The meeting that almost cost the Lucchese Family Underboss, Steven Crea, his life

[Frank]

Crea keeps his title if he beats his case. So one of my points is Crea with all his years in the life had to know he was going to at least be replaced with an acting underboss. You think this happens if Crea doesnt get indicted for murder. Crea brought more money to the Family when he was acting boss nearly 25 years ago and has been in a leadership position and an Amuso favorite since.

[Little_Al1991]

Its also interesting the comments from Pennisi that they would respect Crea as boss if he beat his case or was it if Vic died. Rocco said it well, there was no reason for Crea to not adhere to Amusos wishes Same with Madonna. But what I wonder is was this more over money than titles?

It was about about bringing the family back to Brooklyn.Since Louie Bagels Daidone was arrested in 2003, the power has shifted back to the Bronx Faction because Amuso made a ruling panel which consisted of Matthew Madonna,Joseph DiNapoli and Aniello Migliore.All guys who were from the Bronx Faction.DeSantis and the other Amuso loyalists wanted to bring the family back to Brooklyn.
DeSantis also told Vic that when he reached out to him and said “There are guys out here loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn”

Yes, I understand that part it. But also you have to know the whole history of Crea to understand his standing in the Family and his standing with Amuso.

Crea respects Vic.Crea was the Acting Consigliere when Vic went on the run, Vic also gave him the Underboss position

[NYNighthawk]

Now is someone running Crea's construction company? If so I assume they are kicking back to the Crea family for lawyer and living expenses. And are they still kicking up to the Luchese family?

[Little_Al1991]

Crea keeps his title if he beats his case. So one of my points is Crea with all his years in the life had to know he was going to at least be replaced with an acting underboss. You think this happens if Crea doesnt get indicted for murder. Crea brought more money to the Family when he was acting boss nearly 25 years ago and has been in a leadership position and an Amuso favorite since.

Crea has always respected Vic, they have a lot of history dating back to the days when Vic was on the street as boss.
Crea replaced Joseph DeFede as Acting Boss in 1998 but his reign was short lived as he was indicted in 2000.

[SonnyBlackstein]

Im quite interested in the wording of DeSantis's letter.
"There are a lot of guys loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn."

Was Amuso losing control of the family?
Why does it matter if the acting is bronx or brooklyn base if theyre loyal to Vic?

It just doesnt make sense that DeSantis would write Vic stating there were 'a lot of guys still loyal' and Vic would completely replace the admin basis this letter alone and out of the blue.

I feel we're missing a lot of context here.

[SonnyBlackstein]

Wonder if Crea's family still gets an envelope.

[jmack]

Im quite interested in the wording of DeSantis's letter.
"There are a lot of guys loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn."

Was Amuso losing control of the family?
Why does it matter if the acting is bronx or brooklyn base if theyre loyal to Vic?

It just doesnt make sense that DeSantis would write Vic stating there were 'a lot of guys still loyal' and Vic would completely replace the admin basis this letter alone and out of the blue.

I feel we're missing a lot of context here.

I am as well. I think the logic is something along the lines of “I’m an NFL fan, but an Eagles fan first.” I love football but I prefer the Eagles win. He’s from Brooklyn and probably has some nostalgia to keeping the control of the family with guys who are loyal to him there.

[Little_Al1991]

Im quite interested in the wording of DeSantis's letter.
"There are a lot of guys loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn."

Was Amuso losing control of the family?
Why does it matter if the acting is bronx or brooklyn base if theyre loyal to Vic?

It just doesnt make sense that DeSantis would write Vic stating there were 'a lot of guys still loyal' and Vic would completely replace the admin basis this letter alone and out of the blue.

I feel we're missing a lot of context here.

This was the exact message.
“There are guys out here loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn”
That’s what it was about, bringing the family back to Brooklyn.When Vic became the boss, he shifted the family’s power to Brooklyn and they wanted to regain control because by 2017, the Lucchese’s actually had 0 crews directly located in Brooklyn.I’m sure Vic was happy with the idea of bringing the family back to Brooklyn
Vic wasn’t losing control but I would assume that he feels more comfortable and happy with one of his own guys in the top spot,Though we can only assume this.
At the time in 2017, Matthew Madonna who was the Acting Boss before DeSantis took over, was actually in a state prison on a gambling charge.It was the appropriate time to replace him also that big indictment was coming down which hit Madonna and Crea with life sentences

[Little_Al1991]

Wonder if Crea's family still gets an envelope.

Crea’s family must get a lot of legit income I assume but also Crea has guys on the street who really respect him so it’s highly likely that some guys are sending his family some money.

[SonnyBlackstein]

I am as well. I think the logic is something along the lines of “I’m an NFL fan, but an Eagles fan first.” I love football but I prefer the Eagles win. He’s from Brooklyn and probably has some nostalgia to keeping the control of the family with guys who are loyal to him there.

Good post. I see your thought process. Could likely be the answer.
I just think its a hell of a letter to write out of the blue.
Coupled with the 'If you beat the case you replace Madonna." Was there an issue with Madonna? Why the change?
Is it because Zappola and Pagani were out? If so why are DeSantis and Delorusso front men?

I just feel theres context we're missing.

[SonnyBlackstein]

Wonder if Crea's family still gets an envelope.

Crea’s family must get a lot of legit income I assume but also Crea has guys on the street who really respect him so it’s highly likely that some guys are sending his family some money.

Crea being admin didnt have guys directly under him. I doubt guys were werent with him would send him an envelope.

[Little_Al1991]

Wonder if Crea's family still gets an envelope.

Crea’s family must get a lot of legit income I assume but also Crea has guys on the street who really respect him so it’s highly likely that some guys are sending his family some money.

Crea being admin didnt have guys directly under him. I doubt guys were werent with him would send him an envelope.

A lot of people respected him, I’m sure some guys in the Bronx will give his family some money

[SonnyBlackstein]

This was the exact message.
“There are guys out here loyal to you who want to bring the family back to Brooklyn”
That’s what it was about, bringing the family back to Brooklyn.When Vic became the boss, he shifted the family’s power to Brooklyn and they wanted to regain control because by 2017, the Lucchese’s actually had 0 crews directly located in Brooklyn.I’m sure Vic was happy with the idea of bringing the family back to Brooklyn
Vic wasn’t losing control but I would assume that he feels more comfortable and happy with one of his own guys in the top spot,Though we can only assume this.
At the time in 2017, Matthew Madonna who was the Acting Boss before DeSantis took over, was actually in a state prison on a gambling charge.It was the appropriate time to replace him also that big indictment was coming down which hit Madonna and Crea with life sentences

Didnt know Madonna was also away. Good info. Thanks. This does make more sense.
Though Im not sure thats the whole story.
Crea was UB for a LONG time. Matty acting. Big changes just to bring the team home.
But who knows.

[NYNighthawk]

Wonder if Crea's family still gets an envelope.

Crea’s family must get a lot of legit income I assume but also Crea has guys on the street who really respect him so it’s highly likely that some guys are sending his family some money.

Crea being admin didnt have guys directly under him. I doubt guys were werent with him would send him an envelope.

A lot of people respected him, I’m sure some guys in the Bronx will give his family some money

It's a new day in the mob - not like the old days - look Anthony Ruggiano form the Gambino - he flipped because no one took care of his family while he was in the can. Pete Gotti - as acting boss sent him a bill for $1800 in the can for a beef over his dead father - Fat Anthony. I think Crea if phucked and who ever is out in the street under the Luchese umbrella is taking over his company.

[Southshore88]

I am as well. I think the logic is something along the lines of “I’m an NFL fan, but an Eagles fan first.” I love football but I prefer the Eagles win. He’s from Brooklyn and probably has some nostalgia to keeping the control of the family with guys who are loyal to him there.

Good post. I see your thought process. Could likely be the answer.
I just think its a hell of a letter to write out of the blue.
Coupled with the 'If you beat the case you replace Madonna." Was there an issue with Madonna? Why the change?
Is it because Zappola and Pagani were out? If so why are DeSantis and Delorusso front men?

I just feel theres context we're missing.

I also you need to look at the motive for Desantis sending the letter to Vic - he sent that angling for a bump to the admin (as well as the other old time Brooklyn guys). Vic is doing life and isn’t in the street so it’s a great way to leverage the situation and his longtime loyalty to Vic - whether the Bronx was/wasn’t planning anything.