Former Bonanno crime family captain turned rat Nicholas “P.J.” Pisciotti got a Christmas present when he sentenced to no jail time for his mob crimes in return for his cooperation. Pisciotti decided to turn against his fellow wiseguys when he learned from the feds that he was marked for death because of an incident with another mobster. Pisciotti was involved in a dispute with a Genovese family mobster that erupted into a fight leaving the other mobster beaten. There was a sit down between Bonanno and Genovese family leaders where Bonanno leaders failed to back up Pisciotti. Feds learned of the contract on Pisciotti and alerted him to it in 2007 after he was arrested and he then decided to cooperate.

“Nicholas Pisciotti”

Feds say that Pisciotti provided intelligence on a number of individuals who were ultimately convicted because of his cooperation. But his biggest accomplishment as a rat was helping to put away former Bonanno boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano testifying against him in 2007. With his help the feds were able to put the flamboyant Basciano away for life. While he supplied information and testified against his former mob pals Pisciotti himself was no angel. He admitted to be a participant in the stabbing murder of a Bonanno family associate in the 1990’s and to beating a Little Italy bar owner over a smoking law dispute. He spent a total of two years in prison for his mafia crimes.

The former boss of the Bonanno crime family Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano wants taxpayers to pay for legal defense needed for his appeal. Basciano is currently serving two life sentences for racketeering and murder convictions. He is housed in one of the toughest Supermax prisons in the country located in Colorado. He filed an “affidavit of poverty” and is trying to convinced a federal judge to have taxpayers pay for payment of his legal fees and other associated fees for his upcoming appeal. He claims that the last seven years he has spent behind bars have taken a negative toll on his finances.

“Vincent Basciano prison photo”

 
The bill for Basciano’s second trial was picked up by the government to the tune of more then one million dollars where he faced the death penalty for ordering a mob hit as Bonanno family boss. Now he wants them to pick up the tab yet again as he fights for his release. Basciano said he currently has no money in any saving or on hand except for the $180 plus dollars located in his prison trust fund account. After spending so much to put him in prison why would the government waste taxpayers money trying to help him fight to appeal his current sentence.

Former Bonanno crime family captain turned rat Generoso “Jimmy the General” Barbieri was sentenced to six years in prison. Since he has already served that time behind bars he is now a free man living under a new identity in the witness-protection program. Barbieri was a key witness against former Bonanno family boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano. He alerted authorities that Basciano was plotting to murder federal prosecutor Greg Andres years ago. This along with other information supplied by Barbieri lead to Basciano being convicted and is now serving multiple life sentences.

“Barbieri (left) and Basciano (right)”

 
Barbieri admitted to committing multiple crimes including helping murder Russell Mauro a former Bonanno mobster along with extortion , murder conspiracy, racketeering, and illegal gambling. He told federal judge Nicholas Garaufis that he has started a new life and apologized for his decades of illegal activities. Judge Garaufis praised Barbieri’s fortitude and said he demonstrated a lot of courage by stepping forward and working with authorities. Jack Dennehy the Assistant US Attorney lauded Barbieri for his testimony in three separate occasions about various mafia murders.

Tensions continue to mount between the Bonanno crime family and the Lucchese crime family in New York after a failed mob hit. The two New York Mafia families are locked in an ongoing feud linked to the Bonanno family efforts to recruit more wiseguys in an attempt to rebuild their ranks without consulting the other New York mob families according to sources. Alleged Bonanno family soldier Enzo “The Baker” Stagnoof Queens was struck in the chest as he sat in his SUV making a call. He sustained only a graze wound as he felt a pinch on his chest and then dived into the back seat avoiding being hit by a second shot. He spotted the shooter walking away from scene and a witness reported seeing the shooter jumping into a yellow cab. Stagno denied having mob ties before finally admitting to authorities that he was a made man in the Bonanno family and he indeed had enemies on the streets.

“Photo of Stagno shooter” 

Law enforcement sources believe the hit was ordered by a rival mobsters from the Lucchese crime family. The Bonanno family has fallen on hard time of late losing multiple leaders including arrests of bosses Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano, Nicolas “Nicky Mouth” Santora, and Joseph Massino who later turned rat and began cooperating with the feds. Another high ranking member and former acting boss Salvatore “Sal the Ironworker” Montagna was murdered amid a mafia war he was part of in Montreal. It is unknown as to who is running things on the streets presently for the Bonanno family but they seem to be somewhat in flux as they reorganize at the top. The Lucchese family on the other seem to be in as stable a shape as they have been in years behind new boss Steven Crea.

Joseph Massino former boss of the Bonanno crime family was the first official American Mafia boss to publicly testify against his fellow wiseguys. His cooperation was a key tool used by the feds in a decade long effort to dismantle La Cosa Nostra. Massino turned rat and agreed to a cooperation deal after he was convicted in 2004 of racketeering charges which included eight mafia murders. He won over skeptical prosecutors right off by supplying information about a plot by his successor Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano to whack Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Andres a known mob buster. Massino testified at two mafia trials along with providing the feds with information and assistance that led to dozens of convictions of his fellow mobsters.

“Joseph Massino”

 
Now that Massino sang he is looking to collect for his cooperation. The feds on behalf of Massino are asking for his current life sentence to be reduced as a reward for all of his cooperation. This type of cooperation from a leading member of an organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra is unprecedented. A re-sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 10th of this year by federal judge Nicholas Garaufis. Massino has already served more then 10 years in prison since his last conviction. It will be interesting to see how big of a reward Massino receives for helping the feds and if this reward may somehow influence more leading members of the mafia to also become informants when they get in a pinch.

Joseph Massino the former boss of the Bonanno crime family and first active boss of a New York mafia family to turn rat is set to be released from prison as a reward for his cooperation. A Brooklyn federal court judge today ruled that Massino’s life sentence would be reduced to time served and that he would be placed into the witness protection program upon his release. Massino was serving life in prison for his part in eight gangland slayings but decided to join team America and testify against dozens of his fellow mobsters including his successor as Bonanno boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano and now is reaping the rewards. He testified at two seperate trials and FBI confirms that he also supplied them with an unprecedented amount of highly confidential mafia information. At age 70 Massino has served 10 years of his previous life sentence.

Massino’s lawyer argued that his client deserved a few years of freedom in return for his cooperation which he labeled as being a turning point against La Cosa Nostra. After his arrest Massino was forced to forfeit $7 million dollars , 257 gold bars, and properties much of which was made as boss of the Bonanno family but his lawyer said he will be able to support himself through social security and income from some modest rental properties he still owns. He said that a return to his clients gangster ways was very unlikely. Massino’s lawyer also made reference to multiple health problems that Massino was currently dealing with. Massino also agreed to continue to offer support to law enforcement for ongoing investigations that have yet to be revealed against the mafia.

Former Bonanno crime family captain Richard “Shellackhead” Cantarella along with his wife Castelli and son Paul are set to be sentenced on a host of crimes but are likely to get a free pass in return for their cooperation. The trio decided to become turncoats and help the feds to dismantle the Bonanno family after they were arrested in 2002. Richard Cantarella was a known killer for the Bonanno family according to the feds and had resisted offers to cooperate until his wife was charged with money laundering and his son became unhinged in prison. Richard had his son Paul inducted as a made man into the crime family in 1995 and he was the first to flip but the feds needed Richard’s cooperation because of his knowledge of the Bonanno family business and close relationship with then boss Joseph Massino.

Richard Cantarella not only testified against Massino but also his successor Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano. Along with his son Paul they also ratted out over three dozen other mobsters from all of the five New York mafia families and the DeCavalcante family in New Jersey that produced more then two dozen convictions. Prosecutors added that Richards wife Castelli did not have the wealth of information that her husband and son did but assisted the government in any way she could and her cooperation was key to securing the cooperation of the others. Amy Busa assistant U.S. Attorney stated in court papers that the cooperation of the Cantarella family was by any measure extraordinary and substantial in getting convictions of members of the Bonanno family.

The whole Cantarella family will be sentenced together in an unprecedented family affair next month in Brooklyn Federal Court. Richard Cantarella could face a life sentence and son Paul Cantarella up to 20 years from Judge Nicholas Garaufis. But sources close to the case believe that they will both get a free pass and never see a day in jail as payment for their cooperation against the mafia.

Salvatore Larca a reputed soldier in the Genovese crime family has been sentenced to nice and a half years in prison for his role in an illegal drug operation. He was part of a massive marijuana distribution scheme which also involved former reality star Anthony Zoccolillo and three sons of former Bonanno family boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano. The weed was being imported from California and distributed by the group in the Bronx area of New York. Authorities found over 40,000 pounds of marijuana in a warehouse owned by Larca and approximately $30,000 of cash at his home when he was busted last year. Basciano’s sons Stephen, Vincent Jr, and Joseph have all pleaded not guilty to narcotics conspiracy and could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

“Basciano sons leave court after posting bail”

Larca’s attorney argued in a pre-sentence letter that marijuana laws have drastically changed over the last several years along with society’s view of the drug saying it has become mainstream. He said he believed that an 84 month sentence would be appropriate for his clients crimes but the feds were seeking a sentence from 126 to 159 months which was at the high end of the sentencing guidelines. The judge admitted that society was having new conversations and second thoughts about marijuana but the case was more about drug trafficking then about marijuana itself before sentencing the mobster to 114 months. Larca’s defense attorney said his client was ready fully serve his sentence and was appreciative of the one year reduction from the maximum sentencing guidelines given to him by the court. Another case showing the drug business has become a major money maker for the mafia.

Former Bonanno crime family captain turned informant Dominick Cicale wrote a letter to Judge Richard Sullivan asking for leniency for the son of former Bonanno family boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano. Oddly enough it was the testimony of Cicale that helped to put Vinny Gorgeous behind bars for life. Dominick was facing two life sentences for the same murders that Basciano was eventually convicted of but decided to turn rat and was awarded for his cooperation getting released in 2013 after serving only eight years in prison. In his letter he asked for leniency for Vincents son Joseph Basciano who was busted along with his two brothers Vincent Jr and Stephen for running a marijuana enterprise.

“Joseph Basciano”

Cicale wrote that everyone in jail will be watching Joseph and grooming him out of respect for his father and his status in the mafia world. He said he feared the good young man could walk out of prison feeling like he was the next John Gotti. Time in jail may only lead the young man and his brothers down the path of becoming lifetie wiseguys the letter said. He recalled Joseph as being a smart college boy back when he knew him and before he decided to help convict papa Basciano.
 

Joseph was already cut a break by Judge Sullivan with only a six month sentence considering he was facing a possible sentence of up to two years under the plea deal he agreed to. So there may not be much room left for leniency even with the urging of the mob turncoat.

Stephen Basciano the son of former Bonanno crime family mob boss Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano is sentenced to 42 months behind bars for his role in a long running marijuana ring. Stephen pleaded with the court for mercy and reduced sentence saying he didn’t want to walk down the same path as his mobster father saying he’d learn from his mistakes. Vinny Gorgeous once the head of the Bonanno family of New York Mafia is now serving two life sentences down in a Colorado Supermax prison.

“Stephen Basciano”

Federal judge Richard Sullivan decided against a lighter sentence ignoring the defendants pleas considering the seriousness of the crime. He said the large scale marijuana ring was not just a one time shot and went on for years. He urged Basciano to make good on his words that he would learn from his mistakes and walk the straight and narrow upon his release telling him this was no way to live.

Along with Stephen two of his brothers Joseph and Vincent Jr were also arrested as part of the drug ring. Joseph was less involved in the scheme has already been sentenced to six months in prison. Vincent Jr is set to be sentenced sometime later on this year. It is unknown if any of the sons are officially involved or made members of the mob.

Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano the former boss of the Bonanno crime family has been doing time since 2011 in a Colorado Supermax prison but good behavior has him on the move. The 55 year old mobster was convicted of ordering a mafia hit among other charges and was suspected of putting together a hit list which included Brooklyn Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis. The Supermax facility located in Florence, Colorado is one of the most infamous prisons in the nation.

“Vincent Basciano“

Basciano was housed in the notorious “H-Block” section of the prison which featured 23 hour a day confinement to his small cell. According to sources a “step down program” allowed Vinny Gorgeous the chance to transfer to a less restrictive prison for good behavior. Bureau of Prisons website documents state that “Inmates who continue to demonstrate positive institutional adjustment for 12 months are referred for transfer to another facility,”

“Florence, Colorado Supermax Prison“

Some of the famous names housed at the notorious prison during Basciano’s stay included Ted “Unabomber” Kaczynski, Richard Reid the shoe bomber, and Zacarias Moussaoui known as the 20th 9/11 hijacker. Basciano will be moving to a Florence High Security prison which houses approx 700 inmates and features outdoor fields for soccer and softball and area’s of worship. The former New York mafia boss will now be able to mingle with other inmates and room with a cell mate along with yard time playing sports.

Serving two life sentences Basciano won’t walk out of prison alive so moving to a less restrictive environment is about as good as it gets. The date of his actual transfer has not been made public according to reports.

Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano the former boss of the Bonanno crime family is no longer calling the supermax prison in Florence, Colorado home.

The 56-year-old mobster has been moved out of the nation’s most secure prison to Big Sandy a federal penitentiary in Kentucky according to a NYdailynews report. Prosecutors feared that a handwritten list passed to another inmate by Basciano in 2006 containing the names of the federal judge, prosecutor, and cooperating witness in his case was a hit list. This alleged hit list landed Vinny Gorgeous in solitary confinement for 11 years under conditions usually reserved for terrorists. He maintained the list was passed along so that the inmate could put a Santeria hex on his adversaries before he went to trial.

“Vincent Basciano in Colorado supermax prison”

Basciano’s lawyer Mathew Mari called the hit list theory bogus and believed it was a ploy by the feds to isolate his client hoping it would break him and he would agree to rat on his Bonanno family pals. Mari told The Daily News “The reason Vinny survived so many years in solitary is because he is a man,” “That might sound trite, but Vinny has a personal code of conduct. It’s not about ‘omerta,’ and it’s not about loyalty, it’s just about being a man. Vinny is not a rat.” Vinny Gorgeous instead choose to work on his legal appeals while serving his two life sentences.

A former warden of the Florence , Colorado prison described it as a “cleaner version of hell” housing infamous terrorists like the Unabomber and Ramzi Yousef. The move to Big Sandy in Eastern Kentucky is a step up for the former New York mafia boss now that prosecutors no longer see him as a public threat. Along with the improved conditions, the move also brings Vinny a little closer to his old territory in the Bronx and his family. The recent prison photo from supermax of the former Cosa Nostra mobster via his lawyer shows he is still living up to his nickname.

  One of the biggest mob turncoats in Mafia history is set to once again take the stand as a government witness. Former Bonanno crime family boss Joseph Massino will make his second appearance for the feds since he turned informant in 2004. Massino was once known as “the last don” because of his old [...]

The post Former Mafia boss turned rat Massino to hit witness stand again appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Former Bonanno crime family captain turned rat Nicholas “P.J.” Pisciotti got a Christmas present when he sentenced to no jail time for his mob crimes in return for his cooperation. Pisciotti decided to turn against his fellow wiseguys when he learned from the feds that he was marked for death because of an incident [...]

The post Bonanno family rat Pisciotti gets christmas gift appeared first on About The Mafia.

  The former boss of the Bonanno crime family Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano wants taxpayers to pay for legal defense needed for his appeal. Basciano is currently serving two life sentences for racketeering and murder convictions. He is housed in one of the toughest Supermax prisons in the country located in Colorado. He filed an [...]

The post Former Bonanno Family Boss Basciano Says He Is Broke Wants Free Appeal appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Former Bonanno crime family captain turned rat Generoso “Jimmy the General” Barbieri was sentenced to six years in prison. Since he has already served that time behind bars he is now a free man living under a new identity in the witness-protection program. Barbieri was a key witness against former Bonanno family boss Vincent [...]

The post Turncoat Bonanno Capo Barbieri Set Free appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Tensions continue to mount between the Bonanno crime family and the Lucchese crime family in New York after a failed mob hit. The two New York Mafia families are locked in an ongoing feud linked to the Bonanno family efforts to recruit more wiseguys in an attempt to rebuild their ranks without consulting the [...]

The post Bonanno family soldier survives mob hit ordered by Lucchese family as Mafia feud develops appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Joseph Massino former boss of the Bonanno crime family was the first official American Mafia boss to publicly testify against his fellow wiseguys. His cooperation was a key tool used by the feds in a decade long effort to dismantle La Cosa Nostra. Massino turned rat and agreed to a cooperation deal after he [...]

The post Bonanno Family Boss Massino Turned Rat And Now Looks To Cash In appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Joseph Massino the former boss of the Bonanno crime family and first active boss of a New York mafia family to turn rat is set to be released from prison as a reward for his cooperation. A Brooklyn federal court judge today ruled that Massino’s life sentence would be reduced to time served and [...]

The post Bonanno Boss Turned Rat Joseph Massino To Go Free appeared first on About The Mafia.

  Former Bonanno crime family captain Richard “Shellackhead” Cantarella along with his wife Castelli and son Paul are set to be sentenced on a host of crimes but are likely to get a free pass in return for their cooperation. The trio decided to become turncoats and help the feds to dismantle the Bonanno family [...]

The post Bonanno capo Cantarella and kin to get free pass after snitching on Bonannos appeared first on About The Mafia.