The Members Only Podcast: A Mafia History Podcast

In today's episode, I do my first-ever interview with author Sam Carlino, who is is in fact the Grandson of the infamous Colorado gangster Pete Carlino, dubbed in the late 1920's as the "The Al Capone of Southern Colorado" by the local media. The Carlino brothers (Pete and Sam) established a bootlegging empire beginning around 1916 until 1931 when they were murdered by rivals. We discuss the following: Introduction to who Sam is and his family background Background on Sam's grandfather Pete and great Uncle's Sam and Carlo How the Carlino's got started in bootlegging The war with the Danna family (and what the feud going back to Sicily was really about) The Carlino's relationship with Joe Roma relationship The 1931 Bootlegger's Convention in Denver, Colorado The death of his Great Uncle Sam Carlino The death of Pete Carlino The death of Joe Roma and who he believes killed Roma The connections of Pete Carlino's death with Salvatore Maranzano's murder in New York City (and the legend of the Night of the Sicilian Vespers) How the death of Sam's grandfather and great uncle affected his family How he found out he was related to the "mob" Sam's upbringing and what led him to write his book, 'Colorado's Carlino Brothers: A Bootlegging Empire' Link to buy book: https://carlinobrothers.com/index.php/product/colorados-carlino-brothers-a-bootlegging-empire/

We cover the era of the Smaldone brothers including Clyde Smaldone, Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone, and Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone.  We dive into the history behind this family which ran most of the rackets in and around Denver, Colorado throughout the 1930’s through the 1980’s.  We’re also going to touch on their connection to the Mafia in Pueblo, Colorado, and discuss some of the players in that family as well. Topics that we dive into: The Smaldones involvement in the Joe Roma murder The family background of the Smaldone family How the Smaldones operated during Prohibition The Smaldones and bootlegging in Denver and Pueblo The background of Clyde and Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone The Smaldone's relationship with Al Capone The Smaldones, Clyde and Eugune first prison sentence in 1933 The Smaldone's involvment in the attempted assassination of Leo Barnes The Smaldone's second prison sentence from the late 30's to early 1940's How the Smaldone brothers built their gambling empire The Smaldone involvement in several underworld murders The Smaldone's 1953 prison sentence of 60 years The rise of Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone and Paulie Villano The increased law enforcement scrutiny from the 1960's through the 1980s The Smaldone's final prison sentences The Pueblo, Colorado Mafia (Calogero "Charley" Blanda, Vincenzo "Black Jim" Coletti, Joseph "Scotty" Spinuzzi) Mentioned in this episode: Clyde "Flip Flop" Smaldone, Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone, Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone, Paul "Fat Paulie" Villano, Raffaele "Ralph" Smaldone, Eugene "Young Gene" Smaldone, Giuseppe "Joe" Roma, Paul Enrichi, Frank "Blackie" Mazza, John "Porky" Routta, Joe "The Ram" Salardino, Calogero "Charles" Blanda, Vincenzo "Black Jim" Coletti, Joseph "Scotty" Spinuzzi, Leo Barnes, Mike "Fats" Falbo, Harold "Murph" Cohen, Robin "Walkie Talkie" Roberts, Sam Shanks, Pauline Smaldone, John "Skip" LaGuardia, Ralph Pizzalato If you haven't watcehed to Part one, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72WhjfPxUq8 Also, here are the links to buy the books I cited within the episode...   'Smaldone: The Untold Story of An American Crime Family' by Dick Kreck: https://www.amazon.com/Smaldone-Untold-Story-American-Family/dp/1555917062  'Colorado's Carlino Brothers: A Bootlegging Empire' by Sam Carlino: https://www.amazon.com/Colorados-Carlino-Brothers-Bootlegging-Empire/dp/1467143278/ Blog Post: https://membersonlypodcast.com/colorado-mob-history-part-two/

The first episode of a two-part series on the organization that would later become known as the Smaldone Crime Family, which ran organized crime in Denver and much of Colorado during the 20th century.   We tell the story of the early days of organized crime in Colorado, how the area’s Mafia got its start, the bloody strife during the 1920’s and early 30’s, and how that strife ultimately led to what became known as the Smaldone organization.   If the violence in New York and on the East Coast at the time can be considered the epitome of viciousness, I can assure you that Colorado’s infighting was every bit as violent—it just doesn’t get the credit it deserves since it’s not quite as high profile.   This episode is focused primarily on how the mob evolved within the state, and specifically in the main hubs of Denver and Pueblo, Colorado which were two separate but very much interrelated groups. To those from the area, I’d love it if you chime in and share your stories in the comments section for this video.   The big events we cover in this video include:  Early Italian immigration to Colorado  How Prohibition contributed to the rise of the mobs  The story of the Carlino Brothers, Pete, Sam and Charlie Carlino  The Carlino's war with the Danna family  The "Bootlegger's Convention" in Denver in 1931  The murder of Pete and Sam Carlino  The rise and fall of Giuseppe "Joe" Roma  Enter the Smaldone Brothers and the Pueblo Mafia   In the next episode, we will discuss the rise and careers of Clyde "Flip Flop" Smaldone, Eugene "Checkers" Smaldone, Clarence "Chauncey" Smaldone, as well as several Pueblo Cosa Nostra members. Also, here are the links to buy the books I cited within the episode... 'Colorado's Carlino Brothers: A Bootlegging Empire' by Sam Carlino: https://www.amazon.com/Colorados-Carlino-Brothers-Bootlegging-Empire/dp/1467143278/ 'Smaldone: The Untold Story of An American Crime Family' by Dick Kreck: https://www.amazon.com/Smaldone-Untold-Story-American-Family/dp/1555917062

In this episode, we explore the first and second Gallo Wars (also dubbed the Profaci and Colombo family wars) in an effort to solve the question of whether the alleged incident in which Aniello "Mr. Neil" Dellacroce was severely beaten by Joey Gallo during the original Profaci-Gallo conflict in 1961.   Additionally, we provide a blow-by-blow of some of the key events related to both Gallo Wars, as well as analysis related to the alleged incident involved Dellacroce and Gallo.   See website for full list of sources: https://membersonlypodcast.com/did-joey-gallo-punch-neil-dellacroce-during-gallo-wars/ Primary sources:   https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1972/04/12/79466500.html?pageNumber=26  https://www.newspapers.com/image/464343866/  https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=955#relPageId=43  https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=95091#relPageId=7&search=%22luna_restaurant%22

In this episode, we tell the story of a man who once had a blossoming career as a professional ballplayer, and how he became a vicious and respected hitman for the Patriarca Crime Family.   Maurice "Pro" Lerner grew up in Massachusetts and at just 18 years old, he signed his first professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators. He would go on to spend 10 years in the minor leagues, compiling a career batting average of .308 while playing for 21 different minor league ball clubs.   Unfortunately, when his baseball career fizzled out, his penchant for getting into trouble and a violent streak led him to become involved in the criminal underworld in New England. He would ultimately become an enforcer and hitman for the Patriarca Crime Family and would be involved in a number of gangland slayings, including his role as the primary shooter in the infamous double homicide of Rudolph "Rudy" Marfeo and Anthony Melei in 1968.   Ultimately, Lerner would stand trial with several confederates including the Don of the underworld in New England, Raymond Patriarca himself. Lerner and the others would be convicted and sentenced to prison, with Lerner receiving two life sentences.   Maurice "Pro" Lerner would serve 18 years of his life sentence, but would be released in 1988 after his conviction was overturned due to a revelation of significant perjury on the part of the main witness in his case along with corruption from the primary FBI agent on the case.   After release, Lerner would live out the rest of his life in Las Vegas, Nevada, passing away in 2013 at the age of 78.  Primary source for this story: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/sports/baseball/maurice-lerner-prospect-turned-mob-hitman.html

In today’s episode, the second of a two-part series, we’re finally branching outside of New York to cover Raymond L.S. Patriarca, one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra.   Raimondo "Raymond" Loredo Salvatore Patriarca was boss over the New England area for over 30 years (1952-1984). Basing his family's operations in Providence, Rhode Island, Patriarca was one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. He ruled over the New England area including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, etc. with an iron fist for more than three decades as the namesake of what is still known even today as the Patriarca crime family.    By most accounts, Ray Patriarca was one of the most ruthless and effective bosses, be it inside or outside of New York, in the entire country. In fact, legend has it that he allegedly even once ordered a solider to murder his own son. So when I say ruthless, I mean about as heartless as they come. Even still, his men respected him, he was viewed as a good and fair leader, and due to that he was able to exert control not just Rhode Island but on the entirety of New England.   In this episode, we'll specifically discuss:   -When he takes over as boss in 1952  -His reputed presence at Apalachin  -Senate Hearings of late 1950's  -Mediation of the Gallo/Profaci Family War  -Discussions around the Bonnano Family War  -The Valachi Hearings  -Joseph "The Animal" Barboza  -His 1960s murder conspiracy conviction  -His other murder cases in the early 1980's  -His involved in the Bonded Vault Heist  -His death in 1984   Link to Part One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qyHLNBUc7w

In today’s episode, the first of a two-part series, we’re finally branching outside of New York to cover Raymond L.S. Patriarca, one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. Raimondo "Raymond" Loredo Salvatore Patriarca was boss over the New England area for over 30 years (1952-1984). Basing his family's operations in Providence, Rhode Island, Patriarca was one of the most feared and respected bosses in the history of the American Cosa Nostra. He ruled over the New England area including Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, etc. with an iron fist for more than three decades as the namesake of what is still known even today as the Patriarca crime family.  By most accounts, Ray Patriarca was one of the most ruthless and effective bosses, be it inside or outside of New York, in the entire country. In fact, legend has it that he allegedly even once ordered a solider to murder his own son.  So when I say ruthless, I mean about as heartless as they come. Even still, his men respected him, he was viewed as a good and fair leader, and due to that he was able to exert control not just Rhode Island but on the entirety of New England.  Link to Part Two: https://youtu.be/Zae26BJCafo

In this episode, mob historian and history buff Jacob Stoops delves into the Wedding Scene from the Godfather.    In this scene, which is one of the most important scenes of the movie, you're introduced to the Corleone family at large. He dives into the stories of the iconic characters, the actors, and even real life mafiosi including:   Sonny Corleone (James Caan) Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) Fredo Corleone (John Cazale) Peter Clemenza (Richard Castellano) Salvatore Tessio (Abe Vigoda) Johnny Fontane (Al Martino) Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall) Carmela Corleone (Morgana King) Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) Connie Corleone (Talia Shire) Carlo Rizzi (Gianni Russo) Paulie Gatto (Johnny Martino) Don Emilio Barzini (Richard Conte) Frank Anthony Vallelonga Sr. (aka "Tony Lip")   Please check out the video review of The Opening Scene: https://youtu.be/oBkPJoiBEJI   The focus will be on providing his opinion, tidbits of information from the books the movies are often based on, as well as some behind-the-scenes information that serves to help viewers explore, contextualize, and clarify stories related to the most famous historical movies. The overarching goal is not only to entertain but to educate and inform.   As with all episodes of this podcast, his views are his own. The production of this content is a labor of love, and is a means of expressing passion for history as well as cinema and pop culture. Courteous viewer feedback is always welcomed.   *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. All rights belong to their respective owners.

In this episode, we cover a mobster who is probably most well-known for enjoying a good shoe shine. That’s right, we’re talking about none other than William “Billy Batts” Bentvena.   “Billy Batts” was a soldier within the Gambino Crime Family from the 1950’s through the early 1970’s, and was one who rubbed elbows with some very famous Cosa Nostra members including of course his good friend, one John Joseph Gotti.   Bentvena’s lasting legacy is in my opinion not as a significant individual contributor to the mob, though he was tied up in a pretty significant event as we’ll discuss.  His name is really only remembered as a result of the repercussions of his brutal murder, which was famously portrayed in the classic mob film, Goodfellas. "Now go home and get your fucking shine box!" is one of the most memorable lines in movie history.

In this episode, mob historian and history buff Jacob Stoops delves into the Opening Scene from the Godfather.

We tell the story of the murder of a low-level associate of the Luciano Crime Family, Ferdinand “The Shadow” Boccia.

In this episode we cover one of the most powerful gangsters in New York City during the 1950’s and 1960’s, Michele “Big Mike” Miranda, one who had direct ties to some of the most infamous events in mob history and who was the right-hand man of one “Don Vitone”, aka Vito Genovese.

We cover Vincent “The Executioner” Mangano, the the first “official” head of what eventually becomes known as the modern-day Gambino crime family.

In this episode series, history buff and mob aficionado Jacob Stoops provides a high-level 101-style overview of the origins of the American mob dating back to its beginnings. In this episode we talk about mob-slang, biggest mob events since the 1930's, the process of an actual "making" ceremony, whether mob families have ever been infiltrated, and if the mob is still active.

In this episode series, history buff and mob aficionado Jacob Stoops provides a high-level 101-style overview of the origins of the American mob dating back to its beginnings. We discuss the Castellammarese War, organizational structures, family positions and ranks, as well as basic rules and regulations.

In this episode, history buff and mob aficionado Jacob Stoops provides a high-level 101-style overview of the origins of the American mob dating back to its beginnings.

In our first mobster biography, we profile Gaetano “Tommy” Gagliano, the original boss of what the U.S. Federal authorities would later designate as the Lucchese crime family, one of the “Five Families” of New York City and probably the lowest-profile boss in the history of America Cosa Nostra.