In this episode, we dive deep into a gripping story from the dark world of organized crime, centering on the infamous Bonanno crime family. Our narrative follows Larry Santoro, an unsuspecting cabinet maker who, finds himself entangled Frank Gangi and Billy bright, members of Tommy "Karate" Pitera’s brutal drug gang. Known for his ruthless enforcement and violent reputation, Pitera represents the deadly allure and hazards of the criminal underworld that ordinary people can stumble into,...

In this episode, Gary Jenkins interviews Kansas City-based screenwriter and author John Sanders, who brings compelling insights into the life of Owney Madden—a notorious figure in organized crime. As a former Kansas City police detective, I’ve always been fascinated by mob history, and John’s unique perspective, intertwined with personal family stories, provides a captivating look into Madden's life. We trace Madden’s journey from his early days with the Gophers gang in New York City to his...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire Crime Stories, retired police detective Gary Jenkins speaks with former FBI agent Mark Sewell, who delves into his investigation of the notorious Gold Club in Atlanta and its ties to organized crime. Mark shares his journey from the Marine Corps to the FBI, detailing how his training prepared him to tackle organized crime. The discussion...

In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins engages former FBI agent Fred Graessle, who shares insights from his thirty-year career with the Bureau. They discuss Graessle's early experiences in Cleveland during a tumultuous period of organized crime, focusing on significant cases such as the violent conflicts involving Italian and Irish mobs. Fred tells the famous story about the stolen informant list how it contained the name of...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, I investigate the life of Norman DuPont, the notorious manager of the Ravenite Social Club, a key mob hangout. From my background as a former Kansas City Police detective, I share insights gained from footage of the club’s patrons and recount a violent confrontation at the Feast of San Gennaro with New York City cops, an incident that marked Norman DuPont’s...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, I describe details about the horrific demise of mobsters Tony and Michael Spilotro, as told in open court by the recently deceased Chicago Outfit member Nick Calabrese. Michael Spilotro thought he was gping to a meeting of the Chicago Outfit bosses so they could “make” him a member or get “whistled in.” Michael Spilotro was wrong; I think he and his brother,...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, Gary interviews former NYPD officer Marique Bartoldus, who shares her 20-year journey in law enforcement. Marique’s book is Twenty and Out: A Compilation of Chaos experienced while serving 20 years in the New York City Police Department. Marique shares exciting life stories on the gritty streets with the NYPD in this well-written book. We discuss her...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Gary remembered a few more Cork stories so watch this to hear about Cork’s sex life and his gun buying gone wrong. Support the Podcast Subscribe to get new gangster stories every week. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft:...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, Gary recounts the criminal life of Carl “Cork Civella,” a key player in Kansas City’s mob scene. From humble immigrant beginnings with his brother Nick to street boss of the KC Family, he is subservient only to his brother Nick. Gary highlights Cork’s unpredictable nature, significant street presence, loyalty to Nick as an enforcer, and reckless behavior...

In this episode, we explore the intriguing life of Wayne Newton, “Mr. Las Vegas,” and his unexpected ties to organized crime. I share discoveries into a strange relationship between a Gambino family associate and this Las Vegas entertainer. I reveal Newton’s connections with mobster Guido Penosi amid his performances at the Copacabana Club. The narrative delves into how Newton’s rise to fame attracted the attention of the Gambino family, leading to offers of “protection” and entangling him in...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, we dive into the captivating tales of Gary Clemente’s father, Peter C. Clemente, who was a significant figure in the FBI’s Top Hoodlum Squad. Peter’s career spanned from 1950 to 1976, and he played a vital role in various high-profile cases within the Mafia. One notable event was the Appalachian Mob Conclave, where top mob leaders were detained, leading to...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of the Gangland Wire podcast, Michael Vecchione, a former Brooklyn prosecutor and author, discusses his novels inspired by real-life experiences in the criminal underworld. Gary Jenkins and Michael Vecchione focus on Lucchese mobster Anthony Gaspipe Casso. These two veterans of the fight against the Mafia delve into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the gritty...

Dean Jobb, author of “A Gentleman and a Thief,” discusses his passion for writing about true crime stories and bringing history to life creatively. He focuses on the Jazz Age thief, Arthur Barry, known for daring jewel heists and his gentlemanly demeanor during crimes. Jobb delves into Barry’s heists, interactions with high society, and relationship with his wife, Anna Blake. The lack of sophisticated investigative techniques in that era allowed Barry to outsmart law enforcement, adding a...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, Gary shares a captivating story about the Gambino family’s best earner, Sal LoCascio. He highlights the family’s significance as big moneymakers, like Family boss Paul Castellano, a major earner. Jenkins shares intriguing details about a surveillance video he came across showing mob members at the Ravenite, sparking his interest in a moneymaker named...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Margalit Fox joins the Gangland Wire podcast to discuss her book, “The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: The Rise and Fall of an American Organized Crime Boss” which delves into the story of the early fence Mrs. Mandelbaum. Mrs. Mandelbaum operated a successful New York City criminal empire focusing on stolen luxury goods and bank robbery for 25 years, evading jail time. Margalit...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, I explore the history of 10 Legendary Black Gangsters, highlighting key figures and organizations from the 1920s to the present day. We discuss the evolution of black organized crime in cities like New York, Detroit, Chicago, and Philadelphia, focusing on prominent individuals such as Nicky Barnes, Samuel Christian, Frank Matthews, and Larry Hoover. The...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, I start with FBI agent Doug Fencl telling the story of revealing Joe Pistone’s true identity as an undercover agent to Bonanno-Capo Sonny Black. This revelation set off a chain of events leading to the downfall of high-ranking members of the Bonanno crime family, including boss Joe Massino. Delving into Joe Messino’s background, we explore his ruthless rise...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Larry McShane joins the podcast to discuss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, focusing on Peter Savino, a key player in convicting Gigante. Larry wrote a book, “Chin: The Life and Times of Vincent Gigante,” detailing Gigante’s rise to power in the Genovese crime family. Gary learned that Savino went into Witness Protection and lived out his life in Kansas City. Savino’s role in the...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. The Kansas City Mafia enforces their rules on bar owners like Ferris Anthon even when they have to resort to deadly and drastic measures. In this episode, we recount the harrowing experience of Sheriff Tom Bash, a fearless lawman in Jackson County, Missouri, during the 1930s. Witness the gripping account of Sheriff Tom Bash’s confrontation with the Kansas City Mafia in a...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire, I speak with Nick Annunziata, known for his role as Chicago Outfit member Johnny Roselli in Mafia Spies. We discussed his experience portraying Roselli. Nick relates that part of his preparation was to contact Albert Anastasia’s son, who knew Johnny Roselli. We discuss some JFK assassination theories involving Roselli. Nick shares insights...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mafia Spies with Gary Jenkins, a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective turned podcaster, as he welcomes special guest Thomas Maier, author of “Mafia Spies.” Thomas Maier provides unique insights into the JFK Assassination document release, offering a glimpse into the laborious process of sifting through countless pages with extensive redaction. Explore the intricate web of connections linking the JFK assassination, the Castro-CIA...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, Gary talks with Tom Jenkins, the author of “The Next Run”. Tom recounts his experiences as a significant pot smuggler in the 60s. He shares fun stories of his adventures in Mexico and beyond. He details how he got started in smuggling, the evolution of the drug trade, and his close relationships with his Mexican contacts, particularly Abelardo. Tom also...

In this episode, Gary Jenkins, a retired Kansas City police detective, discusses the life of Jimmy “Ice Pick” Inendino, a prominent figure in the Chicago Outfit. Despite never holding a top leadership position, Inendino was a respected member known for his involvement in the criminal underworld. Jenkins delves into Inendino’s potential role as an informant, citing FBI documents that suggest he provided information on truck hijackings and other criminal activities.   Jenkins explores...

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, we learn about Frank Morelli’s remarkable journey, from owning a successful restaurant to starting a pasta company that went public. Frank was imprisoned for 38 months due to his involvement in reverse mergers and taking companies public. From Success to Struggle: Frank shares his story of success in the food industry, which took a tumultuous turn when his...