located on Manhattan's Roosevelt Island. NYS CoI report stated:
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| E. Fanelli |
Fanelli, a childhood friend of Leto's, was then serving a twenty-to-life NYS sentence for murder.
The New York State Commission of Investigation later summarized the scheme in a report titled Corruption and Abuses in the Correctional System: The Green Haven Correctional Facility.
On the morning of May 26, 1976, Fanelli escorted from Green Haven to visit ailing sister at Goldwater Memorial Hospital located on Manhattan's Roosevelt Island. NYS CoI report stated:
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At the hospital they were met by Fanelli's friends and constant visitors, Frank and Fay Leto, who had been advised in advance of his scheduled visit. The Letos' presence did not bother the officers because of their frequent visits to the prison and the friendships they had developed with the guards at [prison].
After the visit, Fanelli, the two officers and the Letos stopped at Frank Leto's liquor store, Party Time Liquors, in Brooklyn. They all ate together at a Chinese restaurant and then proceeded to the Letos' home in Queens. Fanelli and Fay Leto drove off in the Letos' car. The two officers and Frank Leto headed for Manhattan in the state car [and visited] an apartment in a building on Twelfth Street which serves as a house of prostitution.
...The officers returned in the state car to the Letos' home to meet Fay Leto and Fanelli and noticed that the Letos' car had been in a minor accident. Edward Fanelli and the officers returned to Green Haven at about 8:15 p.m. approximately twelve hours after they had left.
[Report further noted] officers discovered that, reportedly while Fanelli had been driving, the Leto's car had been involved in a minor [accident]. Fanelli had switched seats with Fay Leto and paid the other driver not to report the incident.
After the visit, Fanelli, the two officers and the Letos stopped at Frank Leto's liquor store, Party Time Liquors, in Brooklyn. They all ate together at a Chinese restaurant and then proceeded to the Letos' home in Queens. Fanelli and Fay Leto drove off in the Letos' car. The two officers and Frank Leto headed for Manhattan in the state car [and visited] an apartment in a building on Twelfth Street which serves as a house of prostitution.
...The officers returned in the state car to the Letos' home to meet Fay Leto and Fanelli and noticed that the Letos' car had been in a minor accident. Edward Fanelli and the officers returned to Green Haven at about 8:15 p.m. approximately twelve hours after they had left.
[Report further noted] officers discovered that, reportedly while Fanelli had been driving, the Leto's car had been involved in a minor [accident]. Fanelli had switched seats with Fay Leto and paid the other driver not to report the incident.
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On May 30, 1976 Fanelli seriously injured in an altercation with other inmates at Green Haven.
Some time after the incident Fanelli escorted from Green Haven to hospital where met by Frank Leto and Leto's wife. Commission Report noted: "After the doctor completed the treatment, Fanelli, the officers and the Letos went to a nearby restaurant. They enjoyed a lengthy dinner, including liquor and wine, seated at a large, center table in the well appointed restaurant." Group then visited Leto residence before Fanelli returned to prison.
On June 5, 1976 Fanelli escorted from the prison to attend sister's funeral held from Romanelli Funeral Home at 89-01 Rockaway Blvd in Ozone Park, Queens. Fanelli was instead dropped off at Leto's residence; Leto gave the officers $200 and arranged for a visit to a Manhattan brothel. Hours later the officers rendezvoused with Fanelli, Leto and Leto's wife at the funeral home. Afterwards the group ate at an Italian restaurant in Queens before Fanelli transported to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York.
(The report noted Leto figured into at least one additional case involving special treatment received by a prisoner.)
Edward Fanelli was paroled from Green Haven on December 1, 1976 and released to the Leto residence in Queens.
By 1979 Fanelli was an inducted member of the Colombo Family and reporting to Captain Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella.
Leto was probably an on-record Associate of Fanelli's at the time.
(In April 1980 Fanelli, convicted on Federal conspiracy and counterfeiting charges, could not be located and a warrant was issued. It's possible he was murdered for getting involved in counterfeiting. By 1991 CI Gregory Scarpa told Agents that Fanelli was deceased. Scarpa provided no approximate date of death, but several of the others he identified as deceased in the same report had already been dead for up to a decade.)
On December 17, 1980 shot and wounded Shamrock Gamble (19y) and Jerome Lilly (23y) as the pair attempted to rob a fish and chips store his family owned in East New York. Business located adjacent to Leto's liquor store at 2518 Linden Blvd. New York Daily News reported: "[Leto] was working inside his liquor store [when] he heard a rapping on the wall. He put his ear to the wall. 'Dad,' he heard his 19-year-old son, Angelo, whisper, 'we're being robbed.' Police said today that Leto, 49, then took a .38-caliber pistol that he is licensed to carry and rushed from his store." Leto fired three shots in total; Gamble hit once each in leg and head and Lilly hit once in throat. Robbers taken to Kings County Hospital in serious but stable condition. (Five years later Lilly was charged with committing a murder during a home invasion.)
In May 1981 NYS Commission of Investigation published the report on Green Haven Prison corruption. Report noted:
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On May 30, 1976 Fanelli seriously injured in an altercation with other inmates at Green Haven.
Some time after the incident Fanelli escorted from Green Haven to hospital where met by Frank Leto and Leto's wife. Commission Report noted: "After the doctor completed the treatment, Fanelli, the officers and the Letos went to a nearby restaurant. They enjoyed a lengthy dinner, including liquor and wine, seated at a large, center table in the well appointed restaurant." Group then visited Leto residence before Fanelli returned to prison.
On June 5, 1976 Fanelli escorted from the prison to attend sister's funeral held from Romanelli Funeral Home at 89-01 Rockaway Blvd in Ozone Park, Queens. Fanelli was instead dropped off at Leto's residence; Leto gave the officers $200 and arranged for a visit to a Manhattan brothel. Hours later the officers rendezvoused with Fanelli, Leto and Leto's wife at the funeral home. Afterwards the group ate at an Italian restaurant in Queens before Fanelli transported to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York.
(The report noted Leto figured into at least one additional case involving special treatment received by a prisoner.)
Edward Fanelli was paroled from Green Haven on December 1, 1976 and released to the Leto residence in Queens.
By 1979 Fanelli was an inducted member of the Colombo Family and reporting to Captain Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella.
Leto was probably an on-record Associate of Fanelli's at the time.
(In April 1980 Fanelli, convicted on Federal conspiracy and counterfeiting charges, could not be located and a warrant was issued. It's possible he was murdered for getting involved in counterfeiting. By 1991 CI Gregory Scarpa told Agents that Fanelli was deceased. Scarpa provided no approximate date of death, but several of the others he identified as deceased in the same report had already been dead for up to a decade.)
On December 17, 1980 shot and wounded Shamrock Gamble (19y) and Jerome Lilly (23y) as the pair attempted to rob a fish and chips store his family owned in East New York. Business located adjacent to Leto's liquor store at 2518 Linden Blvd. New York Daily News reported: "[Leto] was working inside his liquor store [when] he heard a rapping on the wall. He put his ear to the wall. 'Dad,' he heard his 19-year-old son, Angelo, whisper, 'we're being robbed.' Police said today that Leto, 49, then took a .38-caliber pistol that he is licensed to carry and rushed from his store." Leto fired three shots in total; Gamble hit once each in leg and head and Lilly hit once in throat. Robbers taken to Kings County Hospital in serious but stable condition. (Five years later Lilly was charged with committing a murder during a home invasion.)
In May 1981 NYS Commission of Investigation published the report on Green Haven Prison corruption. Report noted:
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Another inmate with generous friends on the outside was Edward Fanelli. Fanelli's boyhood friend and constant visitors were Frank Leto and Frank's wife Fay. Frank Leto is the owner of a liquor store in Brooklyn. The store, Party Time Liquors, was a regular stop on some of Fanelli's outside trips and officers would often be given free liquor. Fanelli once complained to another inmate about the free liquor and cash payments being given to officers:
...'But I know they went down to the liquor store that Eddie Fanelli's partner Chick, his name is Chick, owned.'
...'Eddie [Fanelli] told me about it. He said, these bastards are going down there to get whiskey, another bottle here, another bottle there, a few dollars here and there.'
On one occasion Leto gave an officer four wristwatches, each worth $150 or more...All the gifts were given with the understanding that Leto's friend Fanelli would receive special treatment.
...'But I know they went down to the liquor store that Eddie Fanelli's partner Chick, his name is Chick, owned.'
...'Eddie [Fanelli] told me about it. He said, these bastards are going down there to get whiskey, another bottle here, another bottle there, a few dollars here and there.'
On one occasion Leto gave an officer four wristwatches, each worth $150 or more...All the gifts were given with the understanding that Leto's friend Fanelli would receive special treatment.
"
On August 3, 1981 indictment charging one of the prison guards with multiple felonies was dismissed in Dutchess County Court for improper jurisdiction. Poughkeepsie Journal reported: "[Guard] was named in the report for allegedly leaving Fanelli unguarded in New York City on several occasions, once in exchange for $200 paid by Frank Leto. After each excursion, Fanelli returned to the guards and was escorted back to prison, according to the report."
By Fall 1989 Leto was a formally inducted member of the Colombo Family.
Per court testimony from one of the co-conspirators, he and his son Angelo were involved in the murder of Colombo Soldier Thomas Ocera on November 13 of that year.
On the day of the murder, Colombo Associates Harry Bonfiglio and Michael Maffatore were at a local diner when they encountered the Letos. Maffatore later testified: "We were having breakfast when we saw Angelo and Frankie Leto coming in looking for the Town House Diner...We were in the Bedford Townhouse [about] three miles away...They left. They found [where] the right one was."
The Letos were en route to meet with Colombo Soldier Gioachino 'Jack' Leale, Bonfiglio and Maffatore's immediate superior and the individual responsible for overseeing the hit.
Later that morning Thomas Ocera was strangled inside the Merrick, Long Island residence of Colombo Captain Pasquale 'Pat' Amato. Jack Leale enlisted Maffatore and others to bury the body in a Queens park.
(Angelo Leto was inducted into the Colombo Family by the end of 1991, possibly as a result of his participation in the Ocera hit. Leale was shot to death on Halloween of the same year, punishment for the discovery of Ocera's remains brought about by Maffatore's recent defection.)
On August 3, 1981 indictment charging one of the prison guards with multiple felonies was dismissed in Dutchess County Court for improper jurisdiction. Poughkeepsie Journal reported: "[Guard] was named in the report for allegedly leaving Fanelli unguarded in New York City on several occasions, once in exchange for $200 paid by Frank Leto. After each excursion, Fanelli returned to the guards and was escorted back to prison, according to the report."
By Fall 1989 Leto was a formally inducted member of the Colombo Family.
Per court testimony from one of the co-conspirators, he and his son Angelo were involved in the murder of Colombo Soldier Thomas Ocera on November 13 of that year.
On the day of the murder, Colombo Associates Harry Bonfiglio and Michael Maffatore were at a local diner when they encountered the Letos. Maffatore later testified: "We were having breakfast when we saw Angelo and Frankie Leto coming in looking for the Town House Diner...We were in the Bedford Townhouse [about] three miles away...They left. They found [where] the right one was."
The Letos were en route to meet with Colombo Soldier Gioachino 'Jack' Leale, Bonfiglio and Maffatore's immediate superior and the individual responsible for overseeing the hit.
Later that morning Thomas Ocera was strangled inside the Merrick, Long Island residence of Colombo Captain Pasquale 'Pat' Amato. Jack Leale enlisted Maffatore and others to bury the body in a Queens park.
(Angelo Leto was inducted into the Colombo Family by the end of 1991, possibly as a result of his participation in the Ocera hit. Leale was shot to death on Halloween of the same year, punishment for the discovery of Ocera's remains brought about by Maffatore's recent defection.)
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| P. Gotti |
Around 1989 daughter of Gambino Acting Captain Peter Gotti married, with reception held at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti (Peter's brother), DeCav Underboss John D'Amato, DeCav Captain Philip Abramo, Gambino Captain Anthony 'Sonny' Ciccone, Bonanno Acting Captain John 'Johnny Green' Faraci, Gambino Captain John 'Jack' Giordano, Bonanno Captain Salvatore Vitale, Gambino Soldier Bartholomew 'Bobby' Borriello, Gambino Soldier Jerome 'Jerry' Brancato, Gambino Soldier John Gotti Jr. and Colombo Soldier Frank Leto.
By early 1990s believed resided on Lodi Ct in Glen Cove, Long Island.
By May 1991 reported to Captain Victor Orena Jr., son of Acting Boss 'Little Vic' Orena.
Made members of Orena Jr.'s predominantly Long Island-based crew included Joseph 'Chubby' Audino, Paul 'Paulie Guns' Bevacqua, Frank 'Frankie Camp' Campione, Angelo Leto, Frank Leto, Frank Politi and Frank 'Frankie the Bug' Sciortino.
By late 1991 hostilities broke out between a faction loyal to the imprisoned Boss Carmine 'Junior' Persico and those loyal to Acting Boss Vic Orena.
Aside from their general membership in the Orena faction, available sources don't specify what role the Letos played, if any, in the actual conflict.
Numerous arrests and subsequent defections brought the hostilities to a cease by the middle of 1992. (Exception being Orena's Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo who was shot to death in October 1993.)
In December 1993 Vic Orena Jr. was indicted on Federal racketeering charges and ultimately convicted.
By early 1990s believed resided on Lodi Ct in Glen Cove, Long Island.
By May 1991 reported to Captain Victor Orena Jr., son of Acting Boss 'Little Vic' Orena.
Made members of Orena Jr.'s predominantly Long Island-based crew included Joseph 'Chubby' Audino, Paul 'Paulie Guns' Bevacqua, Frank 'Frankie Camp' Campione, Angelo Leto, Frank Leto, Frank Politi and Frank 'Frankie the Bug' Sciortino.
By late 1991 hostilities broke out between a faction loyal to the imprisoned Boss Carmine 'Junior' Persico and those loyal to Acting Boss Vic Orena.
Aside from their general membership in the Orena faction, available sources don't specify what role the Letos played, if any, in the actual conflict.
Numerous arrests and subsequent defections brought the hostilities to a cease by the middle of 1992. (Exception being Orena's Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo who was shot to death in October 1993.)
In December 1993 Vic Orena Jr. was indicted on Federal racketeering charges and ultimately convicted.
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| J. Franzese (L) and L. Fenza Fenza: Gang Land News |
Around 1996 Colombo Family sitdown held at unspecified diner. Those present included Colombo Captain (?) John 'Sonny' Franzese, Colombo Captain Ralph Lombardo and Colombo Soldier Frank Leto. Franzese driven to meeting by his son, Colombo Associate John Franzese Jr.
Franzese Jr., who began cooperating in 2004, later testified:
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Franzese Jr., who began cooperating in 2004, later testified:
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[Leto] was a fellow that [had] been a captain but he sided with Vic Orena's faction and he no longer was a captain at this point. I could be off on that point but [meeting] was to see Leto.
...Louie Fenza was originally an associate of my brother Michael's back in the seventies and eighties...Louie Fenza was originally part of our crew and he was supposed to be with my father now that my brother [Michael Franzese] was no longer around and [meeting called to see] how Chicky [Leto] ended up with him...Chicky had no right because Louie Fenza had been put on record with us back in the seventies. So at some point Louie Fenza had done business with Chicky and [as result of Colombo war] they kind of claimed Louie for that time being.
...Louie Fenza was originally an associate of my brother Michael's back in the seventies and eighties...Louie Fenza was originally part of our crew and he was supposed to be with my father now that my brother [Michael Franzese] was no longer around and [meeting called to see] how Chicky [Leto] ended up with him...Chicky had no right because Louie Fenza had been put on record with us back in the seventies. So at some point Louie Fenza had done business with Chicky and [as result of Colombo war] they kind of claimed Louie for that time being.
"
During the sitdown an altercation nearly broke out after Leto told Franzese, "Why don't you worry about your son Michael? He is a rat."
By 1998 Leto and son Angelo both reporting to Colombo Captain Frank Melia (1946-2001).
Melia, whose deceased father and grandfather were also members, was placed in charge of the Family's union interests by early 2000.
Associates of interest in the Melia crew included Louis Fenza and Michael 'Mickey' Souza.
(After Melia's death in 2001 Souza was placed with Dino Calabro and within a few years became a made member under Calabro's sponsorship. By 2010 both Calabro and Souza were cooperating witnesses.)
During the sitdown an altercation nearly broke out after Leto told Franzese, "Why don't you worry about your son Michael? He is a rat."
By 1998 Leto and son Angelo both reporting to Colombo Captain Frank Melia (1946-2001).
Melia, whose deceased father and grandfather were also members, was placed in charge of the Family's union interests by early 2000.
Associates of interest in the Melia crew included Louis Fenza and Michael 'Mickey' Souza.
(After Melia's death in 2001 Souza was placed with Dino Calabro and within a few years became a made member under Calabro's sponsorship. By 2010 both Calabro and Souza were cooperating witnesses.)
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| A. Rotondo |
In late October 1999 DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo met with Genovese Captain Federico 'Fritzy' Giovanelli and Genovese Soldier Frank 'Punchy' Illiano inside Helen's Restaurant located on Court St in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Rotondo traveled to meeting in company of Genovese Associate Richard 'Ricky' DiMatteo. Others present inside restaurant included Genovese Associate Alex Conigliaro.
Purpose of meeting for Giovanelli to pass along hand-written list of those to be named in an impending Southern District of New York Federal racketeering indictment. List included several high-ranking DeCav Members as well as members of the Colombo and Gambino Families including Frank Melia and Frank Leto. (In 2004 Giovanelli was convicted on Federal racketeering charges that included obstruction of justice counts related to this incident.)
On December 2, 1999 Rotondo, Melia and Leto were among forty-three indicted by USAO SDNY. Charges against Leto included extortion.
Purpose of meeting for Giovanelli to pass along hand-written list of those to be named in an impending Southern District of New York Federal racketeering indictment. List included several high-ranking DeCav Members as well as members of the Colombo and Gambino Families including Frank Melia and Frank Leto. (In 2004 Giovanelli was convicted on Federal racketeering charges that included obstruction of justice counts related to this incident.)
On December 2, 1999 Rotondo, Melia and Leto were among forty-three indicted by USAO SDNY. Charges against Leto included extortion.
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| L. Fenza (L) and A. Leto Gang Land News |
Around this time involved with Associate Louis Fenza in negotiations re payment dispute between Huntington Town House in Long Island and unspecified limousine company referred to the Townhouse by Fenza. (Leto's involvement would lead to another conviction.)
Leto's (former?) crew member Frank Melia died in October 2001.
Leto's (former?) crew member Frank Melia died in October 2001.
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| R. Lombardo Gang Land News |
By 2002 Leto and his son Angelo reported to Captain Ralph Lombardo.
Made members under Lombardo believed included Vincent 'Schwartzie' Cascio Jr., Luca DiMatteo, the Letos and possibly Ralph's younger brother Charles Lombardo.
On September 13, 2002 sentenced by SDNY Judge Lawrence J. McKenna to eighteen months Federal imprisonment re December 1999 extortion charge.
Around October 2002 surrendered at FMC Devens, Massachusetts to begin serving sentence.
Made members under Lombardo believed included Vincent 'Schwartzie' Cascio Jr., Luca DiMatteo, the Letos and possibly Ralph's younger brother Charles Lombardo.
On September 13, 2002 sentenced by SDNY Judge Lawrence J. McKenna to eighteen months Federal imprisonment re December 1999 extortion charge.
Around October 2002 surrendered at FMC Devens, Massachusetts to begin serving sentence.
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| c. Early 2000s Gang Land News |
On August 14, 2003 indicted, along with Associate Louis Fenza, on additional Federal racketeering charges stemming from involvement in the Huntington Town House negotiations. Long Island Newsday reported: "Leto, who is serving time for a previous conviction at a federal prison in Massachusetts, was being transported to Long Island yesterday for arraignment."
Around September 19 arraigned and remanded without bail at Nassau County Jail.
On June 14, 2004 released on house arrest pending trial.
On June 13, 2005 Colombo Associate John Franzese Jr., now an active CI, met with his father John Franzese and Colombo Soldier Frank Campione. Conversation surreptitiously recorded by Franzese Jr. Topics included the mid-1990s sitdown between Franzese and Leto over Louis Fenza's crew affiliation.
On March 7, 2007 Federal house arrest conditions lifted.
In February 2008 Leto and Fenza began standing trial in USDC Central Islip, Long Island.
Witnesses included Former DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo, who defected in 2001.
On March 20, 2008 both defendants convicted. Associated Press later reported: "[Leto] apparently discussed illicit business on the Glen Cove High School ballfield to avoid investigators. But according to trial testimony, FBI agents bugged it and recorded hours of conversation."
In February 2009 sentenced by EDNY Judge Arthur Spatt to three years probation.
On March 27, 2009 Louis Fenza given eighteen months imprisonment.
Around September 19 arraigned and remanded without bail at Nassau County Jail.
On June 14, 2004 released on house arrest pending trial.
On June 13, 2005 Colombo Associate John Franzese Jr., now an active CI, met with his father John Franzese and Colombo Soldier Frank Campione. Conversation surreptitiously recorded by Franzese Jr. Topics included the mid-1990s sitdown between Franzese and Leto over Louis Fenza's crew affiliation.
On March 7, 2007 Federal house arrest conditions lifted.
In February 2008 Leto and Fenza began standing trial in USDC Central Islip, Long Island.
Witnesses included Former DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo, who defected in 2001.
On March 20, 2008 both defendants convicted. Associated Press later reported: "[Leto] apparently discussed illicit business on the Glen Cove High School ballfield to avoid investigators. But according to trial testimony, FBI agents bugged it and recorded hours of conversation."
In February 2009 sentenced by EDNY Judge Arthur Spatt to three years probation.
On March 27, 2009 Louis Fenza given eighteen months imprisonment.
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| A. Russo |
In 2010 FBI received source information that Colombo Acting Boss Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo was interested in having Frank's son Angelo Leto 'come in' and resume activity with the Family. A union report published in 2021 stated: "[Russo interested] in part because Leto resided close to Russo and could drive Russo around. The confidential source providing the information believed that Leto may not want anything to do with the Colombo Family because Leto felt that Vic Orena never did anything for him."
Frank Leto died December 30, 2016.
Frank Leto died December 30, 2016.
More Colombo Family posts can be found in the Index.
