The Jersey Crew
Encyclopedia
The Jersey Crew is a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family
, that operates and controls illegal activities like drug trafficking, labor racketeering, loansharking, extortion
, illegal gambling, money laundering
, and murder
, in the Northern New Jersey
area.
in 1931, after the murders of the two most powerful mob bosses in New York City
, Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Masseria
and Salvatore Maranzano
. The crew were recognized as bootleggers
under Gaetano "Tom" Reina
in the early 1920s, as they worked throughout the Prohibition
with smuggling of alcohol
into New York City. After the meeting in Atlantic City in 1931, when Thomas Gagliano and Tommy Lucchese
were chosen as bosses of the old Reina crime family
, the New Jersey Crew came under the wings of the Bronx faction leaders.
, the Underboss
of the Gagliano crime family
, and the crew kept operating from Bergen County
through Essex
, Morris
, Passaic
and Union
counties, all the way to Sussex County
. Upon the death of longtime Boss Thomas Gagliano, Tommy Lucchese was soon installed as boss of the family, which was renamed the Lucchese crime family
. The crew were then headed by several of their high-ranking members, like prominent New Jersey mobsters Settimo Accardi
, Anthony "Ham" Delasco, and Joseph Abate
from Newark
. As the time of the Joseph Abate
regime as leader was ending Anthony "Tumac" Accetturo
, who was chosen to become the new leader to the crew. Accetturo had a good friendship with Lucchese caporegime Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo
and was put in charge of the crews entire illegal gambling and loansharking operation in Newark, the crew had a new unofficial leader.
and extortion
operations. Reportedly, with Accetturo in charge of the crew, they handed something between $70,000 and $80,000 a year to Tommy Lucchese. Upon Lucchese's death in 1967, and several years of different "acting bosses" as Carmine "Mr. Gribbs" Tramunti
and Ettore "Eddie" Coco
, until the year of 1973, when Anthony Corallo
was released from prison, and quickly installed as boss. Corallo, a longtime friend of Accetturo, quickly inducted
Accetturo and his second in commands Michael "Mad Dog" Taccetta
and Martin Taccetta
into the Lucchese crime family, so they could officially control the entire New Jersey area.
where he could lie low from law enforcement. Taccetta soon expanded Accetturo's former operations in New Jersey, as the crew grew stronger, and several members of the Lucchese crime family in New York were sent to aid the moneymakers over the bridge, as Taccetta developed an operation that soon controlled the entire New Jersey area. From arson
and burglary
, to loansharking and extortion, to illegal gambling and drug trafficking, the Jersey Crew soon made millions of dollars in profit, and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars back to Anthony Corallo in New York City for years. Both Accetturo and Taccetta soon became the most powerful mobsters in New Jersey. Accetturo would then suffer from several indictments, following the State of New Jersey's try to extradite Accetturo, but failed due to his poor health. Accetturo later relocated his business interests to Miami and Hollywood, Florida
, but still remained the official boss of New Jersey. Michael Taccetta was chosen once again to run the Northern New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family, during the mid 1970s. Toward the late 1970s, the crew allegedly earned something between $700,000 and $800,000 in profit every year.
, Angelo "Gentle Don" Bruno
, was shot and killed on March 12, resulting in a huge power vacuum between prominent Bruno members Philip Testa
and Nicodemo Scarfo
, both fighting for the total control of the Bruno crime family
. Accetturo and Taccetta, on the other hand, used their situation to establish a new foothold in Philadelphia, as a part of the Jersey Crew, with illegal gambling and loansharking operations. Unfortunately, because of the bad relations between the two factions in Philadelphia's crime family, as well as both Taccetta and Accetturo taking advantage of the situation, the relationship between Philadelphia and the New York Families
, especially the Luccheses, eventually turned worse after the murder of Angelo Bruno, which led to all cooperation between the families being completely terminated. It was around this time that prominent Bruno member Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio, and many others, defected to the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family to make more profit and to avoid being killed.
activities in the North Jersey area, as a four-year-long investigation was finally announced, and indictments were brought up toward 20 members of the Jersey Crew. Accetturo was brought from Florida, the Taccetta brothers were arrested in Newark, and 17 other known members were put on trial for 76 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
(RICO) predicates, which included loansharking, extortion, racketeering, illegal gambling, money laundering, drug trafficking, arson and thefts, as well as murder and conspiracy
to commit murder. In late 1986 and early 1987, the trial first began. During the trial, former member of the Philadelphia crime family Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio
fired his lawyer and went on to represent himself during the entire trial. Although not popular with Accetturo and Taccetta, DiNorscio is reported to have charmed the jury, as the trial ended in 1988 with the acquittal of all 20 defendants. The prosecutors were stunned, as the Jersey Crew went right back where they left off.
stepped up after Corallo.
in 1987, and his protegé Anthony "Buddy" Luongo was found murdered earlier, the new bosses Victor Amuso and Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso
, known for their brutal use of violence, questioned the profit they received from the Jersey Crew. Apparently, both Accetturo and Taccetta had skimmed off the profit and only sent a $50,000-a-year payment to the new leaders from the Brooklyn
faction. When they demanded 50% of the crew's total profit, both Taccetta and Accetturo reportedly refused, portraying themselves as hard-working money machines that were only having a bad year. Amuso and Casso, on the other hand, saw this as an act of weakness, and gave the order to "Whack Jersey", meaning that the entire North Jersey faction should be eliminated. Summoned to a meeting in Brooklyn with Victor Amuso and Anthony Casso, the entire North Jersey faction, who were fearful of being massacred, went into hiding, disrupting their illegal activities. Over the next 12 months, most of the New Jersey crew members came back to the family. Amuso is to have portrayed Accetturo as a distrustful servant who was betraying his boss, as Taccetta reportedly is to have sent messages to Amuso in Brooklyn, asking for a contract to be placed on Accetturo's life, so Taccetta could control the entire New Jersey faction.
to New Jersey. During this time, Accetturo had little power in the Jersey Crew, as Amuso had reportedly stripped his rank and demoted him to soldier. The Taccetta brothers also had problems, as their longtime rival Thomas Ricciardi was ready to step up and take control over the North Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family in the early 1990s, but as everything looked to bring a new war to the streets, Accetturo, the Taccetta brothers and Ricciardi were put on trial for racketeering, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, murder and conspiracy to commit murder. As the entire crew's administration was put on trial in 1992, Ricciardi decided to defect to the government and turn state's evidence in the beginning of the trial, and eventually testify against Martin and Michael Taccetta. Although Michael Taccetta was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1993, his brother Martin was acquitted on the murder charges and sentenced to 25 years in prison, as he can be paroled in 2016. Ricciardi went into the Witness Protection Program, and revealed that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
(RICO) case in 1988 ended the way it did because the jury had been rigged.
. Two members of the Lucchese family three man ruling panel were indicted Joseph DiNapoli
and Matthew Madonna
, top New Jersey Faction capos Ralph V. Perna and Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr.
. Others indicted included members Alphonse Cataldo, Martin "Marty" Taccetta
(brother of Michael Taccetta), and associates Frank Cetta, Antonio Russo, Joseph M. Perna and John G. Perna, Ralph M. Perna (all three are sons of Ralph Perna), John Mangrella, Gary Medure, Samuel Juliano, Michael Maffucci, Gianni Iacovo, Robert Romano, James Furfaro Jr., John Turi, George Maiorano, Michael A. Cetta, Charles J. Bologna, Elliot Porco, Shptim Hani, Blerim Ibriami, Michael Ramuno III and two female associates Roseanne Perna (wife of Joseph Perna) and Vita Cetta.
The investigation also uncovered that Lucchese family members had aligned with members of a Bloods street gang set "Nine Trey Gangsters" to smuggle heroin, cocaine, marijuana and cell phones into East Jersey State Prison with corrupt prison guards. The prison corruption involved Lucchese associates Joseph Perna and Michael Cetta with gang members Edwin Spears, Dwayne Spears, Francine Higtower, Kristine Gilliam, and Michael Bruinton.
. Upon his release, Martin Taccetta is reportedly ready to take over as the Boss of North Jersey. The crew is estimated to have between 20 to 30 made members, and twice as many associates. Still, after prosecution, the Jersey Crew remains a strong faction of the Lucchese crime family, operating with illegal activities mostly in Newark.
and Northern Jersey
counties of Essex
, Union
, Morris
, Monmouth
, Bergen
, Passaic
and Sussex
. In the faction also has rackets in Florida
, South Jersey
and Philadelphia.
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
, that operates and controls illegal activities like drug trafficking, labor racketeering, loansharking, extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
, illegal gambling, money laundering
Money laundering
Money laundering is the process of disguising illegal sources of money so that it looks like it came from legal sources. The methods by which money may be laundered are varied and can range in sophistication. Many regulatory and governmental authorities quote estimates each year for the amount...
, and murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
, in the Northern New Jersey
North Jersey
North Jersey is a colloquial term, with no precise consensus definition, for the northern portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey. A straightforward, noncolloquial term for the region is northern New Jersey.- Two-portion approaches :...
area.
Prohibition era
The Jersey Crew was allegedly being recognized as a criminal organization upon the foundation of the CommissionThe Commission (mafia)
The Commission is the governing body of the American Mafia. Formed in 1931, the Commission replaced the "Boss of all Bosses" title, with a ruling committee, consisting of the New York Five Families bosses and the boss of the Chicago Outfit...
in 1931, after the murders of the two most powerful mob bosses in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Masseria
Joe Masseria
Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Masseria was an early Mafia don in the United States. He was boss of what is now called the Genovese crime family, one of the New York Mafia's Five Families, from 1922 to 1931.-Early days:...
and Salvatore Maranzano
Salvatore Maranzano
Salvatore Maranzano was an organized crime figure from the town of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, and an early Cosa Nostra boss in the United States. He instigated the Castellammarese War to seize control of the American Mafia operations, and briefly became the Mafia's "Boss of Bosses"...
. The crew were recognized as bootleggers
Rum-running
Rum-running, also known as bootlegging, is the illegal business of transporting alcoholic beverages where such transportation is forbidden by law...
under Gaetano "Tom" Reina
Gaetano Reina
Gaetano "Tommy" Reina was the first Boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City.-Early years:Gaetano Reina was born in September 1889 in Corleone, Sicily to Giacomo Reina and Carmela Runmore. In the early 1900s the Reina family moved to New York City and settled on 107th Street in East Harlem...
in the early 1920s, as they worked throughout the Prohibition
Prohibition
Prohibition of alcohol, often referred to simply as prohibition, is the practice of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, import, export, sale, and consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. The term can also apply to the periods in the histories of the countries during which the...
with smuggling of alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
into New York City. After the meeting in Atlantic City in 1931, when Thomas Gagliano and Tommy Lucchese
Tommy Lucchese
Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese , also known as "Tom Brown" or "Three-Finger Brown", was an American mobster who became the Boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City...
were chosen as bosses of the old Reina crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
, the New Jersey Crew came under the wings of the Bronx faction leaders.
Expanding the crew
Toward the 1940s and early 1950s, the New Jersey Crew expanded their operations through their legitimate businesses. The crew had since 1931 been under the control of Gaetano "Tommy" LuccheseTommy Lucchese
Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese , also known as "Tom Brown" or "Three-Finger Brown", was an American mobster who became the Boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City...
, the Underboss
Underboss
Underboss is a position within the leadership structure of Sicilian and American Mafia crime families. The underboss is second in command to the boss...
of the Gagliano crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
, and the crew kept operating from Bergen County
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
through Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, Morris
Morris County, New Jersey
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
, Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
and Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
counties, all the way to Sussex County
Sussex County, New Jersey
The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County...
. Upon the death of longtime Boss Thomas Gagliano, Tommy Lucchese was soon installed as boss of the family, which was renamed the Lucchese crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
. The crew were then headed by several of their high-ranking members, like prominent New Jersey mobsters Settimo Accardi
Settimo Accardi
Settimo "Big Sam" Accardi was a New Jersey mobster who served as capo in the Lucchese crime family's Jersey crew...
, Anthony "Ham" Delasco, and Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
from Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
. As the time of the Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
regime as leader was ending Anthony "Tumac" Accetturo
Anthony Accetturo
Anthony "Tumac" Accetturo is a former caporegime and leader of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family The Jersey Crew.-Biography:...
, who was chosen to become the new leader to the crew. Accetturo had a good friendship with Lucchese caporegime Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo
Anthony Corallo
Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo was a New York City mobster and boss of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
and was put in charge of the crews entire illegal gambling and loansharking operation in Newark, the crew had a new unofficial leader.
Accetturo in charge
Toward the 1970s, the crew were unofficially headed by Anthony "Tumac" Accetturo, because Accetturo wasn't yet inducted into the Lucchese crime family, due to "closed books". The leader of the crew was still Joseph Abate, while Anthony Accetturo was his protégé waiting to take over the crew. The Jersey Crew then came to control the entire Newark area, with loansharking, illegal gambling, narcotics, money launderingMoney laundering
Money laundering is the process of disguising illegal sources of money so that it looks like it came from legal sources. The methods by which money may be laundered are varied and can range in sophistication. Many regulatory and governmental authorities quote estimates each year for the amount...
and extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
operations. Reportedly, with Accetturo in charge of the crew, they handed something between $70,000 and $80,000 a year to Tommy Lucchese. Upon Lucchese's death in 1967, and several years of different "acting bosses" as Carmine "Mr. Gribbs" Tramunti
Carmine Tramunti
Carmine "Mr. Gribbs" Tramunti was a New York mobster who was the boss of the Lucchese crime family. Tramunti helped build the massive French Connection heroin smuggling ring.-Operating in Harlem:...
and Ettore "Eddie" Coco
Ettore Coco
Ettore "Eddie" Coco was a New York City mobster who served as acting boss of the Lucchese crime family in 1967.-Boxing promoter:...
, until the year of 1973, when Anthony Corallo
Anthony Corallo
Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo was a New York City mobster and boss of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
was released from prison, and quickly installed as boss. Corallo, a longtime friend of Accetturo, quickly inducted
Made man
A made man, also known as a Mafioso , made guy, man of honor, or uomo d'onore , is someone who has been officially inducted into the Sicilian or American Mafia . They may also be referred to by some as a goodfella or wiseguy...
Accetturo and his second in commands Michael "Mad Dog" Taccetta
Michael Taccetta
Michael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
and Martin Taccetta
Martin Taccetta
Martin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
into the Lucchese crime family, so they could officially control the entire New Jersey area.
Accetturo and Taccetta
During the early 1970s, Accetturo relocated to Miami to avoid prosecution for his illegal gambling and loansharking business in Newark, and Michael Taccetta was soon promoted by Accetturo to run the day-to-day activities. Accetturo even created illegal operations in FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
where he could lie low from law enforcement. Taccetta soon expanded Accetturo's former operations in New Jersey, as the crew grew stronger, and several members of the Lucchese crime family in New York were sent to aid the moneymakers over the bridge, as Taccetta developed an operation that soon controlled the entire New Jersey area. From arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
and burglary
Burglary
Burglary is a crime, the essence of which is illicit entry into a building for the purposes of committing an offense. Usually that offense will be theft, but most jurisdictions specify others which fall within the ambit of burglary...
, to loansharking and extortion, to illegal gambling and drug trafficking, the Jersey Crew soon made millions of dollars in profit, and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars back to Anthony Corallo in New York City for years. Both Accetturo and Taccetta soon became the most powerful mobsters in New Jersey. Accetturo would then suffer from several indictments, following the State of New Jersey's try to extradite Accetturo, but failed due to his poor health. Accetturo later relocated his business interests to Miami and Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida
-Demographics:As of 2000, there were 59,673 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of...
, but still remained the official boss of New Jersey. Michael Taccetta was chosen once again to run the Northern New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family, during the mid 1970s. Toward the late 1970s, the crew allegedly earned something between $700,000 and $800,000 in profit every year.
Operating in Philadelphia
In 1980, the longtime Don of the Philadelphia crime familyPhiladelphia crime family
The Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Scarfo crime family, Bruno crime family, Philadelphia Mafia, or Philly Mob, is an Italian American criminal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most active American Mafia families outside of the Five Families of New York...
, Angelo "Gentle Don" Bruno
Angelo Bruno
Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno was a Sicilian-American mobster who ran the Philadelphia crime family for two decades. Bruno gained his nickname and reputation due to his preference for conciliation over violence.-Early years:Born in Villalba, Sicily, Bruno emigrated to the United States in his...
, was shot and killed on March 12, resulting in a huge power vacuum between prominent Bruno members Philip Testa
Philip Testa
Philip Carlo Testa , also known as "The Chicken Man" or "The Julius Cesar of the Philadelphia Mob" or "Philly", was a Sicilian-born American Mafia figure known for his brief leadership of the Scarfo crime family...
and Nicodemo Scarfo
Nicodemo Scarfo
Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Domenico Scarfo is a member of the American Mafia who eventually became the Boss of the Philadelphia crime family after the death of Angelo Bruno and Phil Testa...
, both fighting for the total control of the Bruno crime family
Philadelphia crime family
The Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Scarfo crime family, Bruno crime family, Philadelphia Mafia, or Philly Mob, is an Italian American criminal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most active American Mafia families outside of the Five Families of New York...
. Accetturo and Taccetta, on the other hand, used their situation to establish a new foothold in Philadelphia, as a part of the Jersey Crew, with illegal gambling and loansharking operations. Unfortunately, because of the bad relations between the two factions in Philadelphia's crime family, as well as both Taccetta and Accetturo taking advantage of the situation, the relationship between Philadelphia and the New York Families
Five Families
The Five Families are the five original Italian-American Mafia crime families which have dominated organized crime in America since 1931. The Five Families in New York remain as the powerhouse of the Italian Mafia in the United States.-History:...
, especially the Luccheses, eventually turned worse after the murder of Angelo Bruno, which led to all cooperation between the families being completely terminated. It was around this time that prominent Bruno member Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio, and many others, defected to the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family to make more profit and to avoid being killed.
21 months in trial
During the early 1980s, US law enforcement started an operation to determinate all organized crimeOrganized crime
Organized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
activities in the North Jersey area, as a four-year-long investigation was finally announced, and indictments were brought up toward 20 members of the Jersey Crew. Accetturo was brought from Florida, the Taccetta brothers were arrested in Newark, and 17 other known members were put on trial for 76 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization...
(RICO) predicates, which included loansharking, extortion, racketeering, illegal gambling, money laundering, drug trafficking, arson and thefts, as well as murder and conspiracy
Conspiracy (crime)
In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement...
to commit murder. In late 1986 and early 1987, the trial first began. During the trial, former member of the Philadelphia crime family Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio
Jackie DiNorscio
Giacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio was a member of the Bruno and, later, the Lucchese crime families. DiNorscio died near the end of the shooting of the film Find Me Guilty, which portrayed his participation in the The United States v...
fired his lawyer and went on to represent himself during the entire trial. Although not popular with Accetturo and Taccetta, DiNorscio is reported to have charmed the jury, as the trial ended in 1988 with the acquittal of all 20 defendants. The prosecutors were stunned, as the Jersey Crew went right back where they left off.
The Taccetta era
As the trial ended with all defendants acquitted in 1988, the authorities eventually managed to split up the Jersey Crew, as Michael Taccetta grew jealous on Anthony Accetturo, Jr., who was said to take over for Anthony Accetturo on his eventual retirement. The Taccetta brothers reportedly claimed war on Accetturo, who had escaped to Miami to avoid being killed. Although the war never got to a point of massive shooting in the streets, the two factions were close to killing and destroying each other completely in late 1988. But the crew had other problems, as the Lucchese crime family was given new leadership, when Vittorio "Vic" AmusoVictor Amuso
Vittorio "Little Vic" Amuso is a New York mobster and, as of 2011, the reputed Boss of the Lucchese crime family. Amuso is currently serving life at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont, Texas on murder and racketeering charges....
stepped up after Corallo.
New York rivalry
Toward the year of 1989, the Jersey Crew's war position had eventually declined, as the two factions were more interested in making money than who was in charge. The new leaders were reportedly Michael Taccetta and Martin Taccetta, who operated through their legitimate business, Taccetta Group Enterprises, which was under control by the Lucchese crime family. Through the company, the Jersey Crew were able to launder money and pay their tribute to the heads of the Luccheses in New York, but as Anthony Corallo was sentenced to life imprisonmentLife imprisonment
Life imprisonment is a sentence of imprisonment for a serious crime under which the convicted person is to remain in jail for the rest of his or her life...
in 1987, and his protegé Anthony "Buddy" Luongo was found murdered earlier, the new bosses Victor Amuso and Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso
Anthony Casso
Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso is a former New York City mobster who served as underboss and acting boss of the Lucchese crime family until he was arrested in 1993, becoming a cooperating witness for the Federal Government...
, known for their brutal use of violence, questioned the profit they received from the Jersey Crew. Apparently, both Accetturo and Taccetta had skimmed off the profit and only sent a $50,000-a-year payment to the new leaders from the Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
faction. When they demanded 50% of the crew's total profit, both Taccetta and Accetturo reportedly refused, portraying themselves as hard-working money machines that were only having a bad year. Amuso and Casso, on the other hand, saw this as an act of weakness, and gave the order to "Whack Jersey", meaning that the entire North Jersey faction should be eliminated. Summoned to a meeting in Brooklyn with Victor Amuso and Anthony Casso, the entire North Jersey faction, who were fearful of being massacred, went into hiding, disrupting their illegal activities. Over the next 12 months, most of the New Jersey crew members came back to the family. Amuso is to have portrayed Accetturo as a distrustful servant who was betraying his boss, as Taccetta reportedly is to have sent messages to Amuso in Brooklyn, asking for a contract to be placed on Accetturo's life, so Taccetta could control the entire New Jersey faction.
Taccetta's arrest and trial
Upon the murder-contract Taccetta had put on his life, Accetturo had been placed under federal protection, as he was extradited from North CarolinaNorth Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
to New Jersey. During this time, Accetturo had little power in the Jersey Crew, as Amuso had reportedly stripped his rank and demoted him to soldier. The Taccetta brothers also had problems, as their longtime rival Thomas Ricciardi was ready to step up and take control over the North Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family in the early 1990s, but as everything looked to bring a new war to the streets, Accetturo, the Taccetta brothers and Ricciardi were put on trial for racketeering, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, murder and conspiracy to commit murder. As the entire crew's administration was put on trial in 1992, Ricciardi decided to defect to the government and turn state's evidence in the beginning of the trial, and eventually testify against Martin and Michael Taccetta. Although Michael Taccetta was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1993, his brother Martin was acquitted on the murder charges and sentenced to 25 years in prison, as he can be paroled in 2016. Ricciardi went into the Witness Protection Program, and revealed that the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization...
(RICO) case in 1988 ended the way it did because the jury had been rigged.
2007 indictment
On December 18, 2007, New Jersey law enforcement indicted and arrested 32 members and associates of the Lucchese crime family. In a year-long investigation titled "Operation Heat" law enforcement agencies uncovered a $2.2 billion dollar illegal gambling, money laundering and racketeering ring from New Jersey to Costa RicaCosta Rica
Costa Rica , officially the Republic of Costa Rica is a multilingual, multiethnic and multicultural country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east....
. Two members of the Lucchese family three man ruling panel were indicted Joseph DiNapoli
Joseph DiNapoli
Joseph "Joey Dee" DiNapoli , is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, holding the rank of caporegime or captain, in the family's Ruling Committee/Panel, controlling the day-to-day operations since 2003, along with Aniello "Neil" Migliore and Matthew Madonna...
and Matthew Madonna
Matthew Madonna
Matthew Madonna is a caporegime with the Lucchese crime family who was heavily involved in narcotics trafficking and bribery of government officials.-Narcotics trafficking:...
, top New Jersey Faction capos Ralph V. Perna and Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr.
Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr.
Nicodemo Salvatore "Nicky" Scarfo Jr. is the second son of convicted Philadelphia crime family boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo, Sr. In his 20s, he was allegedly inducted into the Lucchese crime family sometime in the early 1990s....
. Others indicted included members Alphonse Cataldo, Martin "Marty" Taccetta
Martin Taccetta
Martin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
(brother of Michael Taccetta), and associates Frank Cetta, Antonio Russo, Joseph M. Perna and John G. Perna, Ralph M. Perna (all three are sons of Ralph Perna), John Mangrella, Gary Medure, Samuel Juliano, Michael Maffucci, Gianni Iacovo, Robert Romano, James Furfaro Jr., John Turi, George Maiorano, Michael A. Cetta, Charles J. Bologna, Elliot Porco, Shptim Hani, Blerim Ibriami, Michael Ramuno III and two female associates Roseanne Perna (wife of Joseph Perna) and Vita Cetta.
The investigation also uncovered that Lucchese family members had aligned with members of a Bloods street gang set "Nine Trey Gangsters" to smuggle heroin, cocaine, marijuana and cell phones into East Jersey State Prison with corrupt prison guards. The prison corruption involved Lucchese associates Joseph Perna and Michael Cetta with gang members Edwin Spears, Dwayne Spears, Francine Higtower, Kristine Gilliam, and Michael Bruinton.
Current position
Although the Jersey Crew is much weakened due to increased law enforcement and internal rivalry, Michael Taccetta, at age 60, is reported as the official boss of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family, though he is serving a prison term without the possibility of paroleParole
Parole may have different meanings depending on the field and judiciary system. All of the meanings originated from the French parole . Following its use in late-resurrected Anglo-French chivalric practice, the term became associated with the release of prisoners based on prisoners giving their...
. Upon his release, Martin Taccetta is reportedly ready to take over as the Boss of North Jersey. The crew is estimated to have between 20 to 30 made members, and twice as many associates. Still, after prosecution, the Jersey Crew remains a strong faction of the Lucchese crime family, operating with illegal activities mostly in Newark.
Historical leadership of the Lucchese's New Jersey faction
A leading capo in the faction is chosen as boss to supervise the other capos. However, this rank of boss carries little power in New York as the family leadership still views him as just a capo.- 1920s–1930 – Gaetano "Tom" ReinaGaetano ReinaGaetano "Tommy" Reina was the first Boss of the Lucchese crime family in New York City.-Early years:Gaetano Reina was born in September 1889 in Corleone, Sicily to Giacomo Reina and Carmela Runmore. In the early 1900s the Reina family moved to New York City and settled on 107th Street in East Harlem...
(controlled the New Jersey Faction from his Bronx base; involved in transporting bootleg alcohol and whiskey into NYC; murdered on February 26, 1930 during the Castellammarese War by the Masseria faction.) - 1930–1953 – Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese (Underboss he oversaw the faction actives and operations he received profits from the faction; Lucchese was promoted to Boss of the family in 1953 and moved to Long Island)
- 1940s–1955 – Settimo "Big Sam" AccardiSettimo AccardiSettimo "Big Sam" Accardi was a New Jersey mobster who served as capo in the Lucchese crime family's Jersey crew...
(became the leading member of the New Jersey faction operating from his Newark Crew; promoted to Boss/Capo of the entire New Jersey faction after Lucchese became the Boss in 1953; Accardi worked with rival Elizabeth, NJ family boss Sefano Badami; in 1953 his citizenship was revoked; arrested on narcotics charges in 1955 and fled the country) - 1955–1960s – Anthony "Ham" Delasco (became the Boss/Capo of the Jersey Faction; Anthony Accetturo became his driver and protégé shaking down bookies and loan-sharks for Delasco; he died sometime in 1960s)
- 1960s-1979 - Joseph AbateJoseph AbateJoseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
(became the Boss/Capo of the Jersey Faction; took over the Newark crew after the death of Delasco; semi-retired in 1979 leaving Accetturo in charge of the Crew; died naturally in 1994, age 92) - 1970s-1988 - Anthony "Tumac" AccetturoAnthony AccetturoAnthony "Tumac" Accetturo is a former caporegime and leader of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family The Jersey Crew.-Biography:...
(allegedly in charge of a crew in his early 20s, while working with Anthony Delasco as his driver and protégé; continued to work for the Jersey faction under Joseph Abate he was finally inducted by 1976; took over as Acting Boss in 1979; relocated to Florida during the late 1970s early 1980s and set up rackets; acquitted in the 21-month trial along with other Jersey faction members on August 26, 1988; in 1987 was stripped of Capo his rank demoted to a soldier; tension between Accetturo and Taccetta almost started a war; was threatened to be murdered in 1993 Accetturo defected and became an informant)- Acting 1980s-1988 - Michael "Mad Dog" TaccettaMichael TaccettaMichael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
(Michael had his own hierarchy with Michael Perna as underboss and his brother Martin Taccetta as Consigliere they controlled the entire Jersey Crew of the Lucchese family)
- Acting 1980s-1988 - Michael "Mad Dog" Taccetta
- 1988–present – Michael "Mad Dog" TaccettaMichael TaccettaMichael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
(served as the acting leader for Accetturo; acquitted in the 21-month trial along with other Jersey faction members on August 26, 1988 and became the official leader of the Jersey faction late 1988; almost started a war with Accetturo; Michael set up some rackets in Philadelphia in the early 1990s; in 1993 was convicted to life in prison along with his brother Martin and Michael Perna with help from testimony of Thomas Ricciardi and Anthony Accetturo; Michael stayed the official leader of Jersey Faction).- Acting 2005-2007 – Martin "Marty" TaccettaMartin TaccettaMartin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
(released from prison in 2005 due to lack of evidence in his 1993 trial; took over again with help from Ralph Perna; On July 30, 2009 the New Jersey Supreme Court reversed lower court decision that granted him his release and reinstated his life sentence for racketeering and extortion) - Acting 2007–present - Ralph Vito Perna (the 63 year was released from prison in 2006; is serving as Acting Boss/Capo on behalf of Michael Taccetta)
- Acting 2005-2007 – Martin "Marty" Taccetta
Current faction leaders
The Lucchese family's New Jersey faction operates in Newark's Down Neck sectionIronbound
The Ironbound is a large working-class neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. This close-knit, multi-ethnic community covers approximately four square miles . Historically, the area was called "Dutch Neck," "Down Neck," or simply "the Neck," because of the way the Passaic River curved to form what...
and Northern Jersey
North Jersey
North Jersey is a colloquial term, with no precise consensus definition, for the northern portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey. A straightforward, noncolloquial term for the region is northern New Jersey.- Two-portion approaches :...
counties of Essex
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, Union
Union County, New Jersey
Union County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 536,499. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Elizabeth. Union County ranks 93rd among the highest-income counties in the United States. It also ranks 74th in...
, Morris
Morris County, New Jersey
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, about west of New York City. According to the United States 2010 Census, the population was 492,276. It is part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Morristown....
, Monmouth
Monmouth County, New Jersey
Monmouth County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey, within the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 630,380, up from 615,301 at the 2000 census. Its county seat is Freehold Borough. The most populous municipality is Middletown Township with...
, Bergen
Bergen County, New Jersey
Bergen County is the most populous county of the state of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 905,116. The county is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. Its county seat is Hackensack...
, Passaic
Passaic County, New Jersey
Passaic County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 501,226. Its county seat is Paterson...
and Sussex
Sussex County, New Jersey
The County of Sussex is the northernmost county in the State of New Jersey. It is part of the New York City Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 Federal decennial census, 149,265 persons resided in Sussex County...
. In the faction also has rackets in Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, South Jersey
South Jersey
South Jersey comprises the southern portions of the U.S. state of New Jersey between the lower Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. The designation is a colloquial one, reflecting not only geographical but perceived cultural differences from the northern part of the state, with no official...
and Philadelphia.
- Boss/Capo Michael "Mad Dog" TaccettaMichael TaccettaMichael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
- Capo of the Jersey crew and boss of the entire New Jersey faction of the Lucchese family. Longtime rival of Victor Amuso. Currently serving life in prison for conspiracy charges and drug trafficking. His younger brother Martin Taccetta was reportedly the acting boss of the Jersey Crew until he was sent back to prison.
- Acting Boss/Capo Ralph Vito Perna - longtime Jersey faction member, released from prison in 2006 and took over as acting faction leader in 2007. Perna was arrested in December 2007 with Joseph DiNapoliJoseph DiNapoliJoseph "Joey Dee" DiNapoli , is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, holding the rank of caporegime or captain, in the family's Ruling Committee/Panel, controlling the day-to-day operations since 2003, along with Aniello "Neil" Migliore and Matthew Madonna...
, Matthew MadonnaMatthew MadonnaMatthew Madonna is a caporegime with the Lucchese crime family who was heavily involved in narcotics trafficking and bribery of government officials.-Narcotics trafficking:...
two members of the family's ruling committee. The Jersey crew was involved with running a gambling operation that earned approximately $2.2 billion in a 15-month period. The crew also worked with New Jersey correction officers and members of the Nine Trey Gangster, a set in the Bloods gang. The crew would use gang members to smuggle drugs and pre-paid cell phones into New Jersey state prisons.
Capos
- Robert "Bucky the Boss" Caravaggio - Capo in the Jersey Crew who oversees operations in the northern New Jersey, especially Morris County. Caravaggio also worked with Carlo Taccetta.
- Joseph "Joey" Giampa - Capo in the Jersey Crew. Giampa has a stepson named Gennaro Vittorio, a.k.a. Gerry Giampa who is also involved in organized crime.
- Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr.Nicodemo Scarfo, Jr.Nicodemo Salvatore "Nicky" Scarfo Jr. is the second son of convicted Philadelphia crime family boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo, Sr. In his 20s, he was allegedly inducted into the Lucchese crime family sometime in the early 1990s....
- Capo operating in the South Jersey-Philadelphia areaDelaware ValleyThe Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...
, he is the son of former Philadelphia familyPhiladelphia crime familyThe Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Scarfo crime family, Bruno crime family, Philadelphia Mafia, or Philly Mob, is an Italian American criminal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most active American Mafia families outside of the Five Families of New York...
boss Nicodemo ScarfoNicodemo ScarfoNicodemo "Little Nicky" Domenico Scarfo is a member of the American Mafia who eventually became the Boss of the Philadelphia crime family after the death of Angelo Bruno and Phil Testa...
. He was a soldier in the Scarfo family, until his fathers arrest in the mid-1990s, he then joined the Lucchese family with his fathers help. There are rumors that Scarfo is trying to take over the Philadelphia family.
Soldiers
- Alfonso T. "Tic" Cataldo - a soldier in the Lucchese family running illegal gambling operations in northern New Jersey. He is working with Eurasian organized crime groups. Cataldo was arrested in December 2007 on charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and racketeering charges along with two members of the Lucchese ruling panel Joseph DiNapoliJoseph DiNapoliJoseph "Joey Dee" DiNapoli , is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, holding the rank of caporegime or captain, in the family's Ruling Committee/Panel, controlling the day-to-day operations since 2003, along with Aniello "Neil" Migliore and Matthew Madonna...
and Matthew MadonnaMatthew MadonnaMatthew Madonna is a caporegime with the Lucchese crime family who was heavily involved in narcotics trafficking and bribery of government officials.-Narcotics trafficking:...
.
- (In prison) Michael J. Perna - soldier and former Capo in the Jersey faction; he began working for the Lucchese families Jersey faction sometime in 1976; by the 1980s was serving as the Underboss of the Jersey Faction for Michael Taccetta; acquitted in the 21 month trail along with other Jersey faction members on August 26, 1988; in 1993 was convicted of gambling and extortion along with Michael and Martin Taccetta with the testimony of Thomas Ricciardi and Anthony AccetturoAnthony AccetturoAnthony "Tumac" Accetturo is a former caporegime and leader of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family The Jersey Crew.-Biography:...
; relatives include his father Joseph Perna, younger brother Ralph; The 67 year-old is currently imprisoned at the Federal Correction Institution at Fairton, New Jersey his projected release date is August 2, 2015.
- (In prison) Martin TaccettaMartin TaccettaMartin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
- soldier and former Capo in the Jersey Crew was released from prison in 2005 due to lack of evidence in his trial, and wrongfully being accused of murder charges in his older brother Michael Taccetta's trial in 1993. On July 30, 2009 the New Jersey Supreme Court reversed lower court decision that granted Taccetta release and reinstated Martin life sentence for racketeering and extortion.
Sub-groups
The Jersey Faction have several sub-groups- In MiamiMiami-Dade County, FloridaMiami-Dade County is a county located in the southeastern part of the state of Florida. As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 2,496,435, making it the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States...
and Hollywood FloridaHollywood, Florida-Demographics:As of 2000, there were 59,673 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of...
started by Anthony AccetturoAnthony AccetturoAnthony "Tumac" Accetturo is a former caporegime and leader of the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family The Jersey Crew.-Biography:...
in the late 1970s. - In Philadelphia started by Michael TaccettaMichael TaccettaMichael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
in the 1980s.
Former Jersey crew members
- Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscioJackie DiNorscioGiacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio was a member of the Bruno and, later, the Lucchese crime families. DiNorscio died near the end of the shooting of the film Find Me Guilty, which portrayed his participation in the The United States v...
(former Philadelphia crime familyPhiladelphia crime familyThe Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Scarfo crime family, Bruno crime family, Philadelphia Mafia, or Philly Mob, is an Italian American criminal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most active American Mafia families outside of the Five Families of New York...
member changed to join Lucchese crime familyLucchese crime familyThe Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
in 1980's) - Thomas "Tommy Boy" Ricciardi (soldier; 1993 turned FBI informant)
- Vincent "Jimmy" Craparotta (Lucchese family associate; killed 1993)
Popular culture
- The 2006 Sidney LumetSidney LumetSidney Lumet was an American director, producer and screenwriter with over 50 films to his credit. He was nominated for the Academy Award as Best Director for 12 Angry Men , Dog Day Afternoon , Network and The Verdict...
film Find Me GuiltyFind Me GuiltyFind Me Guilty is a 2006 legal drama crime film based on the true story about the longest Mafia trial in American history. Mobster Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio faces a series of charges even though he has a prior 30 year conviction, but he decides to stand trial instead of ratting out his family and...
chronicles the 2-year trial of Accetturo, the Taccetta brothers and the other family members. Vin DieselVin DieselVin Diesel is an American actor, writer, director and producer. He became known in the early 2000s, appearing in several successful Hollywood films, including The Fast and the Furious and xXx...
stars as Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio who defends himself. - According to the Crime LibraryCrime LibraryThe Crime Library is a website documenting major crimes, criminals, and trials, forensics, and criminal profiling from books, police reports, crime television shows, and writers...
website, the Jersey Crew is the main inspiration of the DiMeo crime family in the HBO TV-show The SopranosThe SopranosThe Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
. Michael Taccetta is probably the inspiration to the leading role of Tony SopranoTony SopranoAnthony John "Tony" Soprano, Sr. is an Italian-American fictional character and the protagonist on the HBO television drama series The Sopranos, on which he is portrayed by James Gandolfini. The character was conceived by The Sopranos creator and show runner David Chase, who was also largely...
, as other real-life Jersey crew members can be recognized on the screen.
Further reading
- Raab, Selwyn. The Five Families: The Rise, Decline & Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empire. New York: St. Martins Press, 2005. ISBN 0-312-36181-5
- Rudolph, Robert C. The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds. New York: William Morrow and Company Inc., 1992. ISBN 0-8135-2154-8
External links
- http://www.crimelibrary.com/gangsters_outlaws/family_epics/lucchese1/5.html
- http://www.nj.com/sopranos/ledger/index.ssf?/sopranos/stories/mafiosi_20020410sl.html
- http://www.nj.com/sopranos/ledger/index.ssf?/sopranos/ledger/index.ssf?/sopranos/stories/mafiosi_20030723sl_ricciardi.html