Rocco Pranno (Chicago) Info

[Snakes]

I'm bored and I figured this would be a nice complement to Ed's article, which can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=6065

Pranno was born 12/30/1916 to Luigi and Vetella (nee Agostino) Pranno, both Italian immigrants. The Pranno family resided at 2322 W Taylor St, an apartment located above what is now a Papi's Tacos.

Rocco had moved to Melrose Park by at least 1934 and had his first arrest at the age of 17, accumulating 11 more arrests by 1957, mostly robbery. During the mid-1930s, Pranno was known to frequent Karras' Restaurant and other local taverns in Melrose Park, which was at the time run by Rocco DeGrazia. At this time, Pranno was associated with a group of robbers from Melrose Park led by a "Wild Bill" Donovan that targeted railyards, golf courses, and other establishments. It was understood by local law enforcement that Donovan and the gang were operating with the permission of DeGrazia and other local Outfit figures. Pranno was charged with keeping stock of all the weapons of the gang, which he sequestered in a barn. In 1935, after an investigation by local police into the gang's crimes, Pranno and others in the gang admitted to their roles in the robberies. Pranno led the police to the barn where the weapons were stashed and police confiscated three .38 caliber revolvers, a 7.65 semi-auto pistol, and two 12-gauge shotguns, along with ammunition and an acetylene torch, suspected to be used in a planned bank robbery. Pranno subsequently spent five years in prison (1935-1940) for his role in the robberies and was on parole for three more upon his release.

Pranno was arrested again in Maywood in 1945 for using fictitious plates on his automobile. The police chief of Maywood, who was under local pressure to drop these charges, refused and Pranno was convicted and and charged $50 for the crime. Later that year, Pranno was arrested on charges of burglary and malicious mischief after he was caught in a drug store, which he entered by apparently breaking in through the rear door. Pranno claimed he was drunk and did not know how he had entered the premises, but nevertheless pleaded guilty to malicious mischief and spent 30 days in jail. In 1951, Pranno was suspected of being part of an armed gang that attempted to rob a Brink's truck. The robbery was unsuccessful and resulted in the deaths of two of the gang members.

By 1953, Pranno was "entrenched" in the slot machine business in Melrose Park. He was also involved in gambling in DuPage County, particularly the supervision of pinball machines and "ticket jars" (wherein a gambler could purchase a ticket from a jar; if the ticket possessed a "winning" number as indicated on a displayed ticket, the gambler won a prize). Pranno reportedly operated these for Tony Perotti, who controlled all pinball machines in DuPage County. Pranno also managed the Dovigni Drive Inn in Hillside, IL for Perotti. The inn acted as an Outfit hangout and accepted bets on horse races. In 1956 and 1957, Pranno was alleged to have wrested control of 240 juke boxes from their previous owner, one Barney Poss, who had invested his life savings in his machines (each was worth about a thousand dollars). Pranno did this by allegedly threatening both Poss and his wife with physical harm.

By 1957, Pranno was given permission to run Kane County on behalf of the Outfit, where he proceeded to takeover all pinball and slot machines. Pranno initiated his foray into Kane County by intimidating Ralph Kelly into bringing him on a partner (Pranno and a group of thugs had allegedly driven Kelly around in a car with cement blocks tied to his legs). Kelly later admitted to feeling suicidal at the precarious position placed upon him. Pranno then began to force other pinball operators in the area to sell their machines to him. Those who resisted risked beatings, destruction of their machines, or, in more extreme cases, murder, with an individual by the name of James DeRosa disappearing in 1957 after resisting Pranno's efforts to buy his machines. Kane County -- particularly its largest city, Aurora -- had previously been untouched by the Outfit but had recently fallen into their sights as the organization expanded its territory. Local efforts to curb the violence by outlawing certain types of machines failed and Pranno and the Outfit solidified their hold on the racket.

By 1959, Pranno had expanded his rackets in Kane County to include coin machines, which he operated under the Aurora Kane County Amusement Company brand. Pranno's addition of coin machines into local taverns and bars was met with little resistance as the owners of these establishments were aware of his reputation. That same year, Pranno and his "partner," Ralph Kelly, were both subpoenaed to appear before the McClellan Committee on racketeering. Both pled the 5th, although Kelly appeared to be visibly shaken on the stand. Robert Kennedy, Committee Counsel, identified Pranno as a "lieutenant" of Sam Giancana. A former Kane County sheriff also testified to the fact that Pranno was one of the younger members of the Chicago syndicate (Pranno was 42 at the time of the hearings) and was a known associate to Giancana and William Daddano. As a result of the hearings, Pranno was ordered to "stop pushing" his machines in the Kane County-area until the committee convened.

Elgin, IL (Kane County) was the next city in Pranno's sights. By 1959, there were already several non-Outfit affiliated handbooks operating in the area and local authorities made the decision to raid them all in the hopes that the Outfit would not be able to take them over. It was presumed by law enforcement that Pranno already had someone on the inside leaking him betting information which led to the preemptive strike. Meanwhile, the mayor of Aurora had recently been under suspicion of accepting money from Pranno and Kelly to look the other way and exchange favors for Pranno and his gang. A former Aurora police chief even testified that the mayor had been visited at his office by Pranno and Kelly and had received a check from them, which the mayor later claimed to have returned. The chief related another instance in which the mayor attempted to return a check and cash to the two men but they refused the offer.

In early 1961, a decision was made to move Pranno to the village of Stone Park, in western Cook County. The decision was allegedly reached during an Outfit summit in Hot Springs, AR. Reasons for the move are vague; it was believed that either Daddano wanted to install one of his own men in Kane County or that Giancana (who had allegedly permitted Pranno to move to Kane County in the first place) made the decision to bring Pranno back to Cook County. Whatever the case, Pranno's move was seen as a promotion and an opportunity to make more money, as opportunities in his former territory had been drying up. He subsequently set up his headquarters at the Key Lounge (by the end of the year, the name had been changed to D'ors) at 1741 Mannheim Rd (that address is now the location of a bank), installing his brother Albert as manager while also utilizing George Michael Williams and Frank Zito. The club became a mob hangout with a hidden staircase that led to an underground bar ("The Gold Room") with "b-girls," prostitutes, and slot machines. Membership to the "Gold Room" was 55 dollars and came with a waiting period ranging from 60 to 90 days. Pranno was also alleged to have hidden interests in two other establishments on Mannheim Road, the Diamond Lounge (also suspected to host illegal gambling activity) and the Paradice Club. All of these properties were managed by Pranno's business, Hat and Cane Inc. Pranno, now locally known as "Jim" Pranno, had also moved his family to the village, now residing at a two-story apartment at 1608 N. 39th Ave. The Prannos wasted no time establishing their dominance in the area. Albert chaired a local political group which was backing the incumbent "president" (Stone Park does not have a mayor) in the April local elections. That president had previously appointed a Pranno cousin as chief of police, who was subsequently accused of taking bribes. Charges were dropped when a key witness refused to testify. Albert also sold tickets to win a brand-new automobile. The proceeds of these ticket sales were ostensibly for community usage and a local sewer contractor won the automobile, despite two delays in the drawing which drew suspicions from local newspapers.

Despite his promotion, Pranno continued his violent ways. In July 1961, a local man had parked his pickup truck in front of the Key Lounge. Pranno was angered that the man would park his truck among the many high-priced automobiles of Pranno and his cronies and approached him. Pranno yelled to the man that "this [Key Lounge] was a $50,000 joint!," and ordered him to move the truck. When the man refused, Pranno dragged him from the automobile, beat him, and threatened to kill him. All of this was witnessed by a Stone Park policeman who refused to intervene despite the pleading of bystanders, including the man's wife. The policeman finally intervened but only after Pranno had already knocked the man out. Pranno was later charged and arrested for the crime, but not by local police. As previously mentioned, Pranno's cousin was the Stone Park police chief and refused to press charges, giving the meek excuse that the victim was "intoxicated" at the time of the assult. The victim and his wife then went to the state's attorney to press charges. As a result, Pranno was charged with assault and disorderly conduct but appears to have not suffered any significant penalty for the offenses. In addition to this incident, Pranno was also suspected of beating up two of the girls that worked at the Key Lounge as well as the beating of a male employee prior to firing him.

I'll post more later on.

[SonnyBlackstein]

Any pics Snakes?

[cavita]

Awesome write up buddy. I love the background info on guys so you can see what made them tick.

[Snakes]

Any pics Snakes?

[Ed]

Hey Snakes,

Super job. Some great additional information I wish I had used. You flesh out his Outfit connections much better.

[Antiliar]

Agreed. Great writeup, Snakes.

[SonnyBlackstein]

Cheers S.

Good stuff all round.

[Villain]

Good stuff and thank you Snakes, but only one correction...during the early 50s, Pranno never worked FOR Perotti but instead they worked together.

When Daddono became a crew boss during the mid 50s, Perotti fell under him and remained in DuPage and Kane County, while Pranno fell under the MP/DeGrazia/Battaglia crew....i also believe that, besides Daddono, Perotti was also closely associated with Accardos Elmwood Park crew, while Pranno was with Giancana. Some say that Giancana didnt trust Daddono and maybe thats why he made Pranno a official crew boss under Battaglia. Daddono prospered under Accardo, not Giancana and theres too much confusion on whether he was really Giancanas guy, and thats why there was always some type of conflict between the two like in the garbage business and other situations.

Story goes that by 1960, Giancana removed Pranno from Kane County because, according to one informant, he did something wrong and as you already said, by 1961 he became the boss of Stone Park but he also controlled Northlake and Franklin Park, all under Battaglias jurisdiction aka Giancanas West Side territorial boss. When Nick Palermo took over the sewer contracts in Northlake with Amabile's help, they both had to kick up to Pranno.

Again, good info.

[Snakes]

Thanks for the feedback.

At least in the early 50s, it appeared that Pranno worked under Perotti. Local PD described Pranno as an "associate of and muscle man employed by Perotti," and described the ticket jars and pinball machines were "undoubtedly operated by Perotti and his men." A Chicago informant described Pranno as a "muscle man" for Perotti, who the informant described as controlling "all pinball machines in DuPage County." It appears that Pranno became an equal to Perotti when he was sent to take over Kane County. I'm not sure it really matters all that much as this did not appear to last that long.

[Snakes]

Hey Snakes,

Super job. Some great additional information I wish I had used. You flesh out his Outfit connections much better.

Thanks; however, you did all the hard detective work!

[Villain]

Thanks for the feedback.

At least in the early 50s, it appeared that Pranno worked under Perotti. Local PD described Pranno as an "associate of and muscle man employed by Perotti," and described the ticket jars and pinball machines were "undoubtedly operated by Perotti and his men." A Chicago informant described Pranno as a "muscle man" for Perotti, who the informant described as controlling "all pinball machines in DuPage County." It appears that Pranno became an equal to Perotti when he was sent to take over Kane County. I'm not sure it really matters all that much as this did not appear to last that long.

I agree, the connection lasted for a very short time period and its not that important. Whats your opinion regarding the time period of Pranno being made and bumped up to a crew boss? My opinion is that he was probably made sometime between 1956 and 1960.

[Snakes]

Thanks for the feedback.

At least in the early 50s, it appeared that Pranno worked under Perotti. Local PD described Pranno as an "associate of and muscle man employed by Perotti," and described the ticket jars and pinball machines were "undoubtedly operated by Perotti and his men." A Chicago informant described Pranno as a "muscle man" for Perotti, who the informant described as controlling "all pinball machines in DuPage County." It appears that Pranno became an equal to Perotti when he was sent to take over Kane County. I'm not sure it really matters all that much as this did not appear to last that long.

I agree, the connection lasted for a very short time period and its not that important. Whats your opinion regarding the time period of Pranno being made and bumped up to a crew boss? My opinion is that he was probably made sometime between 1956 and 1960.

Tough to say; probably around the time he went to Kane County which was 1957.

[Villain]

Thanks for the feedback.

At least in the early 50s, it appeared that Pranno worked under Perotti. Local PD described Pranno as an "associate of and muscle man employed by Perotti," and described the ticket jars and pinball machines were "undoubtedly operated by Perotti and his men." A Chicago informant described Pranno as a "muscle man" for Perotti, who the informant described as controlling "all pinball machines in DuPage County." It appears that Pranno became an equal to Perotti when he was sent to take over Kane County. I'm not sure it really matters all that much as this did not appear to last that long.

I agree, the connection lasted for a very short time period and its not that important. Whats your opinion regarding the time period of Pranno being made and bumped up to a crew boss? My opinion is that he was probably made sometime between 1956 and 1960.

Tough to say; probably around the time he went to Kane County which was 1957.

Well thats the same year when Giancana became the boss so maybe you're right. I wonder whats the reason behind the close connection between Pranno and Giancana?

Their collaboration resembles like they were long time friends but Pranno was 8 years younger then Giancana and by 1956, even though he was obviously an earner, still Pranno wasnt much of a big shot at the time. Taylor St maybe? Al Pranno?

It seems to me that during the early 50s the West Side admin sent their own reps in a joint operation around DuPage, McHenry and Kane County. Many reports say that Amato was a long time local of McHenry County but thats not true since previously or until the mid or late 40s he also lived on Taylor St and transferred to that same area around the same time. Perotti was also sent there same as some other fellas and later were unified under Daddono.

Besides MP, DeGrazia also used to be the boss of Stone Park and Northlake, but later his crew was obviously inherited by Battaglia which means that Pranno remained in the same group but under a new boss.

[Snakes]

Thanks for the feedback.

At least in the early 50s, it appeared that Pranno worked under Perotti. Local PD described Pranno as an "associate of and muscle man employed by Perotti," and described the ticket jars and pinball machines were "undoubtedly operated by Perotti and his men." A Chicago informant described Pranno as a "muscle man" for Perotti, who the informant described as controlling "all pinball machines in DuPage County." It appears that Pranno became an equal to Perotti when he was sent to take over Kane County. I'm not sure it really matters all that much as this did not appear to last that long.

I agree, the connection lasted for a very short time period and its not that important. Whats your opinion regarding the time period of Pranno being made and bumped up to a crew boss? My opinion is that he was probably made sometime between 1956 and 1960.

Tough to say; probably around the time he went to Kane County which was 1957.

Well thats the same year when Giancana became the boss so maybe you're right. I wonder whats the reason behind the close connection between Pranno and Giancana?

Their collaboration resembles like they were long time friends but Pranno was 8 years younger then Giancana and by 1956, even though he was obviously an earner, still Pranno wasnt much of a big shot at the time. Taylor St maybe? Al Pranno?

It seems to me that during the early 50s the West Side admin sent their own reps in a joint operation around DuPage, McHenry and Kane County. Many reports say that Amato was a long time local of McHenry County but thats not true since previously or until the mid or late 40s he also lived on Taylor St and transferred to that same area around the same time. Perotti was also sent there same as some other fellas and later were unified under Daddono.

Besides MP, DeGrazia also used to be the boss of Stone Park and Northlake, but later his crew was obviously inherited by Battaglia which means that Pranno remained in the same group but under a new boss.

Even though Pranno wasn't a 42'er, the available records point to Giancana being associated with him as far back as the 50's. I can't recall when Giancana moved out of the Patch so I can't say for certain if they were acquainted from their childhood, not to mention the age discrepancy you mentioned. Maybe Giancana became more closely associated with him in the late 40s, early 50s. If he thought highly enough of him, that may have influenced his decision to send him out the suburbs where it was more uncharted territory and he could get a chance to prove himself.

[Snakes]

By the end of 1961, the former Key Lounge (and Pranno’s operations headquarters) had been renamed to the more elegant sounding “D’ors Lounge.” Pranno, who went by “Jimmy Prano” or "Jimmy Martel" locally, was the Outfit’s undisputed head of Stone Park and allegedly controlled elements of the local government and police department. One informant identified a Stone Park policeman as the “number one crook” in the department and alleged that he belonged to Pranno. Another described a Stone Park police sergeant as a Pranno’s “trained dog” and one of his “favorites” on the force. It is probable that either one of these unidentified officers was Anthony Amatore, a suspected Chicago Outfit member.

Due to his control over the local government, whatever Pranno said was regarded as “the law.” Despite his powerful reputation, competitors still attempted to thwart his dominance of the village. In one such incident, an independent pinball machine owner attempted to install one of his machines in a local bowling alley. The Stone Park PD got wind and Pranno gave the order to have the machine removed. Pranno also instructed the Stone Park PD to issue more summons and step up traffic stops of “suspicious” cars in the area. This was presumably to harass any outside law enforcement conducting surveillance on Pranno and his men. Additionally, the department was instructed by Pranno to not “rush” to any calls, presumably to allow any illegal activity to cease or disperse by their arrival. The only exception to this was if Pranno was the one making the call, as happened when he placed a call to the police to come break up a fight at the D’ors. Police arrived to find Pranno angrily slapping his hand with a blackjack. According to informants, Pranno also had complete control over the Stone Park PD night shift (midnight to 8AM) and was able to use the Stone Park PD telephone with impunity during this time. Pranno had so much control over the Stone Park police that their officers referred to him as “Judge Holiday” over the radio.

As earlier indicated, Pranno showed an exceedingly violent temperament. In addition to beating up some of his own employees at D’ors (both women and men), Pranno also released his wrath on customers. When two individuals were arguing at the lounge’s downstairs bar, Pranno walked up, slugged one of them in the face and attempted to hit him with a bar stool. Despite this, Pranno was apparently friendly to most of the lounge’s regulars.

Pranno also apparently controlled a local motel, the El Dorado, through a front man. The motel was almost directly behind D’ors Lounge and was where many of the women (including an alleged girlfriend of Pranno’s) who “worked” the D’ors lived. The motel was typically guarded by a Pranno henchman, who dissuaded strangers from approaching the area. The motel, like many locations in Stone Park, was also rumored to be the site of gambling in some of the back rooms. Pranno also held some influence over a local Italian doctor, and Pranno ensured to forward any of his associates to this practice in order to avoid law enforcement scrutiny.

In March of 1962, Angelo’s Lounge, a Stone Park tavern, was raided by elements of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Cook County lawmen noted that Stone Park police officers were nowhere to be found. At other times, it was alleged that Stone Park PD participated in some of the gambling at Angelo’s. As a result of this raid, informants noted that the gambling scene in early 1962 was “pretty quiet” in comparison to preceding months in an effort to thwart increased law enforcement pressure. Additionally, Pranno was constantly worrying about Cook County Police surveillance and instructed the Stone Park PD to write down plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles seen around D’ors.

A spate of restaurant fires and bombings in the Stone Park area in the summer of 1962 drew the attention of local law enforcement. Nearly a dozen restaurant fires were suspected of being the result of arson or terror tactics, presumably by the Outfit. The most likely reasons being the restaurant’s refusal to give in to extortion demands, the hesitancy of their employees to join Outfit-controlled unions, the installation of non-Outfit gambling machines on the premises, or fiscal gain via insurance settlements. One of these fires was in the previously mentioned Paradice (or Par-a-Dice) Lounge; allegedly controlled by Pranno. Pranno was even spotted parked in front of the one of the smoldering buildings, sarcastically inquiring as to what had happened.

Pranno was arrested in Maywood (a neighboring community of Stone Park) in February 1962 for driving 62 mph in a 35 mph zone and for having no driver’s license (Pranno’s having been revoked in 1957 for a litany of offense, including speeding and running red lights). Pranno was taken into custody and could not pay the 100 dollar release bond as he only had 80 dollars on his person. Pranno contacted a local bail bondsman to assist him with his release. This bail bondsman was allegedly controlled by Pranno and gave Pranno a piece of any bail bonds his business handled in the Stone Park area. Pranno then proceeded to not appear for three straight court appearances (sending a lawyer in his stead) concerning this charge and it was alleged that Pranno was using his contacts in the Stone Park police to attempt to get the Maywood charges dropped. In May of 1862, Pranno’s attorney appeared at court and stated that Pranno could not personally attend as he had recently suffered a heart attack, although Pranno himself was seated in the gallery! Curiously, Pranno was not arrested for any of his pending charges and was allowed to leave the court room undisturbed. The case was continued to September, where Pranno was finally convicted and ordered pay a 100 dollar fine and serve 10 days in the county jail. However, Pranno cited health reasons and the judge responded by ordering a new trial and raising Pranno’s bond to $2,500. Finally, in November, 1963 (a full year and nine months since Pranno’s initial offense), Pranno paid the 100 dollar fine and served his 10-day sentence in the county jail.

However, this bizarre saga was not quite over. Pranno could also be facing charges for falsifying state documents, falsely claiming that he had no driving restrictions on previous license applications. Pranno avoided detection through the use of various pseudonyms and false addresses. For this malfeasance, Pranno could potentially be liable for charges on a state level and could face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty at trial.

Eventually, Pranno’s vehicle was well-enough known to surrounding police departments to prompt Pranno to purchase a new one. In addition to this precaution, Pranno began parking directly in friend of D’ors in order for Pranno to keep an eye on it at all times. Later Pranno moved it to a more secure location behind the lounge alongside a wall belonging to the El Dorado motel.