Anthony Calabro (Bonanno)

 

A. Calabro 1960

Anthony 'Blackie' Calabro was a member of the Bonanno Family.

Born August 27, 1927 to Agostino (45y) and Immaculata Ferraro (40y) in NYC.

Father born in Rossano in the province of Cosenza, Calabria.

At the time of birth the family resided  at 290 Fifth St. in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.

During the 1940s and 1950s mostly involved in burglaries and robberies.

Possibly started as a Colombo Family Associate.

In 1949 sentenced to two years in Elmira Reformatory for assault and robbery. Released on parole in 1950. 

On September 1, 1951 arrested for burglary. At the Brooklyn Felony Court house he managed to escape by strolling away from the guards and the patrolmen who arrested him.

 

A. Brandofino 

 

On October 7, 1959 Calabro's crime partner Anthony 'Tony Lapp' Brandofino (1927-1990) was shot nine times in Brooklyn. Although seriously wounded he later recovered. Brandofino lived five blocks away from Calabro in Carroll Gardens.

The next day police arrested Colombo Family Members Calogero 'Charlie the Sidge' LoCicero, Benjamin LoCicero and Gregory Scarpa Sr. on suspicion of shooting Brandofino. They were later released without charges. Police suspected the shooting was connected with a dispute Brandofino had with Salvatore Scarpa, also a Colombo member:

"On October 7, 1959 members of that Squad were called upon to assist in solving the shooting of Anthony Brandofino, also known to the police as Tony Lapp. Specifically, they were called in because of their knowledge, acquired in the hijacking investigation, of the movements of Brandofino and of the members of the Persico group.

At approximately 2:15 a.m. on October 7, 1959, Anthony Brandofino received nine bullet wounds while walking along 59th Street in Brooklyn near Fort Hamilton Parkway. He managed to escape through an alley and climb through a window into the kitchen of a ground floor apartment where the police, in response to a radio call, found him. Brandofino would not tell the police who his assailants were, stating only that he would "take care of it" himself. He was taken to Maimonides Hospital in critical condition.

Shortly after Brandofino was removed to the hospital, it was learned that John Fahy, an off-duty patrolman who lived in the neighborhood, had been awakened by the shots and had seen an old model, possibly a 1954, rust or tan colored Pontiac pull away from the scene after a man ran from the alley and entered the car. Several other men were in the car. The description fitted an automobile which the police knew belonged to Hugh McIntosh. They had frequently seen McIntosh, Scarpa and other members of the Persico group riding around in it.

At daybreak that morning, a car which fitted the description given by Patrolman Fahy was found by Detectives Farrell and McCabe parked in the vicinity of Bond and Union Streets. On the seat they saw a paper bag, the contours of which indicated that it might contain a gun; on inspection, however, it was found to be empty. A check of the license plates disclosed that they had been issued to Hugh McIntosh, but for a different automobile. When taken down to view the Pontiac, Parolman Fahy stated that it was similar to the car he had seen pulling away from the scene of the shooting.

Because of the numerous shots that were fired, the number of men seen in the Pontiac and Brandofino's refusal to identify his assailants, the police deduced that the shooting was a "gangland" assault. Previous knowledge of Brandofino and the Persico group and the identification of McIntosh's car focused suspicion on that group, especially on Salvatore Scarpa. Scarpa was known to have had a fight with Brandofino three months previously over a girl, Antoinette DeMarzo.

At the very least, the police believed that various members of the Persico group, if they had not participated in the shooting, knew something about it. Accordingly, Sergeant Cooney, who was in charge of the Brandofino inquiry, directed that Scarpa and McIntosh and any of their associates be picked up for questioning."

On June 15, 1960 Calabro was arrested with Anthony Brandofino for attempting to break into a Brooklyn drug store at 8002 5th Ave, Brooklyn. He was released on bail. Reportedly the drug store had $50 in cash on the premises.

On August 7, 1960 arrested for burglary at a clothing store located on High St, Brooklyn. Again he was released on bail.

On August 27, 1960 arrested inside The Famous Restaurant located at 4818 13th Avenue, Brooklyn as he attempted to open a cabinet containing several hundred dollars. This time he was not released on bail. At the time he resided at 24 Sixth St, Brooklyn.

On or about February 20, 1970 Calabro is believed to have been involved in the murders of Joseph 'Joe Scarface' Vescovi (b. 1944) and Stanley 'The Doctor' Ackerman (b. 1922). Both were active criminals and Ackerman had served prison time for Grand Larceny. The murder believed to have been connected to a dispute between Vescovi and Colombo Capodecina Joe Yacovelli.

 

On June 27, 1972 an FBI CW reported [possibly Colombo Family Associate Joe 'Pesch' Luparelli]:

"Concerning the ice pick murder by JOE YACOVELLI in 1970 of a person described by [redacted] in the past as "Joe Wagoon Wheels", the NYCPD advised that [redacted] Identified the photo of JOSEPH VESCOVI as being identical to the murder victim. The PD advised on 6/20/72, this individual is JOSEPH VESGOVI, FBI # 391548E, NYGPD B # 560610. However, on 6/27/72, the NYCPD advised the correct spelling is VESCOVI with the same identifying numbers. The NYPD investigation reveals that VESCOVI's whereabouts have been unknown since about 2/20/70, and suspects he is dead.

The NYPD also advises they have identified [redacted] as [redacted] beat up [redacted] which led to VESGOVI being hit.

Other persons present when YACOVELLI murdered VESCOVI according [redacted] by below aliases are now identified by NYPD as indicated below, NYPD B # included where known:

"Sonny Red" is ALPHONSE INDELICATO, B # 218902, "Brother of Sonny Red" is JOSEPH INDELICATO, aka "J.B.", B4277804, "Sonny Red's son" is ANTHONY INDELICATO, B # 636465, "Blackie" is ANTHONY CALABRO, B # 262635, according to the NYPD he is now serving a 12 year sentence at Atlanta Federal Penitentiary on narcotics violations.

CARMINE DE BIASE aka "Sonny Pinto", and JOSEPH YACOVELLI all properly identified previously were also present at the scene of YACOVELLI's murder of VESCOVI.

 

Information in NYO files and obtained from NYS Parole indicate the apartment probably used for the VESCOVI murder is the ground floor at [redacted] wherein the same building, the [redacted] SONNY RED live."

 

In 1975 the FBI received further information about the Vescovi and Ackerman murders.

On January 29, 1975 an FBI CI advised that: "STANLEY ACKERMAN also known as "Stanley The Doctor" is possibly the individual who was murdered along with VESCOVI for their part in [redacted] JOSEPH YACOVELLI"

The Indelicato's were Associates (later Members) of the Bonanno Family, and Carmine DiBiase was an Associate or possible Member of the Genovese Family. Alphonse Indelicato resided at 117 Elizabeth St, Manhattan.

By 1970 Calabro spent considerable time on Mulberry St and had become involved in narcotics trafficking.

On November 20, 1970 indicted on narcotics charges along with his girlfriend Ada Villanueva:

"On July 17, 1970, Agent Scrocca, acting in an undercover capacity, met in Miami, Florida with Ada Villanueva for the purpose of infiltrating a narcotics ring. During their discussion of the narcotics trade, Villanueva asked Scrocca if he knew some of the people she had done business with in New York, including “Blackie from La Barraca.” [a Resturant]. When Scrocca inquired which “Blackie” Villanueva meant, she further identified him as Blackie Calabro from Mulberry Street, her boyfriend and business associate.

...

Two nights later, on August 6, Scrocca and Boccia again went to the La Barraca. They saw Villanueva enter the restaurant and leave soon thereafter. They also saw Calabro standing at the bar. On three separate occasions during the evening, Calabro walked from the bar and stood within five feet of their table, staring at them. Later in the evening, Boccia was followed to the men’s room in the rear of the restaurant by Calabro and an unidentified male. While Boccia was standing at the urinal, Calabro and his companion passed behind him; while doing so, one of them frisked the area of Boccia’s waist and grasped his sidearm.

On August 11, the agents’ undercover work resulted in Villanueva’s offer to purchase heroin. That afternoon Boccia met Villanueva in a restaurant less than a block from the La Barraca. She offered Boccia three kilograms of heroin at $18,000 per kilogram. Boccia agreed to buy one kilogram as a sample. He asked if Villanueva had the heroin with her. Villanueva said her “Italian boyfriend from Mulberry Street” would deliver it to her. She instructed Boccia to meet her at the La Barraca that evening at 8:00 P.M. for delivery of the heroin. 

The next evening, August 12, Boccia returned to the La Barraca where he saw Villanueva and Calabro seated together at the bar. After Villanueva joined the agent at a table, Boccia stated that he was pleased with the quality of the heroin and would want to purchase more in the near future. Villanueva said that Puga was bringing a load of cocaine from Miami which would be available shortly. Villanueva also told Boccia that she regularly received shipments of ten to twelve kilograms of heroin from Turkey. Boccia expressed an interest in the Turkish product rather than the lower quality French product. Villanueva explained that the heroin sold the night before in fact was from Germany and had been smuggled into the United States via France and Spain." 

Found guilty of violation of the federal narcotics laws Calabro was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Calabro is thought to have been inducted into the Bonanno Family in the Spring of 1978

He was identified as a Bonanno Soldier in the 1988 Senate Chart.

He died June 21, 1997 in NYC.

Giacomo Cusumano (Genovese)

 

1949

Giacomo 'Yago / Yargo' Cusumano was a member of the Genovese Family.

Born October 24, 1903 in NYC to Giuseppe Cusumano (33y) and Vincenza Romeo (21y). Father born in Sciacca, in the province of Agrigento, Sicily.

Father operated a Saloon.

At time of birth the family resided at 118 Elizabeth St, Manhattan.

Elizabeth Street was at that time home to a noticeable Sciacchitani community. It is possible that Cusumano associated closely with other Sciacchitani Members of the Genovese Family who also lived on Elizabeth St., such as Vincenzo 'Jimmy Dimino' Genoroso (1895-1981).

By 1910 the family resided at 128 Elizabeth St.

By 1920 the family resided at 130 Elizabeth St.

By the 1920s he started using James as a first name.

First arrested on May 25, 1922 for attempted burglary. Charge later dismissed.

On August 18, 1924 arrested in Jersey City for robbery.

Six days later he was again arrested for robbery. This time in Brooklyn.

On October 25, 1925 arrested for possession of Opium. Fined $50.00.

On March 15 1927 arrested for possession of Opium. Fined $50.00.

On August 28, 1928 he was arrested in Erie, Pa on route to Detroit with 400 ounces of Opium and 25 ounces of Morphine in his car

He was subsequently sentenced to 3 years in the Federal penitentiary of Atlanta.

On June 12th 1930  his younger brother Salvatore (1906-1951) was arrested in central Buffalo with a loaded gun in his car. Salvatore was sentenced to 6 months in Erie County Penitentiary.

On February 17, 1932 arrested in Manhattan for assault. Charge later discharged.

The time for Cusumano's induction into the Genovese Family is not known, possibly he was a member by the mid 1930s. In 1961 and FBI CI advised:

"JAMES CUSAMANO was a member of the Mulberry Street mob under VITO GENOVESE, as early as 1939. This group was engaged in the illegal sale of narcotics."

On July 12, 1933 arrested with four others for "consorting with known criminals". Also arrested were Fred Pallachi (39y) of 285 Mott street, who has been arrested fifteen times since 1910 and served a term in Sing Sing; Alfred Consentino (32y) of 32 Spring street, arrested seven times; James McGuire of Miami, Fla; Jerry Curreri of 90 Mulberry street. Cusumano gave his address as 355 Broome street.

On April 4, 1940 sentenced to 5 years in USP Leavenworth for violation of Harrison Narcotics Tax Act.

By 1942 resided at 103 Eldridge St in Manhattan. He would live there for the rest of his life.

On July 11, 1949 questioned and released in Washington DC by the Federal Narcotics Bureau.

During the mid 1950s he owned a lunchonette at 305 Broome St.

An Federal Bureau of Narcotics report from the mid 1950s states that "[James Cusumano is] an important smuggler and wholesale distributor of heroin on the Lower East Side of NYC, Maintains organization for smuggling and for distribution."

S. Granello

 

In late 1956 an FBI CI reported that Cusumano associated with Genovese Family Soldier Salvatore Granello (1923-1970). During the 1950s and 1960s Granello received considerable amount of interest from the FBI. In the mid 1960s an FBI CI advised that Granello was a member of the crew of Capodecina Vincenzo Generoso.

"JAMES CUSAMANO also known as Jimmy Yargo

During December, 1956, [informant] advised that JIMMY YAGO was one of the individuals attended meetings at the home of SALVATORE GRANELLO.

...

[informant] advised during the period December 22, 1956, through December 28, 1956, that at various meetings held in the home of SALVATORE GRANELLO some of the persons
attending these meetings at GRANELLO's home were JIMMY YAGO, true name JAMES CUSAMANO, JOE FRANCO, and CARLIE DI PIETRO."

Joe Franco was a Capodecina in the Gambino Family that controlled a  partition of that family’s Little Italy membership.

On June 15, 1957 arrested in Manhattan for vagrancy.

On June 5, 1959 interviewed by FBI Agents:

"JAMES CUSUMANO, 103 Eldridge Street, New York City, was interviewed on June 5, 1959, by SAS THOMAS F. MC QUEENEY and PHILIP J. BRITT. CUSUMANO advised that ne was born October 24, 1903, at New York City, and has resided at this address during the past sixteen years.

He stated that he resides with his mother and his wife, FLORENCE. He stated that he has been unemployed for many years and that his means of support is his wife, FLORENCE, who is a beautician. CUSUMANO stated that he last journeyed to Italy in approximately 1938, for the purpose of visiting his mother's relatives and to the best of his recollection, remained for a period of approximately two months.

He stated that he served four or five years imprisonment for having violated the Federal Narcotics Laws and was released in January, 1944. He stated that he has had no narcotic interests since that time. He stated that he does not indulge in gambling and that he occupies most of his time relaxing in his home or loitering on the street corners in the vicinity of his residence. He stated that he does not believe that there is a Mafia or syndicate existing in the United States. He stated the only knowledge he has concerning the Mafia is information he acquired from reading various newspapers.

He stated he has no knowledge concerning the Apalachin, New York meeting and that he was not familiar with any of the individuals who were alleged to have attended this meeting. Mr. CUSUMANO stated that he believes in keeping to himself and has made it a long standing policy not to furnish information to anyone."

He died one month later on July 7, 1959 in New York City.

In 1963 he was posthumously identified as an LCN Member by an FBI CI:

"On January 30, 1963, [informant] advised that JIMMY CUSAMANO, also known as Yargo, is a member of the CARLO GAMBINO or VITO GENOVESE "families"."

Rosario Nastasa (Colombo)

 

R. Nastasa

Rosario 'Black Sam' Nastasa was a Soldier in the Colombo Family.

Born 20 March, 1912 in NYC to Rosario 'Sam' Nastasa Sr (28y), a Laboratory Assistant, and Rosina Sparici (18y). Both parents were born in Italy.

In 1933 married Sarah McKay. Son Sam was born the following year.

At an unspecified time in the early 1940s served time in prison for bookmaking. For the next fifty years Nastasa's main activity would be various types of illegal gambling.  

Possibly started as a Genovese Family Associate that transferred to the Colombo Family. An 1948 intelligence report from the NYPD Detective Bureau named Nastasa as a bookmaker reporting to Anthony 'Tony Adonis' Doto (1898-1967), brother of Genovese Capodecina Joseph 'Joey Adonis' Doto.

Doto operated his bookmaking operation out of the Salfred Sign Company located at 5910 Fort Hamilton Parkway.

By 1950 resided at 5510 11th Ave, Brooklyn.

By the late-1950s he was an inducted member of the Colombo Family.

By 1965 Nastasa reported to Capodecina John 'Sonny' Franzese.

In early 1966 served six months in prison on Hart Island for bookmaking. At the time he resided at 929 60th St. Brooklyn.

While incarcerated indicted on 43 Counts of bookmaking. Charges grew out of two raids carried out on Broadway and in the Garment center the previous October. Sonny Franzese also indicted. Manhattan District Attorney Frank Hogan called Nastasa Franzese's "lieutenant and muscleman persuader."

Another defendant was Genovese Family Soldier Dominick 'Buddy' Cappolla (1923-2020) who was accused of using a baseball bat to extort $19,000 and attempting to extort another $10,000.

In 1971 Franzese and Nastasa plead guilty to aiding and abetting bookmaking and fined $500. Cappolla was sentenced to six years in prison.

Nastasa attended the Colombo Family's picketing of FBI headquarters in Manhattan during 1970. In attendees was FBI CI and Colombo Member Gregory Scarpa Sr who reported to his FBI handers on 18 May, 1970:

"Informant advised he has attended the picketing on a nightly basis and that COLOMBO has been keeping a "head count of all those attending and is angry at those who haven't shown regularly. Informant said on the previous night JIMMY ROSELLI was in attendance as well as ANTHONY AUGELLO, FUNZIE D'AMBROSIO and the usual crew. At one point, AUGELLO falsely claimed an FBI agent had torn his placard off him, spit on him and an incident almost ensued. After this incident, JOE COLOMBO took him aside and severely censured him over this “attempted” incident on AUGELLO's part, informing him that if he wanted one he (COLOMBO) would arrange one and have "his photographers” nearby. Informant advised previously BLACK SAM had attempted to start trouble and COLOMBO likewise berated him.

Informant advised that COLOMBO complained that the demonstration was costing him a great deal of money and that he had discontinued the daily arrival of a food truck."

 

Louis Malpeso

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr gave information on Nastasa Associate Louis Malpeso in a "fur deal" involving Gambino Family Underboss Neil Dellacroce:

"On October 19, 1971 informant advised he was again in contact with [redacted] at which time [redacted] advised that also involved in this fur case was NELL DELLACROCE who "steered" the furs [redacted] one BOBO (true name LOUIS MALFESO NYCPD B# 578672), who operates as a courier and [redacted] who operates Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Informant said that [redacted] primarily deals in swag jewelry, however, often handles other types of swag as well.

It is to be noted MALPESO was last known to be driving a 1969 green Cadillac, NY License LX 8517. Informant also advised that BOBO is "with" BLACK SAM NASTASI."

On May 6, 1975 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr gave information about Nastasa:

"ROSARIO NASTASI, a "button", who operates a club in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY [redacted] and a large card games are played in the club."

On August 10, 1975, an FBI CI provided the FBI with the hierarchy of the Colombo Family with Nastasa listed as a Soldier in the crew of Capodecina Joe Brancato:

"[Informant] cautioned that the hierarchy is in a state of flux.

Boss TOMMY DI BELLA

Underboss ANTHONY ABBATEMARCO

Consigliere ALPHONSE PERSICO

Captain JOE BRANCATO

ANTHONY PERAINO

JOE PERAINO

SAM NASTASI"

On February 8, 1975 Colombo Soldier Joseph Vitacco married. At the reception Nastasa seated at the same table as Colombo members Joe Brancato, Joe Periano, Leonard Dello, and Associates Carmine Franzese and Ralph Scopo. Both were later inducted into the Colombo Family.

 

Nastasa during 1982 raid

In August of 1982 a large casino type gambling operation with a number of craps tables opened at 3516 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn. Likely a joint venture between serval or all five families the casino was raided by the NYPD on September 1, 1982 at a time when 150 patrons and 24 employees was at the premises, among them Paul Vario, Jr (1938-2019) son of Lucchese Family Capodecina Paul Vario, Sr.

Nastasa and Lucchese Family Associate Vincent Diorato (1926-2006) charged with grand larceny after they tried to take gambling money seized in the raid.

In 1983 he resided at 929 60th St. Brooklyn.

Nastasa was identified as a Soldier in the Colombo Family in 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts.

In December of 1990 FBI CI Greg Scarpa, Sr reported that Nastasa's longtime Associate Louis 'Bobo' Malpeso had become an inducted Member of the Colombo Family. Although no sponsor is named, it is likely Nastasa sponsored Malpeso for membership.

"ON DECEMBER 12, 1990, SOURCE ADVISED THAT CARMINE SESSA

IS THE OFFICIAL CONSIGLIERE OF THE COLOMBO FAMILY, AND BENNY ALOI THE UNDERBOSS.

SOURCE SATD RECENTLY TEN NEW INDIVIDUALS WERE TAKEN INTO

THE COLOMBO FAMILY. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED AS "FAT PATTY" WHO WAS

AN EXPRESSO PLACE AT 20TH AVE. AND 72ND ST. BROOKLYN; BO BO

MALPESO; AND JOEY AMATO; AND FRANKIE "HIGHWAY". THE SOURCE ALSO IDENTIFIED NEWLY MADE MEMBERS AS JOE MONTE, AND SAL FUSCO, JR."

On March 16, 1991 FBI CI Scarpa identified Nastasa and Malpeso as a Soldiers reporting to Capodecina Pasquale 'Patty' Amato.

 

By 1991 the hostilities between the Colombo Family's Persico and Orena factions turned into open warfare for control of the Family. Nastasa sided with Family Boss Carmine Persico, Louis Malpeso sided with Orena.

 

On December 5, 1991 Nastasa was shot and killed inside his base of operations, The Belvedere Social Club, located at 911 63rd St  in Brooklyn.

 

Nastasa 1991

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr named Colombo Soldier Vincent DeMartino and Associates Frank Iannaci and Dominick Dionosio as the killers.

According to Scarpa they were also responsible for the murder of Colombo Soldier Henry 'Hank the Bank' Smurra on November 24, 1991 and the attempted murder of Scarpa himself.

The next day the Scarpa crew killed Orena Associate Vincent Fusaro in Bay Ridge. Two days later BoBo Malpeso's son James was shot in the stomach but survived.

On April 7, 2009, NYPD raided the Bonnano Family linked Banner Civic Social club on 72nd Street in Bensonhurst. During the raid the club's caretaker Sam Nastasa went into cardiac arrest and subsequently died. He was the son of Black Sam Nastasa and also a sometime actor with credits on the TV-show the Sopranos and the mob themed movie Out for Justice (1991) and Carlito's Way (1993). Sam Nastasa reportedly had no criminal record.

 

 

Louis Musto (Gambino)

 

Louis Musto

Louis Musto was a possible Member of the Gambino Family.

Born December 11, 1929 to Joseph Musto (Chauffeur; 26y) and Grace LaRocca (Seamstress; 25y).

All four grandparents were born in Italy. Mothers family partly from Ottaviano comune of Naples, Campania.

At the time of Louis's birth the family resided in Parsippany, NJ.

By 1934 the family resided at 27 Mill St. in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.

On November 22, 1934 father Joseph Musto was arrested for driving a car while intoxicated. He died in April the following year.

By 1950 Musto resided at 196 Mott St. in Manhattan.

By the early 1950s Musto was involved in a car theft operation on the Lower East Side. On November 4, 1952, an FBI CI advised that:

"[Vincent Potenza; Lucchese Soldier] and the following individuals have been engaged in stealing, disposing and preparing fictitious registrations and bills of sale for stolen Cadillacs: SALVATORE DI PIETRO, NYCPD B#253560; JOSEPH YACOVELLI, NYCPD B#2318; CARMINE DI BIASI, NYCPD_B#149289; ANTHONY MANGINE, NYCPD B#ST360, and LOUIS JOSEPH MUSTO NYCPD B#2T8833."

Di Pietro (1922-1973) was a Member of the Genovese Family. Yacovelli (1928-2006) would become Consigliere of the Colombo Family.

V. Potenza

 

At 2:45 AM on August 22, 1955 cops arrived at New Follies Tavern on 232 W. 48th St. A patron pointed out Vincent Potenza as the man who struck him in a row over Potenza's wife. In the following melee Gambino Family Soldier John Mingoia was shot by police. The bullet went through his lung. Mingoia, Musto and Potenza were all arrested and later released on bail. First listed in serious condition, Mingoia later recovered.

On January 12, 1956 involved in the hijacking of a load of furs from Nathan Klemas Co. in Queens. The conspiracy started in late 1955 as reported by an FBI CI:

 

"[Informant] advised on December 10, 1955, revealed that he had visited the Rex Bar and Grill, Grand Street, Manhattan, where he was introduced to LOUIS GUIGA and another individual described as GUIGA's partner. During this meeting, LOUIS GUIGA discussed the possibility of "taking" a large load of [redacted] from a Queens, New York express company wich was known to pick up shipments of [redacted] from [redacted] on a regular basis. In discussing  this matter, GUIGA indicated that he had two good "drops", one in Brooklyn, the other in Harlem, and that he had a buyer who would take such a load immediately."

Involved in the hijacking was Louis Musto, Joseph 'JoJo' Vitacco (1926-1980; a Colombo Member), James 'Jimmy Russo' Rocereto and Richard Langone. Also possibly involved was Gambino Member Louis 'Louie Juga' Guiga (1927-1980) and others. Rocereto, a professional boxer, was managed by Genovese Soldier Frankie Carbo. Richard Langone had been arrested a year earlier for hijacking a truck load of canned ham.

 

Langone and Rocereto

 

Musto, Rocereto and Langone subsequently were arrested and indicted for theft from an interstate shipment. Vitacco avoided arrest as he could not be located.

An FBI report from 1956 summarized:

"It is to be noted that during the course of another investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1956, case captioned "NATHAN KLEMAS, with aliases, ET AL; THEFT FROM INTERSTATE SHIPMENT", information was developed which indicated that LOUIS GUIGA, who hangouts at the Rex Bar and Grill, Grand Street, New York City, was an associate or acquaintance of RICHARD MICHAEL LANGONE, JAMES JOSEPH ROCERETO, and LOUIS JOSEPH MUSTO, all subjects in described investigation."

By 1956 Musto was possibly a formally inducted member of the Gambino Family. One informant stated that Musto had been sponsored for membership by Aniello Dellacroce.

On the night of June 23, 1956 Musto, Potenza and Vitacco used a baseball bat to beat up an 18-year-old sailor outside a Brooklyn tavern. The sailor was on leave from the Key West Naval Base. The trio was released on a $5000 bail.

On July 28, 1956 the bodies of Rocereto and Langone were found inside a parked car outside 104 Forsyth St. They had been beaten to death, possibly with an axe. Parts of a rope were found. It soon emerged that Musto was missing and probably had met the same fate as Rocereto and Langone.

Musto was last seen alive on July 27, 1956. Police stated that Musto was in telephone contact with Joseph Vitacco that day.

Musto, Rocereto and Langone was supposed to attend trial on the hijacking charges on August 1. Musto was later convicted in absentia.

 

A friend of Musto, Abraham Telvi, was found shoot dead July 28, 1956 outside 282 Mulberry St. Telvi, Musto, Rocereto and Langone out at Lima's Lounge, at 60 Clinton St. But no connection was found between the Telvi murder and Musto's disappearance.

On October 15, 1959 added to the FBI's Most Wanted list. He replaced Carmello Cocchiaro, a future DeCavalcante Member, on the list.

In the following years sporadic reports emerged about Musto's fate.

FBI CI Gregory Scarpa, Sr. stated:

"On 7/5/62, informant advised that approximately 6 years ago, an individual by the name of LOUIS MUSTO was thrown into a furnace alive and completely burned. The informant stated that he was not aware of the reason for Musto's execution, but feels that it may have been due to MUSTO was sticking up crap games controlled by members of the organization."

An unknown FI CI stated:

"On January 21, 1963, NY T-6 advised that several years ago, RICHARD MICHAEL LANGONE, JAMES ROCERTIO and LOUIS MUSTO were murdered in the Ravenite Social Club, 247 Mulberry Street, New York, New York. [Informant] stated that [redacted]. [Informant] advised that these individuals were killed [redacted] [Informant] stated that these three persons were in the middle of a trial in which they were all defendants."

In 1964 an FBI informant claimed that Musto had been an initiated member of the Gambino Family:

"[Informant] advised on February 7, 1964, that several years ago, DELLACROCE sponsored LOUIS MUSTO and that MUSTO became a "button man" under DELLACROCE. Sometime after MUSTO became a "button man" MUSTO was found murdered in a field."

The informant was incorrect as to the recovery of Musto's body. It was never found.

 

Pop artist Andy Warhol used Musto's photo from the Most Wanted poster in his "Thirteen Most Wanted Men" at New York State Pavilion at New York World’s Fair in 1964. The artwork proved to be highly controversial. 

 

Thirteen Most Wanted Men at New York State Pavilion. Musto's photo in the middle to the right.

 

 

In 1967 Musto was listed by the FBI as a suspected Member of the Gambino Family with the status "missing".

On January 21, 1977 he was listed by the FBI as a deceased Member of the Lucchese Family. The reason for this assessment of Family affiliation is not given.