General Chicago Outfit Info Dumping Ground

[Antiliar]

I've seen a file that mentioned Ricca attended a Commission meeting in the 40s. Was that lineup photo of he and Lucky from a Commission meeting?

That was from 1932. Lucky went with Meyer Lansky, but according to one source part of the reason for the visit had to do with the Commission.

[Antiliar]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

[PolackTony]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

Good points, and thanks for the Covelli reminder. Could be that this guy was simply mistaken, or that he was purposefully feeding the FBI misinfo. Could have been protecting Ricca, and/or protecting guys like Prio and Battaglia by inflating the status of Allegretti and Daddono, or -- as you said -- that he had a personal grudge against some of these guys. The "amafa" thing to me doesn't sound like BS and I think it fits with what Gianola later stated, so it may be accurate. Not claiming that nobody used "outfit" prior to the 60s, but that it may not have yet become the conventionalized, preferred term used by essentially everyone until somewhat later.

I haven't personally read Covelli's info. Are the files with this on MF? What code was he assigned?

[Snakes]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

Good points, and thanks for the Covelli reminder. Could be that this guy was simply mistaken, or that he was purposefully feeding the FBI misinfo. Could have been protecting Ricca, and/or protecting guys like Prio and Battaglia by inflating the status of Allegretti and Daddono, or -- as you said -- that he had a personal grudge against some of these guys. The "amafa" thing to me doesn't sound like BS and I think it fits with what Gianola later stated, so it may be accurate. Not claiming that nobody used "outfit" prior to the 60s, but that it may not have yet become the conventionalized, preferred term used by essentially everyone until somewhat later.

I haven't personally read Covelli's info. Are the files with this on MF? What code was he assigned?

I don't think any of Covelli's files are out there on the web.

[PolackTony]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

Good points, and thanks for the Covelli reminder. Could be that this guy was simply mistaken, or that he was purposefully feeding the FBI misinfo. Could have been protecting Ricca, and/or protecting guys like Prio and Battaglia by inflating the status of Allegretti and Daddono, or -- as you said -- that he had a personal grudge against some of these guys. The "amafa" thing to me doesn't sound like BS and I think it fits with what Gianola later stated, so it may be accurate. Not claiming that nobody used "outfit" prior to the 60s, but that it may not have yet become the conventionalized, preferred term used by essentially everyone until somewhat later.

I haven't personally read Covelli's info. Are the files with this on MF? What code was he assigned?

I don't think any of Covelli's files are out there on the web.

Didn't think so. I have one file from the 60s that has Covelli as CG-T62, but then notes that his info had been provided under a Houston SA and that the Chicago office wasn't in "the position to vouch" for his reliability. From what I can tell, the Houston thing comes from Covelli having pled guilty to a case in Houston in '59, which is when he agreed to testify against the Outfit. During the 60s he was incarcerated in Leavenworth, and then after he was released apparently placed in Encino, CA where he was assassinated by a bomb in '67 (wonder why they would let him be in SoCal, given Chicago's presence and level of connections to LCN members there). One thing I note is that apparently in 1959, Covelli initially told the FBI that he had no idea what Appalchin was about, but then later changed his story and stated that it was about taking over Nevada gambling and currying political favor related to that objective. He seems to have identified an FL meeting including Prio, DiVarco, Allegretti, and Lisciandrello with Sam Mannarino of Pitt as related to these objectives. He also claimed there was a separate LA meeting including DiBella, Prio, and Lisciandrello in 1957. The files that I've looked at that refer to Covelli state that he was a "former burglar" and don't seem to identify him as an LCN member.

I wonder if Gerald Covelli was related to the Outfit-controlled judge Daniel Covelli, the Frank Covelli allegedly murdered by Nick DeJohn, or the William Covelli who was either an associate or member of the Milwaukee Outfit in Kenosha. I would bet that Covelli was Calabres' and the Italian community in Kenosha was largely Calabrian.

[Antiliar]

I don't have Covelli's file. Good questions about the relationships. As for the correct info the CI gave, sure some info could be correct. My main point is that we have to use extreme caution and lots of healthy skepticism with the early reports. Shouldn't take it at face value.

[PolackTony]

I don't have Covelli's file. Good questions about the relationships. As for the correct info the CI gave, sure some info could be correct. My main point is that we have to use extreme caution and lots of healthy skepticism with the early reports. Shouldn't take it at face value.

Agreed. One thing that I appreciate about the info on "amafa", "capitano" and "the family" is that I would doubt that this is misinfo, intentional or otherwise, but rather reflects the nomenclature in use, at least in this individual's circle per their understanding of it. All three usages do at least align with info given by later informants as well.

I'm going to post some interesting info that I found regarding Covelli's genealogy as well.

[B.]

The CI didn't say they never used "outfit", he just didn't mention the term at all. There are many FBI reports from that period where it's used (lowercase).

It's also not clear one way or another that he meant "worked for" to mean "formally reported to". I have little knowledge of Chicago crew assignments so wasn't sure how to interpret it but he could have been referring to association via certain rackets or something else. Sounds like he was wrong about who held some of the ranks which muddies up what he meant by "worked for" even further.

Definitely familiar with the differences in pre-1960s quality vs. post-1960s intelligence. Everything about this interview falls into the former, though there were a few interesting aspects to it.

[B.]

Another thing is I didn't get the impression this guy had knowledge or came from the early Sicilian element. Hard to say for sure, but despite using terms like "amafa" (ph), "the Family", and "capitano" (ph) his early knowledge (which wasn't particularly deep) was entirely focused on the Colosimo/Capone element.

Contrast that with the 1970s informant (Gianola?) who used the term "mafia members" to refer to made members and clearly had early knowledge/relation to early Sicilian members.

Also this might be known by Snakes or you guys, but there is a report in Inserro's file that says a made member of Chicago was an FBI CI in 1976. Unfortunately didn't see any info that obviously came from him.

[cavita]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

Good points, and thanks for the Covelli reminder. Could be that this guy was simply mistaken, or that he was purposefully feeding the FBI misinfo. Could have been protecting Ricca, and/or protecting guys like Prio and Battaglia by inflating the status of Allegretti and Daddono, or -- as you said -- that he had a personal grudge against some of these guys. The "amafa" thing to me doesn't sound like BS and I think it fits with what Gianola later stated, so it may be accurate. Not claiming that nobody used "outfit" prior to the 60s, but that it may not have yet become the conventionalized, preferred term used by essentially everyone until somewhat later.

I haven't personally read Covelli's info. Are the files with this on MF? What code was he assigned?

I don't think any of Covelli's files are out there on the web.

Didn't think so. I have one file from the 60s that has Covelli as CG-T62, but then notes that his info had been provided under a Houston SA and that the Chicago office wasn't in "the position to vouch" for his reliability. From what I can tell, the Houston thing comes from Covelli having pled guilty to a case in Houston in '59, which is when he agreed to testify against the Outfit. During the 60s he was incarcerated in Leavenworth, and then after he was released apparently placed in Encino, CA where he was assassinated by a bomb in '67 (wonder why they would let him be in SoCal, given Chicago's presence and level of connections to LCN members there). One thing I note is that apparently in 1959, Covelli initially told the FBI that he had no idea what Appalchin was about, but then later changed his story and stated that it was about taking over Nevada gambling and currying political favor related to that objective. He seems to have identified an FL meeting including Prio, DiVarco, Allegretti, and Lisciandrello with Sam Mannarino of Pitt as related to these objectives. He also claimed there was a separate LA meeting including DiBella, Prio, and Lisciandrello in 1957. The files that I've looked at that refer to Covelli state that he was a "former burglar" and don't seem to identify him as an LCN member.

I wonder if Gerald Covelli was related to the Outfit-controlled judge Daniel Covelli, the Frank Covelli allegedly murdered by Nick DeJohn, or the William Covelli who was either an associate or member of the Milwaukee Outfit in Kenosha. I would bet that Covelli was Calabres' and the Italian community in Kenosha was largely Calabrian.

William "Red" Covelli was born 1897 in Cosenza, Italy.

[PolackTony]

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

I have a different take on this than Tony. There is so much wrong information given by the informant that it's borderline disinformation. It's definitely misinformation. This was a problem across the country for the FBI when they started to investigation following the Apalachin meeting. They interviewed mobsters and their associates and relatives all over the country who were either ignorant of what went on and filled in the gaps with bad guesses, or they deliberately misled agents. Go through FBI files and focus on the early investigative years and you'll notice there's lots of bad intel.

Probably the first insider to give good intel on the Chicago Outfit was Gerald Covelli. It was in the late 1950s and he repeatedly used the word "Outfit" as the name for the Chicago group and for the people he was familiar with, placed them with their correct crews. He also said the leaders were Ricca, Accardo and Giancana. The other CI might have been trying to protect Ricca and might have had a grudge against Allegretti or Daddono. That happened too. CI's would lie to the LE to go after their competitors. Still happens today.

Good points, and thanks for the Covelli reminder. Could be that this guy was simply mistaken, or that he was purposefully feeding the FBI misinfo. Could have been protecting Ricca, and/or protecting guys like Prio and Battaglia by inflating the status of Allegretti and Daddono, or -- as you said -- that he had a personal grudge against some of these guys. The "amafa" thing to me doesn't sound like BS and I think it fits with what Gianola later stated, so it may be accurate. Not claiming that nobody used "outfit" prior to the 60s, but that it may not have yet become the conventionalized, preferred term used by essentially everyone until somewhat later.

I haven't personally read Covelli's info. Are the files with this on MF? What code was he assigned?

I don't think any of Covelli's files are out there on the web.

Didn't think so. I have one file from the 60s that has Covelli as CG-T62, but then notes that his info had been provided under a Houston SA and that the Chicago office wasn't in "the position to vouch" for his reliability. From what I can tell, the Houston thing comes from Covelli having pled guilty to a case in Houston in '59, which is when he agreed to testify against the Outfit. During the 60s he was incarcerated in Leavenworth, and then after he was released apparently placed in Encino, CA where he was assassinated by a bomb in '67 (wonder why they would let him be in SoCal, given Chicago's presence and level of connections to LCN members there). One thing I note is that apparently in 1959, Covelli initially told the FBI that he had no idea what Appalchin was about, but then later changed his story and stated that it was about taking over Nevada gambling and currying political favor related to that objective. He seems to have identified an FL meeting including Prio, DiVarco, Allegretti, and Lisciandrello with Sam Mannarino of Pitt as related to these objectives. He also claimed there was a separate LA meeting including DiBella, Prio, and Lisciandrello in 1957. The files that I've looked at that refer to Covelli state that he was a "former burglar" and don't seem to identify him as an LCN member.

I wonder if Gerald Covelli was related to the Outfit-controlled judge Daniel Covelli, the Frank Covelli allegedly murdered by Nick DeJohn, or the William Covelli who was either an associate or member of the Milwaukee Outfit in Kenosha. I would bet that Covelli was Calabres' and the Italian community in Kenosha was largely Calabrian.

William "Red" Covelli was born 1897 in Cosenza, Italy.

Thanks for the confirmation. That’s the info I posted for him on the origins thread, though I was thinking that the guy in question was his son William “Weezy”. Very strong Calabres’ colony in Kenosha, historically.

[B.]

CORRECTION: I misread the report and this guy cooperated on June 9th and June 15th 1965, not 1958. I was confused as in the beginning of the report he refers to 1958.

He says he "always" heard the organization referred to as "Amafa" (ph) prior to 1958, then after 1958 began to hear "(La) Cosa Nostra" used in other cities but never Chicago.

So everything below should be viewed in the context of 1965 when the interviews took place.

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

[B.]

CORRECTION: I misread the report and this guy cooperated on June 9th and June 15th 1965, not 1958. I was confused as in the beginning of the report he refers to 1958.

He says he "always" heard the organization referred to as "Amafa" (ph) prior to 1958, then after 1958 began to hear "(La) Cosa Nostra" used in other cities but never Chicago.

So everything below should be viewed in the context of 1965, when the interviews took place.

Maybe you guys have seen this but came across it in Inserro's FBI file.

- 1958 Chicago informant said he knew the organization up until 1958 as "Amafa" (ph -- no doubt "mafia") and said in Chicago it was called "The Family". Said in Chicago they never used "(La) Cosa Nostra" and Giancana didn't like that term and forbade its use. He said "(La) Cosa Nostra" was used on the West Coast, NYC, St. Louis, and Cleveland. Consistently refers to Chicago as "the Family" and "Amafa", doesn't use "outfit" at all. This is further proof the FBI knew the term "Cosa Nostra" before Valachi.

- Said he never heard of the "Amafa" using the term Commission, but knew it was "the Round Table" and said they met in 1930 in Cincinatti or Cleveland (probably thinking of the 1928 Cleveland meeting). He said "the Round Table" sanctioned Tony Accardo as boss but said "contrary to popular belief" Paul Ricca was never in charge of "the Family" and always reported to Accardo even though he said Ricca sometimes "acted with all authority but was never sanctioned." Sounds like he believed Ricca was the acting boss but never official.

- Said Chicago has "capitanos" (ph) under Giancana which are "lieutenants" who control a ward, city, or the suburbs. He thought Chicago had "lieutenants" in Peoria, Rockford, and Milwaukee but wasn't positive all of them were under Giancana and thought the Milwaukee one may be "very powerful" and "more than a lieutenant" (no doubt thinking of the Milwaukee Family boss). He felt there was a "family" in each state but knew there was never one in Des Moines or Iowa.

- Did not know the exact number but believed there were hundreds of members of "the Family". Not clear if he's including some of the cities he confused as being under them (i.e. Rockford, Milwaukee).

- Said members can climb the ranks in "the Family" ahead of more senior members by proving themselves.

- Said Jim Colosimo took orders from someone in NYC and had Torrio under him. Al Capone killed Colosimo and this same NYC power then backed Capone. Capone became the "Patrone" and had "capitanos" (ph) under him, including Nitti, Capezio, the Alo (ph) brothers, Paul Ricca, and Tony Accardo.

- Says Giancana wanted to step down and let Daddano take his place but certain "lieutenants" didn't trust Daddano's judgment. Due to Giancana's troubles, the informant felt Accardo, Ricca, Allegretti, and Ben Fillichio decided Giancana "must go" and Daddano and Teets Battaglia were the likely successors, with Battaglia the second choice. Felt Giancana earned respect as the boss for facing prison time without cooperating.

- Informant again said Ricca was "never appointed head of 'the Family' for reasons unknown."

- Said Chicago controls all illegal activity, including non-Italian crime. Makes no mention of non-Italians in the context of "the Family" itself except one reference to Ralph Pierce below.

- Identified Daddano and Allegretti as "lieutenants", a synonym for his term "capitano" (ph), and identified the following names:

* "Hot Dog" Lisacandrello, who will replace Allegretti as "lieutenant" when he goes to jail
* James Mirro, works for Ralph Pierce in South Side
* (Redacted), works for Daddano in Franklin Park
* Joseph Spadavecchio, works for Daddano in Melrose Park
* John Varelli, works for Daddano
* Frank and Jack Cerone, work "directly" for Accardo
* John DiBiase, works "directly" for Giancana on Chicago Ave
* Joseph Gaglliano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Dom Galiano, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Rocco Salvatore of Grand Ave, works for newly appointed "lieutenant" who replaced the previous lieutenant that died of a heart attack months previous (neither is identified)
* Leo Manfredi, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* James Catura, works for Daddano in Franklin Park and Melrose Park
* Vincent Inserro, works for Allegretti in 42nd Ward
* Charles Nicoletti, works for Daddano in Elmhurst
* Joseph Glimco, works "directly" for Giancana
* Rocco DeStefano, a "big man" like Daddano who informant thinks might work directly for Giancana
* Ralph Capone, inactive and lives in Wisconsin

Note: "Works for" might not have been his words but the pre-1960s FBI's interpretation of what he was telling them. For example the FBI used "lieutenant" throughout the reports but it's clear when he was speaking he said "capitano" (ph). Doesn't specify if these were all members of "the Family" and given the Pierce reference he may have been referring to operations opposed to formal designations.

--- Likely close to or with the Daddano group given that's what most of his info is focused on (maybe he's the redacted name who worked for Daddano in Franklin park). Second area of knowledge seems to be Allegretti group. Makes little/no mention of other groups.

--- "Capitano" means captain in Italian but the FBI makes it clear this was simply their phonetic interpretation of what he was saying. He could well have said "capodecina" or something and that was their best pre-1960s attempt to write it down.

--- Sounds like this might have been a member circa 1958 who was cooperating. He seems to speak from the POV of the mafia organization rather than general organized crime association. Unfortunately the FBI at that time wasn't situated to properly contextualize a lot of inside info (true for every FBI office), but his references to "Amafa", "the Family", "capitanos", as well as "the Round Table" (Commission) needing to sanction official positions all make it clear what he's referring to.

[B.]

Sam DiGiovanni suspected as the "old time capro" (ph) of Chicago Heights via an FBI office bug:



- References the Joe Costello/Giancana bug we've discussed where Costello refers to consulting his "gaborchina" (ph) before contacting Frank LaPorte. Here they interpreted it as "capro" (ph). The "old time capro" reference apparently comes from a different conversation and the FBI believed it was a reference to DiGiovanni. This report indicates the FBI suspected he held the position even at this time? We previously suspected Costello reported to a capodecina who wasn't LaPorte from his phrasing to Giancana and here the FBI came to the same conclusion, so either way you interpret it this caught my eye. Also reinforces that "capro" (phonetic, no doubt capo or capodecina) was in use.



--

Made member CI who was introduced to Ross Prio as a member by third party "Caesar":

[Snakes]

Sam DiGiovanni suspected as the "old time capro" (ph) of Chicago Heights via an FBI office bug:



- References the Joe Costello/Giancana bug we've discussed where Costello refers to consulting his "gaborchina" (ph) before contacting Frank LaPorte. Here they interpreted it as "capro" (ph). The "old time capro" reference apparently comes from a different conversation and the FBI believed it was a reference to DiGiovanni. This report indicates the FBI suspected he held the position even at this time? We previously suspected Costello reported to a capodecina who wasn't LaPorte from his phrasing to Giancana and here the FBI came to the same conclusion, so either way you interpret it this caught my eye. Also reinforces that "capro" (phonetic, no doubt capo or capodecina) was in use.



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Made member CI who was introduced to Ross Prio as a member by third party "Caesar":

"Caesar" is most likely referring to Joe "Caesar" DiVarco, one of Prio's top guys on the North Side.