The ranks of the New England mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has been decimated over last few years under constant pressure by the feds. The power base of the mafia family has seemingly now shifted from Rhode Island to Boston after losing many of its leaders and Assistant Special Agent of Boston FBI office stated that right now RI has very limited strength in the ranks of La Cosa Nostra. But the beleaguered crime family could have a chance to rebuild its ranks in 2014 as many high ranking members of the mafia in New England are set to be released from prison. If these high ranking members hit the streets and look to take back control it could be an interesting year for the New England mafia. Some could argue that there isn’t much left in New England to take control of but the mafia has shown in the past it has a knack for reviving itself and continuing to earn.

“Matthew Guglielmetti at a previous trial” 

Among the high ranking New England mobsters set to be released is alleged capo regime Matthew Guglielmetti. According to bureau of prisons records the now 65 year old mobster could be released to home confinement or a half way house as early as June and have his sentence completed by December of this year. He is a highly respected mobster in New England mob and was said to once be main contact to Raymond Patriarca Jr according to former leader turned rat Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi. Guglielmetti is serving out a ten plus year sentence after a guilty plea to charges of drug trafficking promising to protect a cocaine shipment being moved through Rhode Island. He was also part of a 1989 mob induction ceremony that was secretly recorded by the feds that has been used on multiple occasions to prove the mafia in New England exists.
 

Also set to be released this year along with Guglielmetti are former New England mob boss Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio, capo Alfred “Chippy” Scivola, and associate Raymond “Scarface” Jenkins. Manocchio and Scivola were convicted for a shake down scheme of local area strip clubs and Jenkins for extortion conspiracy. If is still uncertain if any or all of these mobsters will look to re-establish their positions with in the crime family and get back to business or if they will simply stay out of it. The mafia today is much different then it was decades ago and these guys will quickly realize that its not a very friendly environment for them to do business in anymore. But with veteran leadership back in place perhaps the New England mafia can once again begin to rebuild at least to some extent or perhaps the once powerful crime family is finally down for the count.

Matthew “Matty” Guglielmetti a reputed capo in the New England Mafia has been released from prison after completing a ten year sentence for drug trafficking and is currently on home confinement. The now 65 year old wiseguy pleaded guilty to agreeing to protect a shipment of cocaine that was being moved through his Rhode Island turf. Authorities claim that Guglielmetti was a close associate of former New England mob boss Raymond “Junior” Patriarca and held the ranks of capo regime in the crime family before going away. His name was even part of the informant files of both James “Whitey” Bulger and Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi former leaders of the Irish Mafia in Boston. He was considered a very high ranking member of the Mafia in New England and held a significant power with in the family according to law enforcement.

“Matthew Guglielmetti”

Guglielmetti is coming home to a much different New England crime family then the one he knew when he went into prison ten years ago. The 2011 busts and convictions along with other arrests of many high ranking mobsters has really limited the strength and effectiveness of the Patriarca crime family. Assistant Special Agent in charge of Boston office Jeffrey Sallet even went as far as calling New England organized crime “decimated” after the recent round of convictions.
 

The power base of the New England family or what is left of it is believed to have shifted from Rhode Island to Boston after the latest busts. According to law enforcement and many mob insiders there is not much left of the Rhode Island faction of La Cosa Nostra and its strength had dwindled considerably. As Sallet also was quoted as saying it is not a very friendly atmosphere for the mob to do business anymore in Rhode Island and they have continue to keep the pressure on.
 

Only time will tell if Guglielmetti has plans to rejoin the mafia in New England but many believe if he should choose to he could be a key player in any chance the crime family has of rebuilding its ranks.

New England mafia has been one of the Cosa Nostra families hit hardest by the efforts of law enforcement with help of turncoats over the last decade in the United States. Known as the Patriarca crime family the once powerful mob enterprise has fallen on hard times seeing much of its hierarchy imprisoned over the last few years. Now some of the key players in the New England mob are starting to make their way back on the streets and there may be signs the family is trying to rebuild its ranks. Although current reputed boss Anthony DiNunzio remains behind bars serving the remainder of a six year sentence from a 2012 conviction.

“Carmen (The Cheeseman) DiNunzio“

Among the high ranking members back on streets now are underboss Carmen DiNunzio and powerful captain Matthew Guglielmetti. According to mob sources Carmen along with current acting boss Anthony “Spucky” Spagnolo have begun to induct some new blood into the mob family. In a recent making ceremony attended by Spagnolo, DiNunzio, and Guglielmetti among others multiple new members were inducted including Salvatore Marino and Johnny Scarpelli according to underworld sources.

Both Scarpelli and Marino are long time members of Carmen’s crew getting pinched with him in a 2003 gambling case and again in a 2006 racketeering indictment. Seen as loyal lieutenants for doing their time on both occasions and keeping quiet they were believed to be on track for becoming made members of the New England mob for last couple years. The mafia family has a long way to go to replenish their severely depleted ranks and will likely never fully recover from the recent damage done by law enforcement. But it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on the mafia news coming out of New England in coming months.

The mafia around the country as a whole has been in a state of decline for some time now as its power and influence diminishes. The five families of the New York mafia remain the most powerful mob families in the country some of which have seen a rejuvenation of sorts the past couple of years. Although the American Mafia may never reach the heights of its heyday again some of the New York families have been able to reorganize of late due to many factors, including diminished efforts from law enforcement as the anti-terrorism fight took center stage. Question is can the mob families in Philadelphia and New England which have fallen on hard times in last few years find some of the same success as we head into 2016.

Philadelphia Mafia

“Joey Merlino“

The Philadelphia mafia has definitely been one of the more interesting mob families over the last couple of decades and has sustained its share of setbacks. A major trial targeting the Philly mafia leadership this year led to convictions of some of the family’s hierarchy once again leading to a state of unrest. The release of some key figures from prison of late has led to the family having more made guys on the streets as it had in years although this has led to more questions then answers as to the current state of the Philly mob family and its future. Recently released made guys include Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Gaeton Lucibello, Marty Angelina, Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancellotti, and George Borgesi.

There seems to now be three factions operating with in the Philly mafia, including one believed to be led by current acting boss Steven Mazzone and alleged boss Joey Merlino, another led by veteran Scarfo era mobster Phil Narducci, along with another by fellow Scarfo era mobster Joseph “Joey Punge” Pungitore. With the influx of veteran made guys back on the streets and settling in many wonder if the mafia in Philadelphia can find harmony among these internal factions. If they can find a way to make things work peacefully the Philly mob may actually be in a position to re-establish itself and recapture some of its dwindling influence heading into 2016.

New England Mafia

“Carmen DiNunzio“

Few mafia families have seen its ranks decimated more and taken more setbacks over the last few years than the New England mob. The Patriarca crime family has seen its long time power base in Providence virtually dismantled in the last couple of years leading to a shift in power back to the Boston based faction. Convictions of high ranking members, including alleged one time acting boss Anthony DiNunzio and powerful captains Edward “Eddie” Lato and Frank “Bobo” Marrapese continued to diminish the ranks. The indictment of newly installed alleged acting boss Anthony Spagnolo left the New England mob in disarray heading into 2015. The mafia in New England has quietly been trying to pick up the pieces and recover from damage done by law enforcement over the past year.

Heading into 2016 the family has seen the return of powerful captain Matthew “Matty” Guglielmetti and alleged under boss Carmen “The Cheeseman”DiNunzio among others. Carmen and his brother Anthony  are both believed to be key players in the Patriarca family hierarchy moving forward. It’s unclear as to who the current boss of the family is heading into 2016 but its believed that The Cheeseman is likely to have taken the reigns upon his release earlier this year. With Carmen back on streets and the Boston faction almost intact, along with powerful captains like Guglielmetti returning the New England mafia may be able to reorganize and begin to re-establish itself to an extent.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Anthony “Ponytail Tony” Parillo a reputed high-ranking member of the New England mafia is headed back to prison for 5 years after being found guilty on felony assault charges. The 65-year-old mobster is believed to hold the rank of consigliere in the Patriarca crime family. He was found guilty back in November of 2015 after he and his bouncer assaulted an innocent couple at his now-defunct lounge in Providence, Rhode Island five years ago. The beating was the result of a misidentification leading to a sentence of 5 to 15 years, 5 of which are to be served.

“Anthony Parillo“

According to court documents Parillo and his bouncer misidentified Jack Fernandez as a patron who stabbed a club employee after an incident inside the establishment on a previous occasion. The assault took place inside the club’s bathroom and into a back alley where Fernandez and his wife were roughed up. Fernandez was eventually taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with several cracked ribs and a broken nose. It could have been even worse of an outcome for the innocent man, but according to testimony but Parillo called off the attack, saying “Stop, no more right now, there’s too many people around, we’ll get him later.”

Parillo is a convicted murderer and was the one-time protege of former New England mob boss Luigi Manocchio. It was rumored that he was possibly in line to take over as acting boss of the Patriarca family after previous acting boss Anthony Spagnolo ran into legal problems. But former underboss Carmen DiNunzio is believed to have taken over as acting boss of the family since his release from prison last year as the New England mafia power base has shifted to Boston. Matthew Guglielmetti is thought to have taken an administrative position in the Cosa Nostra family possibly now serving as underboss. If Parillo is replaced even on an acting basis Bobby Carrozza of East Boston or Joseph Achille of Providence are rumored options.

The New England mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has seen its share of tough times as a result of intense scrutiny from the feds and turncoats.

The power in the family has shifted from its longtime power base of Providence to Boston as it attempts to stabilize and rebuild its ranks. Influential East Boston mobster Carmen “The Cheeseman” DiNunzio took over as acting boss after his release from prison in 2015. Although Pete “The Crazy Horse” Limone is still considered by many to hold the rank of official boss he is semi-retired and DiNunzio is calling the shots. The Cheeseman was the right hand of former boss Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio and is considered by many to be a very capable leader.

“Carmen DiNunzio”

DiNunzio has seemingly been hard at work since taking the reigns reorganizing the shattered families hierarchy. According to reports, he appointed powerful long time New England mob capo Matthew “Good-Looking Matty” Guglielmetti as the Cosa Nostra families new underboss last year. The 67-year-old Guglielmetti who was released from prison in 2014 is part of the Providence, Rhode Island faction of the family and is said to be well respected across the board. Fellow Providence faction mobster Anthony “Ponytail Tony” Parrillo was believed to have held the rank of consigliere but was sent to prison this spring on assault charges vacating that leadership position.

DiNunzio has recently named Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille as the new family consigliere according to law enforcement sources of Scott Burnstein and his gangsterreport. The 80 year old Achille steps in as The Cheeseman’s new advisor and No.3 in the crime family hierarchy. Achille goes way back in the organization and served as a top lieutenant for years under former boss Manocchio from his Providence headquarters. He is said to be both feared and trusted by people in and outside of the family and is well versed in various mafia rackets including labor unions. This newly formed leadership base will try and move the crime family forward and hopefully retain some of its former glory.

The Philadelphia mafia has quietly navigated its way through the last couple of years during which the family has grown and had somewhat of a resurgence.

According to recent reports, there are as many as 35 made guys currently on the streets in Philly and the Cosa Nostra family is as strong as its been in decades. The mafia in Philadelphia hasn’t had this kind of strength in numbers since back in the 1980s as numerous made guys find their way back to the streets after long prison sentences along with some newly inducted members. With so many players back in the fray along with legal troubles once again popping up for alleged boss Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino the hierarchy of the family seems to be in flux.

“Joseph Ligambi and George Borgesi”

In the mafia bad news for one usually, means the opportunity is knocking for someone else and veteran mobster George Borgesi seems to be making moves to re-establish himself as a power within the crime family. Borgesi made his way back to the streets in 2014 after doing 13 years in prison for a 2001 RICO conviction and beating a racketeering conspiracy rap. Both Borgesi and then acting boss Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi were able to avoid convictions on various charges in two separate trials in 2013-14. Along with being Ligambi’s nephew he also grew up with Merlino, Steven Mazzone, and Michael (Mikey Chang) Ciancaglini. The four of them went to war in the 1990s against then Philly mob boss John Stanfa and eventually took control of the family after Stanfa was sent to prison.

Back in 2000 Borgesi had risen through the ranks and was promoted to acting consigliere under then underboss Steven Mazzone. His ascent up the ladder was cut short when he was sent to prison along with Merlino, Mazzone, and John (Johnny Chang) Ciancagalini. When Borgesi was released he complained to family leaders about the loss of control over the families Delaware County rackets to Johnny Chang and other rackets that he claimed were raided by fellow mobster Marty Angelina. Borgesi had reportedly been bumped down to soldier when released and there seemed to be a lot of bad blood. According to reports, a series of sit-downs took place over several months between Borgesi and Merlino in both South Philly and Florida leading to Borgesi being bumped back up to captain last year in an effort to ease tensions.

Borgesi has seemingly been very active ever since cultivating connections both inside and outside of his own organized crime family. It was reported last year that he met with members of multiple New York mafia families in both New Jersey and Florida along with other organized crime members. A new report from Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport has Borgesi meeting with New England mafia leader Matthew Guglielmetti in Rhode Island back in February according to a source. The reasons behind the recent meeting are unclear although Borgesi has previous links to New England once being responsible for a Philly mob crew that operates in Patriarca family territory. George seems to be leveraging old and new connections along with establishing new rackets in an effort to strengthen his power base and his position inside the Philly mafia family.

The 53-year-old mobster has been seen as a live wire and somewhat of a wild card by many over the years. Could he now be poised to once again begin a rise through the ranks of the new family hierarchy especially if boyhood pal Merlino is sentenced to another extended stay behind bars? The aging Ligambi was reportedly semi-retired before stepping back in recently as acting boss but his run seems to be coming to an end leaving the family with a void to fill perhaps sooner than later. There seem to be a few likely candidates that could step into that acting boss or even a more permanent role including Mazzone who has held the rank of acting boss in the past. It now seems that Borgesi may also be positioning himself to be part of that conversation as well given the opportunity.

Although Borgesi may not be seen by some as boss material when it comes to the American Mafia crazier things have happened. With the diminished earning power of the family and the legal hurdles that come with being boss many wonder if anyone really even wants the job these days. Well, George has always been a mobster for better or worse and it wouldn’t be a reach for him to be one of the few that still covets the job and title. The Scarfo era factions of the family which include Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore at least so far seem content to stay operating off the radar. So with some backing from Ligambi and a few of his other boyhood pals who would also prefer to stay in the background along with his New York and New England connections it seems plausible that Borgesi could one day sit atop the mountain in Philadelphia.

Pryce (Stretch) Quintina an alleged soldier in the New England mafia has been released from prison after serving an 18-month sentence for extortion.

The 77-year-old Patriarca crime family wiseguy is currently out on house arrest but is scheduled to have his monitoring device removed next month. He was busted back in 2014 along with then acting boss Anthony (Spucky) Spagnolo for shaking down Constitution Vending Co. for more than 50 grand from 2004 to 2012 and to muscling a local lodge to remain loyal to the vending company instead of taking a better deal. According to prosecutors, Quintina was ordered by Spagnolo to collect monthly protection payments from the vending company. In 2015 they both plead guilty and Spagnolo is also scheduled to be released later this year.

“Pryce Quintina”

Pryce’s history in organized crime goes back several years and he is the nephew of former Patriarca family consigliere Charles (Q-Ball) Quintina. Stretch and his uncle Q-Ball were indicted and convicted together back in 1995 on extortion and racketeering charges sending Pryce to prison for eight years. He was also allegedly in attendance at the infamous 1989 mafia induction ceremony in Medford, Massachusetts that was secretly being recorded by the feds leading to convictions against many high ranking Patriarca family mobsters. He was never charged but remains a suspect in the 1981 murder of mob associate Angelo Patrizzi according to FBI documents.

The leadership of the New England mob has changed during the years Pryce was away so it’s unclear as to what if any role he may play in the Cosa Nostra family moving forward. East Boston mobster Carmen “The Cheeseman” DiNunzio is now believed to be the acting boss of the family along with a hierarchy that includes veteran mobster Matthew Guglielmetti as underboss and consigliere Joseph Achille.

According to reports Peter Limone the alleged boss of the New England Mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has passed away.

The 83-year old reputed mobster had been battling cancer for the last five years before finally succumbing to the disease according to his obituary. According to the feds, Limone acted as the Cosa Nostra families consigliere for years before taking over as the boss in 2009 after the retirement of former boss Luigi Manocchio. This signaled a shift in the organized crime families power base from Providence, Rhode Island back to Boston where it currently remains. The feds still consider Limone to be the current boss of the family although acting boss Carmen “The Big Cheese” Dinunzio is believed to now be in control.

“Peter Limone”

The aging mobster’s health and legal troubles is believed to have limited his capacity as boss and his role inside the mafia family over the last few years. Various sources reported that Limone had retired and had become somewhat of an unofficial consigliere and counsel for DiNunzio allowing him to take the reigns. The current family administration is believed to also include underboss Matthew Guglielmetti Jr and consigliere Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille. Limone may be best known for the fact that he spent 33 years behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit. In 1968 Peter and three others were found guilty of murdering Edward “Teddy” Deegan back in 1965 and sentenced to death although that sentence was later overturned to a life sentence.

There was only one problem Joseph Barboza the FBI informant who fingered Limone and company for the murder lied in an effort to protect a mob hitman who he was friends with that had actually taken part in the hit. The FBI set up the four men to take the fall hoping to protect their informant. By the time evidence was discovered that proved Limone and the others had been framed two of them had already passed away behind bars. Peter was released from prison in 2001 with an apology from the FBI along with a massive sum of $26 million dollars for his troubles. Although he had become wealthy he remained loyal to the mafia family that stayed loyal to his real family during the years he was locked away and stepped back in as consigliere.

Limone was arrested in 2009 and charged with extortion, illegal gambling, and loan-sharking and was sentenced to five years probation in 2010 after pleading no contest. He was also sentenced to 2.5 years in a county jail but that sentence was suspended as long as he complied with the term of his probation. He was ordered to avoid contact with known mafia figures and agreed to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet which also affected his ability to run the New England mob family. By the time his probation ended his health was in decline which seemingly forced him to take a step back from running things. It is unclear as to exactly when he stepped back from his capacity as boss clearing the way for a new Patriarca family administration.

According to the feds, 83-year old Peter Limone was the official boss of the New England Mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family until his death last month.

The veteran wiseguy is believed to have taken over as boss sometime in 2009 after the retirement of his predecessor Luigi Manocchio. It is unclear however just how involved Limone had been within the Cosa Nostra family the last couple of years and some mafia experts believed he was at least semi-retired and perhaps acting more in an advisory capacity. When Limone took the reins it signaled a shift in the crime families power base from Providence to Boston. That trend is likely to continue if acting boss Carmen “The Cheeseman” Dinunzio is officially named as the families new boss.

“Carmen DiNunzio”

Carmen who most likely got his nickname at least in part because of his fresh cheese shop in Boston’s North End has steadily made his way through the ranks of the organization. Shortly after Limone took over as the boss in 2009 he was arrested on racketeering charges and promoted Carmen’s brother Anthony DiNunzio to acting boss. Carmen moved up the ladder along with his brother moving up from captain to become the families, new underboss. But later that year he plead guilty to corruption charges and was sentenced to six years in prison. His brother Anthony’s run was also cut short when he plead guilty to racketeering and extortion charges in 2012 and was also sent to prison for a six-year stretch.

According to reports when Carmen was released from prison in 2015 he took back control of the families Boston faction and became the new acting boss of the Patriarca family. The Cheeseman is believed to be in control of the families day to day operations and is the most likely candidate to officially take control. But a case can certainly be made for longtime Rhode Island mobster Matthew Guglielmetti to also become the new boss of the family. Guglielmetti a second-generation mobster with a solid reputation on the streets is believed to currently hold the rank of underboss and controls the Providence faction of the mafia in New England. He was released from prison back in 2014 after doing an 11 year stretch on drug charges.

Guglielmetti has been a key player in various aspects of the crime family for some time and certainly has the mob pedigree that makes him worthy of the top spot. But it seems unlikely that Guglielmetti would make a push to become boss if it meant causing any turbulence in the already beleaguered crime family. With the Boston faction becoming the power within the organization it seems that Carmen DiNunzio has the easier path to the top spot and with the family currently trying to stabilize and rebuild itself it certainly doesn’t need any new tensions arising. But with Limone now gone there is a vacancy atop the organized crime family and someone is sure to fill that void in an official capacity sooner rather than later.

The New England mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has lost another long time member with the passing of soldier Alfred “Chippy” Scivola.

The 76-year-old mobster died at Rhode Island Hospital a couple of days ago according to reports. The cause of death is still unclear although he reportedly suffered from various medical problems including heart disease and diabetes. Scivola was inducted into the mafia by former Patriarca family boss Luigi (Baby Shacks) Manocchio back in 1996. He was part of the Cosa Nostra families Providence faction running with a crew from the Federal Hill neighborhood which is known as Rhode Island’s Little Italy.

“Alfred Scivola”

He was indicted back in 2011 along with Manocchio and then acting boss Anthony DiNunzio for extorting Rhode Island strip clubs. According to the indictment, Scivola at the behest of Manocchio shook down multiple Providence area strip clubs including the Foxy Lady, Cadillac Lounge, Desire and Satin Doll gentlemen clubs for approximately a million dollars in the 2000s. He plead guilty to his role in the extortion scheme and admitted the existence of the American Mafia and was sentenced to three years behind bars. He was released on parole and placed on house arrest before finishing out his sentence in January of 2015.

His passing comes just a month after the death of former New England mafia boss Peter Limone. It seems that the old guard of the mafia in New England is all but gone as the families continue to transition over to a new era. The Boston faction is now in control of the family under new acting boss Carmen “The Cheeseman” Dinunzio. Many believe that DiNunzio will officially take the reigns as the organized crime families new official boss with longtime Providence mobster Matthew Guglielmetti Jr (Underboss) and Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille (Consigliere) rounding out the new hierarchy.

Anthony (Spucky) Spagnolo the former acting boss of the New England mafia was recently released from prison after  serving 24 months for extortion.

He is scheduled to remain on house arrest until December according to reports. Spagnolo and fellow Patriarca crime family mobster Pryce (Stretch) Quintina plead guilty back in 2015 to collecting protection money from Constitution Vending a local video poker machine company. The 75-year-old Spagnolo admitted to accepting $50,000 in extortion payments that were referred to as rent from 2004 to 2012. Prosecutors claimed that Spucky used threats against those who refused to fall in line.

(Anthony Spagnolo)

According to prosecutors, Constitution Vending Co. had been placing illegal video poker machines at local businesses under the protection of the Patriarca family. In exchange for protection payments, the mafia would prevent rival poker machine companies from moving into the local area allowing Constitution Vending to operate alone. When owners of the Revere Moose Lodge attempted to install poker machines from a rival company the mobsters stepped in. Spagnolo allegedly threatened both the owners of the lodge and the owner of the rival vending company. Spagnolo has a reputation on the streets for being a tough guy and a criminal resume that backs it up.

He came up in the Patriarca crime family’s Boston faction and became a made guy in the 1980s. His name was tied to multiple murders before getting snared in a massive racketeering case targeting organized crime in the 1990s. He was convicted in 1991 and sentenced to nine years behind bars. When he was released in 2000 he was rewarded for keeping his mouth shut and doing his time by being promoted to captain in the New England mob. He would allegedly take the reigns as acting boss in 2012 after the arrest of Anthony DiNunzio who had himself taken over as acting boss after the arrest of deceased boss Peter Limone.

He remained the acting boss of the Cosa Nostra family until he was sent to prison in 2015 according to authorities. According to reports Carmen (The Cheeseman) Dinunzio has now taken control of the family and is a likely candidate to become the new official boss after the passing of Limone. Veteran Providence faction mobster Matthew Guglielmetti Jr is believed to be the families new underboss along with Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille as consigliere filling out the current hierarchy. The Patriarca family is trying to rebuild after being decimated by turncoats and federal indictments.

Spagnolo if he decides to return to the fold which many expect could take back over as captain of his old Boston faction crew. Anthony DiNunzio has reportedly also been released from prison in the last month or so after doing a six-year bid for pleading guilty to shaking down local strip clubs back in 2012. According to the conditions of his plea deal, DiNunzio will be on supervised release for approx 3 years which will likely prevent him from taking an immediate role in the crime family along with his brother Carmen. It will be interesting to see if the New England mafia can re-establish itself as their ranks continue to grow under this new regime.

Former New England mafia capo Frank “Bobo” Marrapese Jr. has passed away at Rhode Island Hospital while serving a nine-year sentence on murder, racketeering, and extortion charges.

The 74-year-old mobster was busted back in 2011 with other Patriarca crime family members who were allegedly running a large-scale sports gambling operation. He had just been released from on parole from prison in 2008 after being convicted of murdering mafia associate Richard “Dickie” Callei in 1987. Marrapese became a vicious enforcer for the Patriarca family in the 1960s and 70s under former boss Raymond L.S. Patriarca. He was sent to the hospital not long after being denied parole although the cause of death is still unknown.

“Frank Marrapese Jr.”

Marrapese was said to be one of the most feared Cosa Nostra figures during his heyday and remained highly respected even though his influence in the crime family weakened. His reputation in organized crime gained him employment at the Gallery nightclub in Providence in the 1980s because the club was having problems with other criminal elements. The owner figured Marrapese’s presence would help to keep other alleged gangsters out of the club and help to keep the peace. Frank was also known by some of those he worked with as a gentleman although those in law enforcement who fought to stop him had a somewhat different opinion of the former wiseguy.

He was one of the last remaining links to a bygone era of the New England mafia that began to crumble as authorities attacked the La Cosa Nostra family ending with the death of Raymond in 1984 along with the deaths of other longtime associates. According to authorities, Frank remained a respected member of the family although he had minimal influence on the decision making process over the last few years. The mafia in New England has a new hierarchy in place believed to include acting boss Carmen (The Cheeseman) Dinunzio, underboss Matthew Guglielmetti Jr., and consigliere Joseph (Joe the Bishop) Achille.

Edward Lato also a reputed captain in the New England Mafia has been released from prison to a halfway house according to reports.

The 71-year-old mobster’s sentence was set to end in July but was eligible for early release after serving more than seven years behind bars. He was busted back in 2011 along with other members and associates of New England’s Patriarca crime family. Among those arrested with Lato were former boss Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio and one-time acting boss Anthony DiNunzio. According to the feds, Lato and his mafia pals were in control of an extortion racket that shook down local strip clubs for protection payments.

“Edward (Eddie) Lato”

Lato would eventually plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy and was sentenced to nine years. While he was away doing his federal time he was charged in a state case in 2014 for illegal gambling. According to prosecutors, he was involved in a large bookmaking operation along fellow mobsters Frank “Bobo” Marrapese and Alfred “Chippy” Scivola. He plead guilty and was given a 10 year suspended sentence along with 10 years probation. He was also sentenced to three years of probation in the federal case so he will be on paper for quite a few years.

The feds made inroads into the Cosa Nostra family and their extortion scheme in 2011 with the help of mobster turned informant Robert “Bobby” DeLuca. The former Patriarca family captain flipped on his mob pals and wore a wire for the feds which led to multiple convictions. DeLuca was rewarded for his cooperation by being sentenced to only one day in prison for his role in the scheme. DeLuca would also take the stand against former mob boss Francis “Cadillac Frank” Salemme helping the feds to convict him for the 1993 murder of Steven DiSarro.

DeLuca would later be convicted for lying to the feds about his role in multiple murder. He copped to taking part in the 1992 murder of former mob hitman Kevin Hanrahan along with having a part in the DiSarro murder. DeLuca plead guilty and was sentenced to over five years in prison. Lato is believed to be a suspect in the Hanrahan hit but has not been charged with anything tied to the crime. It’s unclear as to whether or not Lato still has a place at the table under the current New England Mafia leadership which includes alleged boss Carmen DiNunzio and underboss Matthew Guglielmetti. The crime families power base has shifted from Providence to Boston as a new era takes hold.

The post New England Mafia capo Edward Lato released from prison appeared first on About The Mafia.

The feds arrested William Angelesco on charges of interfering with commerce by threats or violence and aiding or abetting.

Angelesco is known as a top enforcer of Carmen (The Big Cheese) DiNunzio a leading figure in the New England mafia. He is known on the streets as a tough guy who has put in plenty of work on behalf of the Cosa Nostra family. The feds have had a close eye on the DiNunzio crew since Carmen’s release from prison back 2015. According to reports and various sources, Carmen is now the mafia families acting boss and some believe he may be in line to take over officially if he hasn’t already. The power within the Patriarca crime family has continued to shift from Providence to Boston in recent years.

According to court records William Angelesco is accused of receiving “personal property belonging to and in the possession of John Doe, against his will, by means of actual and threatened force, and violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to his person and property and property in his custody and possession.” The alleged crimes took place back in September of 2018.

Angelesco is due back in court at some point today according to a recent report. The feds have seemingly been keeping a close eye on the mafia in New England as it attempts to rebuild its ranks. Along with DiNunzio some other respected and capable guys have returned to the streets in New England including Providence based mobster Matthew Guglielmetti believed to be the families new underboss. It will be interesting to see if these alleged crimes have links to any other members of the organized crime family.

The post New England mobster William Angelesco arrested by Feds appeared first on About The Mafia.

The New England mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has seen its share of tough times as a result of intense scrutiny from the feds and turncoats.

The power in the family has shifted from its longtime power base of Providence to Boston as it attempts to stabilize and rebuild its ranks. Influential East Boston mobster Carmen “The Cheeseman” DiNunzio took over as acting boss after his release from prison in 2015. Although Pete “The Crazy Horse” Limone is still considered by many to hold the rank of official boss he is semi-retired and DiNunzio is calling the shots. The Cheeseman was the right hand of former boss Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio and is considered by many to be a very capable leader.

“Carmen DiNunzio”

DiNunzio has seemingly been hard at work since taking the reigns reorganizing the shattered families hierarchy. According to reports, he appointed powerful long time New England mob capo Matthew “Good-Looking Matty” Guglielmetti as the Cosa Nostra families new underboss last year. The 67-year-old Guglielmetti who was released from prison in 2014 is part of the Providence, Rhode Island faction of the family and is said to be well respected across the board. Fellow Providence faction mobster Anthony “Ponytail Tony” Parrillo was believed to have held the rank of consigliere but was sent to prison this spring on assault charges vacating that leadership position.

DiNunzio has recently named Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille as the new family consigliere according to law enforcement sources of Scott Burnstein and his gangsterreport. The 80 year old Achille steps in as The Cheeseman’s new advisor and No.3 in the crime family hierarchy. Achille goes way back in the organization and served as a top lieutenant for years under former boss Manocchio from his Providence headquarters. He is said to be both feared and trusted by people in and outside of the family and is well versed in various mafia rackets including labor unions. This newly formed leadership base will try and move the crime family forward and hopefully retain some of its former glory.

The post New England mafia continues to rebuild its hierarchy appeared first on About The Mafia.

The Philadelphia mafia has quietly navigated its way through the last couple of years during which the family has grown and had somewhat of a resurgence.

According to recent reports, there are as many as 35 made guys currently on the streets in Philly and the Cosa Nostra family is as strong as its been in decades. The mafia in Philadelphia hasn’t had this kind of strength in numbers since back in the 1980s as numerous made guys find their way back to the streets after long prison sentences along with some newly inducted members. With so many players back in the fray along with legal troubles once again popping up for alleged boss Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino the hierarchy of the family seems to be in flux.

“Joseph Ligambi and George Borgesi”

In the mafia bad news for one usually, means the opportunity is knocking for someone else and veteran mobster George Borgesi seems to be making moves to re-establish himself as a power within the crime family. Borgesi made his way back to the streets in 2014 after doing 13 years in prison for a 2001 RICO conviction and beating a racketeering conspiracy rap. Both Borgesi and then acting boss Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi were able to avoid convictions on various charges in two separate trials in 2013-14. Along with being Ligambi’s nephew he also grew up with Merlino, Steven Mazzone, and Michael (Mikey Chang) Ciancaglini. The four of them went to war in the 1990s against then Philly mob boss John Stanfa and eventually took control of the family after Stanfa was sent to prison.

Back in 2000 Borgesi had risen through the ranks and was promoted to acting consigliere under then underboss Steven Mazzone. His ascent up the ladder was cut short when he was sent to prison along with Merlino, Mazzone, and John (Johnny Chang) Ciancagalini. When Borgesi was released he complained to family leaders about the loss of control over the families Delaware County rackets to Johnny Chang and other rackets that he claimed were raided by fellow mobster Marty Angelina. Borgesi had reportedly been bumped down to soldier when released and there seemed to be a lot of bad blood. According to reports, a series of sit-downs took place over several months between Borgesi and Merlino in both South Philly and Florida leading to Borgesi being bumped back up to captain last year in an effort to ease tensions.

Borgesi has seemingly been very active ever since cultivating connections both inside and outside of his own organized crime family. It was reported last year that he met with members of multiple New York mafia families in both New Jersey and Florida along with other organized crime members. A new report from Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport has Borgesi meeting with New England mafia leader Matthew Guglielmetti in Rhode Island back in February according to a source. The reasons behind the recent meeting are unclear although Borgesi has previous links to New England once being responsible for a Philly mob crew that operates in Patriarca family territory. George seems to be leveraging old and new connections along with establishing new rackets in an effort to strengthen his power base and his position inside the Philly mafia family.

The 53-year-old mobster has been seen as a live wire and somewhat of a wild card by many over the years. Could he now be poised to once again begin a rise through the ranks of the new family hierarchy especially if boyhood pal Merlino is sentenced to another extended stay behind bars? The aging Ligambi was reportedly semi-retired before stepping back in recently as acting boss but his run seems to be coming to an end leaving the family with a void to fill perhaps sooner than later. There seem to be a few likely candidates that could step into that acting boss or even a more permanent role including Mazzone who has held the rank of acting boss in the past. It now seems that Borgesi may also be positioning himself to be part of that conversation as well given the opportunity.

Although Borgesi may not be seen by some as boss material when it comes to the American Mafia crazier things have happened. With the diminished earning power of the family and the legal hurdles that come with being boss many wonder if anyone really even wants the job these days. Well, George has always been a mobster for better or worse and it wouldn’t be a reach for him to be one of the few that still covets the job and title. The Scarfo era factions of the family which include Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore at least so far seem content to stay operating off the radar. So with some backing from Ligambi and a few of his other boyhood pals who would also prefer to stay in the background along with his New York and New England connections it seems plausible that Borgesi could one day sit atop the mountain in Philadelphia.

The post George Borgesi is once again a major player within the Philly Mafia appeared first on About The Mafia.

Pryce (Stretch) Quintina an alleged soldier in the New England mafia has been released from prison after serving an 18-month sentence for extortion.

The 77-year-old Patriarca crime family wiseguy is currently out on house arrest but is scheduled to have his monitoring device removed next month. He was busted back in 2014 along with then acting boss Anthony (Spucky) Spagnolo for shaking down Constitution Vending Co. for more than 50 grand from 2004 to 2012 and to muscling a local lodge to remain loyal to the vending company instead of taking a better deal. According to prosecutors, Quintina was ordered by Spagnolo to collect monthly protection payments from the vending company. In 2015 they both plead guilty and Spagnolo is also scheduled to be released later this year.

“Pryce Quintina”

Pryce’s history in organized crime goes back several years and he is the nephew of former Patriarca family consigliere Charles (Q-Ball) Quintina. Stretch and his uncle Q-Ball were indicted and convicted together back in 1995 on extortion and racketeering charges sending Pryce to prison for eight years. He was also allegedly in attendance at the infamous 1989 mafia induction ceremony in Medford, Massachusetts that was secretly being recorded by the feds leading to convictions against many high ranking Patriarca family mobsters. He was never charged but remains a suspect in the 1981 murder of mob associate Angelo Patrizzi according to FBI documents.

The leadership of the New England mob has changed during the years Pryce was away so it’s unclear as to what if any role he may play in the Cosa Nostra family moving forward. East Boston mobster Carmen “The Cheeseman” DiNunzio is now believed to be the acting boss of the family along with a hierarchy that includes veteran mobster Matthew Guglielmetti as underboss and consigliere Joseph Achille.

The post New England mafia soldier Pryce Quintina released from prison appeared first on About The Mafia.

According to reports Peter Limone the alleged boss of the New England Mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family has passed away.

The 83-year old reputed mobster had been battling cancer for the last five years before finally succumbing to the disease according to his obituary. According to the feds, Limone acted as the Cosa Nostra families consigliere for years before taking over as the boss in 2009 after the retirement of former boss Luigi Manocchio. This signaled a shift in the organized crime families power base from Providence, Rhode Island back to Boston where it currently remains. The feds still consider Limone to be the current boss of the family although acting boss Carmen “The Big Cheese” Dinunzio is believed to now be in control.

“Peter Limone”

The aging mobster’s health and legal troubles is believed to have limited his capacity as boss and his role inside the mafia family over the last few years. Various sources reported that Limone had retired and had become somewhat of an unofficial consigliere and counsel for DiNunzio allowing him to take the reigns. The current family administration is believed to also include underboss Matthew Guglielmetti Jr and consigliere Joseph “Joe the Bishop” Achille. Limone may be best known for the fact that he spent 33 years behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit. In 1968 Peter and three others were found guilty of murdering Edward “Teddy” Deegan back in 1965 and sentenced to death although that sentence was later overturned to a life sentence.

There was only one problem Joseph Barboza the FBI informant who fingered Limone and company for the murder lied in an effort to protect a mob hitman who he was friends with that had actually taken part in the hit. The FBI set up the four men to take the fall hoping to protect their informant. By the time evidence was discovered that proved Limone and the others had been framed two of them had already passed away behind bars. Peter was released from prison in 2001 with an apology from the FBI along with a massive sum of $26 million dollars for his troubles. Although he had become wealthy he remained loyal to the mafia family that stayed loyal to his real family during the years he was locked away and stepped back in as consigliere.

Limone was arrested in 2009 and charged with extortion, illegal gambling, and loan-sharking and was sentenced to five years probation in 2010 after pleading no contest. He was also sentenced to 2.5 years in a county jail but that sentence was suspended as long as he complied with the term of his probation. He was ordered to avoid contact with known mafia figures and agreed to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet which also affected his ability to run the New England mob family. By the time his probation ended his health was in decline which seemingly forced him to take a step back from running things. It is unclear as to exactly when he stepped back from his capacity as boss clearing the way for a new Patriarca family administration.

The post New England Mafia boss Peter Limone passes away appeared first on About The Mafia.

According to the feds, 83-year old Peter Limone was the official boss of the New England Mafia also known as the Patriarca crime family until his death last month.

The veteran wiseguy is believed to have taken over as boss sometime in 2009 after the retirement of his predecessor Luigi Manocchio. It is unclear however just how involved Limone had been within the Cosa Nostra family the last couple of years and some mafia experts believed he was at least semi-retired and perhaps acting more in an advisory capacity. When Limone took the reins it signaled a shift in the crime families power base from Providence to Boston. That trend is likely to continue if acting boss Carmen “The Cheeseman” Dinunzio is officially named as the families new boss.

“Carmen DiNunzio”

Carmen who most likely got his nickname at least in part because of his fresh cheese shop in Boston’s North End has steadily made his way through the ranks of the organization. Shortly after Limone took over as the boss in 2009 he was arrested on racketeering charges and promoted Carmen’s brother Anthony DiNunzio to acting boss. Carmen moved up the ladder along with his brother moving up from captain to become the families, new underboss. But later that year he plead guilty to corruption charges and was sentenced to six years in prison. His brother Anthony’s run was also cut short when he plead guilty to racketeering and extortion charges in 2012 and was also sent to prison for a six-year stretch.

According to reports when Carmen was released from prison in 2015 he took back control of the families Boston faction and became the new acting boss of the Patriarca family. The Cheeseman is believed to be in control of the families day to day operations and is the most likely candidate to officially take control. But a case can certainly be made for longtime Rhode Island mobster Matthew Guglielmetti to also become the new boss of the family. Guglielmetti a second-generation mobster with a solid reputation on the streets is believed to currently hold the rank of underboss and controls the Providence faction of the mafia in New England. He was released from prison back in 2014 after doing an 11 year stretch on drug charges.

Guglielmetti has been a key player in various aspects of the crime family for some time and certainly has the mob pedigree that makes him worthy of the top spot. But it seems unlikely that Guglielmetti would make a push to become boss if it meant causing any turbulence in the already beleaguered crime family. With the Boston faction becoming the power within the organization it seems that Carmen DiNunzio has the easier path to the top spot and with the family currently trying to stabilize and rebuild itself it certainly doesn’t need any new tensions arising. But with Limone now gone there is a vacancy atop the organized crime family and someone is sure to fill that void in an official capacity sooner rather than later.

The post Will Carmen DiNunzio officially take the reins of the New England Mafia? appeared first on About The Mafia.