Podcasts about Chicago Outfit

In this revealing episode of Gangland Wire, retired intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Dave Grosky, a man who spent over a decade inside federal prisons—and came out with a story unlike any other. From FCI Loretto to Morgantown to Milan, Dave's journey through the prison system introduced him to a cast of characters that included notorious organized crime figures—none more compelling than Chicago mobster Jerry Scalise. Dave opens up about the realities of prison life, shattering the myth of so-called "white-collar prisons." He recalls how he started off flying under the radar, eventually becoming the go-to jailhouse lawyer who helped fellow inmates with their legal battles. His insider knowledge of the prison legal system offers rare insights into the inner workings of federal institutions and the complex struggles inmates face daily. The heart of this episode centers on Dave's six-year friendship with Jerry Scalise, a former Chicago Outfit member and mastermind behind high-profile heists—including the infamous Graff Jewelry store robbery in London. Dave paints a surprising portrait of Scalise, describing him as intelligent, generous, and deeply respected behind bars. Despite Jerry's criminal history, his actions inside prison—mentoring others, offering legal guidance, and preparing inmates for life after release—reveal a more nuanced, human side of the mobster. We also revisit some of Jerry's most notorious exploits, including the legendary Marlboro Diamond heist. The fate of that diamond still remains a mystery, and Dave offers a few tongue-in-cheek theories of where it might be hiding today. Beyond the stories of crime and camaraderie, Dave speaks candidly about the psychological toll of long-term incarceration and the steep challenges of reentering society—especially in a post-pandemic world. His reflections reveal a broken system where few resources exist to support real rehabilitation, leaving many former inmates at risk of falling back into old patterns. This episode offers more than just mob tales and prison anecdotes—it's a raw, thought-provoking look at crime, punishment, and the long road to redemption. Subscribe to get gangster stories weekly. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers, good to be back here in the studio of Gangland Wire. You know, this is retired Kansas City Police Detective, Intelligence Unit Detective, I should add that, Gary Jenkins. A lot of y'all already know me, and if you don't, that's who I am. And I have a man here on the Zoom call that Dave Grosky, that Dave spent time with Jerry Scalise. He got a hold of me through LinkedIn, and he said, hey, I was in the penitentiary with Jerry Scalise, and he's a good guy. And I said, yeah, I'd love to tell his story. I said, can you get him to get on my show? Well, they can't get him to get on my show because I know Jerry's out and he's somewhere. I don't know where he is. I think he's in Chicago, but I don't know. And his old rap partner, Art Rachel's out. And Dave has met both those guys and other mob guys because he was in penitentiary with several of them. So Dave, welcome. I really appreciate you responding on the LinkedIn. Well, Gary, it's a pleasure. And, uh, yeah, I mean, I, uh, I was, uh, in several federal prisons for almost 11 years. I began at FCI Loretto in 2008 and there, there were some Gambinos and a variety of mob guys. I never really got to know them there. Well, I was, you know, I was new to prison, so I was really keeping quiet.

Send us a textGalasiërs 5:13 Broers en susters, julle is inderdaad geroep om in vryheid te leef. Moet net nie die vryheid misbruik om sondige begeertes te bevredig nie, maar gebruik dit om mekaar met liefde te dien. (NLV) Ek is redelik seker daarvan dat net 'n enkele nag in ‘n tronk, genoeg van ‘n afskrikmiddel sal wees om my van enige toekomstige kriminele plannetjies, wat dalk in my hart mag skuil, te genees. Hoe voel jy oor die saak? Nouja, ek kan nie verstaan hoe sekere misdadigers herhaaldelik oortree nie.Tydens die Verbod-era - dis die tydperk tussen 1920 en 1933 toe daar in Amerika ‘n algehele verbod op alkohol ingestel was- het die Amerikaanse bendelid, Al Capone, bekendheid verwerf as die leier van die 'Chicago Outfit'. Dit was ‘n georganiseerde misdaadsindikaat wat smokkelary, dobbelary, dwelmhandel en prostitusie bestuur het. Hy was 'n gedugte kalant, maar die owerhede het hom uiteindelik vasgenael op, van alle dinge, belastingontduiking. Hy is tot 11 jaar in die federale gevangenis gevonnis en het selfs 'n rukkie in die berugte Alcatraz deurgebring.Hy is uiteindelik ná net sewe en 'n half jaar vrygelaat, omdat sy gesondheid merkbaar verswak het weens sifilis. Toe hy vrygelaat is, het hy sy kriminele lewenstyl voortgesit en uiteindelik in 1947 op die ouderdom van net 48, as 'n baie patetiese sieklike man, gesterf.Ten spyte van die verkryging van rykdom en mag, al is dit op oneerlike wyse verkry, het Capone sy kriminele lewenstyl herhaal en dit het hom uiteindelik sy lewe gekos.Galasiërs 5:13 Broers en susters, julle is inderdaad geroep om in vryheid te leef. Moet net nie die vryheid misbruik om sondige begeertes te bevredig nie, maar gebruik dit om mekaar met liefde te dien. (NLV)Jesus het jou vonnis vir jou aan die Kruis uitgedien deur te sterf om vir jou sonde te betaal. Hy het dit gedoen om jou vry te maak van al die sondige plannetjies wat in jou hart skuil. Gaan jy regtig jou swaar verworwe vryheid verkwis deur weer aanstoot te gee? Onthou, om terug te val in jou sonde, is fataal.Moenie jou vryheid as 'n verskoning gebruik om te doen wat jou sondige sélf behaag nie. Dien mekaar met liefde.Dit is God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag. Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

In this compelling episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Kurt Calabrese, son of infamous Chicago Outfit enforcer Frank Calabrese Sr. Kurt opens up about what it was like growing up in the shadow of one of the most feared men in organized crime and living through the seismic fallout of the Family Secrets Trial. Kurt shares a deeply personal account of his childhood in Elmwood Park, an Italian-American neighborhood where the surface was peaceful but the undercurrent ran dark. He recalls days spent playing sports and evenings surrounded by neighbors who seemed like family—but behind the closed doors of their three-flat home, fear and control ruled. As the episode unfolds, Kurt discusses the moment he began to understand the truth about their father's real occupation. Taught to lie and protect the family's image, they told classmates their dad was an engineer—masking a far more dangerous truth. The psychological burden of carrying this secret is a recurring theme in Kurt's story. Kurt paints a vivid picture of mob family dynamics, the juxtaposition of family life and violence, and the emotional toll of being raised by a man, he both feared and revered. He reveals the lasting impact of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father and how it contributed to his own diagnosis of complex PTSD. Listeners will hear firsthand what living through the Family Secrets Trial was like, a landmark case that exposed the Chicago Outfit's inner workings. Kurt Calabrese speaks candidly about the threats he and his family faced, the betrayal from his brother Frank Jr.'s cooperation with the FBI, and his complicated relationship with the truth, loyalty, and justice. We also learn about Kurt's marriage to Angela LaPietra—the granddaughter of another mob figure—and the intense family conflict that followed. From physical altercations with his father to the ripple effects on his children, Kurt doesn't hold back. Click here for Kurt's website. Finally, Kurt introduces his podcast, Underbelly: Killing Kurt, where he digs deeper into his story to expose the unseen scars left by a life entangled in organized crime. This episode is an emotional and eye-opening exploration of how mob life impacts not just communities but also the families at its core. Kurt Calabrese is not just telling his story—he's reclaiming it. Subscribe to get gangster stories weekly Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. To subscribe on iTunes click here. Please give me a review and help others find the podcast. Donate to the podcast. Click here! [0:00] Well, hey, welcome all you wiretappers out there. It's good to be back here [0:03] in the studio of Gangland Wire. I have a story today and an interview, as you can see. My interviewee is Kurt Calabrese. Now, Kurt Calabrese is from Chicago and he grew up in a Chicago outfit family. Now, a lot of you guys know, if you're real mob aficionados, you know about the Family Secrets Trial. And his father, Kurt's father, was Frank Calabrese Sr., his brother, Frank Calabrese Jr., who we had on the show several years ago. One of my earliest interviews, actually. And then his uncle, Nick Calabrese, ended up going to Witness Protection Program. And so that's why they called it the Family Secrets Trial, because it was all centered around the Calabrese family. So I really look forward to talking to Kurt. And Kurt, welcome. [0:53] Thank you, Gary. Thank you for having me. So, Kurt, we talked a little bit before the show. And, you know,

In today's episode, we wrap up one of the most detailed and historically rich series we've ever done. In Part Three of our special deep dive into the FBI's 1967 report on La Cosa Nostra, we close the book on an era where the mob's influence was at its peak across the United States.This final installment takes us beyond New York's Five Families and paints a broader picture of organized crime's national footprint — from the power struggles within familiar crime families to lesser-known but highly active Mafia outposts across the country.Read the full FBI report for yourself: https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=113324

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins interviews the prolific chronicler of the American Mafia, Jeffrey Sussman. Listeners will learn about Morris levy and the mafia's influence on the roots of the world's most important cultural influences, American Rock and Roll. Two of the most important men who influenced the rise of rock and roll were Morris Levy and Alan Freed. Levy had close ties with the Genovese crime family. Levy was the notorious head of the record label Roulette Records. Reportedly, Morris Levy used illicit money from the family to fund his businesses, with several members of the mob said to be present at his meetings. At the time, Freed and other corrupt Disc Jockeys corrupted the entire industry with their "pay for play" of records, which became known as "Payola." Morris Levy terrorized young performers into giving up thier royalities. Meyer Lansky, AKA the “mob's accountant,” was one of the most successful mafiosos in history and had many investments in jukeboxes. Reportedly, he “controlled every Wurlitzer jukebox in the New York area”. So too, did the Chicago Outfit (who rose to power under Al Capone) have many dealings with Lansky and his jukeboxes. A mob history book, The Outfit, argues that the Wurlitzer Corporation accused Lansky and his Chicago associates of disrupting the distribution of Wurlitzer jukeboxes. The Outfit is also said to have worked closely with Jules Stein, head of the Music Corporation of America. Apparently, Stein, the mob, MCA, and Meyer Lansky had all worked at least in some form with the mob fixer Sidney Korshak, a prominent mafia name in Los Angeles. Click here to get Backbeat Gansters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Rock Music by Jeffrey Sussman. Subscribe to get gangster stories weekly Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. To subscribe on iTunes click here. Please give me a review and help others find the podcast. Donate to the podcast. Click here!

In this exclusive Patreon audio, Gavin discusses a listener-submitted question: Was Frank Balistrieri ever more powerful than Sam Giancana?For reference, Sam Giancana was the boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1957 to 1966.--Join the Milwaukee Mafia Newsletter and get updates about the Mafia and Gavin https://milwaukeemafia.com/join-the-mailing-list/Got a question about this episode? Email Gavin and Eric at milwaukeemafia@gmail.comExplore the Milwaukee Mafia Wiki: https://milwaukeemafia.com/Become part of the Family: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia--Gavin Schmitt is the leading historical expert on the mafia in Wisconsin. He has written several books on the subject and regularly speaks across the country.Get Gavin's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Gavin-Schmitt/e/B00E749XFSBook Gavin for a Presentation: https://gavinschmitt.com/

Kurt Calabrese grew up in the Chicago mafia known as The Outfit. His father, Frank Calabrese Sr, was the premier hitman, known for strangling his victims with his bare hands. But Frank didn't just leave the violence at work. He trained his sons Kurt and Frank Jr in the mob enforcer life since they were kids, through fear, intimidation and horrific abuse. When the entire Calabrese family got locked up for extortion, his other son, Frank Jr, who had battled a bad drug problem and stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from his dad, wrote a letter to the feds and offered to wear a wire on his own father. Enter the infamous Family Secrets trial in Chicago. Kurt's father, who brutally abused him for years, is about to face numerous murder charges. His brother is about to become the most infamous rat in Chicago's history. And Kurt is caught right in the middle of his family…and the biggest organized crime trial in Chicago's history.  This is a special presentation of Season 3 of the Underbelly Podcast, Killing Kurt...produced by Underworld host Danny Gold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Red Wemette : Murder of Marylin MonroeWilliam "Red" Wemette is known as an FBI informant who testified against organized crime figures in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Wemette stated in court that he had been a informant from 1971 to 1989.[1]He is the author the 2016 release book entitled Nobody Cares and What I Did About It! The Red Wemette Story of the Chicago Outfit.[2]Wemette and his partner operated a pornography shop in Chicago. They paid the "street tax" exacted from them by a group of criminals. Wemette made arrangements with the FBI to have his discussions with the mobsters recorded.[3][4][5][6]He met with FBI agents in 1971 at the Lion House in the Lincoln Park Zoo and agreed to become an informant for them in exchange for their payments to him for the information he would provide them on Mob activity and figures. Wemette had video cameras concealed in his apartment that captured his regular meetings with organized crime figures.[7]Wemette has been a key witness in a number of federal trials of mobsters and other Chicago area crime figures and has associated with many organized crime law enforcement officers including John J. Flood. He provided details that led to the conviction of Frank Schweihs, the 1995 trial of Kenneth Hansen for the 1955 Peterson-Schuessler triple homicide, and most recently in Operation Family Secrets that helped close several chapters of Chicago Mafia activity and history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

What would you do if you discovered your father had been leading a double life—one as a respected firefighter, the other as an alleged hitman for the Chicago Outfit? That's exactly what Kyle Tekiela faced when he learned the shocking truth about his father, Kenny "The Kid" Tekiela. In his gripping podcast, Crook County, Kyle unpacks his father's alleged ties to the infamous Chicago Outfit—a crime syndicate that operated under mob bosses like Sam Giancana and Al Capone. In this episode, I sit down with Kyle to discuss what it was like to uncover his father's past, the emotional toll it took on him and his family, and why he decided to share his story with the world. We also dive into the production of Crook County, the unexpected responses he's received, and the impact this journey has had on his mental and emotional well-being. If you love true crime, family secrets, and deeply personal storytelling, you won't want to miss this one! Crook County Podcast: https://www.crookcountypodcast.com/ Rent-A-Hitman Episode: Rent-A-Hitman?? Meet the dumb ass criminals that got caught! | WTF Wednesday #11 Subscribe on Patreon: www.patreon.com/weirdtruecrime Website: www.weirdtruecrime.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/weirdtruecrime TikTok: www.tiktok.com/weirdtruecrime YouTube: www.youtube.com/@weirdtruecrime Email: weirdtruecrime@gmail.com Edited by - djaudio22@gmail.com

In the 1970s, Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela worked his way up from a teenage doorman at a brothel to a hitman for the Chicago mob. But he left the mafia to become a paramedic, get married, and have children. It was a life he kept from his family for decades, until Kenny's drug addiction forced him to reveal his past deeds. Years later, his son asked him to finally open up about his past for a podcast. Mixed in with his grandiose tales of mob life, Kenny confessed to struggling with guilt and regret for the things he'd done. In the podcast “Crook County” from iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, host Kyle Tekiela reconnects with his estranged father to learn about the life he never knew. Along the way, Kyle tries to reconcile the loving dad he remembered with the enforcer who committed violence for the Chicago Outfit and covered up crimes for dirty cops.OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "CROOK COUNTY" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 13 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.In Crime of the Week: family connection. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.

Gary welcomes back Michael Benson, an author known for his insightful explorations of organized crime and Hollywood history. Benson has collaborated with Frank DiMatteo on several mob-related books, including The Cigar: Carmine Galante and Mafia Hitman, illustrating the intricate ties between criminal enterprises and key figures' personal stories. In Hollywood Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, Michael documents stories of corruption and mob infiltration and reveals that Craig Reeves, Superman, was murdered and did not commit suicide. As the conversation unfolds, the host and Benson delve into the Skank brothers' encounters with organized crime. They recount how notorious Chicago Outfit extortionists sought to muscle in on the movie theaters by taking over the projectionists' union. The brothers cleverly turned this threat into an opportunity, negotiating a deal that ultimately benefited both sides while ensuring their continued financial success. This anecdote exemplifies the intertwining of crime and commerce during the era, showcasing how the Skank brothers operated in a morally gray space to maintain power. Benson narrates incidents from Hollywood's scandalous past, explicitly focusing on Fatty Arbuckle, one of the Skank brothers' most prominent stars, whose career unraveled due to a notorious scandal in the 1920s. Arbuckle's involvement in a tragic incident highlighted the dark side of celebrity culture and the lengths to which the Skank brothers went to protect their financial interests, including paying for Arbuckle's trials. Through Arbuckle's story, the conversation touches on the reputational risks that could derail even the most profitable careers and the measures Hollywood took to manage public relations crises. Click here to buy Michael's book: Hollywood Moguls Subscribe to get new gangster stories every week. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. To subscribe on iTunes click here. Please give me a review and help others find the podcast. Donate to the podcast. Click here! Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers out there, it's good to be back here in Studio Gangland Wires. Colder in hell here in Kansas City today, as you can tell by [0:06] the flannel shirt I'm wearing. And I see my guest, Michael Benson, is wearing some more cold weather clothes, too. So anyhow, Michael Benson is our guest today. I've had him on before. He has written several mob books with Frank DiMatteo. I just actually just really read with, in detail, really read through this story of Carmine Galante's cigars. It's really, really a good book. It was kind of interesting to really sit and go through a book, you know, line by line rather than just, you know, going through it real fast is really good. Well-written. And then we got Mafia Hitman by Frank DiMatteo and Michael Benson. That's, that's the story of the guy that really killed Joey Gallo. Not the Irishman. So you got a couple more, I believe. We love Scorsese, but he prefers stories that aren't quite true. And he tells them really well. Yeah. But it's not history. Yeah. And Frank had a kind of a front row seat to a lot of these. You're a co-author. [1:05] He is the authority. Yes. He is. He truly is. He's a good guy too. The first book he wrote about his own father and a lot about that. It's got to be. Well, you know, the deal that he wrote a book called Lion in the Basement. About Joey Gallo and the lion in the basement on President Street. And Gary Goldstein at Kensington Books read it...

For years, Kurt Calabrese lived under the violent rule of his father, feared Chicago hitman Frank “The Breeze” Calabrese Sr. But when his brother turned informant, their family—and the Chicago Outfit—began to fall apart. The betrayal led to a historic trial, exposing decades of unsolved murders and taking down some of the most powerful mob figures in modern history. But behind the headlines was an even darker story—one of family loyalty, fear, and survival. Now, for the first time, Kurt reveals what it was really like growing up in the mob, the impossible choices he faced, and what it took to escape. The award winning franchise "Underbelly", returns for its long-awaited 3rd season. The all new season of Underbelly: Killing Kurt premieres April 2nd with a two-episode debut. Subscribe or follow now so you don't miss it! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Gary takes a deep dive into the ruthless life of Mad Sam DeStefano, one of the most brutal enforcers in organized crime history. A notorious loan shark tied to the Chicago Outfit, DeStefano's reputation for violence and torture made him a feared figure—even among his fellow mobsters. Born in 1909 in Illinois, DeStefano's criminal career began early, leading him from street gangs to the infamous 42 Gang and eventually into the Outfit ranks. His path to power was paved with violence, intimidation, and a sadistic pleasure in collecting debts through extreme methods. From his days as a political fixer to his reign as a feared loan shark, we uncover the chilling techniques he used to maintain control, including stories of his soundproof torture chamber and psychological manipulation of victims. We also explore his relationship with Tony Spilotro, the mentee who would eventually play a role in his demise. As DeStefano's erratic behavior and grotesque acts pushed him further into instability, his allies turned into enemies, sealing his fate in a brutal execution. Join me as we revisit the twisted legacy of Mad Sam DeStefano, a man who thrived on fear but ultimately fell victim to the same violent world he helped create. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. To subscribe on iTunes click here. Please give me a review and help others find the podcast. Donate to the podcast. Click here! Transcript [0:03]Introduction to Mad Sam DeStefano [0:00]Well, hey, all you wiretappers, welcome back to the studio of Gangland Wire. I have an old show that I did like seven or eight years ago, a long time ago, and I haven't retouched this guy since. So I went back in and looked at it and did some new stuff and re-edited it. So I have the story of Mad Sam DeStefano, who was a Chicago outfit loan shark collector. I'll tell you what, wait till you hear this guy's story. A lot of you may have heard of him. He's pretty well known, been pretty well reported on. But this guy is, he is what we call affectionately a piece of work. So settle back and listen to the story of the life of the most brutal loan shark collector and loan shark that probably ever was that I know about. He liked to torture. This guy is Sam, Mad Sam DeStefano. And I'd heard of Mad Sam. Of course, all you guys up in Chicago know about Mad Sam. He was kind of the guy that taught Tony Spilotro all the tricks of the trade on being a gangster. He was one of the first guys that Spilotro was given, was sent to his crew or Spilotro joined his crew. But Mad Sam, we'll tell you a little bit about the history of Mad Sam. Mad Sam was born in 1909. [1:21]And he would go on to become a big-time loan shark and a political fixer and a sociopathic killer for the Chicago outfit. I heard of, there's a guy a lot of you all know, a Chicago, former Chicago-based FBI agent named William F. Romer Jr. He wrote several books on the mob that a lot of people cuss and discuss and argue about whether he was telling the truth or making stuff up. But regardless what you think of Bill Romer, he did know Chicago Outfit better than anybody. And he considered DeStefano to be the worst torture murderer in the history of the United States. He said that this guy was a mentally unstable and sadistic person that was used by the Outfit as an enforcer and a juice loan collector. Sam, Mad Sam, was born in Streeter, Illinois. [2:09]His father was a laborer named Sam DeStefano Sr. His mother's named Rosalie. Both of them had been born in Italy and immigrated to the United State...

In Part Two of our deep-dive biography on Paul "The Waiter" Ricca, we chronicle his ascent to the top of the Chicago Outfit from the late 1940s through the early 1970s — a reign that cemented his legacy as one of the most powerful and influential mob bosses in American history.Listen to Part One: https://youtu.be/D2S-22pslCAThis episode picks up with Ricca serving time in Atlanta Federal Penitentiary following his conviction in the infamous Hollywood extortion case — a racket that siphoned millions from the motion picture industry during the 1930s and 1940s. We explore Ricca's brutal prison experience under Warden Joseph Sanford, a notorious white supremacist who cracked down on Italian inmates, and how Ricca's allies on the outside — including Tony Accardo and Murray "The Camel" Humphreys — pulled political strings and greased palms to orchestrate his early transfer to Leavenworth and eventual release after serving only three years.Once back in Chicago, Ricca quietly shared power with Tony Accardo in one of the most successful power-sharing arrangements in Mafia history. While Accardo handled day-to-day operations, Ricca became the Outfit's elder statesman — making high-level decisions, approving hits, and shaping the organization's future from behind the scenes. The two men orchestrated the Outfit's expansion into Las Vegas, using Teamsters pension loans and alliances with Meyer Lansky to finance casinos like The Stardust, Desert Inn, and Riviera — creating a multimillion-dollar pipeline of skimmed cash that flowed directly into Chicago's coffers for decades.Despite his low profile, Ricca remained a prime target for law enforcement. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he fought off tax evasion charges, perjury indictments, and a relentless deportation campaign that sought to return him to Italy — where he had been convicted of two murders in his youth. His decade-long legal battle to avoid deportation became one of the longest-running immigration cases in American history, with Ricca outmaneuvering authorities at every turn.As law enforcement pressure mounted, Ricca and Accardo made the strategic decision to promote Sam "Momo" Giancana as front boss of the Chicago Outfit in the mid-1950s — allowing the brash and flashy Giancana to become the lightning rod for law enforcement while Ricca and Accardo continued pulling the strings from the shadows. But Giancana's high-profile lifestyle, affairs with celebrities, and erratic leadership style caused turmoil within the Outfit. By the mid-1960s, Ricca and Accardo had seen enough, orchestrating Giancana's ouster and restoring order to the organization.During this era, Ricca rubbed shoulders with and mentored some of the Outfit's most notorious figures, including Murray Humphreys, Gus Alex, Ralph Pierce, Sam Battaglia, Willie Daddano, and Felix "Milwaukee Phil" Alderisio. He also played a pivotal role in grooming the next generation of Chicago gangsters — including the fearsome enforcer Marshall Caifano and the psychopathic loan shark Sam "Mad Sam" DeStefano.Even into his 70s, Ricca's influence never waned. He remained the ultimate consigliere of the Chicago Outfit — a man whose word was law and whose wisdom guided the Outfit's rackets from Chicago to Las Vegas. This episode breaks down how Ricca's strategic brilliance, political connections, and ruthless pragmatism helped him outlast nearly all of his contemporaries and solidified his place as one of the most underrated and powerful mobsters in American history.00:00:00 Start00:00:42 Opening Remarks00:01:37 Cliff-Notes of Part One00:07:24 The Waiter's Time in Prison (Mid-to-Late 1940's)00:28:15 Co-Boss of The Outfit (Late 1940's and 1950's)01:17:20 Running the Chicago Outfit (Keeping Control in the 1960's)02:13:56 Late Career & Legacy (The 1970's)02:23:16 Closing Remarks

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela’s rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"For over 20 years, my father led a double life as a hitman for the mafia and nobody in our family even knew. Then, in 2013 he told me everything, and our whole world changed. " CROOK COUNTY is the shocking true-crime podcast from iHeart and Tenderfoot TV about Kenny "The Kid" Tekiela's alleged rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit. From whorehouse doorman at the age of 17, to ruthless assassin in his 20's, and the many years that followed cleaning up the messes of the mafia and crooked cops alike as a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. To finally, moving to the suburbs with his new wife and kids and trying desperately to put it all behind him. We explore in great depth and detail his father's life of crime and its profound and lasting impact on Kyle's family to this very day.  Welcome to CROOK COUNTY Episodes available here: Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-crook-county-259813887/  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you enjoyed To Live and Die in LA then we think you'll want to check out Tenderfoot TV's newest show, Crook County. For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you enjoyed To Die For we think you'll want to check out Tenderfoot TV's latest podcast, Crook County. For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela’s rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela’s rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Tall Boy Radio, hosts Beans and Gaz sit down with Red Wemette, a former FBI informant who was well known to the Chicago Outfit and rubbed shoulders with some of the most notorious mobsters in history. Red shares his incredible story of how he went from being a small-time hustler to one of the FBI's most valuable assets. He talks about the life he lead and the characters he interacted with, why he chose to speak to the FBI and what life was really like inside the mob. Red also shares some fascinating stories about his interactions with Tony Spillatro and Joey "The Clown" Lombardo. He talks about their personalities, their crimes, and their ultimate downfall. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in true crime, the Mafia, or the FBI. You can pick up Red's book "Nobody cares and what I did about it" on Amazon Nobody Cares and What I Did About It! The Red Wemette Story of the Chicago OIutfit eBook : Wemette, Red: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Storetallboyradio.com

Hi, Hit Man listeners! We're excited to share with you a sneak peek at TenderfootTV and iHeartPodcasts' latest release, Crook County. CROOK COUNTY is the shocking true-crime podcast from iHeart and TenderfootTV about my father's alleged rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit. From whorehouse doorman at the age of 17, to ruthless assassin in his 20's, and the many years that followed cleaning up the messes of the mafia and crooked cops alike as a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. To finally, moving to the suburbs with his new wife and kids and trying desperately to put it all behind him. We explore in great depth and detail my father’s life of crime and its profound and lasting impact on my family to this very day. Listen to Crook County on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi, Libby Caswell listeners! We're excited to share with you a sneak peek at TenderfootTV and iHeartPodcasts' latest release, Crook County. CROOK COUNTY is the shocking true-crime podcast from iHeart and TenderfootTV about my father's alleged rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit. From whorehouse doorman at the age of 17, to ruthless assassin in his 20's, and the many years that followed cleaning up the messes of the mafia and crooked cops alike as a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. To finally, moving to the suburbs with his new wife and kids and trying desperately to put it all behind him. We explore in great depth and detail my father’s life of crime and its profound and lasting impact on my family to this very day. Listen to Crook County on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela’s rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 20 years, Ken Tekiela was a celebrated firefighter, husband, and father of two —but he led a secret, double life as a hitman for the Chicago mob. When the truth came out, it destroyed his family. Now, his son Kyle, host of Crook County, is left to pick up the pieces. Crook County is the shocking true crime podcast about Kenny “The Kid” Tekiela's rise through the ranks of the legendary organized crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, and the lasting impact this has on a family. From iHeartRadio and Tenderfoot TV, welcome to Crook County. Follow the show here. To binge the full season, subscribe to Tenderfoot+. Click here for more details: https://tenderfoot.tv/plus To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join "The Don" Big Vito LoGrasso & The Duke on the Friend of Ours Podcast as they dissect the iconic movie Casino, exploring its roots in the Chicago Mob's real-life takeover of Las Vegas. This week's episode dives deep into: Real Deal: Unmasking the Real-Life Mobsters of Casino: Discover the true stories behind the characters portrayed in the film and how they connect to the actual Chicago Outfit. Who were the real-life inspirations for Sam "Ace" Rothstein, Nicky Santoro, and Ginger McKenna? We reveal all! Why Casinos? The Mob's Lucrative Vegas Gamble: Explore the reasons why casinos became such a tempting target for organized crime. We analyze the financial and strategic appeal of the casino business for the Mob. Joe Pesci's Masterclass: Bringing Nicky Santoro to Life: Celebrate the incredible acting of Joe Pesci and how his portrayal of Nicky Santoro elevated Casino beyond typical mob movie tropes, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Meal of the Week: Prosciutto Perfection: Big Vito shares his expertise on the delicious world of prosciutto, discussing its popularity, best ways to enjoy it, and perfect pairings. Get ready for some mouthwatering insights! Birthday Shoutouts: Join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to DJ Ms. Thang, Reggie B Fine, and other special listeners! Tune in now to the Friend of Ours Podcast for this can't-miss episode! #Casino #MobMovies #LasVegas #JoePesci #Mafia #ChicagoOutfit #RealLifeMobsters #Podcast #FriendOfOurs #BigVito #TheDuke #Prosciutto #FoodPodcast #BirthdayShoutouts *Theme and Artwork created with AI assistance.*

In this episode of Crime Time, Inc., we delve into the life and legacy of Sam Giancana, a notorious mob boss who led the Chicago Outfit for nearly a decade. From his humble beginnings as Salvatore Giancana in 1908 to his rise through the ranks of organized crime, the episode explores his involvement in various criminal activities, including his rumored connections to the CIA and allegations of influencing the 1960 presidential election. We discuss his ruthless methods, significant influence, and how he evaded serious consequences despite his extensive criminal record. The episode covers Giancana's violent end in 1975, the conspiracy theories surrounding his murder, and the broader implications of his story on the history of organized crime and American politics.00:00 Introduction to Sam Giancana00:19 Early Life and Criminal Beginnings01:33 Rise to Power in the Chicago Outfit01:56 The Policy Racket and Leadership02:51 The Appalachian Meeting and National Attention03:52 Alleged Political Connections05:02 CIA Connections and Assassination Plots06:33 Downfall and Exile08:34 Mysterious Death and Conspiracy Theories09:58 Personal Life and Legacy14:27 The Chicago Outfit's Structure and Operations17:07 Enduring Influence and Unsolved Mysteries22:42 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have ever wanted to see what it is like to live on the wild side—all from the safety and security of your own armchair—then Nobody Cares and What I Did About It! The Red Wemette Story of The Chicago Outfit is for you. It is a veritable proof that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!A fascinating, firsthand account of events in the life and times of William “Red” Wemette—the longest Organized Crime undercover informant [other than for espionage] for the FBI in U.S. History who spent eighteen years as an FBI mole. This book details how he did what he did, and why. It also settles, once and for all, the question of whether he is an actual person rather than a contrived governmental construct, as some federal agents believed. Take a look through the eyes of a man who has lived the life that most people can hardly imagine. He details his firsthand interactions with hitmen, murderers, thieves, and extortionists [from both sides of the law] in a never-before revealed series of stories that share insights and historical perspectives on the colorful excursions of the Chicago Mafia—more accurately known as “The Outfit.” Intriguing details of his role in the Family Secret's Trial, the take down of one of the Outfit's most feared, nationwide hitmen, Frank Schweihs, and the forty-year-old triple homicide that sparked Cold Case files in Cook County and throughout the U.S. This book is a must-have for law enforcement officers, lawyers, politicians, historians, or anyone who wants the truth behind the Hollywood hype found in the many movies or books that cover “The Chicago Way” of doing business across the country.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

In this last interview with our good friend and contributor, Camillus "Cam" Robinson, Gary and Cam discuss the infamous government informant Vincent "Vinnie" Teresa. Cam died recently and I will feel this loss for a long time. His gentle nature and prodigious work effort was always a great benfit to the podcast and to everybody around him. Rest in Peace to my friend and collaborator in this crazy world of mafia history. Camillus was a great historian and an excellent writer. Check out his book by clicking on the title, Chicago Swan Song: A Mob Wife's Story. Lisa Swan became the wife of Frank Calabrese, Jr., a collector for his father, the notorious and brutal Frank “Frankie the Breeze” Calabrese, a high-ranking member of the infamous Chinatown Crew. It's all here. The money, the violence, the drugs, the greed, and the murders that surrounded her, as well as her deep passion to break free from a lifestyle that could change with the flash of a single bullet. Swan's firsthand, intimate look inside the insular and secretive Chicago Outfit details her life inside the Calabrese Clan, one of the First Families of the Chicago Mob. She describes, with clarity and occasional humor, her discovery of the dark side of the Mafia and her battle to save herself, her children, and eventually her husband from the gritty realities of the Mob. In this episode, we learn that Vinnie Teresa was an early mobster in the FBI's vaunted Top Echelon Informant program. In the end, Vinne Teresa was caught in an act of perjury when he tried to implicate Meyer Lansky in a criminal conspiracy.   Subscribe to get new gangster stories every week. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to "buy me a cup of coffee" To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos. To subscribe on iTunes click here. Please give me a review and help others find the podcast. Donate to the podcast. Click here! Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers, good to be back here in the studio, Gangland Wire. This is Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Detective and now podcaster, documentary filmmaker. And I am here with my good friend and periodic co-host, if you will, Amulus, Camillus Robinson. Cam, thanks a lot for coming on the show. Gary, I always have a blast. I mean, you and I, you got me started in this and anytime I can come on, we just love to. We have a good time getting together, don't we? Yeah, we do. So oh you know a little aside i was just researching some old stuff on chicago or newspaper clip and i saw there was a grand jury about gambling in gary indiana see cam used to live up by gary indiana and we did a show about the gary indiana family that's right. [0:49] Ran by chicago of course hell chicago ran everything some people even say they ran kansas city they didn't really but they had a lot of influence down here kansas city next savella did not do much if he thought iupa wouldn't approve he wouldn't do it he he got iupa's approval on any major things outside of kansas city for sure they had a swung a big stick didn't they absolutely savella wasn't the kind of guy who answered to people but i think he was smart enough to know who were the big fish in the pond yeah he was smart anyhow we're going to talk about Vinnie Teresa. Vinnie Teresa is one of the earliest mob books I ever read. I'll never forget, Kim. I was in a library in the junior college. I must have been taking a class and I was just poking around. I found this book about the mafia. I wasn't into organized crime at the time. I started reading this book about this Vinnie Teresa and all the stuff that he talked about,

In this episode, we talk with Ray Franze author of ‘The Heights.' The Heights is a historical mob fiction novel based upon the early days a very real and powerful crew of Italians in Chicago Heights, Illinois that became one of the most powerful, but least well-known, crews in the Chicago Outfit (as well as nationally). Fox News Chicago has called The Heights “A masterful dive into mob history.” Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Heights-Ray-Franze/dp/1955058083 Blue Handle Publishing: https://www.bluehandlepublishing.com/ray-franze Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheightsnovel/ Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writerrayfranze Here is a brief synopsis of the book: “FALL IN LINE, OR FALL IN A GRAVE After 30 years of research and scouring 5,000 pages of FBI files, The Heights was born. Inspired by true events and racketeers who ruthlessly fought their way into Al Capone's inner circle and expanded organized crime across the American West. It's hard to believe Sal Liparello has survived long enough to enjoy a midday scotch on his California tomato farm. The sixty-something crime boss from Chicago Heights helped take out Sicilian gangs, advised Al Capone on some of his biggest moves, and rubbed elbows with the Kennedys, Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe - all while avoiding the likes of Eliot Ness and J. Edgar Hoover. But as he surveys the fruits of his labor, Sal also remembers the cost of staying above ground and out of prison. And all those decisions are about to catch up with him.” In the episode, we dive deep into the book and talk about: The characters and their backgrounds The process of mixing real history within a fictional novel following a single character The question of historical fiction versus non-fiction writing The writing process and getting published Weaving in real characters such as Al Capone, Tony Accardo, and even Eliot Ness Additionally, we dig deep into the real history behind ‘The Heights' to discuss the real-life counterparts of some of the characters within the books. We discuss the origins of the Chicago Heights crew and how they eventually joined forces with Al Capone to become a part of the larger Chicago Outfit in the 1920's and beyond. We also discuss their exploits and their potential part in planning the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Mentioned in this episode are: Francesco Lipperatti (also known by the name “Frank LaPorte”) Vincenzo Ameratti (also known by the name “Jimmy Emery”) Dominico Roberto (also known by the name “Dominic Roberto”) These three men were the core leaders of the Chicago Heights crew in the 1920's that murdered their way to the top of Chicago Heights, formed partnerships with Al Capone and eventually were brought into the Chicago Outfit under Capone. They ran bootlegging in what Eliot Ness dubbed “the second wettest city in America” behind Cicero, Illinois, and provided shooters and brains whenever Capone needed them. These three men ran Chicago Heights for the Outfit from the 1920's into the early 1970's before the crew was taken over by younger (and more violent) elements of the family. Yet, their history and relative importance in the national crime syndicate is relatively unknown. Additional source: https://www.myalcaponemuseum.com/id193.htm

The man credited with starting the Chicago Outfit by making his money with brothels and having a tragic assassination.

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, I describe details about the horrific demise of mobsters Tony and Michael Spilotro, as told in open court by the recently deceased Chicago Outfit member Nick Calabrese. Michael Spilotro thought he was gping […] The post Tony Spilotro Had a Bad Day appeared first on Gangland Wire.

Summer hiatus is over with a banger of an episode! Abbas Jaffary, a mathematician and roller derby referee, joined Leah to talk about The Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby League and his love of math. Leah and Abbas also share a love of How Did This Get Made, the podcast that brings all people together. Follow Abbas online Mathematics for Misfits: https://linktr.ee/mathematicsformisfits Accessible Mathematics:https://www.accessiblemath.info/  Chicago Knockouts and  Chicago Knockouts on Tik Tok. Show Notes How Did This Get Made?: https://hdtgm.com/ Live Lit: https://bookriot.com/what-is-live-lit-and-how-can-i-read-it/ Dinosaur: https://www.paulscheer.com/dinosaur Rock 'N' America: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_%27N%27_America Chicago Shred Union on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagoshred/ Chicago Outfit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagooutfit/ The Crimson Vixen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thecrimsonvixen_/ SteMartaen: https://stemartaen.com/ Plant-Based Skate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedskate/ The Village of Homewood: https://www.village.homewood.il.us/ RollerCon: https://rollercon.com/ Improv Olympic (IO): https://ioimprov.com/ CFA Institute: https://www.cfainstitute.org/ College of DuPage: https://www.cod.edu/ Hyperspace by Michio Kaku: https://bookshop.org/p/books/hyperspace-a-scientific-odyssey-through-parallel-universes-time-warps-and-the-10th-dimens-ion-michio-kaku/8648999?ean=9780385477055 University of Illinois Chicago (UIC): https://www.uic.edu/ Georg Cantor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Cantor The p-adic numbers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-adic_number P-adic Numbers: An Introduction by Fernando Q. Gouvêa: https://bookshop.org/p/books/p-adic-numbers-an-introduction-fernando-q-gouvea/14521230?ean=9783030472948 P-adic Numbers, p-adic Analysis, and Zeta-Functions by Neal Koblitz: https://bookshop.org/p/books/p-adic-numbers-p-adic-analysis-and-zeta-functions-neal-koblitz/8668219?ean=9780387960173 Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center: https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/ Dr. Louis H. Kauffman: https://homepages.math.uic.edu/~kauffman/ Edward Witten: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Witten Qiskit: https://www.ibm.com/quantum/qiskit PsiQuantum: https://www.psiquantum.com/ MathJax: https://www.mathjax.org/ MathML: https://www.w3.org/Math/ Finding Favorites is edited and mixed by Rob Abrazado. Follow Finding Favorites on Instagram at @FindingFavsPod and leave a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts, GoodPods or Spotify. Got a question or want to suggest a guest? email Leah at FindingFavoritesPodcast@gmail.com Support Finding Favorites by shopping for books by guests or recommended by guests on Bookshop.

Samuel "Mad Sam" DeStefano was one of the most feared and sadistic mobsters in the history of the Chicago Outfit, known for his extreme cruelty and psychopathic behavior. Rising from petty crime to become a notorious enforcer and loanshark, DeStefano relished torturing his victims in his basement, turning debt collection into a nightmarish spectacle. His unpredictable violence, coupled with growing paranoia, alienated both his enemies and his allies within the mob. Despite his contributions to the Outfit, his erratic courtroom antics during the trial of Richard Cain sealed his fate. On April 14, 1973, DeStefano was murdered by his own associates, Tony Spilotro and William Daddano, marking the end of his reign of terror. His brutal legacy continues to haunt the annals of organized crime.(commercial at 8:20)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The Chicago Outfit, one of America's most notorious organized crime syndicates, rose to power during Prohibition under the leadership of Al Capone, dominating the illegal alcohol trade with ruthless violence, most infamously in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. After Capone's imprisonment, the Outfit expanded under leaders like Frank Nitti and Tony Accardo, who diversified into labor racketeering, gambling, and union control, quietly building a vast criminal empire. With figures like Sam Giancana and Anthony Spilotro, the Outfit's influence spread nationally, even reaching Las Vegas and reportedly involving the CIA. However, federal pressure and internal conflicts, including the infamous Family Secrets trial of 2007, weakened the Outfit, though it still operates discreetly today. Though its power has waned, the Outfit remains an enduring symbol of organized crime's adaptability and resilience in American history.(commercial at 9:01)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Sam Giancana was a notorious Chicago mob boss whose criminal empire extended beyond the underworld into the realms of politics, Hollywood, and international espionage. Born in 1908, Giancana rose through the ranks of the Chicago Outfit, eventually leading the syndicate and expanding its operations into Las Vegas and Cuba. His influence reached the highest levels of U.S. politics, as he allegedly helped John F. Kennedy secure the presidency in 1960. Giancana was also embroiled in CIA plots to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro, highlighting his ties to both organized crime and government espionage. Despite his power, Giancana was betrayed by the Kennedy administration, and after years of legal trouble, he was murdered in 1975 just days before testifying about his CIA connections. His unsolved murder remains one of the great mysteries of organized crime, leaving behind a legacy of power, betrayal, and intrigue.(commercial at 14:21)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The Chicago Outfit, one of America's most notorious organized crime syndicates, rose to power during Prohibition under the leadership of Al Capone, dominating the illegal alcohol trade with ruthless violence, most infamously in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. After Capone's imprisonment, the Outfit expanded under leaders like Frank Nitti and Tony Accardo, who diversified into labor racketeering, gambling, and union control, quietly building a vast criminal empire. With figures like Sam Giancana and Anthony Spilotro, the Outfit's influence spread nationally, even reaching Las Vegas and reportedly involving the CIA. However, federal pressure and internal conflicts, including the infamous Family Secrets trial of 2007, weakened the Outfit, though it still operates discreetly today. Though its power has waned, the Outfit remains an enduring symbol of organized crime's adaptability and resilience in American history.(commercial at 9:01)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro was a notorious enforcer for the Chicago Outfit, known for his brutal tactics and his role in expanding the Mafia's influence in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s. Born and raised in Chicago, Spilotro quickly ascended the ranks of the Mafia due to his aptitude for violence and loyalty to the organization. In Las Vegas, he oversaw the Outfit's lucrative skimming operations from casinos and established himself as a dominant force in the city's underworld. Spilotro also led the "Hole in the Wall Gang," a crew of burglars known for their daring heists, which further solidified his reputation for ruthless efficiency. His violent methods, such as the notorious torture and murder of Billy McCarthy and Jimmy Miraglia, were designed to instill fear and maintain control over the city's criminal landscape.However, Spilotro's aggressive tactics eventually drew the attention of federal law enforcement, leading to increased scrutiny and pressure from the FBI. The turning point came when his close associate, Frank Cullotta, turned informant, providing authorities with critical information that compromised Spilotro's operations. As his criminal empire began to crumble, Spilotro became a liability to the Chicago Outfit. In 1986, he and his brother Michael were brutally murdered by fellow mobsters in a cornfield, a stark reminder of the Mafia's unforgiving code of loyalty and retribution. Spilotro's life and death underscore the perilous nature of power in the criminal underworld, where ambition and violence often lead to a swift and brutal end.(commercial at 10:42)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Yet another example of The Hall Monitor Right. The Chicago Outfit. A scary trend that is developing in the lower and middle class. We are social creatures. We need real, physical, human interaction. Will there ever be a covid reckoning? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire, I speak with Nick Annunziata, known for his role as Chicago Outfit member Johnny Roselli in Mafia Spies. We discussed his experience portraying Roselli. Nick relates that part of his […] The post Nick Annunziata – The Man Who Played Johnny Roselli appeared first on Gangland Wire.

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: September 19, 2022 Before jumping back into Alan A. Block's “Masters of Paradise”, Dimitri and Khalid take a detour through that toddlin' town of Chicago for a mini-History of the Great American Fortunes overview of the Pritzker family's rise to power as portrayed in Gus Russo's “Supermob”, including: the true nature of Illinois' “most equity-centric” marijuana legalization and the “Chicago Cannabis Cartel” run by the Pritzkers, Wrigleys, and koof juice Kovlers, Bloody Maxwell Street and the scrappy origins of Chicago's Jewish business upstarts, ethnic tensions between Waspified German Jews and poor Eastern European Jews, the total despoiling of the Japanese-American Nissei of California during WW2 by the Chicago Outfit, Jay A. Pritkzer personally reaping superprofits off Japanese internment while working for the Office of Alien Property, and San Francisco pedophile real estate tycoon Donald Werby's close relationships with Anton Lavey, Abe Pritzker/Hyatt, and Al Capone. Dimitri and Khalid then return to the sordid saga of Castle Bank and Trust, including: tantalizing leads in IRS Special Agent Dick Jaffe's undercover investigation, “twenty year contract” man Francis Eugene Poe, honeytrapping Mike Wollstonecroft, getting bailed out by sus International Bank of BCCI fame, Paul Helliwell's role in bringing Walt Disney's “Florida Project” (Disney World) to life, Stanford Clinton's mob associations, Henry Ford II's adventures in Sint-Maarten and financing partnerships with Hyatt, Laurence Tisch's management of Paradise Island, stonewalling and leaks inside the IRS, and the climactic showdown between Jaffe and the inscrutable law firm of Levenfeld and Kanter LLP. This is an UNLOCKED episode. For access to premium episodes, upcoming installments of DEMON FORCES, live call-in specials, and the Grotto of Truth Discord, become a subscriber at patreon.com/subliminaljihad.

In this episode, Gary Jenkins, a retired Kansas City police detective, discusses the life of Jimmy “Ice Pick” Inendino, a prominent figure in the Chicago Outfit. Despite never holding a top leadership position, Inendino was a respected member known for his involvement in the criminal underworld. Jenkins delves into Inendino's potential role as an informant, […] The post Chicago's Icepick: Pay or Die appeared first on Gangland Wire.

Ken Eto worked for the Chicago Outfit for 30 years. He was known as the mob's bolita expert, bringing in millions of dollars a year for them. But in 1983, they turned on him. Dan O'Sullivan wrote about Ken Eto for Chicago Magazine and Epic Magazine - you can read his piece here. Criminal is going on tour in February! We'll be telling brand new stories, live on stage. You can even get meet and greet tickets to come and say hi before the show. Tickets are on sale now at thisiscriminal.com/live. Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: iTunes.com/CriminalShow. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our shows, members-only merch, and more. Learn more and sign up here. Listen back through our archives at youtube.com/criminalpodcast. We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices