Yeah Nick Rada is Bridget’s boy. I gotta ask Joe Fosco why you writing about this kid. Especially after Willie “allegedly” or according to you did alot of things/favors for you. He (Nick Rada) is not involved in organized crime. So what he was arrested. Explain please why you wrote this ? Here we go again with this guilt by association. I think I know what your gonna say, but it wont fly.

My former friendship with Willie has no place for discussion here.

I wish no harm on Nick. He does not need help from me. He is facing four Class 4 Felony Counts, which are low-grade felonies. I predict one will be thrown out; two will be reduced to Misdemeanors. He will likely take 410 probation on the cocaine and have it expunged in a couple of years.

Whether you like it or not, Nick Rada is heavily associated with the Johnny DiFronzo’s family (especially Johnny himself), which gives Nick a lot of power over people influenced by DiFronzo.

I do not have an issue with Nick Rada. I have an issue with the Elmwood Park Police Department. I want to know why a Sergeants badge was in the care of a man closely connected (whether socially, family or business) to the current head of the Chicago Outfit.

Guilt by association is how it woks in this world. If you do not like it, do not associate!

No one should have a Police Seargant’s badge in their possesion unless they are a police officer. It doesn’t matter if the kid knows DiFronzo or if he knows President Obama. If the Elmwood Park Police Dept. is issuing Police Badges to people who are not police officers, I would like to request one badge to be sent to me. Please let me know the cost and I will forward a check to the department with my address. I will also pay for the postage. Thank You, Sincerely, the Don 

Dear The Don,
I agree with you 110%! However, I would add, when the suspect is closely connected to a crime lord, the question becomes heavier.

I dont know all the facts of the case yet … so i’ll refrain with “the badge” incident. I’m just saying this kid got in some trouble. He’ll have his day in court. But to put this kid on the threads like this I find to be classless. Nick Rada is good friends with John DiFronzo III but I’d hardly call that a close association to organize crime or involved in it.  Unless you make a big deal that their grandpa’s are Willie Messino and John DiFronzo Sr. And how did Nick Rada associate with organize crime ? Because he said hello to a man he’s known for 29 years one John DiFronzo Sr. GIVE ME A BREAK !

I know exactly how the Messino family will look at this article. As if it is my
entire fault now. Nick will no longer be in the doghouse for committing the
offenses. Joe Fosco is now to blame. lol

Dear Black,

Refrain from making any comments until you know all the facts of the case. My facts are better then the medias facts. No one who calls Johnny DiFronzo, “Uncle Johnny” should have a Sergeants badge in his or her pocket from the Elmwood Park Police Station, unless employed as a Sergeant.

What is the exact relation of Nick Rada to Joe Messino? Does Joe Messino, the guy that threatened your life, also have a Police Badge?

What is the exact relation of Nick Rada to Joe Messino? Does Joe Messino, the guy that threatened your life, also have a Police Badge?

Nick Rada’s mother and Joe Messino’s father are brother and sister, both being Willie’s children.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/7431541-418/man-accused-of-impersonating-cop-firing-gun-having-cocaine.html

Was Rada’s father a police officer like he stated? If true, then I see no wrong doing on the part of the Elmwood Park Police. If true, then it’s obvious the kid was misusing his father’s badge which is not the fault of the Elmwood Park Police Dept. unless, when an officer passes away, the family is required to return the badge to the Department so no misuse can come from it.

I suspect the story leaked through the media was a favor to the EP Police. Nick Rada’s dad is alive and never worked as a police officer in his life. I would not have written my article without knowing this.

On second thought, I suspect it was the Chicago police doing the EP police a favor by leaking the wrong version of the story to the media.

I smell a fix. I suspect that Chicago Police saved the mysterious Elmwood Park Sergeants ass by not reporting to the media the correct story. I would not be surprised if the media were fed a bunch of crap, to keep a cop out of trouble. If my suspicions are correct, the game ends here.

is fagiano a former commander (or related to)in the chicago police department, 20th district i think?

He has been on EP roughly 20-years that i could remember. I am not sure what some of his relatives were up to.

hey joe, now that i know you are currently on, i dont want to hijack the thread, but u listed Bobby Dominic as a connected guy you had contact with.  very low profile guy who seems to be well regarded on Grand.  Never see much in print about him, but he gives the aura of being very heavy, olod schoolish, and well respected. Any info about his status/activities?

He is very heavy, almost 200-pounds for a person 5 foot 5. lol.
I am sorry; I cannot discuss him right now. He is old school for sure. I think he resents being born in the 50s. I was with him 6-hours a day, 5-days a week, for 5-years.

well joe, like any reasonably intelligent person, i believe half of what i see and almost none of what i read.  your unwillingness to talk about Bobby gives you a lot of credibility.  I know some very tough, politically and crinminally connected guys, who wont even say his name out loud.  Albie, same thing, but that silence seems to be breaking, but not the impenetrable fog of silence that surrounds Bobby.

Joe,  You’ve got a lot of guts to write this article in particular. I’ll give you that. There are four suburbs in Chicago that will never change. I don’t care how many articles are written about them, I don’t care how many people go to jail over something, I don’t care how many Non Italians slowly move into the area over time, the beat will still go on. Those Four Suburbs are as follows: Elmwood Park, Melrose Park, Cicero & Chicago Heights. Also, when it comes to the Police in general in Chicago and all the suburbs, they will stick together and protect each other. It will be interesting to see what happens if what you say is true about the false story being fed to the Media. My opinion, and I don’t mean to be pessimistic, is that nothing will happen to the Elmwood Park Police Department about the Badge.

Dear The Don,
Nothing will happen about the alleged false story being reported to the media. It will go down as a mistake, “whoops, sorry.”
I agree with you, the Elmwood Park Police Department as a whole will not suffer beyond this serving as a wakeup call that EP is still allegedly under Outfit influence.
However, it is my goal to see the Sergeant named publically, in addition, I would appreciate if he is suspended for his conduct. I would not be surprised if the department backdates a suspension order to show that he or she was already suspended. However, the most important thing here is that the police in Elmwood Park and the three other towns you read off know that they are under scrutiny – real scrutiny. The ANP family of viewers has far-reaching tentacles. Therefore, if the police officials simply do their jobs appropriately, the world will be a better place.

Amen, brother.

Joe Fosco, Okay I see now. I didn’t realize that the Sun Times reported on this story first. Then you got certain facts out about the case with your own little story. You still threw in their all this organized crime stuff. I see no connection yet (unless your talking about the kid being the grandson of Willie Messino and or being a close friend of John DiFronzo Sr. grandson). But anyhow, I have a few questions I wanted to ask you but never got around to it. 1) How’d you meet Willie Messino ? 2) How well did you know him ? 3) What time periods did you hang around him (like how many years) and 4) How many times had you been to Gene’s Deli with him ? …… Understand the 4th question would mean the FBI would know who you were due to surveillance and what not.. because Gene’s Deli was under heavy surveillance in the 1980s/90s. By the way are you an any photos with Willie Messino (rather personal photos or surveillance photos) .. I imagine you would be in the latter given your close association to this man. Thank You.

I have heard stories in the past that the River Grove Police Department has organized crime connections. Even as far as poilitical connections being corrupt. I have in the past heard the mention of a political the name of Saviano in relationships of having family members that are connected to mafia in the River Grove PD. Can anybody, possibly give any relevance to this talk?

SQE,  Johnny lives in River Grove. All the near West suburbs have strong Outfit affilliations. Melrose Park is probably the strongest. After Melrose, River Grove, Franklin Park, Stone Park etc. all in that general catagory. Heavy Bookmaking & Poker Machines. The basic Lifeblood of the Outfit. Many of the Outfit Soldiers & some of the Made guys also have traditionally lived in those suburbs. So, the answer is Yes!

Black Angelo,  My relative was even closer to Willie than Joe Fosco years ago. Willie brought him into the Elmwood Park Crew with the approval of Cerone & Gags. My relative used to call Willie his cousin and worked directly under him as a soldier for several years. Both families came over together from the same part of Southern Italy together. They even went away to College for 7 years together in 1970.

The Don, yes I know who your relative is. I believe your relative is close to Willie.. documents and evidence “highly” support that. I’m not accusing Joe of anything ….. I just want Joe to answer my questions. I’m very intrigued how well he knew Willie ? and how many times (ball park figure) he’s been to Gene’s Deli with him ?

Black Angelo,  I added some more posts on DiFronzo Campise Blog about the Power structure during Mooney’s reign. It was a follow up about what we were discussing.

I grew up knowing who Willie was. In addition, Willie was the teenage sweetheart of Romie Nappi’s sister. He grew up with the family of my father’s wife Gloria on Polk Street. Gloria, who was born in ’24, told me that she would go on dates with her sister and Willie when she was 6 or 7 years old. And, my father and he were friends. I started bumming with Willie shortly after I turned old enough to drink. I was palling around with Willie from the mid 90s until his death, which will be 9-years this November.
If I had to guess, I would say that I was at Gene’s Deli with Willie roughly 15-hundred times. I have a photo of us together, but refuse to publish it right now.

Okay Joe, Thanks for the info. And 1500 times with Willie at Gene’s. I think its safe to say your on some survaillance. Sounds Good… Just Curious if Willie ever mentioned or Lee Magnifichi ever talked about why he (Lee), Pete DiFronzo, Rich Penachio and Joe Andriacchi were in a suburb of Detroit in Novvember of 1964 committing a burglary. In a beauty salon of all places LOL. I was reading the police report and couldn’t stop laughing. It sounds like a scene out of the 3 stooges or Keystone Cops but a bunch of Italian guys from Chicago in this bungled burglary. I mean I was curious to why they was so far out of their jurisdiction so to speak. All of them got convicted in Michigan courts. Did you ever hear why they was summonsed out that far in Michigan ? And it seems like such a petty burglary especaily in light of what kind of money Joey A and Peter D would go on to make (in the future) multi millioniares both on their own right. Halarious police report like out of a f*cking movie.

Okay Joe, Thanks for the info. And 1500 times with Willie at Gene’s. I think its safe to say your on some survaillance. Sounds Good… Just Curious if Willie ever mentioned or Lee Magnifichi ever talked about why he (Lee), Pete DiFronzo, Rich Penachio and Joe Andriacchi were in a suburb of Detroit in Novvember of 1964 committing a burglary. In a beauty salon of all places LOL. I was reading the police report and couldn’t stop laughing. It sounds like a scene out of the 3 stooges or Keystone Cops but a bunch of Italian guys from Chicago in this bungled burglary. I mean I was curious to why they was so far out of their jurisdiction so to speak. All of them got convicted in Michigan courts. Did you ever hear why they was summonsed out that far in Michigan ? And it seems like such a petty burglary especaily in light of what kind of money Joey A and Peter D would go on to make (in the future) multi millioniares both on their own right. Halarious police report like out of a f*cking movie.

Joe, Teets here. Do you have any plans to write an article about any made guys who were very, very rough on the street in the 2000’s? One of the roughest made guys on the street of all time was Lee Magnafichi, obviously. (He was also a handsome devil, like his son who is none other than Michael G. Magnafichi.) To my knowledge, an extremely high number of ladies thought that Lee was as handsome as Adonis himself, though Lee was a family man who had to punch guys out once in a while, unfortunately. (It came with the territory, LOL.) I believe Lee raised his family out in Wood Dale, IL (much to the chagrin of the Don), so Michael G. Magnafichi was raised in none other than DuPage County. Silly people in your threads like “the Don” think that just because Lee was the caporegime of the Elmwood Park Street Crew that Michael was also from Elmwood Park, Illinois. This is so off base (LOL). Michael was born and raised in the West Suburbs. Michael is familiar with the suburbs through which Lake Street passes in DuPage County, such as Addison and Bloomingdale. I believe I may have just mentioned the suburb where Michael hangs his hat. Joe, I hope you don’t think that because I made this comment that I incorrectly believe that Lee was alive in the early 2000’s. Lee most definitely passed away from cancer at a much earlier date, RIP. His son, Michael, was to become a made member of the Outfit under the tutelage of Joe “Andrich” (aka Andriacchi). A lot of people underestimated the physical street-fighting prowess of Joey A. because he got his ass romped a few times. Trust me, Lee and Joey A. were about the toughest duo in the history of the Outfit. There are many stories about Lee laying guys out in one punch (as a last resort, sorry to say). Joey “Andrich” Andriacchi was also known to tear guys apart who he thought were goofs. There is a story about Sam Giancana insisting on facing the door at his table in the old Armory when he heard that Joey A. was on the prowl as a young blood. Sam Giancana was higher than anyone in the Outfit at the time (I must admit), but he understood that some young kid by the name Joseph Andriacchi wanted to make a name for himself on the street, unfortunately. (There is a popular story about how in an attempt to impress Lee, Joey A. knocked out Vincent “the Saint” Inserra with one punch. The Saint was a terribly, terribly rough guy. A terrorist, in fact.) Lee remained unimpressed because he had seen similar feats before. (Joey A. had the utmost respect for the hierarchy of the Outfit and would never NEVER do anything to a boss like Giancana.) Joey A. learned to play the game early on, which is why he would, one fateful day, become a made man. I am really loving the articles lately on American News Post. Please write one about Lee and Joey A. You can ease off of the Sam Urbana stuff, since you already mentioned that he was not made. (I am STRICTLY interested in made guys who did heavy work on the street from the seventies through the early 2000’s.) You can also lay of the John Matassa Senior research, if you please. (I am no longer interested in him.) Not many people realize that Joe Gags was famous for bringing many future Outfit heavies “into the picture” at an extremely early date. Joe Gagliano is responsible for much of the power that exists in Elmwood Park to this very day, I’m sorry to say. Joe, please write some articles about Lee and go to the trouble of including several details. I enjoy details about heavy work and fights, brawls, and street fights. I once heard that Joey A. brandished some bolt cutters and threatened to cut of the fingers of an Elmwood Park guy (not made) who had a habit of picking his nose and scratching his scalp. Andrich was disgusted by this behavior and championed cleanliness. It is no surprise that he went on to work in diners and eventually opened his own restaurant. I bet he runs a tight ship and clean kitchen (LMFAO). Joe, in the future, be sure to include a masterwork on Lee Magnafichi. Include a strong focus on Joey A, as well!

Keep on keeping’ on (LOL)!

Teets.

Tosto in my opinion  is a wimp for starting trouble with you but  threatening to sue when you launch a powerful comeback!

Teets, i will make some time to put something together on lee soon.

My comeback was as powerful as Tosto made it. All i did was used his own words from his own videos (which he approved, see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpTwCoRp1ak&feature=related

he will have to sue himself, because its him that I used as my comeback: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpTwCoRp1ak&feature=related

Hi Black,
They were using the Beauty Salon to get into the store next to it (Busting through the wall.)

I’d like to know the facts. I like the kid….He’s never acted a jag-off at all anytime I’ve seen him out. He’s actually pretty funny.

Joey A. is pretty much on his deathbed right now. Cancer caught up with him very bad.

Teets,  I’m not your enemy so please relax. I agree with pretty much everything you  said in your post above me. You made a really good point about Joe Gags. As a side note, I never said Mike Magnaficchi was born and raised in Elmwood Park. I only said he belonged to the Elmwood Park Group as a made guy. That doesn’t mean he or his father lived in Elmwood Park. In fact, some of the other guys don’t live in Elmwood Park either, nor were they born and raised there. One such person is my relative. In the past I heard some of the same things you said about Lee. I agree with you completely about Tosto. 

Joe,

Your family owns the Playpen in Stone Park?! I never knew that! 

I used to go there from time to time, years ago. In fact, I was once escorted off the premises when apparently I was perceived as being heavily intoxicated. I didn’t cause any problems or anything, though. I guess I must have looked like I was going to be sick or something. 

The gentlemen who escorted me to the sidewalk was laughing and said, “you’re alright, guy.” 

Sorry to have dishonored your family’s business. It was a fun night from what little I’m able to recall.

Dear HF,
No offense taken. It is not the watering hole that I spend my moments celebrating in, but it has been good to my family over the years. I do not know how much longer it will be around. I would like to see the place go. My family members who own, manage, and run it are senior citizens and should call it quits. Thank you for your kind words.

Hi Joe, Speaking of Mags ….What is the deal with Michael’s buddy  V. Forliano? That whole family association (Ex/Present) with Fratto, Rainone, etc. makes me curious about him. Sleeper?

Vince does what he does, and, whatever it is he does, I have no knowledge on any of it. I believe he minds his own business and does not look for problems. I have no comments to make about him or his family. If I had to guess, I would say that he does not think very highly of Rudy Fratto or John Rainone and family, but I do not know for sure.

I think Vince would agree with the following statement:

Billy Daddono III and Michael Magnafichi seemed as close friends for many years. However, when Michael began to have serious financial problems, Billy fell away. I am not suggesting that wealthy people should give their money to people who are not earning their own, but a little help to a longtime friend seems like the right thing to do. I had to practically shame Billy into bailing Michael out of jail two or three years ago – the bail was 3,000.00. I had 700.00 on me and offered it up. The only help that Billy ever gave Michael was that bail money. And, Billy tells everyone about it, which is why I do not feel bad mentioning it here. In addition, Billy tells everyone who he shares the story with that Michael never paid him back. I know that the court refunded the bond back to Billy, but he keeps that quiet.

I advised Michael that the Daddonos are not his true friends. When he asked me why I thought so, I explained, Michael belonged to the Aiuppa/Cerone faction, with Lee and Joey A. The Daddonos belonged to Mooney. Do I have to finish the story?

Greg Tosto is a one of a kind blabber mouth! He used to be comedic…he’s now a Chumbolone!

Right lol.

Thanks Joe ( I was curious) No need to finish. I get where your coming from. Vince does seem to keep to himself as far as the people he associates with now. I’ve always felt he made stupid decisions when he was younger. I hoped the time he spent in college was going to square him away for his future. I’m confused about what happened with his last deal with Mario…I suppose it’s behind him now. I know he and Mags enjoy each others company. I have nothing negative to say about either fella.

Black, Still funny! My grandfather told me that story and I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was funny, but exaggerated.  Especially with who was involved.
How the heck did you see the police report?

Chitowndago,  You can see the court case Online. Type in Andriacchi or Magnaficchi or DiFronzo Detroit burglary 1964.

Willie Potatoes never liked Cerone. When they would see each other, Willie would barely give him a nod of acknowledgement. Willie was just waiting for the word to be given by Mooney. Lucky for Jack, the word was never given.

Teets used to say, “Who did he ever kill,” whenever Jack Cerone’s name would come up (I am certainly referring to the elder Jack Cerone).

Teets used to say, “Who did he ever kill,” whenever Jack Cerone’s name would come up (I am certainly referring to the elder and late Jack Cerone).

Teets used to say, “Who did he ever kill,” whenever Jack Cerone’s name would come up (I am certainly referring to the elder and late Jack Cerone).

I re-read the police report again from that “day” in November of 1964. Yes they where committing this burglary in broad day light ! It’s just odd, in that you have 4 guys in their early to mid 30s committing this burglary in another state. It sounds like something some hard pressed 14 year old kids would be doing who live in the projects of Chicago. A real petty ass burglary. Anyhow their was a 5th guy who got away but was never caught or identified. One of the coppers caught Andriacchi, Penachio, and Magnifichi in the weeds as they was fleeing. And it seemed Andriacchi did all the talking and the others nodded to his answers (very funny by the way). I also wonder once those 3 was taken back to the local police station and questioned individually if one snitched or slipped up and told one of the coppers who was driving the getaway car.. Who was… you guessed it Peter DiFronzo. But according to one affadavit Peter went back to Michigan 3 weeks later and turned himself in. Do understand Peter already had a conviction for a 1961 warehouse thievery. Anyhow according to the police report Greedy Pete takes the cops on a long chase through the roads of Michigan. The police chase with Pete is one for the ages.. Were talking 2 or 3 different chases in a matter of a couple of hours. He gets away once from the scene of the crime with the 4 others. Then on the 2nd or 3rd chase from another pair of cops they start shooting at the getaway car (this time it is just Pete and that other unidentified guy). Bullets are whizzing by Pete. Obviously Pete gets away from the Detroit area with that 5th (still unidentified guy) back to Chicago. I gotta tell ya this story with these guys is just bazaar. (Especially knowing most of these guys would go on to be Made Men in the Outfit). Good entertainment though.

I believe the case involving Mario remains pending for Vince. He will be required to go back to jail at some point.

Tosto would like us to think he is a ‘more smarter’ guy then he appears. LOL

The one who got away was Joey DiFronzo.

Keep the faith, Mr. Fosco!
Don’t let your enemies get your spirits down!

I survived an Outfit hit attempt and cancer, Tosto’s rants about age-old gossip could not bring me down in a million years, even if all of his 400 viewers (in a world of 6-billion) believe him. Thanks for your support.

Would someone be nice enough to remind me what video Tosto states “more smarter” in? Thanks. JF

I heard the kid got the Seargent’s badge from Tosto in exchange for some Gyros sandwiches.

Save yourself the time and click the link not the thumbnail. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDtIQ_aH7Kk#t=04m00s

I wasn’t sure where to post this. I guess this is good as any place. RE: Joe Batters; What are the Kumerow’s worth? Do they have millions?

Thank you.

I do not think that Joe B had the money that some give him credit for having. Do not take me wrong, he was definitely one of the richest gangsters in the world. However, some people think he had billion or hundreds of millions. To ask me what I think he was worth is not a fair question. How does anyone really know what another person has socked away? I think it is realistic to estimate Joe’s worth at somewhere between 50 to 80-million. I know that some will laugh at my estimation because many people want to believe he was a billionaire (or close to being one). I am extremely confident that Joe and/or his wife left money for each one of their four children equally.

LOL

Joe,  Good and REALISTIC estimate. Maybe even a little on the high side. After 1957, do you think what ever net Profit Jack made that he shared it 50/50 with Accardo? I doubt it. Most of it Jack kept and spent quite a bit also. Accardo was worth at least 40 or 50 million and he didn’t care. The money he got was more of a taste given out of respect by Jack and a few otther high level guys that Joe B. had some involvement. Anyway, that’s the impression I was given and knowing Cerone, that’s probably pretty close to the truth. Your thoughts?

I could not agree more.

The Don, as much as I always agree with your posts, I have to say your waaaaaaaaaaaay  of base with this one.
It was a DR. G special issue multi city, lateral county, state issued, special badge with the Obama Stamp.

Hi Everyone,
How about a “Guesstimate” on Mooney’s worth? Were his daughters/Grandkids left a ton? Why I ask is that I believe other then Capone he had the most money. I have always wondered when someone dies or is knocked down, does the money ever end up filtering to the deceased’s family?

Mooney is very hard to say, because he had rackets all over the world. However, he lived large, always traveling. I would guess 20 to 30-million. His daughters split less than 1-million bucks.

See update at bottom of article.

Right on, Brother! LOL

Again, very good estimate by Joe. Also, very very good question from Chitowndago. Mooney would really be hard to estimate because of what Joe said. As to the other question, almost NEVER does any of the Boss’s money that is NOT ALREADY INVESTED in legitmate business filter down to the relatives. Legitmate money from legitimate business is usually NEVER in the the name of the Boss. It’s usually in the name of a trusted relative which may be the wife or someone else. As far as money that would be earned from the rackets, that money almost NEVER goes to a relative. That money is considered Outfit money. That’s why, there is always a fine line of how much money a Boss or made guy has out on the street in something illegitimate, because if he should die, the money stays within the Outfit. I asked the same question years ago more than once. That was the best answer I received.

Also,  Sometimes a Boss might have some cash stashed away and have a trusted man give it to a relative. I believe that’s what happened when Cerone died. Willie, who was very trustworthy, gave about 2 million to Cerones’s son, the crooked lawyer. Phyllis McGuire, Mooney’s Girlfriend, ended up with the bulk of Mooney’s money that was not in legitimate business. The rest of Mooney’s money that was ‘ On The Street’ in one form or another, was taken over by the Outfit Bosses.

Joe’s estimate on Joe B was very good. Mooney had the same and then some because Mooney was a genius (look at what he put together in Iran and Mexico).. So Mooney was probably worth more. However Mooney was not greedy. He let all his guys “wet their beaks” so to speak. But based on what I know about Obrien .. he had to be the richest gangster of all time. He’s easily worth 200 million in 1997 when he died at 89. He scared New York out of Vegas in the 1970s. Obrien was no one to f*ck with when it came to money. Just ask those New York bosses lol.

Black Angelo,  I agree that Obrien was probably the wealthiest simply from longevity. Mooney’s career was cut somewhat short. If Mooney &  Joe B. were maybe 40 to 50 million, I would say Obrien maybe 80 to 100 million tops. But, who really knows. And, when the Boss goes away permanently, he loses a lot of his worth ‘On Paper’ to the next Bosses who take over the rackets he controlled. So, it’s really hard to say. Do you know what I mean?

The Don, Honestly I was just being very modest when I gave you Obriens estimated worth. He had to be to be near 800 to 900 million. He was easily the richest f*cking gangster of all time. We can talk about Tony Ducks Corallo, John Gotti, Castellano, Johnny DiFronzo, Joey A, Marco D, Joe B, Paul Ricca, or Mooney. But Obrien had Cicero for a long time before he became Boss of all Bosses in Chicago. FYI Cicero was Vegas before Vegas even knew what Vegas was. By the late 1930s Obrien had to be worth 100 million alone from his gambling enterprise ( ie underground casinos). Obrien had that money, He also had old bootlegging money from the late 1920s and early 1930s. He also had money from selling guns to bank robbers (like Dillinger). This is just in the 1920s and 30s. But the Vegas like gambling enterprise he had in Cicero from 1930 or so till the 1980s was f*cking incredible. Let alone the skim he had coming in from Las Vegas itself. I have a source that was close to Obrien and he told me a couple of years back (before this source died) that quote “Obrien was worth more than Joseph P Kennedy any day of the f*cking week !”.. You see when Obrien was younger like in his mid 20s or 30s he used to drink alcohol. But he became a millionaire very fast in life during that era and decided with all the money he was making it would not be smart to drink. So suffice to say Obrien didn’t drink alcohol at all, because he wanted to be able to keep better track of his assets and money. He was a coffee drinker early in the morning. I’ve heard he had multi millions buried in Oak Brook when it was still an unincorporated area back in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Then he started building the roads out their in Oak Brook (including Yorkshire Drive where he would eventually move to in Oak Brook). Till this day the Feds think he put a sound/tracking device underneath the roads so he could hear them coming (maybe true). But know Gangster in the history of organized crime had more money than Obrien (longevity or not). Although I would not underestimate the money Mooney Giancana had coming in from Iran or Mexico. Then again I wouldn’t underestimate all the money Joey Obrien made out of Vegas, Cicero (casinos) or through guys like the Bastones who had casinos in Spain.

Elmwood Park’s Finest,the Family Trials !

Black Angelo,  I think we’re talking about two different things. I think you’re talking about more of the worth of the entire Outfit Rackets placing it all under Auippa because he was the Top Boss & probably one of the most successful. When Auippa went to prison in 1986, he lost control over most of all that activity. Being the President of a large Company and being the day to day C.E.O. doesn’t mean that the individual in this position OWNS everything. It just means he is the personal Boss in CONTROL over everything. When he’s gone, the Next Top Boss assumes that postion. Without getting into a debate over semantics, I still maintain Auippa’s PERSONAL net worth was much, much lower than what you stated but I do agreee he was a very wealthy and powerful man. I think Joe would agree with my assesment. I do agree with you that the New York Bosses knew better than to fuck with the Outfit over Las Vegas. The Outfit has always been a smaller more lethal and much better organized group than the 5 Families in New York.

The Don, I agree completely with your assessment.

I seriously doubt Titsto has 400 viewers who believe him.

I heard Titsto got his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English when he finished kindergarten. He is now pursuing his Masters Degree.

The Don, I understand what your talking about. In how the Outfit works in terms of a corporation. But i’m still sticking to what I said. Obrien was the wealthiest gangster of all time. Understand its just like when someone talks about Johnny DiFronzo’s estimated wealth (30 million or so in assets alone). He has a lot of legitimate businesses. If Johnny went to prison tomorrow he would still be worth that much. And who knows how much he has in cold hard cash (buried or what not). Obrien had legitimate business to and millions and millions in cold hard cash. And what I’m saying is .. Is when he went to the can in 1986 he was worth about as much as he was worth when he was released in 1996 (he died in 1997). And upon further review on Joe B’s wealth. Joe B may have been worth 80 million or so, but he had to of jagged off half of it on gambling alone. He was a notorious degenerate gambler. So maybe he was worth 40 mill at the end of the day. But he would of never had more money than Obrien. Obrien never jagged off his money. Obrien created gambling machines (Taylor Manufacturing). And Obrien created his own “commission” in the 1970s and basically told all the New York Families to get the f*ck out of Vegas. Nobody f*cked with Joey O. Look who is seated at the head of the table in the infamous “Last Supper” picture in 1976 at the Sicilian.

I seriously doubt Toasto has had 400 thoughts in his entire existence!!!

I’m sure he’s hating looking in the mirror lately, at least more then usual.

His rose colored glasses help him a great deal.

Black Angelo,  I agree with everything you said in the post right above me. All Joe and I were saying in previous posts, was that your dollar figures on Obrien were way exaggerated. However, putting that aside, I totally agree that he probably was the wealthiest Mafioso ever in the Outfit when he died in 1996. Whatever DiFronzo’s net worth is right now, Obrien would be at least double or triple. I also agree that Obrien was worth more than Joe B. Auippa was sitting at the Head of the table and was the Boss of Bosses in 1976. He had the strongest power base ( extended Cicero Crew). His own personal men earned very well working for him in the same way Mooney’s  personal men earned very well. Nobody fucked with him.

Yes, the individuals you are addressing are indicated in my book. However, I think I could publish something on ANP without compromising the value of my book.

Yes, the individuals you are addressing are indicated in my book. However, I think I could publish something on ANP without compromising the value of my book.

lol

Trying to keep up with all the threads is hard to do when my personal time is limited. I have the entire run down on “The Heights’. I’m going to e-mail it to Fosco and let him sort through and edit it as he sees fit. I have relatives there and a lot of questions come up about that area, on ANP,  and I figured it would be cool to update everyone on that area.

Hey Joe, I Google mapped the address of 901 S Pulaski, as stated in this Sun times article, and the thought of “What if?” occured to me. What if, Rada got scared being in that neighborhood and thought that he was being attacted by gang bangers? Also, it is not to impossible to presume, he may have stolen that badge. However, the bag of drugs doesn’t make him an angel. I swear, I have read other news articles on that gas station’s location, as a drug “Kingping” zone. I have heard, of other shootings in that area, all relating to that being a high volume drug delivery “One stop,” gas and drug pick up station! SQE

Let’s see it. The Chicago Heights Crew  has a strong history. That Crew goes back to the days of Capone. 

I was told by a very old resident from Chicago Heights, that the Heights guys were ranked number 2 within the syndicate back in the 1930′s and 40′s, only being surpassed by the Outfit people from Cicero. I do not know if that is true or not.

Dear Teets,
Thank you for your kind words. I will work on the ‘Lee M’ piece very soon. As for Tosto, it is possible that my one cousin who suffers from a serious drug addiction, which prevented him from coming to our grandmother’s wake last December, is emailing him. I hardly consider it a loss and feel that he is exactly what Tosto deserves. I saw the man once in 20-years, which means he would be genuinely useless to Tosto’s efforts.
Thanks again for your kind words. Joe Fosco

Dear Teets,
Unfortunately, I am not entirely familiar with the story about Joey A, so I will not say anything about it. However, I will share some other stories that include Joey A when I do my piece on Lee. I would definitely agree that DiFronzo and Andriacchi were once the twin titans of Elmwood Park.

Dear Logic,
I am aware of who you are referring to, however, no, I was not close to him by any means. I will check with a source on him, unless The Don could help.

Teets,  No problem brother. I have at least one of those stories you’re looking for. It involves teeth being knocked out and a couple of broken ribs. Maybe I’ll post it in the near future. It’s a famous story concerning the Elmwood Park Crew. Oddly enough, the guys I’m talking about were born and raised on Taylor St., but ended up belonging to Elmwood Park.

Joe, are you going to be publishing your book under the auspices of Conrad Black?

yes

Congratulations!

Dom,  You may be right about that opinion.

Joe,  Don’t know about Frank Jr. Only know that Joe was a soldier in the Cicero group and became an informant as Logic stated.

Thank you, but congratulation is hardly in order. I have a great deal of work to do before I get the project up on its legs. Conrad made the offer to help me a few years ago, but I have not made the time to get started until recently. Conrad is a loyal friend. He has heard about the Tosto stuff and thetruthaboutjosephfosco site, he considers people like Tosto and his supporter’s cranks. Conrad pays no attention to harassment.

Dear HF,
If you want to read a good book, order “A Matter Of Principle” by Conrad Black. I have not read it yet. However, I am very familiar with the content. I tried to order it recently, but it is taking a month to ship. Therefore, I called Conrad’s secretary and asked her to mail me a copy, which she agreed to do. It is in the mail.

Dear HF,

Here is some good stuff related to Conrad’s new book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Rg-DhnvlY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZItiK5bub0

To All Readers of ANP,  I think Joe’s book will be the best book about The Outfit that has ever been written. Joe completely understands the structure of the Outfit, how the 6 Street Crews work together, the difference between made guys and soldiers, and how the Crews are all partners with the Top Crew and most importantly, the rivalry that went on within the Outfit between Taylor St. & Grand Ave. No other book I have ever read has ever had any real clue about these three important points which made the Outfit different from the New York Mafia. Joe also has first hand information that came to him honestly, not from some informant which may only be partially true. Since 1994, when Roemer came out with his first book about Accardo, people have thought that his books were the best. I believe Joe’s book will blow Roemer’s bulllshit books completely off the map. This is my honest  unsolicited opinion after having talked with Joe now for almost one year. He gets it.

I actually ordered it, too. It’s taking a while because it came out less than 2-weeks ago and was released by an English publishing outfit. To my knowledge, there hasn’t been an American run of the book yet, which might explain the delay.
I read one of CB’s Nixon books years ago and liked it very much. CB has a way with words.

Dear The Don,
I am flattered by your comments, especially because of your expert knowledge on the Outfit. Unfortunately, I am not sure that your compliment could be taken as serious as you intend for it to be taken when you compare my work to Roemer (LOL). Almost anyone could do a better job then Roemer. However, the part where you point out the difference between an informant and me I think really hits it right on the mark. An informant had to do and/or say whatever it took to get his ass off the hook, then write a book about the tail. I have my experiences with people like Willie Messino, who knew a lot, who would talk to me while never imagining that I would one day write a book. I thought of writing a book for the first time only a few years ago. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting f***ed over by the Outfit. I am not sure if I would have ever wrote a book or established this forum if I did not get f***ed by them. Getting ****ed served as a wakeup call that eventually helped me realize how foolish I had been for looking up to criminals and villains. Do not take me wrong, I admit there are some interesting things to analyze about the Outfit, but the people are brutal criminals, no matter how you slice it or dice it (and I put some of my own loved ones on the list).

Well, getting published is no easy task, so congrats, anyway. I’m sure it will make some waves. Good for you and best of luck. I hope it works out for you. I’ll buy a copy, that goes without saying.

As for CB, I wouldn’t imagine that he’d be very interested in either of the things you mentioned. I think the fact that other people would go to the trouble of making videos and establishing an entire website with the express purpose of knocking you down reflects poorly on them (whoever they are) but well on you. If you were just some hack, it would be easy to just ignore you, right? That’s not the case, obviously.

Dear HF,
I had dinner with Conrad the week Nixon (Invincible Quest) came out. He gave me several autographed copies. I read it too. It took me several weeks to read the 11-hundred-page book. It was great. I have his other two books as well. A Matter Of Principle is only 600-pages. I will knock it out in a day or two. I find CB more interesting than Nixon.

Agreed.

Dear HF,
Conrad explained the entire process. Yes, it is not easy to be published. Despite the help I will receive, it will still be a challenge. The agent is key. Conrad will help me get a good agent. The agent is essential to the marketing as well. If I churn a profit, I will donate a generous percentage to Rush University in Chicago for a couple of causes. One cause will be designed to help people who suffer from grief stemming from the loss of a family member killed by The Chicago Outfit.

Well that’s a very noble cause, indeed. 

I envy you, Joe. You get to live the life of a writer for the next year or so. You’re lucky to have a friend like CB. He seems like an interesting person and a good guy to know. I hope things turn around for him in a few months.

Envy me? LOL
I believe Conrad will be okay. he simply needs to come home. May 4, 2012, will be here soon enough.

Horsey,  It’s nice to see you make some postings. You haven’t posted very much lately. Are you happy the whole ‘ Crew ‘ is back in action? I agree with you in your comment right above me 100%. I believe Tosto was behind the Website. I’ll bet most of the ridulous postings came from him. They mostly all sound the same. You know, that dumb ignorant homophobic style.   

Joe,  Did Willie ever say what happened between himself & a younger guy he helped bring into the picture named Joey L.? Did you know Willie’s Niece named Carmelanne? I believe she is a dental hygienist. Very nice woman and good looking I might add.

Teets,  Okay, this is for you. Your Favorite Street Crew , Elmwood Park, is involved in this one. If You’ve heard this story before, I apologize. In 1964, Two Greek Brothers named Chiagouris, who were in the construction business, borrowed a lot of money from Willie Messino. I think all total it was maybe $150,000 Dollars. Willie, of course, being a made guy had permission to put his money on the Street plus he also had some of Joe Gag’s money and Cerone’s Money out on street. The Brothers started making the payments okay but then got behind. Willie would come along with one of his men to make the collections. When the brothers got behind, Willie got really upset and put fear into them. They made one or two other payments and then they got behind again and there were a lot of loud phone calls from Willie. Willie arranged a meeting with them at one of the restaurants in Elmwood Park. I’m sorry but I forgot the name. At the meeting, Willie had brought Joey Lombardi with him. There in the restaurant, The two Brothers were choked with their own neck ties, kicked and beaten before being dragged outside. They were then  taken to the basement of Willie’s home in Elmwood Park. Teeth were knocked out, ribs were cracked, heads were badly bent. They were held captive for 15 hours before they finally agreed to some new terms. The following day, they were led to their Savings and Loan Bank  in Summit where they signed away titles to $200,000 Dollars worth of constuction sites they had in the South Suburbs. After this, the brothers ran  in terror to the Illinois Crime Commision and complained about everything. Willie & Joey were eventually convicted of Assault & Kidnapping and went to prison in 1970 and served almost 7 years.

Dear The Don,
Ovid Demaris did a fine job with the story. Yes, your comment outlines the reason that Willie Messino was seriously damaged, as far as his climb to the top of the Outfit Totem pole. He went away and nearly lost everything because of it. If he made Joe L think Jack was taking care of him while he was in prison, he lied to Joe, and perhaps he was embarrassed. The help Willie received came from Gags, and even that was next to nothing. I get into details in my book. Willie even explained how the judge took a bribe and returned it at the last minute. Willie shared some stories about Joe L from the 60s. They were insignificant, but endearing. He also talked about “Little Five.”
Every time Willie and I would drive North down Harlem Avenue, as we would approach Higgins, he would point out the old Bee-Gee Builders Office and reminisce about the Bravos’ the brothers who you mentioned.

Dear Teets,

Furthermore, I would like to point out that American News post did not author
one single article on Greg Tosto, not ever. I simply used segments of his own
YouTube videos (with his authorization, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpTwCoRp1ak&feature=related)
to point out the numerable shortcomings in his credibility. Thanks Greg for
making my job as easy as humanly possible. In fact, you did all of the work
yourself.

Lastly, please note that I only used material from the
videos that Tosto directed at me, with the exception of the one video where
Tosto speaks to a toddler as if he were a drunkard addressing a prostitute. I
feel that his deplorable interaction with the toddler is something the world must
see up close (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKNmUFZgkTc).
I noticed it appears as if Tosto pulled the original video of him accosting the
toddler (Tosto is an offender of accosting a child – the proof is on video). Need
not worry, ANP would have a copy archived.

Thank you.

Dear Teets,

Perhaps we should pray for Greg Tosto. An evildoer must be
behind him (an Outfit affiliate) , taking advantage of Toto’s intellectual challenges,
using him like a patsy, while not caring how badly Tosto appears in his videos,
as long as ‘Joe Fosco’ is persecuted. Sad.

Joe,  Willie never told Joey one way or the other if Jack was taking care of Willie’s family. Jack was an absolute embarrassment many times to the men in his crew. He broke Outfit protocol many times but never got killed because he had Accardo to protect him. Accardo had a very good relationship with Ricca. They were a good Top Boss/ Underboss combination when they operated full time. This relationship SAVED Jack from Mooney killing him. Instead of Jack taking care of Willie, at least to a certain degree, it was Joe Gags. Well, I completely believe that happened. However, Jack, being the Capo of Elmwood Park, should have done something for Willie & Joey. Jack was a selfish cheap asshole. Also, later on when Jack was the Underboss of the entire Outfit, and still of course the Boss Of Elmwood Park, he slept with Rocky Infelice’s wife. He should have been killed for that transgression, but somehow it didn’t happen. I know Sam Giancana was basically a bad man, however, he at least cared for his men and had that smart street sense to know that Cerone was a problem. It was Mooney that initiated the tension between him and Cerone. He didn’t like Jack, didn’t trust Jack, didn’t like the way he did his partnership splits with his men, and absolutely hated his selfishness and cheapness. As far as the bibe being returned, I also heard about that story but I don’t know who gave the bribe. It probably came from Pat Marcy or Romie Nappi. I was told that the Government law enforsement really wanted Willie & Joey, in particular Willie, off the streets. The Bribe was returned with the approval of Cerone, but Mooney probably okayed it because of the Goverment pressure. Maybe that’s why Mooney gave Joey a solid gold watch before he went away. In away, Willie and Joey were guinea pigs to appease some Government pressure. Your thoughts? 

Yeah, I’ve been busy with some stuff. When Joe posts a new article, I’m sure I’ll be more active.

Dear The Don,
Willie came up with the money for the bribe. The judge was an African-American. The message Willie received was that the judge ‘got cold feet’, which is why the money was returned. However, if there was a will there was a way in those days. The fact that help for Willie did not arrive told me that someone did not want Willie to catch a pass and I am not referring to the government. I suspect that Jack sank him. According to my conversations with Willie, I read it in his eyes that he felt the same way as I do, but he would never say so. Jack was the kind of person that could do something very rotten to someone close to him. It might have been Jack’s way of making up for all the times that he gave Willie a pass, not killing him.

Thank You for filling in the missing piece. So the money for the bribe came from Willie. Very interesting. That was the only part of the story I wasn’t sure about. Willie & Joey were thrown to the government as a peace offering to lay off the rest of them at least for awhile. That is what has always been suspected. In those days, a judge getting scared at the last minute and returning the money was unheard of and a ridiculous story that was never believed. By the way, you may have overlooked my other question, did you know Willie’s niece?

The Don,
Willie told me personally that the judge returned his bribe. Willie would not lie to me. Are you suggesting someone lied to him?
I have been to numerous family functions in Willie’s family. I do not recall all of the different nieces and nephews I met over the years. There are a lot of them. The two I remember the most are Dick and Clem.

Yes, The Judge returned the bribe. But the reason WHY he returned the bribe was a lie. The real reason the judge returned the bribe is because he was ordered to sentence Willie & Joey to go to prison as an appeasement to the Government. At the time, this was never told to either of them. All The MORE reason Jack should have done more for both families!

It is against the law for someone to interfere with a judge’s decision. Only a criminal would try to do so. Knowing what I know about the Cook County Circuit Court in the 60s and 70s, there is no way that the Outfit would not be able to fix that case. I believe that Joey and Willie made themselves believe the government caused it. Blaming the government is easier then accepting that their own f***ed them.

It is against the law for someone to interfere with a judge’s decision. Only a criminal would try to do so. Knowing what I know about the Cook County Circuit Court in the 60s and 70s, there is no way that the Outfit would not be able to fix that case. I believe that Joey and Willie made themselves believe the government caused it. Blaming the government is easier then accepting that their own f***ed them.

Oh, I agree completely. The Government wanted Willie off the streets in particular. However, that’s their job. The appeasement by the Outfit is where Willie & Joey got Screwed. I think we’re saying the same thing. But, let me make it crystal clear. The Outfit screwed Willie & Joey. The Outfit used them as sacrificial lambs. All the more reason, Jack should have done more for both of their families! Joey knows what happened. Why do think he never liked Jack. He was more realistic about it than Willie. And, the funny thing about it, is that those two guys would have done ANYTHING for the Outfit. They believed in it completely. Agreed?

Agreed.

tnttosto LOL LOL–that MOTHER!

Ahh, HELL YEAH, Don. That is _exactly_ the kind of story that I love to hear, unfortunately. Made guys on the street throwing their weight around and busting some heads. Other guys getting dragged around, getting choked, and having their “teets” (teeth, LMFAO) knocked out. Just imagine if Messino and Lombardi were capable of that kind of work what guys like Lee Magnafichi and Joseph “Joe the Builder” Andriacchi accomplished in fist fights. One of my sources told me that Lee once threatened to stick his fingers in some guy’s nose and rip his nose off. (Needless to say that the guy paid up IMMEDIATELY, LOL.) Joseph “Andrich” Andriacchi once had Lee drag some guy across the floor, stick his hand in a door jamb, and SLAM the damn door on his fingers!

Joe, I’m sure you’ll get into it in your “Lee Magnafichi and the Chicago Outfit” piece, but did Lee Magnafichi ever have a street name or a nickname?

Keep on keepin’ on (LOL)

Teets

“tnt tosto” is up to his lame tricks on YouTube again. Man, his videos suck so bad, unfortunately. The suck so bad, in my opinion, that it isn’t even funny, unfortunately for him.

tnt tosto’s videos are so terrible that no one can believe it. 

I agree 110%.

[...] For those of you unfamiliar with this event, please click here for part one of this article. [...]

Part 2 is now published

Part 2 is now published

Part 2 is now published

Part 2 is now published

Teets,  I don’t recall him having a street name or nick name. My relative only referred to him as ‘ Lee ‘.

Black Angelo,  What ever happened to Borelli? He was a soldier who belonged to Marco. He might have been related to him also, but I’m not sure.There was another soldier named Frank M.( something or other) who worked for Marco. Do you know what happened to him?  

The Don, Frank M and Borelli are still alive (both in their late 70s). Borelli is related to Marco. Everybody in Marco’s crew (including police officers) that went away in 1994 are all still alive.

Black Angelo,  This is a question for your expertise. Please be accurate with your answer. In 1992, Marco’s ( Franchise ) consisted of  Marco ( The Street Boss ), Anthony Dote ( Soldier/ Right Arm ),  Abbinanti ( soldier ), Borelli  ( soldier ), Catapano ( soldier ), Maranto, Tenuta, Carl Dote &  Scutkowski.  Were Maranto, Tenuta, Carl Dote &  Scutkowski 25 % Street agents? The first four  that I mentioned were not in my opinion and were Marco’s men he relied on for supervision of the bets taken & collections. Were was Scalise? I thought he was out in 1986. How could Cooley testify against Marco & his soldiers/associates if he was MARCO’S FUCKING LAWYER? Isn’t that client attorney privilege? I did not read Cooley’s book so save me the trouble and answer those questions as accurately as possible. Thank You.

If I may interject, a client gives up his or her right to client confidentiality when and/or if the client subjects their attorney to criminal conduct that would make the attorney a co-conspirator of the crime.

Thank you Attorney Fosco. LOL. Very well stated. So, a client can obviously tell his lawyer the complete truth about committing a crime in the past. However, if the client subjects his lawyer to an ON GOING crime, then the lawyer, who is an officer of the court, can testify against his client. That is the understanding I have from your answer. Would you agree?

RULE 1.6: CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION

(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent, the disclosure is impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation, or the disclosure is permitted by paragraph (b) or required by paragraph (c).

(b) A lawyer may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary:

(1) to prevent the client from committing a crime in circumstances other than those specified in paragraph (c);

(2) to prevent the client from committing fraud that is reasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the financial interests or property of another and in furtherance of which the client has used or is using the lawyer’s services;

(3) to prevent, mitigate or rectify substantial injury to the financial interests or property of another that is reasonably certain to result or has resulted from the client’s commission of a crime or fraud in furtherance of which the client has used the lawyer’s services;

(4) to secure legal advice about the lawyer’s compliance with these Rules;

(5) to establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in a controversy between the lawyer and the client, to establish a defense to a criminal charge or civil claim against the lawyer based upon conduct in which the client was involved, or to respond to allegations in any proceeding concerning the lawyer’s representation of the client; or

(6) to comply with other law or a court order.

(c) A lawyer shall reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm.

(d) Information received by a lawyer participating in a meeting or proceeding with a trained intervener or panel of trained interveners of an approved lawyers’ assistance program, or in an intermediary program approved by a circuit court in which nondisciplinary complaints against judges or lawyers can be referred, shall be considered information relating to the representation of a client for purposes of these Rules.

Adopted July 1, 2009, effective January 1, 2010.

Comment

[1] This Rule governs the disclosure by a lawyer of information relating to the representation of a client during the lawyer’s representation of the client. See Rule 1.18 for the lawyer’s duties with respect to information provided to the lawyer by a prospective client, Rule 1.9(c)(2) for the lawyer’s duty not to reveal information relating to the lawyer’s prior representation of a former client and Rules 1.8(b) and 1.9(c)(1) for the lawyer’s duties with respect to the use of such information to the disadvantage of clients and former clients.

[2] A fundamental principle in the client-lawyer relationship is that, in the absence of the client’s informed consent, the lawyer must not reveal information relating to the representation. See Rule 1.0(e) for the definition of informed consent. This contributes to the trust that is the hallmark of the client-lawyer relationship. The client is thereby encouraged to seek legal assistance and to communicate fully and frankly with the lawyer even as to embarrassing or legally damaging subject matter. The lawyer needs this information to represent the client effectively and, if necessary, to advise the client to refrain from wrongful conduct. Almost without exception, clients come to lawyers in order to determine their rights and what is, in the complex of laws and regulations, deemed to be legal and correct. Based upon experience, lawyers know that almost all clients follow the advice given, and the law is upheld.

[3] The principle of client-lawyer confidentiality is given effect by related bodies of law: the attorney-client privilege, the work product doctrine and the rule of confidentiality established in professional ethics. The attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine apply in judicial and other proceedings in which a lawyer may be called as a witness or otherwise required to produce evidence concerning a client. The rule of client-lawyer confidentiality applies in situations other than those where evidence is sought from the lawyer through compulsion of law. The confidentiality rule, for example, applies not only to matters communicated in confidence by the client but also to all information relating to the representation, whatever its source. A lawyer may not disclose such information except as authorized or required by the Rules of Professional Conduct or other law. See also Scope.

[4] Paragraph (a) prohibits a lawyer from revealing information relating to the representation of a client. This prohibition also applies to disclosures by a lawyer that do not in themselves reveal protected information but could reasonably lead to the discovery of such information by a third person. A lawyer’s use of a hypothetical to discuss issues relating to the representation is permissible so long as there is no reasonable likelihood that the listener will be able to ascertain the identity of the client or the situation involved.

Authorized Disclosure

[5] Except to the extent that the client’s instructions or special circumstances limit that authority, a lawyer is impliedly authorized to make disclosures about a client when appropriate in carrying out the representation. In some situations, for example, a lawyer may be impliedly authorized to admit a fact that cannot properly be disputed or to make a disclosure that facilitates a satisfactory conclusion to a matter. Lawyers in a firm may, in the course of the firm’s practice, disclose to each other information relating to a client of the firm, unless the client has instructed that particular information be confined to specified lawyers.

Disclosure Adverse to Client

[6] Although the public interest is usually best served by a strict rule requiring lawyers to preserve the confidentiality of information relating to the representation of their clients, the confidentiality rule is subject to limited exceptions. Paragraph (c) recognizes the overriding value of life and physical integrity and requires disclosure reasonably necessary to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm. Such harm is reasonably certain to occur if it will be suffered imminently or if there is a present and substantial threat that a person will suffer such harm at a later date if the lawyer fails to take action necessary to eliminate the threat. Thus, a lawyer who knows from information relating to a representation that a client or other person has accidentally discharged toxic waste into a town’s water must reveal this information to the authorities if there is a present and substantial risk that a person who drinks the water will contract a life-threatening or debilitating disease and the lawyer’s disclosure is necessary to eliminate the threat or reduce the number of victims.

[6A] Paragraph (b)(1) preserves the policy of the 1980 Illinois Code of Professional Responsibility and the 1990 Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct that permitted a lawyer to reveal the intention of a client to commit a crime. This general provision would permit disclosure where the client’s intended conduct is a crime, including a financial crime, and the situation is not covered by paragraph (c).

[7] Paragraph (b)(2) is a limited exception to the rule of confidentiality that permits the lawyer to reveal information to the extent necessary to enable affected persons or appropriate authorities to prevent the client from committing fraud, as defined in Rule 1.0(d), that is reasonably certain to result in substantial injury to the financial or property interests of another and in furtherance of which the client has used or is using the lawyer’s services. Such a serious abuse of the client-lawyer relationship by the client forfeits the protection of this Rule. The client can, of course, prevent such disclosure by refraining from the wrongful conduct. Like paragraph (b)(1), paragraph (b)(2) does not require the lawyer to reveal the client’s misconduct, but the lawyer may not counsel or assist the client in conduct the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent. See Rule 1.2(d). See also Rule 1.16 with respect to the lawyer’s obligation or right to withdraw from the representation of the client in such circumstances, and Rule 1.13(c), which permits the lawyer, where the client is an organization, to reveal information relating to the representation in limited circumstances.

[8] Paragraph (b)(3) addresses the situation in which the lawyer does not learn of the client’s crime or fraud until after it has been consummated. Although the client no longer has the option of preventing disclosure by refraining from the wrongful conduct, there will be situations in which the loss suffered by the affected person can be prevented, rectified or mitigated. In such situations, the lawyer may disclose information relating to the representation to the extent necessary to enable the affected persons to prevent or mitigate reasonably certain losses or to attempt to recoup their losses. Paragraph (b)(3) does not apply when a person who has committed a crime or fraud thereafter employs a lawyer for representation concerning that offense.

[9] A lawyer’s confidentiality obligations do not preclude a lawyer from securing confidential legal advice about the lawyer’s personal responsibility to comply with these Rules. In most situations, disclosing information to secure such advice will be impliedly authorized for the lawyer to carry out the representation. Even when the disclosure is not impliedly authorized, paragraph (b)(4) permits such disclosure because of the importance of a lawyer’s compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct.

[10] Where a legal claim or disciplinary charge alleges complicity of the lawyer in a client’s conduct or other misconduct of the lawyer involving representation of the client, the lawyer may respond to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to establish a defense. The same is true with respect to a claim involving the conduct or representation of a former client. Such a charge can arise in a civil, criminal, disciplinary or other proceeding and can be based on a wrong allegedly committed by the lawyer against the client or on a wrong alleged by a third person, for example, a person claiming to have been defrauded by the lawyer and client acting together. The lawyer’s right to respond arises when an assertion of such complicity has been made. Paragraph (b)(5) does not require the lawyer to await the commencement of an action or proceeding that charges such complicity, so that the defense may be established by responding directly to a third party who has made such an assertion. The right to defend also applies, of course, where a proceeding has been commenced.

[11] A lawyer entitled to a fee is permitted by paragraph (b)(5) to prove the services rendered in an action to collect it. This aspect of the Rule expresses the principle that the beneficiary of a fiduciary relationship may not exploit it to the detriment of the fiduciary.

[12] Other law may require that a lawyer disclose information about a client. Whether such a law supersedes Rule 1.6 is a question of law beyond the scope of these Rules. When disclosure of information relating to the representation appears to be required by other law, the lawyer must discuss the matter with the client to the extent required by Rule 1.4. If, however, the other law supersedes this Rule and requires disclosure, paragraph (b)(6) permits the lawyer to make such disclosures as are necessary to comply with the law.

[13] A lawyer may be ordered to reveal information relating to the representation of a client by a court or by another tribunal or governmental entity claiming authority pursuant to other law to compel the disclosure. Absent informed consent of the client to do otherwise, the lawyer should assert on behalf of the client all nonfrivolous claims that the order is not authorized by other law or that the information sought is protected against disclosure by the attorney-client privilege or other applicable law. In the event of an adverse ruling, the lawyer must consult with the client about the possibility of appeal to the extent required by Rule 1.4. Unless review is sought, however, paragraph (b)(6) permits the lawyer to comply with the court’s order.

[14] Paragraph (b) permits disclosure only to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes the disclosure is necessary to accomplish one of the purposes specified. Where practicable, the lawyer should first seek to persuade the client to take suitable action to obviate the need for disclosure. In any case, a disclosure adverse to the client’s interest should be no greater than the lawyer reasonably believes necessary to accomplish the purpose. If the disclosure will be made in connection with a judicial proceeding, the disclosure should be made in a manner that limits access to the information to the tribunal or other persons having a need to know it and appropriate protective orders or other arrangements should be sought by the lawyer to the fullest extent practicable.

[15] Paragraph (b) permits but does not require the disclosure of information relating to a client’s representation to accomplish the purposes specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(6). In exercising the discretion conferred by this Rule, the lawyer may consider such factors as the nature of the lawyer’s relationship with the client and with those who might be injured by the client, the lawyer’s own involvement in the transaction and factors that may extenuate the conduct in question. A lawyer’s decision not to disclose as permitted by paragraph (b) does not violate this Rule. Disclosure may be required, however, by other Rules. Some Rules require disclosure only if such disclosure would be permitted by paragraph (b). See Rules 1.2(d), 4.1(b), and 8.1. Rules 3.3 and 8.3, on the other hand, require disclosure in some circumstances regardless of whether such disclosure is permitted by this Rule.

Withdrawal

[15A] If the lawyer’s services will be used by a client in materially furthering a course of criminal or fraudulent conduct, the lawyer must withdraw, as stated in Rule 1.16(a)(1). The lawyer may give notice of the fact of withdrawal regardless of whether the lawyer decides to disclose information relating to a client’s representation as permitted by paragraph (b). The lawyer may also withdraw or disaffirm any opinion or other document that had been prepared for the client or others. Where the client is an organization, the lawyer must also consider the provisions of Rule 1.13.

Acting Competently to Preserve Confidentiality

[16] A lawyer must act competently to safeguard information relating to the representation of a client against inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure by the lawyer or other persons who are participating in the representation of the client or who are subject to the lawyer’s supervision. See Rules 1.1, 5.1 and 5.3.

[17] When transmitting a communication that includes information relating to the representation of a client, the lawyer must take reasonable precautions to prevent the information from coming into the hands of unintended recipients. This duty, however, does not require that the lawyer use special security measures if the method of communication affords a reasonable expectation of privacy. Special circumstances, however, may warrant special precautions. Factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of the lawyer’s expectation of confidentiality include the sensitivity of the information and the extent to which the privacy of the communication is protected by law or by a confidentiality agreement. A client may require the lawyer to implement special security measures not required by this Rule or may give informed consent to the use of a means of communication that would otherwise be prohibited by this Rule.

Former Client

[18] The duty of confidentiality continues after the client-lawyer relationship has terminated. See Rule 1.9(c)(2). See Rule 1.9(c)(1) for the prohibition against using such information to the disadvantage of the former client.

I wrote this off memory.

Joe,  Thanks for the legal info. Did Cooley have Marco on tape? I’m sorry but I never read Cooley’s book. If he did, then Marco is not completely secretive about everything. However, in all fairness to Marco, he probably never dreamed that the lawyer Cooley would turn on him and be an informant. Thank God, for Marco’s sake, he would have never talked to Cooley about murders because he’s never killed anyone, yet.  In the same way, Frank Senior never dreamed his son, who was a soldier in his crew, would turn on him. Of course the son turned on him because he stole money from his Father. Frank Senior should have never talked about murders with him. Son or no son.

The Don, Marco had the good fortune of never talking about murder while Cooley was wired up.

However (according) to Cooley he had Nick Velentzas whacked in 1980 (the guy who wore a wire on Marco’s men: Sponge, Nick Boulahanis, and Franky Ranella.)
 
And yes the only reason Marco and JOHNNY DIFRONZO was caught on wire is because one he was an attorney. And Marco had known him for 20 years up to that point. And Cooley represented Johnny Jr. in some legal matters (so Johnny Sr trusted him). 
 
And nobody knows if Marco has killed anyone yet. He would never talk to anyone about that. Alot of guys are like that.
 
As a side note: Solly DeLaurentis got out of prison (albeit 16 years)because they couldn’t prove he’s killed anyone (that is why Lou Marino got all that time and Bobby Salerno and Bobby Bellavia got LIFE… ). Solly is still Made though. By the way Solly and Rocky I both are caught all over Bj Jahoda’s wire also… They trusted him

They didn’t get Scalise in the 1994 case but Scalise (Sponge) continued to run Marco’s Franchise with Tony Dote in the years 1994 – 1997. And I answered your questions below right here:
 
The Don, Marco had the good fortune of never talking about murder while Cooley was wired up. However (according) to Cooley he had Nick Velentzas whacked in 1980 (the guy who wore a wire on Marco’s men: Sponge, Nick Boulahanis, and Franky Ranella.)  And yes the only reason Marco and JOHNNY DIFRONZO was caught on wire is because one he was an attorney. And Marco had known him for 20 years up to that point. And Cooley represented Johnny Jr. in some legal matters (so Johnny Sr trusted him).  And nobody knows if Marco has killed anyone yet. He would never talk to anyone about that. Alot of guys are like that. As a side note: Solly DeLaurentis got out of prison (albeit 16 years)because they couldn’t prove he’s killed anyone (that is why Lou Marino got all that time and Bobby Salerno and Bobby Bellavia got LIFE… ). Solly is still Made though. By the way Solly and Rocky I both are caught all over Bj Jahoda’s wire also… They trusted him

The Don, Marco had the good fortune of never talking about murder while Cooley was wired up. However (according) to Cooley he had Nick Velentzas whacked in 1980 (the guy who wore a wire on Marco’s men: Sponge, Nick Boulahanis, and Franky Ranella.)  And yes the only reason Marco and JOHNNY DIFRONZO was caught on wire is because one he was an attorney. And Marco had known him for 20 years up to that point. And Cooley represented Johnny Jr. in some legal matters (so Johnny Sr trusted him).  And nobody knows if Marco has killed anyone yet. He would never talk to anyone about that. Alot of guys are like that. As a side note: Solly DeLaurentis got out of prison (albeit 16 years)because they couldn’t prove he’s killed anyone (that is why Lou Marino got all that time and Bobby Salerno and Bobby Bellavia got LIFE… ). Solly is still Made though. By the way Solly and Rocky I both are caught all over Bj Jahoda’s wire also… They trusted him

Marco also had the Spizziri brothers (all though they freelanced alot as debt colletion agents). Marco also has a Rockford crew and Blackie Pesoli (bookmaking for him). But Marco was very generous for his crew. And Scalise was out but they did not get him on anything until 1997.

True,  Jahoda really screwed them. In Marco’s defense, it would be easier to trust a lawyer not to be an informant than a guy like Jahoda. I know all the lawyer haters might disgree, but in reality, how many lawyers have become informants for the Feds? The only one that I know of is Cooley, the proud Irishman.

Black Angelo,  You didn’t answer my other question. What was the role of Maranto, Tenuta, Carl Dote & Scutkowski? Were all four or at least a couple out of these four 25% agents working with the Crew?

Cooley might be one of a few lawyers that I could think of that served the government as a full-fledged prosecution witness, however, a vast number of lawyers work as dry snitches. Either way Marco is an idiot for trusting any lawyer with incriminating information.