Bonanno Family Crime Ring Busted in New York Racketeering Indictment

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, ten individuals, including high-ranking members of the notorious Bonanno crime family, have been charged with racketeering and related offenses. The indictment, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, is the result of a joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, working in concert with multiple law enforcement agencies including the Department of Labor, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle La Cosa Nostra’s influence in New York City and beyond, with the Bonanno Family squarely in the crosshairs.

The indictment names eight members of the Bonanno family, outlining a vast criminal enterprise allegedly overseen by Acting Boss Joseph Cammarano, Jr., and Consigliere John Zancocchio. The charges against these individuals, including Joseph Sabella, George Tropiano, Albert Armetta, Domenick Miniero, Joseph Santapaolo, and Simone Esposito, encompass a wide spectrum of illicit activities. These range from traditional Mafia strongholds like extortion and loansharking to modern financial crimes such as wire and mail fraud, as well as narcotics distribution and even conspiracy to commit murder. Adding to the complexity, Ernest Montevecchi, a member of the Genovese crime family, is also implicated in the racketeering conspiracy, highlighting the interconnected nature of these organized crime syndicates. Furthermore, Eugene Castelle, associated with the Luchese family, faces charges of conspiracy to commit extortion alongside several Bonanno defendants.

/NY_indictment-5.jpg)

Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York, Angel M. Melendez, emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “The members of this criminal organization have pending charges from drug dealing and fraud to loansharking and conspiracy to commit murder.” He affirmed HSI’s commitment to working with law enforcement partners to “investigate and dismantle criminal organization like La Cosa Nostra and the Bonanno family.” This statement underscores the persistent threat posed by these crime families and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to neutralize them.

Of the ten defendants, nine were apprehended on Friday and brought into federal custody. Joseph Santapaolo was presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in Pennsylvania, while the remaining defendants were scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in Manhattan. United States District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein has been assigned to preside over the case, signaling the serious nature and high-level attention this prosecution will receive.

La Cosa Nostra, commonly known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” is structured around regional entities called “Families.” In New York City, five prominent La Cosa Nostra families operate: the Bonanno Family, Genovese Family, Luchese Family, Colombo Family, and Gambino Family. These families, while distinct, are known to collaborate on criminal ventures, demonstrating a network of organized crime that extends beyond individual family boundaries.

The Bonanno Family, mirroring the structure of other LCN Families, is organized into “crews” led by a “capo” or “captain.” These crews consist of “made” members, known as “soldiers,” and non-member “associates.” The Family leadership structure includes the Boss or Acting Boss, Underboss, and Consigliere, who provide overall direction and counsel. The indictment details the alleged positions held by the defendants within their respective families at the time of the charged offenses. Joseph Cammarano Jr. was identified as a captain and Acting Boss of the Bonanno Family, while John Zancocchio served as a captain and Consigliere. Joseph Sabella was a Bonanno captain, and George Tropiano was a soldier and acting captain. Simone Esposito was also identified as a Consigliere within the Bonanno Family, and Domenick Miniero, Joseph Santapaolo, and Albert Armetta were soldiers. Ernest Montevecchi was a Genovese Family soldier, and Eugene Castelle was a Luchese Family soldier.

The charges outlined in the indictment are extensive. Count One charges nine defendants, including the Bonanno Family’s Cammarano, Zancocchio, Sabella, Tropiano, Armetta, Miniero, Santapaolo, and Esposito, along with Genovese member Montevecchi, with RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) conspiracy. Count Two specifically charges Albert Armetta with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering. Count Three accuses Cammarano, Zancocchio, Sabella, Tropiano, Miniero, and Luchese member Castelle of extortion conspiracy.

The following table provides a summary of the defendants, their ages, residences, charges, and potential maximum penalties. It is crucial to remember that these are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This indictment marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against organized crime in New York City, specifically targeting the Bonanno Family and their associates. The collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies demonstrates a unified front against these criminal enterprises and sends a clear message that these activities will not be tolerated. The legal proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold, potentially offering further insights into the inner workings of the Bonanno crime family and La Cosa Nostra in the 21st century.