Gangland:6/25/15

[Dellacroce]

Feds Cheer Mama's Boy Mob Snitch, And He Earns A Sweet Reward

Anthony Zoccolillo's role as a co-star of the short-lived Mama's Boys of the Bronx reality TV show was pretty much a flop. But there was applause all around for the former Genovese crime family associate-turned super snitch at his sentencing last month.

Surrounded by dozens of FBI agents, NYPD detectives and very happy family members, a smiling but moist-eyed Zoccolillo walked out of Manhattan Federal Court and breathed free fresh air for the first time in 18 months. His best review came from Judge Richard Sullivan who praised him for "truly extraordinary" undercover work following his arrest on drug dealing charges and sentenced Zoccolillo to "time served."

In January, Gang Land dubbed Zoccolillo The Most Effective Mob Turncoat Of 2014. Federal prosecutor Rebecca Mermelstein said he was he even better than that. She credited him with giving her the crucial evidence to obtain six indictments against 14 mobsters and drug dealers, and dubbed Zoccolillo the best cooperating witness she had seen in her five years as an assistant U.S. Attorney.

"This is, without a doubt, the cooperator who has offered the most substantial assistance," Mermelstein said of Zoccolillo. She submitted a list of 27 gangsters, including 13 members of a violent Bronx-based Albanian gang who pleaded guilty to drug, weapons and other charges rather than face the former Mama's Boy on the witness stand.

"He did it from the very beginning" when he "worked proactively to make hundreds of in-person telephone recordings," she said. "Unlike many people, he never withheld anything. He never got caught minimizing anything. He came forward immediately and did the right thing."

The sentencing documents, and a transcript of the proceeding, which took place May 1, were sealed until this week. Judge Sullivan ordered them unsealed following a Gang Land pro se motion that cited the public's common law and First Amendment right to open court proceedings.

Zoccolillo, as Gang Land first disclosed two years ago, flipped on the same day he was arrested — February 20, 2013. He quickly snared Genovese mobster Salvatore (Sally KO) Larca and three others on tape as they conspired to buy thousands of pounds of marijuana in northern California and distribute it in New York. Larca was buying the high-grade weed for $1500 a pound and selling it for $4000 a pound.

The FBI busted Larca less than two months later when agents seized a 500 pound load of pot in Queens. Until then, no one had suspected the former Mama's Boy was a snitch, however. And during a 55 day stretch, the hard working and very enterprising Zoccolillo recorded "hundreds" of conversations with many drug dealers, including three sons of former acting Bonanno boss Vincent (Vinny Gorgeous) Basciano, and another Genovese wiseguy, according to Mermelstein.

The cases against Larca, the Basciano brothers, Genovese wiseguy Pasquale (Uncle Patty) Falcetti and the others could not "have been brought" without him, said Mermelstein. "Indeed," the prosecutor stated in a court filing, "the Government initiated its investigations into these targets solely as a result of information provided by Zoccolillo and had no other evidence against these targets prior to Zoccolillo's initial proffer."

Defense lawyer Michael Beys echoed and expanded upon much of the prosecutor's points in his remarks. And like Mermelstein, who submitted a copy of the Gang Land column that praised Zoccolillo's cooperation in her filings, Beys also mentioned Gang Land's kudos for his client in his remarks.

But Sullivan, who's been on the bench since 2007 and was the Federal Law Enforcement Association's Prosecutor Of The Year in 1998, didn't seem too impressed.

"I don't know if you get a plaque or money with that," the judge cracked.

While saying he "was not criticizing anybody," Sullivan questioned why prosecutors postponed the sentencing in December. He told Zoccolillo: "I think, candidly, that I might have given you (time served) six months ago because the quality of the cooperation and the difference that you made is substantial."

If he hadn't cooperated, Zoccolillo was facing a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years.

"Your cooperation has been really outstanding. I don't think there is any other way to describe it," Sullivan told Zoccolillo, noting that his undercover work put him "in a very select category of cooperators. You took steps at great risk to yourself, wore a wire and put yourself in situations where things could have really gone bad with people who might have reacted very badly if they had learned that you were working with the government and wearing a wire."

"You really were an extraordinary cooperator, and that has to be acknowledged, and rewarded loudly," said Sullivan. "The work you have done, the cases that you have made, the difference that you have made is truly extraordinary, no doubt about it."

In a letter to Judge Sullivan, Zoccolillo, 38, wrote that his Morris Park "neighborhood was dominated and controlled" by the mob. An uncle was a nephew of legendary Mafia boss Vincent (Chin) Gigante, he wrote, and he "grew up looking up to these guys," even though his "father was murdered by mob violence" when he was a child.

In court, Zoccolillo apologized for his repeated brushes with the law, and asked for a "last chance" to right his life, breaking down several times when discussing family members he hurt the most, "especially my mother," who co-starred with him on Mama's Boys of the Bronx. The mother of the Mama's Boy was in court to hear him, along with about 20 other family members. (The TV show — which was cancelled after two episodes in April of 2012 — was not mentioned at the sentencing or in court filings.)

"I feel like in the course of the (last) 18 months, I have learned a lot," he said. "I feel really strongly, your honor, about what the future holds. I am tired of disappointing everybody. I'm tired of making mistakes. And every day I am trying to keep growing. I have read so many self- help books. I have read so many spiritual books. I am really trying my best to keep moving forward in my life, and I feel positive now about the future."

Sullivan noted he didn't have a "crystal ball" to predict the future, but said he believed the erstwhile Mama's Boy was "being sincere" about not going back to his old ways. "Look," said the judge, "if you are conning me, you will regret it ultimately, but I don't think you are."

Sullivan gave him a little extra incentive to keep himself straight. He ordered strict supervised release for five years. Zoccolillo was ordered to avoid all former criminal associates, as well as drugs and guns. And just in case, the judge ordered that Zoccolillo and his home will be liable to unannounced searches for contraband or possible evidence of any suspected criminal activity.

Ex-Teamsters Union Prez: I Was A Member Of A Bonanno Crime Family Crew

The former president of a powerful Teamsters Union local admitted being a mob associate who was involved in a slew of lucrative money-making rackets with the Bonanno crime family as he pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday to state racketeering and perjury charges. The plea bargain calls for him to serve up to seven years in prison.

Nicholas Bernhard admitted being a member of a mob crew headed by capo Nicholas (Nicky Mouth) Santora between March of 2010 and January of 2012, while he was a member and leader of Local 917. The union represents 2500 parking attendants, cashiers, and numerous workers in the liquor industry.

Bernhard, 53, admitted his involvement in drug dealing, loan sharking, extortion, and gambling with Santora and three other mobsters who are still awaiting trial on the six count indictment. The other defendants are Ernest Aiello, Anthony (Skinny) Santoro, and Bernhard's brother-in-law, acting capo Vito Badamo.

The disgraced union leader also admitted lying under oath about his corrupt activities with the Bonanno crime family when he testified in April 2012 before a Teamsters Union Independent Review Board that had begun looking into his mob connected activities. He also agreed to forfeit $170,000 in illegal profits he made over the years.

Sources say the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which had overheard numerous mob-linked talks that Bernhard had during its probe and confiscated seven guns during searches of his home and office in February of 2012, alerted the Teamsters board about the union leader's corrupt activities after cops seized the guns, cash, and other evidence in their raids.

In August of 1982, Bernhard resigned his union presidency, as well as his Local 917 membership, and agreed to cut all his ties with the Teamsters Union. He was allowed to retain the vested pension benefits he earned during his 19 years as a Local 917 member.

Assistant district attorney Gary Galperin and defense lawyer Elizabeth Macedonio declined to comment about the plea deal. But sources say Judge Melissa Jackson promised to forego a prison term up to 25 years for enterprise corruption and sentence Bernhard to two-and-a-third to seven years if he admitted his participation with the Bonanno crime family when he pleaded guilty.

Bernhard, who has been free on bail since his arrest in July of 2013, is scheduled to be sentenced in September.

Meanwhile, Judge Jackson is expected to set a trial date later this summer for Bonanno capo Nicky Mouth Santora and mobsters Aiello, Santoro and Badamo. The wiseguys have been behind bars since their arrests and face up to 25 years behind bars if convicted at trial.

Grand Jury Indicts Two In Luchese Family Rubout Of Ex-Purple Gang Leader

A Bronx grand jury has indicted two members of a Luchese crime family hit team for the execution slaying of Michael Meldish, the notorious former leader of the Purple Gang who was shot to death while seated behind the wheel of his car in front of his home two years ago.

As predicted by Gang Land last month, the grand jury charged reputed mobster Christopher Londonio and mob associate Terrence Caldwell with murder, manslaughter and weapons charges for the November 15, 2013 killing of Meldish, a Luchese associate who headed a loosely connected gang of drug dealers from the Bronx and East Harlem in the 1970s and 80s.

Londonio, 41, and Caldwell, 57, who was arrested on a complaint last month that charged him with taking part in the Meldish murder, were both tied to the slaying "by DNA, phone records and license plate readers," according to the Bronx District Attorney's office.

Sources say the FBI and the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office are working with cops and assistant district attorney Christine Scaccia in the murder probe.

Last month, the sources say, Londonio, who had been out on bail on a Bronx indictment for weapons charges, was hit with federal gun charges in an effort to put him behind bars while the state probers presented evidence of the mobster's alleged involvement in the murder before the grand jury. Caldwell has been held without bail on Rikers Island since his arrest last month.

Each defendant pleaded innocent Monday at his arraignment before Supreme Court Justice Jeanette Rodriguez-Morick.

During Londonio's court appearance, defense attorney Robert Blossner stated he would be withdrawing from the case because of an undisclosed "conflict of interest." Sources say the conflict stems from Blossner's representation of 80-year-old Luchese capo Matthew Madonna, the subject of a continuing investigation into the Meldish slaying.

Madonna, who pleaded guilty last week to eight-year-old New Jersey gambling charges, is slated to begin serving concurrent prison terms later this year for up to five years in the Garden State and for up to three years in New York for separate bookmaking charges lodged in 2009 by the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

[TommyGambino]

Looks like it was a mob hit after all.

[NYNighthawk]

Is Zocolilo in the witness protection program? you mean he is going back to the bronx?

[Pogo The Clown]

Thanks for postng this weeks GL column Dellacroce.


Pogo

[Rocco]

Thanks for posting Dell ! Looks like they are targeting Matty Maddonna for the meldish hit ? I assume LE believes he ordered the hit?

[Wiseguy]

Caldwell.jpg

Londonio.jpg

PAIR INDICTED FOR EXECUTION-STYLE KILLING
Michael Meldish Found Shot to Death in Car


Bronx, NY – June 22, 2015) – Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson today announced the Supreme Court arraignment, following a Grand Jury indictment, of TERRANCE CALDWELL and CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO for the November 15, 2013 execution-style killing of MICHAEL MELDISH as he sat inside his parked car in the Country Club section of the Bronx.

CALDWELL, age 57, and LONDONIO, age 41, are each charged with:
Murder in the 2nd Degree, a Class A-1 Felony
Manslaughter in the 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony

Both defendants pled not guilty today before Justice Jeanette Rodriguez-Morick. If convicted of the charges, CALDWELL and LONDONIO face 25 years-to-life in prison.

MICHAEL MELDISH, age 62, was found inside his car late in the evening of November 15th, 2013, at the corner of Baisley and Ellsworth Avenues. He was dead from a single gunshot wound to his head. CALDWELL and LONDONIO were arrested in May of this year, tied to the crime by DNA, phone records, and license plate readers.

The case against TERRANCE CALDWELL and CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO is being prosecuted by Christine Scaccia, Senior Trial Assistant D.A. of the Gangs/Major Case Bureau. It has been adjourned to August 11th, in Part 60. The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty

[SonnyBlackstein]

What THE FUCK are you doing taking a 57yr old black guy out on a hit?

Zero blood/family/community ties/obligations or loyalty. And at 57, 25+ is effectively life.
Anyone here do a life bid for a group of people who it's commonly known HATE you (wise guys are notoriously racist)?

If this guy doesn't roll in 2 seconds flat I'll be amazed.


Thanks Dell. Always appreciated.

[brianwellbrock]

Lol wiseguys aren't any different from Cartel guys or Russian gangsters. You ask any kind of criminal of any trade or nationality and they will all say that one of their top rules is to not deal with blacks, and you can take that to the bank. This guy really fucked up.

[Rocco]

Caldwell.jpg

Londonio.jpg

PAIR INDICTED FOR EXECUTION-STYLE KILLING
Michael Meldish Found Shot to Death in Car


Bronx, NY – June 22, 2015) – Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson today announced the Supreme Court arraignment, following a Grand Jury indictment, of TERRANCE CALDWELL and CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO for the November 15, 2013 execution-style killing of MICHAEL MELDISH as he sat inside his parked car in the Country Club section of the Bronx.

CALDWELL, age 57, and LONDONIO, age 41, are each charged with:
Murder in the 2nd Degree, a Class A-1 Felony
Manslaughter in the 1st Degree, a Class B Felony
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony

Both defendants pled not guilty today before Justice Jeanette Rodriguez-Morick. If convicted of the charges, CALDWELL and LONDONIO face 25 years-to-life in prison.

MICHAEL MELDISH, age 62, was found inside his car late in the evening of November 15th, 2013, at the corner of Baisley and Ellsworth Avenues. He was dead from a single gunshot wound to his head. CALDWELL and LONDONIO were arrested in May of this year, tied to the crime by DNA, phone records, and license plate readers.

The case against TERRANCE CALDWELL and CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO is being prosecuted by Christine Scaccia, Senior Trial Assistant D.A. of the Gangs/Major Case Bureau. It has been adjourned to August 11th, in Part 60. The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty

I wonder who will flip first ??

[toto]

I'm not so sure that the Caldwell is more likely to flip. he's been in and out of jail since 1973. Also, according to other reports quoting NYPD he and Londonio "have had a long standing relationship."

My guess is this guy had some relationship with Meldish as well.

[Rocco]

Is londonio a Bonnano Associate or. Lucchese associate? Says they are investigating Maddona for the murder as well?

[East Bronx]

I doubt Matty would have used a Black shooter. Londonio's a Throggs Neck kid. They lived on Revere. His brother is the one who got himself killed in his own house by cops about ten years ago. They came to arrest him and the lunatic opened fire on them, the crazy fuck. He was around Ralphie Balsamo.

Anyway, this kid's a little crazy, too. I think he may have gotten himself involved in a drug deal gone wrong that had nothing to do with the Luccheses. If that's the case, he's gonna have nowhere to turn. But I don't want to speculate. Time will tell.

[bronx]

matty never would enlist an outsider let alone a black guy..if matty gave this to londonio and he got the guy involved, better off he takes a plea and waits for matty and some other old timers to die off. prison might look good for him.

[East Bronx]

matty never would enlist an outsider let alone a black guy..if matty gave this to londonio and he got the guy involved, better off he takes a plea and waits for matty and some other old timers to die off. prison might look good for him.

Yup, as long as he doesn't end up in the same joint as Joey Meldish.

[Wiseguy]

Londonio and Caldwell charged with Meldish hit, attempted murder of Bonanno soldier Enzo "The Baker", Stagno, and other crimes.

(The indictment itself is at the bottom)

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/tw ... er-bonanno