In this episode, Lara and Nina delve into the 1977 gambling charges against several mob figures, including Larry Zannino, Abe Sarkis and Melvin Berger. They discuss the background of these individuals, the events leading up to the charges, the court proceedings, and the eventual sentencing. The conversation also touches on the life of Dominic Isabella, a figure in Boston organized crime, and how he was connected to Lara's father, Richie Chicofsky.

00:00 Introduction and Milestones

00:59 The 1977 Gambling Charges

06:08 Larry Zannino's Early Days and Indictment

10:39 Sentencing and Consequences

15:57 Dominic Isabella's Arrest and Background

In this episode Lara and Nina discuss the Danvers Armory heist of 1976, where the weapons ended up, the attacks carried out by the IRA with some of the stolen M60s, their theories and more!

Much attention has been given to the Mafia induction ceremony of 1989 in Medford, Massachusetts, but few remember the ceremony that took place on October 5, 1977 in Boston. Lara and Nina discuss the men that were made that day and the testimony about the induction ceremony itself.

Links:

La "Causa" Nostra - The Hill - Part 1

Family Feud - The Hill - Part 2

Jack's Justice - Part 1 - The First Round of Arrests

Not Your Average Joe

Lara and Nina delve answer questions about Sonny Mercurio and Little Joe Napolitano. They introduce Joe Puzzangara, discuss informants, connections between various Mafia figures., their counterfeiting operations and the massage parlor case that was the first RICO case in Massachusetts.

Joseph Puzzangara family tree

Russell Nicholson episodes 13 and 25

Chapters

00:00 Mailbag Questions and Informants

04:03 The Story of Joe Puzzangara

09:57 Counterfeiting and Connections

15:52 The Massage Parlor Case and RICO

This episode was inspired by a listener's email. Nina and Lara discuss Big Joe, Mickey and Little Joe Napolitano and their adventures in Maine including morphine, a still and a counterfeiting ring.

00:00Introduction to Organized Crime in Maine

01:55Intel Laundering: The Dark Side of Information

04:40The Napolitano Family

07:30Mickey Napolitano's Criminal Ventures

10:12Little Joe Napolitano's Counterfeiting Operations

13:09The Downfall of Little Joe Napolitano

In this episode, Lara and Nina revisit Nicky Bianco's early years including his time as a member of the Colombo Family and his return to Rhode Island, early legal troubles including income tax evasion, and his post prison career as a paralegal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week

02:02 Nicky D'Anco's Background and Rise

06:49 Nicky's Leadership and Legal Troubles

12:43 Nicky's Post-Prison Life and Legal Issues

Nina and Lara delve into the mob slayings of 1976 in Massachusetts and RI. The hosts explore key figures, events, and the implications of these crimes, including the tragic story of Richie Castucci. They highlight the intertwining lives of mobsters, law enforcement, and the consequences of greed and betrayal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:07 Exploring the Winter Hill Murders

05:04 The Power of the Lam

08:24 The Death of Frank "ChiChi" Cucchiara

09:33 The Murder of Patrick J. Fabiano

12:19 James F. Kearney

15:05 Inmate Violence at Walpole

20:07 The Downfall of John Eugene Rossi

25:32 The Aftermath of Rossi's Death

27:12 The Murder of Richie Castucci

30:22 The Financial Motives Behind Castucci's Death

36:21 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Trials and Stories

In this episode, the hosts delve into the Bonded Vault heist trial, exploring more details of the robbery, the various players involved, and the courtroom dynamics that unfolded over the course of the trial. They discuss witness testimonies, the role of organized crime, and the eventual verdicts that led to life sentences for the convicted individuals. The conversation highlights the drama and intrigue surrounding one of the largest heists in U.S. history, providing insights into the motivations and actions of those involved.