The American Mafia has seen another interesting year come and go as we head into 2015 some families seem to be rebuilding while others continue to diminish. The past year has brought changes in the hierarchies of some of the major mafia families in the Unites States for one reason or another. Here is a up to dates list of the 2015 mafia leadership for most of the active mob families across the country going into the new year. The information found here is gathered from an array of sources including law enforcement reports , news reports, and much more with an effort to be as accurate as possible. Included in the charts are the current mafia family bosses along with the other known leadership positions with in the families. We will attempt to keep things updated through out the year on our Mafia Family Leadership Charts page so you can check back there occasionally for any further updates.

Gambino Crime Family (New York)

“Domenico Cefalu”

Boss: Domenico “Italian Dom” Cefalu
Underboss: Francesco “Franky Boy” Cali
Consigliere: “Unknown” John Gambino (?)
New Jersey Crew Boss: Nicholas “Nicky Mita” Mitarotonda

Colombo Crime Family (New York)

“Carmine Persico”

Boss: Carmine “Junior/The Snake” Persico (Life IP)
Street Boss: Andrew “Andy Mush” Russo (IP,UI)
Underboss: John “Sonny” Franzese (IP)
Acting Underboss: Dominick “Donnie Shacks” Montemarano
Consigliere: “Unknown”
Acting Consigliere: Thomas “Tom Mix/Mr. T” Farese

Genovese Crime Family (New York)

“Liborio Bellomo”

Boss: Ruling Panel (Liborio Bellomo , Daniel Leo , Ernie Muscarella , John Barbeto, Dominic Cirillo and Larry Dentico) ?
Street Boss: Liborio “Barney” Bellomo
Underboss: Venero “Benny Eggs” Mangano
Consigliere: Dominick “Quiet Dom” Cirillo
New Jersey Crew Boss: “Unknown”

Bonanno Crime Family (New York)

“Michael Mancuo”

Boss: Michael “The Nose” Mancuso
Acting Boss/Underboss: Thomas “Tommy D” DiFiore
Consigliere: Anthony “T.G.” Graziano (IP)
Acting Consigliere: Anthony “Fat Tony” Rabito
New Jersey Crew Boss: Joseph Sammartino Sr

Lucchese Crime Family (New York)

“Steven Crea”

Boss: Steven “Stevie Wonder/Herbie” Crea
Underboss: “Unknown”
Consigliere: Joseph “Joe C.” Caridi
New Jersey Crew Boss: Ralph Vito Perna (UI)

New Jersey Mafia Family (Decavalcante Family)

“Charles Majuri”

Boss: Frank Guarraci/Charlie Majuri ?
UnderBoss: Joseph “Joe” Miranda ?
Consiglieri: “Unknown”

Philadelphia Mafia Family

“Joseph Merlino”

Boss: Joey Merlino (?)
Acting Boss: Steve Mazzone
Underboss: John “Johnny Chang” Ciancaglini
Consigliere: Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi

Detroit Mafia Family

“Jackie Giacalone”

Boss: Jack “Jackie the Kid” Giacalone
Underboss: Anthony (Chicago Tony) La Piana
Consigliere: Anthony (Tony Pal) Palazzolo
Street Boss: Peter (Specs) Tocco
Street Counselor: Allen “The General” Hilf

New England Mafia (Patriarca Family)

“Anthony Spagnolo”

Boss: Anthony “Tony” DiNunzio/52 (IP)
Acting Boss: Anthony (Spucky) Spagnolo
UnderBoss: “Unknown”
Consiglieri: Carmen “The Cheese Man” DiNunzio (IP/2015)

Cleveland Mafia Family

“Joseph Lacobacci”

Boss: Joseph “Joe Loose” Lacobacci (possibly retired)
Acting Boss: Russell “RJ” Papalardo
Underboss: “Unknown”
Consigliere: “Unknown”

Kansas City Mafia Family

“Peter Simone”

Boss: John Sciortino
UnderBoss: Peter Simone
Consigliere: “Unknown”

Buffalo Mafia Family

“Bobby Panaro”

Boss: Robert “Bobby” Panaro
Underboss: “Unknown”
Consigliere: Victor Sansanese.?

Chicago Mafia Family (Chicago Outfit)

“Joseph Andriacchi”

Boss (elder statesman): Joseph Andriacchi/Johnny “No Nose” DiFronzo
Street Boss: “Unknown” Possible Ruling Panel including – Albert Vena, Solly DeLaurentis, James Iandino ?
Consigliere: Unknown

Joseph Merlino is headed back to prison today this time in Miami for a four month stint on charges that he violated his supervised release. He was convicted back in 2001 on charges of racketeering and was under supervised release down in Florida. He was caught by authorities meeting with Philly mobster John “Johnny Chang” Ciancaglini at a cigar bar down in Florida in June in direct violation of his release situation.

“Joey Merlino”

Is Joey Merlino still the boss of the Philadelphia mafia ? Well according to Joey he has retired from the life and maintains no more mafia ties but the feds don’t seem so convinced. Seems the feds still believe that Skinny Joey is still tied directly into things in Philly and is running things using his right hand man and childhood friend Steven Mazzone as acting boss.

Melino with his typical flair tweeted “I’ll be in great shape for when I get out on Cinco de Mayo,” referring to his upcoming prison stint. He also found a way to get a plug in for his newly opened restaurant down in Florida tweeting “I can’t wait to go,” he texted. “I need a vacation after working so hard at the best restaurant in Florida, Merlino’s Restaurant.”

Daniele Ranieri has been on the run since he was named as a target in Project Forza on extortion and conspiracy charges and is now believed to have fled the country according to authorities. The mobster is believed to run the GTA operations for the Rizzuto family in Montreal taking over after the murder of Juan Ramon Fernandez also known as Joey Bravo. Both became friends in prison and he was chosen to take the reins of the GTA operations once the post was left vacant.

The recent Montreal mafia war left the mob ranks in Montreal , GTA, and aboard a bit thin after the assault on the Rizzuto crime family and retaliation by long time now deceased boss Vito Rizzuto upon his release from prison. The instability remains in the Montreal mafia as it struggles to replace the long time Rizzuto family boss and tensions between the Sicilian mafia clan and the Ndrangheta in Canada seemingly continue.

Authorities believe Ranieri to be armed and extremely dangerous and with his long running criminal record has enough contacts to provide him with all needed documents to travel internationally. GTA police would not give any information as to leads or if they suspect that Ranieri is hiding out in any particular country.

Antonio “Tony” Mucci a reputed leader in the Montreal mafia caught a break as the Crown decided not to go to trial on various firearms charges. Mucci and a couple of alleged bodyguards were arrested and charged back in 2010 with multiple firearm related charges. Tony was charged with illegal possession of a sawed-off shotgun , tazer like weapon, and a bear repellent among other totaling 10 in all. At the time the Montreal police were on the offensive against anyone believed to be involved in the ongoing bloody Montreal mafia war.

“Tony Mucci“

Tony Mucci today is considered a survivor and one of the elder statesman of the Montreal mafia as rival factions saw many members lost. It is believed that he stayed relatively neutral in the still ongoing Montreal mafia war that saw an attack against the powerful Rizzuto crime family resulting in reprisal by long time mob boss Vito Rizzuto upon his release from prison.

The Crown did not give an exact reason for its decision to drop the case against Mucci but it is believed that an investigation into a former Montreal detective Philippe Paul was the cause. Paul was being investigated for leaking of information outside of the police force and challenged by the defense via court motions as to the credibility of information he supplied. Paul was in charge of much of the surveillance and operations into Mucci at the time and it was his sources that supplied the information needed to obtain the search warrants in the case.

Joseph Sclafani a soldier in the Gambino crime family caught a break getting his 15 year sentence on drug charges reduced by a year due to changes in sentencing guidelines. Also known as Joe Boy the New York mafia soldier was will now be set for release in 2023 after being sentenced on drug charges. Lawyers for Sclafani asked for his clients sentence to be reduced down to 12.5 years which prosecutors objected prompting Brooklyn Federal Judge John Gleeson decision that one year was sufficient even though Joe Boy may not see it as that big a break.

“Joseph (Joe Boy) Sclafani“

The feds ruined the Gambino family wiseguys plans to marry Mob Wives star Ramona Rizzo with his arrest on drug charges. The 49 year old mobster also requested a furlough so he could say goodbye to his father who was terminally ill but prosecutors objected on questions of the legitimacy of the illness. His father went on to pass away a couple months later and his lawyer also noted that as another reason his client was due a break.

“Ramona Rizzo“

Rizzo said its about time her former fiance catches some kind of break who she says she is still fond of although wedding plans have been called off. She also claims she is still upset over jewelry the feds confiscated when Joseph was arrested that belongs to her and they refuse to return claiming it was purchased from illegal drug profits.

Genovese crime family is one of the largest and most powerful of the five families of the New York mafia and one of the most secretive. The family has been dubbed the “Ivy League of organized crime” because of its ability to find new ways to make money and maintain its size and power over the years. The mafia family has also benefited greatly from its members maintaining the code of Omerta which has led to only six members in its history turning rat unique in today’s mafia. Named after long time boss Vito Genovese the mob family has long been one of the most interesting to many perhaps because so little information on their current operations and structure if known.

Vincent “The Chin” Gigante one of the most well known mafia bosses ran the family for for years using his “oddfather” act before passing away back in 2005. Since his death there has been very little information about who is the real power with in the Genovese family and who is officially sitting at the head of the table. They have been known in the past to use front bosses and ruling panels to run the family for the absence of the official boss or to insulate him. It has been a topic of discussion over recent years as to who the current boss of the family is along with the rest of its possible structured hierarchy.

It is believed that after the passing of Gigante is 2005 Genovese family capo Daniel Leo was running day to day operations as the families acting boss. He was convicted in 2008 and sent to prison but according to a 2009 report had maintained his status as acting boss although it is unclear if he still holds that current rank today. There have been many theories of late as to who is running the family and if the family even has an official boss anymore or has moved to a long term ruling panel type of leadership phase in an attempt to make it harder on law enforcement. Here are some of the names we see mentioned most often by those in mob circles and even law enforcement as to who may be the 2015 Genovese family boss.

“Liborio Bellomo” 

Daniel Leo – Promoted to captain under the Gigante regime and the last reported boss/acting boss of the family. He was considered by many to have held that rank during his last prison stretch which ended in 2013 although many others do not agree. With many of its top captains out on the streets while Leo was away there were plenty of candidates for the family to promote in its leadership ranks. Others maintain Leo was most likely a front boss for a more powerful faction with in the family during his time at the top.

Liborio Bellomo – Considered to be a rising star in the mob for years and the likely successor to Chin Gigante before being sent to prison back in 1996. A powerful capo in the family and was believed to have held rank of acting boss in 1990 after Gigante was convicted until his own conviction in 96. He ended up serving 12 years behind bars getting released in 2008 and is currently one of families more powerful players. The 58 year old wiseguy is considered by most to be the most likely choice to be the current boss of the family.

Ernest Muscarella – Another of the Genovese families powerful capos and one time acting street boss back in 2001-2002 before himself being convicted for racketeering. Capo of the families 116th street crew for years many believe he is another likely choice to hold a top leadership position including being the top spot in the family. His name has also been mentioned as part of possible previous and current ruling panels.

Dominick Cirillo – A long time trusted aide to Gigante and a long time captain in the family. Part of the families Manhattan faction and respected across the board he is believed to have held rank of acting boss from 97-98 before stepping down due to health problems. Then in 2003 was believed to have been appointed again to the role of acting boss stepping down in 2006 after a loansharking conviction sent him to prison. He was released in 2008 and some believe he could be the current head of the family as he is still one of their most respected members although at age 86 its unclear as to how active he remains.

Venero Mangano – The last known official under boss of the Genovese family. He is one of the families senior leaders outside of prison after his release back in 2006 after doing a 15 year stretch. Some believe that he is respected enough to be at the head of the family today although he is reported to be in very poor health and at age of 93 many wonder if he is still capable maintaining such a role.

Ruling Panel – Many people in mafia circles and some in law enforcement believe the family is now run by a ruling panel of its top capo’s and members and no longer maintains an official boss or historic mafia leadership structure. The current panel if in place could contains some of the families top members like Leo, Bellomo, Muscarella, among others.

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During a mafia raid against the Pizzata Clan of the Ndrangheta in Rome where 26 members alleged mobsters were arrested a document was found by police. The document believed to have been written by the Calabrian Mafia also known as the Ndrangheta and is said to reveal the initiation rights and rituals of the Italian mafia. The letter was coded but according to police a cipher was found along with it allowing them to figure out the San Luca Code. Italian authorities have described the document as ‘the archaic procedural mechanisms regulating the “initiation rite” of the ‘Ndrangheta and Italian Mafia.”

“Secret mafia document page from Ndrangheta“

“Secret Italian mafia document page“

It also seems to reveal the founding stories and myths of Italy’s three main mafia families. The Ndrangheta document stated the mafia families descended from three Spanish knights banished to the Sicilian island of Favignana for saving the honor of their sister by killing a man. They then wrote the first code of conduct including forming law of Omerta and split into three secret societies. One in Sicily who formed Cosa Nostra; another to Naples and formed the Camorra; and the last one to Calabria and formed the Ndrangheta.

“Secret Italian mafia document cipher“

Michael Persico son of long time Colombo crime family boss Camine (Junior) Persico has renewed his motion to have his recent guilty plea rescinded. The Colombo family prince just recently lost a motion to have his plea agreement with the feds terminated but now claims more wrong doing by prosecutors and has once again filed a similar motion. The feds stated recently in court papers that they could prove Michael’s involvement in the mafia murder of rival Colombo solider Joseph Scopo during the bloody Colombo family war from 1991-1993. According to Persico and his lawyers this directly violates the plea agreement they entered into with the feds.

“Michael Persico“

The statement from prosecutors about the mob slaying was in response to Judge Sandra Townes request for information being introduced at an upcoming pre-sentencing hearing. Prosecutors are supplying the information as reasons for why the judge should not mete out a sentence below the guidelines now in place of 37-46 months. But Persico’s lawyer says its the governments way of looking for a much stiffer sentence then the agreed upon plea deal led them to believe.

The plea agreement according to the defense lawyer prohibited the prosecution from advocating before the court and they have now broken that agreement. As per the plea the government should of declined the opportunity to supply information about additional crimes Persico allegedly committed as it was all included as part of the agreement. Prosecutors also notified the defense that they planned to call turncoat Colombo mobster Anthony (Big Anthony) Russo along with an FBI agent as witnesses during the hearing to back up their claims. This would also be a direct violation of the plea agreement according to Persico’s lawyer.

The plea seems like a sweet deal for the younger Persico even with the government’s attempts to influence the court for the high end mark of the sentencing guidelines. The defense team has filed for another adjournment if the motion is denied to allow time for them to go over the new information just turned over by the feds and prepare a proper rebuttal they deem necessary before sentencing.

Vito Rizzuto was caught by security camera’s as he strolled through a casino in the Dominican Republic on August 14, 2013 just 131 days before he passed away back in Montreal. The long time boss of the Rizzuto Crime family of the Montreal mafia was believed to have been in the Dominican on business and perhaps his last deal before his death. Vito would pass away in the midst of a revenge plot against mob rivals who had earlier attempted to take over the Montreal underworld leading to the ongoing bloody Montreal mafia war.

“Vito Rizzuto  Dominican Republic 2013“

Authorities believe that Vito and the Rizzuto crime family were attempting to muscle their way into control of the Dominican Republic casino’s through a company named Dream Group. The company has been a target of an ongoing investigation as to its business practices and links to organized crime including the mafia. Michael DeGroote one of Canad’a richest men was a main investor into the company and now finds himself caught up in a bitter conflict.

“Michael DeGroote“

The Rizzuto family has long held links to the Dominican Republic using it as a transit point for drug shipments to Montreal. Although authorities believe Mr. DeGroote had no previous knowledge of any organized crime links when investing almost $120 Million US dollars into the company others involved had previous links or organized crime according to reports from the investigation. According to the investigative reports Rizzuto was brought in by part owner Andrew Pajak in an attempt to take control from his partners Antonio and Francesco Carbone.

“Carbone Brothers“

Rizzuto had a series of meetings down in the Dominican with Alexander Visser who has a long criminal history and Pajak according to sources quoted in the investigation. It is believed that these meetings were discussions on what would be done with the company and the Carbone brothers. Antonio Carbone says he was then called into a meeting in Toronto with Vito Rizzuto and Pajack and was told by Rizzuto to walk away or else.

But before plans could be carried out any further Vito would pass away from what was believed to be complications of lung cancer. It is believed this was the final deal in the criminal life of Vito Rizzuto and it is unknown as to any involvement the mafia in Montreal and Rizzuto family now has in the casino’s or other interest in the Dominican.

Here is a follow up to the previous story on Vito Rizzuto the Montreal mafia and its connection to Michael DeGroote and the Dominican Republic casinos. Here is an episode of “The Fifth Estate” on Michael DeGroote one of Canada’s richest men and how he invest into the Dream Venture and Carribean casinos and how long time Montreal mob boss Vito Rizzuto got involved. There are in depth interviews with the Carbone brothers business partners in the Dream corporation and in depth information on the mafia other players and the investigation.

Here is the full length episode of “The Mob and Michael DeGroote“.

The Chicago mafia also known as the Chicago Outfit has been on the decline over the years according to most the mob in the “Windy City” is far from done. A new crop of Chicago mob leaders is now in place going into the new year and it seems like business as usual even if things are not exactly as they once were at the height of their power. Michael “Fat Mike” Sarno has stepped down from his role of acting boss leading to Salvatore “Sally D” DeLaurentis taking over as the families new acting boss according  sources of Scott Burnstein and his Gangster Report site.

“Salvatore DeLaurentis“

Seems Sally D earned his promotion while crushing a beef between young Cicero crew members and the old guard of the Chicago mafia last year which could of gotten ugly. The problem seemed to have developed between some younger Sarno loyalists and the older members of The Outfit pecking order. Now with a new acting boss in place the Chicago mob seems to have thing back in order and settled and ready to move forward doing business as usual.

“Salvatore Cataudella (right)“

Along with DeLaurentis sources also believe that Salvatore “Sammy Cards” Cataudella is the new syndicate underboss and John “Pudgy” Matassa Jr has taken over as acting consigliere of the mob in Chicago for Joseph “Joe the Builder” Andriacchi a mob elder statesman.

“John Matassa Jr.“

A massive Mafia operation targeted against the Calabrian Mafia also known as the Ndrangheta leads to over 160 arrests. Over 1000 members of the Carabinieri were involved in raids across the northern regions of Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Piemonte along with Calabria and Sicily. Franco Roberti the National Anti-Mafia prosecutor called the operation “historic and unprecedented” in the historical fight against the Italian mafia. Among those targeted in the operation was believed to be the powerful Ndrangheta clan of Nicolino Grande Aracri who is currently in prison.

“Nicolino Grande Aracri“

The Bologna based operation lead to arrests of six alleged bosses of semi-autonomous clans according to a report from Roberto Alfonso Bologna’s chief prosecutor. Domenico and Ernesto brothers of Grande Aracri were also arrested as part of the mob operation. Those arrested have been accused of various charges including mafia association, illegal possession of firearms, and extortion.

According to the new book from John Alite and George Anastasia called Gotti’s Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia an FBI memo confirms that Junior Gotti took part in a proffer session in which he fingered his dad and two other Gambino crime family mobsters in murders. The long buried five page memo is reprinted in the book and refutes claims by Junior that he never cooperated with authorities. The FBI reports shows that Daniel Marino a Gambino capo was implicated by Junior in one murder along with mob associate Jospeh Watts in two murders including one murder with his father.

According to Anastasia in the book Gotti’s Rules Junior never signed a cooperation deal but it didn’t stop him from giving the feds plenty of information. Asastasia writes that he supplied information on corrupt politicians and cops, murders, and the Gambino families influence at the time in the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Gotti attorney Charles Carnesi that the information provided in the book was old news happening over 10 years ago and nothing ever came of it and his client never testified against anyone even though he went through four trials of his own after that proffer session.

Now Junior Gotti denies virtually every claim made by Alite in the book Gotti’s Rules and has put out his own version of the story in his own ebook Shadow of My Father. But Anastasia writes that even though Junior is busy denying so many things Alite on the other hand has tried to deny very little and his version of these events marked his life not to mention the feds adopted the Alite version when putting him on the witness stand. Although it has to be noted that Alite was not a very impressive witness and did little damage against Junior at trial.

Kansas City mafia has a long dark history and now it can be explored from the comfort of your own phone with this new Smartphone App. The city of Kansas City may not come to mind right off when talking about the American Mafia but the city has a historic mob history. The App named “Kansas City Mob Tour” tracks the real history of the mafia in Kansas City explaining where mobsters once lived, partied, and plotted killings and bombings. Created by Gary Jenkins a former cop turned lawyer who once investigated the cities La Cosa Nostra family.

Some will remember the Italian-American mafia activity in the city which was still quite active into the 1980’s with a series of mob related bombings and killings say Jenkins. He said when talking about the mob he was often asked questions about where these mobsters used to do business, socialize, and commit crimes. Those questions along with a Jenkins producing a documentary film called Gangland Wire about the cities mafia led him to develop the mafia Smartphone App.

The mafia Smartphone App directs people to visit some of the area’s the mafia called home but don’t worry if you aren’t in Kansas City to go on a tour the App also includes lots of great information including videos from documentaries like Black Hand Strawman and Gangland Wire. If your into the history of the American Mafia this may be something of interest and you can purchase the Kansas City Mob Tour Smartphone App at Apple or Google Play for only $1.99. It can be used on both Andriod and Iphones alike.

Anthony Nicodemo a soldier in the Philadelphia mafia has agreed to plead guilty to murder charges according to sources. He is charged in the 2012 gangland style hit on Gino Dipietro. After a mistrial was declared in the original trial with jurors being dismissed and speculation of attempted jury tampering. It was believed that the feds were attempting to get the mobster to flip as its believed he could of supplied them with information on still unsolved Philly mob hits that could possibly involve others like Joey Merlino and Joseph Ligambi.

“Anthony Nicodemo“

According to sources and reports Nicodemo could be facing up to 25 years in prison by pleading guilty but if convicted could of received a sentence of life in prison with out parole. With his escape seemingly caught on tape and police finding the murder weapon in his SUV just moments after the murder he seemed to be facing an uphill battle in court.

We will update with more information at it becomes available on Nicodemo and if a plea deal has been agreed to and any known parameters. The mafia in Philadelphia seems to be in a transitional stage with many speculating as to who is really in control along with where the power lies now with multiple factions on the streets.

UPDATE: Nicodemo pleaded guilty today in court to third degree murder and weapons charges and was sentenced to the minimum of 25 years as part of his plea agreement and could serve up to 50. His lawyer said he decided to take the plea deal because at trial he was facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted and this way he will hopefully be able to come home to his family.

New York mafia families once maintained a stranglehold on local airports and now a resurgence is feared after a change in policy. The Port Authority has decided to stop running criminal background checks on new businesses and their principals applying to operate at local airports. Many now fear this will be an open invitation for the mafia to move right back in at major airports like La Guardia, JFK, and Newark. It was 25 years ago that the background checks were initiated on all new applicants or existing businesses performed by detectives and PA lieutenants to help break the mob grip.

According to reports about 5 percent of applications were being disqualified but sources say the known probe was also a big deterrent factor keeping many mob connected businesses from even applying. The New York mob control over airports in the past was depicted in the movie “Goodfellas” showing how the Lucchese family had a powerful influence at JFK. Airport businesses are allowed can interact with millions of travelers each year and could once again become a huge money maker for La Cosa Nostra.

A memo was issued by Michael A. Fedorko he PAPD Superintendent stating that the background checks were no longer required by applicable law and were eliminated effective immediately. This change was made after businesses constantly complained that the process had become much to burdensome and was taking too long to complete according to sources.

This may yet be another avenue for the mafia in New York to use to continue to rebuild itself as has seemingly been the case over the last couple years with more resources being put into counter terrorism over organized crime. We have seen the FBI squads which were assigned to monitor and investigate each of the five families of New York years ago diminished due to funding issues and now changes in mob fighting tactics such as this. This has allowed the mafia families in New York to begin to re-establish themselves and rebuild their ranks many of which now have new bosses and leadership hierarchy’s now in place. Seems like as far as mafia news goes this is another piece the mob is happy to see come about.

A new book by veteran mafia writers Antonio Nicaso and Peter Edwards called Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto’s Last War has been released . The book details the final years of former Montreal mafia boss Vito Rizzuto and the bloody mafia war he waged to avenge the death of his father and son and attempted take over of his mob family. Vito lost not only his father and son but other close relatives and mob lieutenants while he sat in a Colorado prison convicted for his role in a mafia hit.

Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto’s Last War is chronicles the events leading to his imprisonment back in 2006 to his shocking death in 2013 its being called the final chapter of the Vito Rizzuto Story. Could possibly be one of the best reads of the 2015 mafia books released so far and offers a seldom seen look into the Montreal mafia and the Rizzuto crime family.

Agostino Accardo an alleged Bonanno crime family associate and his brother Michael Accardo have been indicted by the Manhattan DA as part of the recently busted building inspectors graft scheme. The Accardo brothers were allegedly running an illegal money transmission and check bundling business. The scheme worked by them collecting checks from customers and then cashing them at commercial check cashiers in New Jersey and New York withholding the commercial check cashing fee’s along with an additional fee they imposed before returning the cash to the customers.

“New York Graft Scheme Bust“

This illegal operation was discovered during the investigation into the building inspectors graft scheme where nearly fifty building inspectors and construction contractors some with other mob ties were charged. According to the charges builders were illegally bribing city employees to fast track certain projects over looking code violations. Mark Peters the DOI Commissioner said dozens of violations which were over looked could potentially endanger the safety of citizens.

Agostino Accardo was deported by the feds back to Italy after a conviction on extortionate extension of credit charges back in 2007. He was later allowed back to the United States when an appellate court reversed the DHS action that was previously administered. This sort of mafia news is not a shock when involving these types of scheme’s.

Carmen DiNunzio also known as “The Cheeseman” under boss of the New England mafia is set to be released from earlier then expected. Taking advantage of some prison programs DiNunzio and his attorney was able to swing a deal convincing a judge to shorten his six year prison term. He was sentenced back in 2009 to six years on corruption charges He was serving both a federal and state sentence concurrently after his 2009 convictions on bribery and corruption charges. He is now set to become a free man again on Feb 19th.

“Carmen DiNunzio“

With the Patriarca crime family being decimated by law enforcement over the last few years many wonder if The Cheeseman steps into the top spot upon his release. With the recent indictment of alleged acting boss Anthony Spagnolo there once again seems to be an opening a top the crime family. Carmen’s brother Anthony DiNunzio was believed to have held rank of acting boss and some believed may have even taken over as official boss before he was convicted back in 2012.

With Anothony currently serving his own six year sentence it is unclear as to who is officially in control of the Patriarca family currently. Some believe that maybe long time mobster Peter Limone may still be involved in some sort of leadership capacity although that has not been substantiated.

Junior Gotti sits down along with his lawyer Charles Carnesi for an interview with Frank Morano about his new book Shadow of My Father. He also answer questions about allegations made by his former mob pal John Alite in his new book Gotti’s Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia. Alite rips the former boss of the Gambino crime family in many ways including claims that he was a rat quoting a FBI 302 report from a proffer session Gotti did with the feds back in 2005.

Even though the Alite book claims Junior never signed a cooperation agreement he gave the feds plenty of information about the mafia and the Gambino family. According to the book he supplied information on corrupt cops and politicians along with even fingering his father and two other mobsters in murders. Now the son of former mob boss John Gotti sits down to discuss these allegations.

Here are some previews from the upcoming Junior Gotti interview with Morano which is set to be released in its entirety soon. With both these new mafia books being highly controversial these interviews should include plenty of in depth information as readers try to piece together the real story.