By Steve Neavling
The Justice Department on Wednesday charged 10 men accused of being members of the Gambino crime family with racketeering conspiracy involving violent extortions, assaults, arson, and union-related crimes.
In coordination with Italian law enforcement officials, six organized crime members and associates connected to the Gambino family were charged in Italy with numerous crimes, including mafia association and related offenses. Another suspect was still at large Wednesday.
The U.S.-based defendants are charged in a 16-count indictment that alleges they committed crimes in an effort to dominate New York’s carting and demolition industries. They are accused of intimidation, violent assaults, embezzling funds, and defrauding unions and employee benefit plans.
The indictment alleges the men threatened business leaders and demanded protection payments. They also are accused of evading union rules and rigging bids for lucrative demolition contracts.
The defendants are Joseph Lanni, also known as “Joe Brooklyn” and “Mommino,” an alleged captain in the Gambino organized crime family, Diego “Danny” Tantillo, Angelo Gradilone, also known as “Fifi,” James LaForte, alleged Gambino soldiers, Vito Rappa, alleged U.S.-based Sicilian Mafia member and Gambino associate, Francesco Vicari, also known as “Uncle Ciccio,” alleged U.S.-based Sicilian Mafia associate and Gambino associate, Salvatore DiLorenzo, Robert Brooke, Kyle Johnson, also known as “Twin,” and Vincent Minsquero, also known as “Vinny Slick,” an alleged Gambino associate.
The Gambino family is a member of the Italian organized crime group known as “La Cosa Nostra.”
