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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."
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."
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| A. Rotondo |
Leto was an inducted member of the Colombo Family by the late 1980s, when he was formally introduced by Gambino Boss John Gotti to DeCav Captain (?) Anthony Rotondo outside Gotti's Bergen Hunt and Fish Club in Ozone Park, Queens.
Gotti told Rotondo that Leto was 'with Vic Orena', presumably placing the introduction after Orena's elevation to Acting Boss around April 1988. (Leto may also have reported to Orena during the latter's time as Captain.)
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| B. Aloi Gang Land News |
Around mid-1988 daughter of Colombo Acting Underboss Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi married. Those who attended the event included Lucchese Captain Salvatore Avellino, Lucchese Captain Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta, Lucchese Captain Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco, DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo, Lucchese Soldier Carmine Avellino, Lucchese Soldier Domenico 'Danny' Cutaia, Colombo Soldier Frank Leto, Lucchese Soldier Joseph Massaro and many others.
Per court testimony from one of the co-conspirators, Frank and his son Angelo were involved in the November 13, 1989 murder of Colombo Soldier Thomas Ocera.
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.)
Per court testimony from one of the co-conspirators, Frank and his son Angelo were involved in the November 13, 1989 murder of Colombo Soldier Thomas Ocera.
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, DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo, 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 early 1990s believed resided on Lodi Ct in Glen Cove, Long Island.
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| J. Scopo |
In early 1990s sitdown between Colombo and DeCavalcante Families held over unspecified dice game in New York. Attendees included DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo, Colombo Captain (Acting Underboss?) Joseph Scopo, Colombo Soldier Frank Leto and a fourth individual, possibly DeCav Captain Vincent 'Vinny Ocean' Palermo. Colombos won the sitdown and took over the dice game.
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.)
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.)
By 1993 Colombo Associates Robert Falvo Jr. and Louis Fenza, formerly on-record with Colombo Soldier Frank Campione, transferred to Leto.
Falvo Jr., a Brooklyn bookmaker, was the son of Colombo Soldier Saverio 'Bobby Green' Falvo (1925-2010). Fenza owned a successful limousine business with contracts throughout the city. Both men, later described as earners, formerly reported to Colombo Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese.
Leto was later recorded stating re Fenza: "The Boss [Vic Orena] gave me Louie. This guy Louie, I was supposed to go there and service him. I went back and told Vic. Vic [said] Chickie take this guy and do what the fuck you want with him. And that's what the fuck I did."
In December 1993 Vic Orena Jr. was indicted on Federal racketeering charges and ultimately convicted.
In December 1993 Vic Orena Jr. was indicted on Federal racketeering charges and ultimately convicted.
By 1996 Leto was subject of an FBI investigation. A team of Agents typically surveilled him one to three times a week over the next couple of years.
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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 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."
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."
In early November 1996 Franzese was remanded for parole violation.
Following his imprisonment he met with Colombo Acting Boss Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo and Former Acting Boss Vic Orena, either through phone calls or in person at FCI Petersburg, Virginia. Franzese later claimed it was agreed at the meeting that his former Associates should be given back to him upon his release.
Following his imprisonment he met with Colombo Acting Boss Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo and Former Acting Boss Vic Orena, either through phone calls or in person at FCI Petersburg, Virginia. Franzese later claimed it was agreed at the meeting that his former Associates should be given back to him upon his release.
In Summer 1997 Eliot Hurdy, one of the partners in the Huntington Town House catering hall located in Long Island, was approached by an associate of Leto, who worked out an agreement for the Town House to take on Colombo Associate Louis Fenza's limousine company. The Town House had recently come under new ownership; the prosecutor in the resulting extortion case against Leto later claimed that Leto sought to 'get in on the ground floor' and 'shake that business down.'
In September of that year the Town House used the limousine company to provide transportation for a concert. Expecting a bill ranging from $6,000 to $8,000, the owners were instead charged $25,000. They refused to pay and Hurdy began receiving phone calls threatening the lives of not just the owners but also their families.
In September of that year the Town House used the limousine company to provide transportation for a concert. Expecting a bill ranging from $6,000 to $8,000, the owners were instead charged $25,000. They refused to pay and Hurdy began receiving phone calls threatening the lives of not just the owners but also their families.
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| L. Fenza (L) and A. Leto Gang Land News |
In response Hurdy began making regular payments, usually weekly or every three weeks, to Fenza and Leto. This continued until March 1999, and throughout that period Leto and Fenza assisted the Town House in various financial and business disputes with customers. On one occasion Leto retrieved Hurdy from a drug den on E 96th St dividing Manhattan's Upper East Side and East Harlem neighborhoods.
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 Robert Falvo Jr., 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.)
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 Robert Falvo Jr., 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.)
On October 6, 1998 Leto and Louis Fenza surveilled by FBI meeting in parking lot in Glen Cove, Long Island.
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J. Sclafani Gang Land News |
Around December 1998 Leto and his Captain Frank Melia attempted to collect a $350,000 - $400,000 debt owed to Madison Oil by Barr Industries. After the pair visited company owner Anthony Marcantonio, he reached out to the DeCavalcante Family and the matter was referred to DeCav Captain Anthony Rotondo. DeCav Soldier Joseph 'Tin Ear' Sclafani was dispatched to intercede on behalf of Marcantonio, who Rotondo later testified was shaken up and 'afraid for his life.'
A sitdown between the Families was held at a Queens diner. Representing the Colombos were Captain Frank Melia, Acting Captain (?) Paul 'Paulie Guns' Bevacqua, Soldier Frank Leto and Associates Louis Fenza and 'John the Painter' Fricchione. DeCavs present were Captain Anthony Rotondo, Soldier Joseph Sclafani and Associates Ralph Guarino and William 'Billy' Perrotta.
Introductions between the various attendees was made by Gambino (Acting?) Captain Salvatore Franco.
Sclafani was soon ordered to cease all association with Leto due to the latter's refusal to return to the Persico side; the dispute then moved to the legitimate court system, although for a time Marcantonio kicked up weekly payments to the DeCavs for their trouble. Eventually Sclafani sought to give Marcantonio a hospital beating and the company owner fled to Florida.
(Ralph Guarino, on-record with Sclafani, was also a wired-up CI at the time of the sitdown; evidence obtained through his cooperation resulted in indictments against Melia, Leto and several DeCavalcante members, ultimately leading to the DeCav defections and widespread convictions of the early 2000s.)
A sitdown between the Families was held at a Queens diner. Representing the Colombos were Captain Frank Melia, Acting Captain (?) Paul 'Paulie Guns' Bevacqua, Soldier Frank Leto and Associates Louis Fenza and 'John the Painter' Fricchione. DeCavs present were Captain Anthony Rotondo, Soldier Joseph Sclafani and Associates Ralph Guarino and William 'Billy' Perrotta.
Introductions between the various attendees was made by Gambino (Acting?) Captain Salvatore Franco.
Sclafani was soon ordered to cease all association with Leto due to the latter's refusal to return to the Persico side; the dispute then moved to the legitimate court system, although for a time Marcantonio kicked up weekly payments to the DeCavs for their trouble. Eventually Sclafani sought to give Marcantonio a hospital beating and the company owner fled to Florida.
(Ralph Guarino, on-record with Sclafani, was also a wired-up CI at the time of the sitdown; evidence obtained through his cooperation resulted in indictments against Melia, Leto and several DeCavalcante members, ultimately leading to the DeCav defections and widespread convictions of the early 2000s.)
On January 29 and February 11, 1999 Leto surveilled visiting Huntington Town House. On the latter occasion he was first observed stopping at Phoenix Interior, a business connected to Captain Frank Melia.
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| F. Giovanelli |
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 related to Barr Industries dispute.
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 related to Barr Industries dispute.
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| Gang Land News |
By Summer 2000 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.
Made members under Lombardo believed included Vincent 'Schwartzie' Cascio Jr., Luca DiMatteo, the Letos and possibly Ralph's younger brother Charles Lombardo.
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| F. Campione Gang Land News |
By early July 2000 the FBI had received information that Leto and Colombo Soldier Frank Campione, now a member of Captain Thomas 'Tommy Shots' Gioeli's crew, were using Glen Cove High School's baseball field for meetings. Permission to bug the location was soon granted. The sworn affidavit in support of the surveillance noted: "In early 2000 after a meeting of all five LCN Families, the Orena faction members were told to either join the Family or not exist. As such, Frank Leto and Campione returned to the Colombo Family."
From July to October 2000 Leto and Campione were picked up least three times meeting at the ballfield.
The recorded discussions between the pair, typically centering around general happenings within the Colombos, also reveal still-simmering resentment over the early 1990s war.
From July to October 2000 Leto and Campione were picked up least three times meeting at the ballfield.
The recorded discussions between the pair, typically centering around general happenings within the Colombos, also reveal still-simmering resentment over the early 1990s war.
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| Gang Land News |
On July 30 Campione and Leto discussed various developments within the Family as well as Leto's pending case for extorting Barr Industries. Leto expressed unhappiness with his Captain Ralph Lombardo, whom he referred to as 'Peg Leg' and the 'guy who walks funny', but displayed particular venom toward Paul Bevacqua, then the Acting Captain for Thomas Gioeli. Snippets from the conversation were played in court:
"
"
Leto: This Joe Waverly [Cacace]. I don't like him...This fucking Paulie Brown [Bevacqua]. He is the biggest fucking scumbag. He sold us out, and I'm going to tell him to his fucking face. When the time comes, I'm going to tell him, you sold us out. You sold us out. You lied to us. That's my beef with him. And when the time comes and my son is gonna tell him too. We're going to wait. We'll wait. Right now I got my case. [I'm] gonna wait a few years. I got my case...Frankie, my beef is, Frankie, I told him -- my beef is forget about it. I don't want you. I don't do nothing for you...Frank look, I gotta tell you like it is, if worse comes to worse, I'm gonna retire. Okay? Frankie I got it in for this fucking Paulie and this fucking Frankie [Wheels]. They lied. That's bad, Frankie. They'll never be forgiven.
...
Campione: I met with Joe Waverly. I met with Jackie DeRoss. And the c-------- Gioeli, whatever his name is.
...
[On meeting with attorney's investigator re 1998 Barr Industries dispute]
Leto: [We're] sitting there, you know, talking about how this all came about, how the Barr Industries situation came about. I said look. I said it was a legitimate thing. I said I swear. I'll tell you exactly how it happened. I said, a friend of mine owns, a friend of mine is a salesman, I said. He works for an oil company and he gave this guy credit. I said for deals and fuel from this guy, this Barr Industries, and he was paying him and then the checks started bouncing. And before you know it there was a tab of $350,000. Yeah.
Campione: That's with Anthony, what's his name.
Leto: Yeah. I said this, this friend of mine came to me. He's a salesman and he asked me, Chickie, he says, maybe you know this guy and can help me out. Could you go there and talk to the guy. Because if he don't start paying my boss, I'm going to lose my job.
...I went to talk to the guy. So, I says, I don't threaten people. I don't threaten people. I said, I went there, said I went to the guy's office and I said, I told the guy in a nice way. I said, You people, I says, you took the diesel fuel. I said, now you got the salesman, the guys in trouble. He's going to lose his job...I says, you know, why don't you be a nice guy and pay the money. In the interim he got a little scared probably.
Campione: That's the kid Anthony, what's his name.
Leto: Anthony Marcantonio. Yeah, he got a little scared and ran to this Jo Jo [and] this guy Jo Jo put out some feelers because he must have inquired about me. So he called me up. That's how the whole thing happened. I said, it was legitimate money. Listen what happened, in the interim [Marcantonio] went to -- he was either looking for help through this guy Sclafani, Joe Sclafani. He must have thought about it because they started shaking him down...[The] DeCavalcante Family, they were getting 800 a week off him. Went down to 600 a week. Then 400 a week. Then to 200 a week. It's all in the papers. I gave you the papers didn't I? I got the papers in my car. I'm gonna give them to you now.
...I said this guy Sclafani called me up. He beeped me. I gave him my beeper number. I said it was a legitimate deal...That is exactly how it happened. I'm saying in the interim this guy called me up and told me that he couldn't have lunch with me. So what I says, What's wrong with that? I said, Well while all this was going on I said, I said the guy that took the oil [calls] up.
Campione: The oil company.
Leto: They called up Madison Oil with his lawyer, and they had a three way conference. They made the deal legal. Signed the papers and he started paying the money. So what's the problem?
...
Campione: I met with Joe Waverly. I met with Jackie DeRoss. And the c-------- Gioeli, whatever his name is.
...
[On meeting with attorney's investigator re 1998 Barr Industries dispute]
Leto: [We're] sitting there, you know, talking about how this all came about, how the Barr Industries situation came about. I said look. I said it was a legitimate thing. I said I swear. I'll tell you exactly how it happened. I said, a friend of mine owns, a friend of mine is a salesman, I said. He works for an oil company and he gave this guy credit. I said for deals and fuel from this guy, this Barr Industries, and he was paying him and then the checks started bouncing. And before you know it there was a tab of $350,000. Yeah.
Campione: That's with Anthony, what's his name.
Leto: Yeah. I said this, this friend of mine came to me. He's a salesman and he asked me, Chickie, he says, maybe you know this guy and can help me out. Could you go there and talk to the guy. Because if he don't start paying my boss, I'm going to lose my job.
...I went to talk to the guy. So, I says, I don't threaten people. I don't threaten people. I said, I went there, said I went to the guy's office and I said, I told the guy in a nice way. I said, You people, I says, you took the diesel fuel. I said, now you got the salesman, the guys in trouble. He's going to lose his job...I says, you know, why don't you be a nice guy and pay the money. In the interim he got a little scared probably.
Campione: That's the kid Anthony, what's his name.
Leto: Anthony Marcantonio. Yeah, he got a little scared and ran to this Jo Jo [and] this guy Jo Jo put out some feelers because he must have inquired about me. So he called me up. That's how the whole thing happened. I said, it was legitimate money. Listen what happened, in the interim [Marcantonio] went to -- he was either looking for help through this guy Sclafani, Joe Sclafani. He must have thought about it because they started shaking him down...[The] DeCavalcante Family, they were getting 800 a week off him. Went down to 600 a week. Then 400 a week. Then to 200 a week. It's all in the papers. I gave you the papers didn't I? I got the papers in my car. I'm gonna give them to you now.
...I said this guy Sclafani called me up. He beeped me. I gave him my beeper number. I said it was a legitimate deal...That is exactly how it happened. I'm saying in the interim this guy called me up and told me that he couldn't have lunch with me. So what I says, What's wrong with that? I said, Well while all this was going on I said, I said the guy that took the oil [calls] up.
Campione: The oil company.
Leto: They called up Madison Oil with his lawyer, and they had a three way conference. They made the deal legal. Signed the papers and he started paying the money. So what's the problem?
"
On September 20, 2000 Leto and Campione met again at the ballfield:
"
"
Leto: Frankie, you're a friend now. You don't have to be taking this bullshit. This Tommy Gioeli tells you, look to me, these guys have been doing nothing but fucking me around. I wanna be left alone. They ain't gonna use me. They ain't gonna use me, Frankie. They pat you on the back and they stab you in the back. They're all scumbags. They sold us out, Frankie.
...
Leto: That's what I did at Frankie Melia's mother's wake. I didn't go near them. I ain't showing them no respect.
Campione: How could you go to the guy's wedding, Paulie's wedding and not talk to them?
Leto: Say hello and goodbye. Hello and goodbye. Listen to me, he lied between you and me. This fucking Frankie Wheels should be planted someplace.
Campione: Do you recall the article about Carmine Sessa a few weeks ago?
Leto: Yeah. That's what's going on today. That's why I don't even go to the club over there by [Colombo Soldier Vincent Cascio Jr.]. I ain't going.
?Campione: I used to go there once in awhile. No more.
Leto: I ain't going nowhere. I ain't talking to nobody. I ain't seeing nobody. Cause Frankie, we're all going to end up in jail. I'm telling you, all of us, Frankie, all of us. This life is finito. This life is finished.
...
Leto: That's what I did at Frankie Melia's mother's wake. I didn't go near them. I ain't showing them no respect.
Campione: How could you go to the guy's wedding, Paulie's wedding and not talk to them?
Leto: Say hello and goodbye. Hello and goodbye. Listen to me, he lied between you and me. This fucking Frankie Wheels should be planted someplace.
Campione: Do you recall the article about Carmine Sessa a few weeks ago?
Leto: Yeah. That's what's going on today. That's why I don't even go to the club over there by [Colombo Soldier Vincent Cascio Jr.]. I ain't going.
?Campione: I used to go there once in awhile. No more.
Leto: I ain't going nowhere. I ain't talking to nobody. I ain't seeing nobody. Cause Frankie, we're all going to end up in jail. I'm telling you, all of us, Frankie, all of us. This life is finito. This life is finished.
"
Pair also discussed the dispute between John Franzese and Leto over Franzese's former Associates:
"
"
Leto: He ain't gonna get Louie [Fenza] back.
Campione: You want to hear something else?
Leto: And hey, if Louie [Fenza] had to go back there --
Campione: And this only --
Leto: If Louis had to go back there, Lou would tell all of them...
Campione: You want to hear something else?
Leto: ...'Hey, go fuck yourself.'
Campione: You want to hear something else? Hey, do you remember you telling me you wanted to do something to Louis [meaning propose for membership]?
Leto: Yes.
Campione: And what did I say to you? Remember what I told you?
Leto: I ain't doing it. I ain't doing it.
Campione: But listen to me. Listen.
Leto: After Sonny dies, I'll do it.
Campione: Listen to me. What did I say to you? What did I tell you? Remember what I told you?
Leto: Yeah.
Campione: I said Chick, he's going to put up such a holler. And you said to me well, I'll wait for him to die. And I said Chick, he's older than you and me.
Leto: No, he ain't.
Campione: No? You want to hear what he told [Campione's son]?
Leto: Yes.
Campione: I hear that Chickie wants to put Louis up.
Leto: Yeah?
Campione: Yeah. Where the fuck did he find this out from?
Leto: I don't know.
Campione: You didn't tell anybody?
Leto: No.
Campione: You never said nothing to nobody. Well, where --
Leto: No.
Campione: Where did he hear it from?
Leto: No. He's just surmising then. He's just surmising things.
Campione: You want to hear something else?
Leto: And hey, if Louie [Fenza] had to go back there --
Campione: And this only --
Leto: If Louis had to go back there, Lou would tell all of them...
Campione: You want to hear something else?
Leto: ...'Hey, go fuck yourself.'
Campione: You want to hear something else? Hey, do you remember you telling me you wanted to do something to Louis [meaning propose for membership]?
Leto: Yes.
Campione: And what did I say to you? Remember what I told you?
Leto: I ain't doing it. I ain't doing it.
Campione: But listen to me. Listen.
Leto: After Sonny dies, I'll do it.
Campione: Listen to me. What did I say to you? What did I tell you? Remember what I told you?
Leto: Yeah.
Campione: I said Chick, he's going to put up such a holler. And you said to me well, I'll wait for him to die. And I said Chick, he's older than you and me.
Leto: No, he ain't.
Campione: No? You want to hear what he told [Campione's son]?
Leto: Yes.
Campione: I hear that Chickie wants to put Louis up.
Leto: Yeah?
Campione: Yeah. Where the fuck did he find this out from?
Leto: I don't know.
Campione: You didn't tell anybody?
Leto: No.
Campione: You never said nothing to nobody. Well, where --
Leto: No.
Campione: Where did he hear it from?
Leto: No. He's just surmising then. He's just surmising things.
"
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| S. Fusco |
During one of the conversations Leto also mentioned having met with Colombo Acting Boss Salvatore 'Sally' Fusco over the issue: "And I said I spoke to Sally. Sally agreed with me, if a guy goes to jail for, say, eight, ten, seven, six years and one of our friends is servicing him [they keep him]." (Salvatore Fusco, son of Former Captain Frank aka 'Dickie' [1904-1992] and older brother of Former Consigliere Richard aka 'Richie Nerves' [1936-2013], died in early July 2000.)
On October 24, 2000 Leto and Campione met again at the ballfield and talked about the problem with Franzese. Campione related a conversation between Franzese and Campione's son: "[Your] father didn't have to release Louis...[So] my son says, Uncle Sonny, didn't you go over this with my father when you first saw him, when you both came home in '97? And Sonny says, yeah, but your father lies."
Leto also referred to the Barr industries dispute: "[I] said, the guy who came to my restaurant, he ate my food. I said, now he don't wanna pay. So he said, well, maybe the food's no good. I said the food's no good, then why did he eat it?...I said he is paying for the fucking oil, the fucking diesel fuel." Also stated: "If I don't get a statement from the kid [company owner Anthony Marcantonio], I'm going to shoot the fucking father."
Leto also referred to the Barr industries dispute: "[I] said, the guy who came to my restaurant, he ate my food. I said, now he don't wanna pay. So he said, well, maybe the food's no good. I said the food's no good, then why did he eat it?...I said he is paying for the fucking oil, the fucking diesel fuel." Also stated: "If I don't get a statement from the kid [company owner Anthony Marcantonio], I'm going to shoot the fucking father."
Other parts of the tapes were summarized in court by the prosecutor trying Leto's case in the mid-2000s:
"
"
They talk about who they think are rats. Chickie Leto thinks that maybe Joe Waverly is a rat. Chickie Leto thinks that maybe [deceased Former Captain] Patty Catalano is a rat. And you know what he thinks about Michael Franzese: that he is a rat, and if the Colombo crime family had done things the way he thinks they should be done, they wouldn't be in the problems they're in now. The family wouldn't have to go [underground].
Because what should happen to guys like Michael Franzese? He should be planted. He should be killed. His mother should be killed. Sonny Franzese should have been killed. And if it weren't for people like Michael Franzese, the mafia as it once existed wouldn't be crumbling.
And Chickie Leto is pissed about it. It's clear on those tapes, they should be handling guys like this more seriously. And they are not.
Because what should happen to guys like Michael Franzese? He should be planted. He should be killed. His mother should be killed. Sonny Franzese should have been killed. And if it weren't for people like Michael Franzese, the mafia as it once existed wouldn't be crumbling.
And Chickie Leto is pissed about it. It's clear on those tapes, they should be handling guys like this more seriously. And they are not.
"
Leto pleaded guilty to extortion and on September 13, 2002 was sentenced by SDNY Judge Lawrence J. McKenna to eighteen months Federal imprisonment.
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." Leto was also hit with additional charges relating to the Barr Industries extortion that he had already pleaded guilty to.
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, and (former?) Huntington Town House partner Eliot Hurdy.
Hurdy, under subpoena to appear, testified he felt the weekly payments he was making to Leto and Fenza wasn't extortion. He also stated that he wanted them out of the business but didn't ask because he was 'afraid of Chickie'.
In what the prosecutor later described as 'Something unusual. Something I haven't really seen,' upon entering the courtroom and taking the witness stand, Anthony Rotondo was greeted by both Fenza, who waved, and Leto, who stood up and said, 'Hey, Anthony.'
Rotondo, describing Fenza as a childhood friend, testified on general LCN matters and his encounters with Leto over the years.
During summations Leto's attorney emphasized the indictment's expansive date range, which covered 1986 to 2003 despite the charged crimes all occurring in the late 1990s, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Leto's status within the Colombos during the same time period. She argued that Leto couldn't have been kicking up to the Family leadership due to his refusal to return under the Persicos and, therefore, he wasn't guilty of the RICO crimes as described in the indictment.
The attorney also pointed out that only Leto and Campione knew about the ballfield meeting place, and more specifically where they would be sitting in relation to the bug. She suggested that someone close to Campione, or Campione himself, must have supplied the information to the Feds: "[On the tapes] it is Mr. Campione who is doing probably 75 percent of the talking. It is Mr. Campione who seems to be trying to pull Mr. Leto into various conversations." (The defense attorney noted the prosecution objected every time the topic was raised, although this is typically done as a matter of course regardless of a theory's validity.)
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, and (former?) Huntington Town House partner Eliot Hurdy.
Hurdy, under subpoena to appear, testified he felt the weekly payments he was making to Leto and Fenza wasn't extortion. He also stated that he wanted them out of the business but didn't ask because he was 'afraid of Chickie'.
In what the prosecutor later described as 'Something unusual. Something I haven't really seen,' upon entering the courtroom and taking the witness stand, Anthony Rotondo was greeted by both Fenza, who waved, and Leto, who stood up and said, 'Hey, Anthony.'
Rotondo, describing Fenza as a childhood friend, testified on general LCN matters and his encounters with Leto over the years.
During summations Leto's attorney emphasized the indictment's expansive date range, which covered 1986 to 2003 despite the charged crimes all occurring in the late 1990s, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Leto's status within the Colombos during the same time period. She argued that Leto couldn't have been kicking up to the Family leadership due to his refusal to return under the Persicos and, therefore, he wasn't guilty of the RICO crimes as described in the indictment.
The attorney also pointed out that only Leto and Campione knew about the ballfield meeting place, and more specifically where they would be sitting in relation to the bug. She suggested that someone close to Campione, or Campione himself, must have supplied the information to the Feds: "[On the tapes] it is Mr. Campione who is doing probably 75 percent of the talking. It is Mr. Campione who seems to be trying to pull Mr. Leto into various conversations." (The defense attorney noted the prosecution objected every time the topic was raised, although this is typically done as a matter of course regardless of a theory's validity.)
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.