A series of historic congressional hearings brought some of the most powerful figures in the American Mafia face-to-face with government investigators, producing a mix of stonewalling, defiance, and occasional cooperation. Philadelphia crime family boss Nicodemo “Nicky” Scarfo appeared before a panel to discuss a 1980 murder trial in which he was acquitted. Scarfo confirmed he had been charged with murder based on the testimony of Joe Salerno, and that he was found not guilty. He identified his co-defendants as Lawrence Merlino and Philip Leonetti, who were also acquitted.
The victim in the case was Vincent Falcone. Former Genovese family soldier turned government informant Joe Valachi provided a chilling account of receiving the “kiss of death” from boss Vito Genovese. Valachi described how Genovese used the metaphor of a touched apple in a barrel, saying the damaged apple must be removed or it will spoil the rest. He then recounted how Genovese grabbed his hand and kissed him, a gesture Valachi recognized as a suspicious and ominous sign.
When a fellow inmate muttered “the kiss of death,” Valachi said he ignored it, but spent the night watching Genovese check to see if he was asleep, admitting he was upset and understood the gesture had meaning. Crazy Joe Gallo, a soldier in the Profaci family, appeared alongside his older brother Larry Gallo. When asked if he was a thug or hoodlum, Gallo repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, stating in each instance: “I respectfully decline to answer because I honestly believe my answer might tend to criminate me. ” He gave the same response when asked if he was known as a racketeer and gangster, and when asked about his association with labor organizations and unions.
Aging Chicago Outfit power Anthony Accardo faced sharp questioning about his nickname “Joe Batters. ” Accardo acknowledged he had been known by that name for years, since he was a young man, but claimed he could not remember how he got it or who gave it to him. Accardo also testified about a recent visit from fellow mobster Joey Aiuppa, saying the man stayed about 20 minutes. A committee counsel pressed Accardo on whether he and Aiuppa had discussed the committee’s investigation during that visit, given that both men had been the subject of extensive publicity from earlier hearings and Aiuppa had refused to appear.
Accardo insisted they never talked about it, saying: “Never discussed that. That’s right. ” The frustrated counsel noted the curious nature of the testimony, observing that these men know each other for years, have dinner together, and see their names linked in the papers, yet never ask what the other person does beyond being a good golfer. Accardo was also questioned about his connection to Al Capone.
When asked if he once worked for Capone, Accardo replied, “Not sure. ” He described their association as “no association at all,” only a friendly “hello, how are you” relationship. When told he was reputed to be Capone’s chauffeur and bodyguard, Accardo dismissed it, saying he only knew that “outside of the newspapers. ”
Sammy “the Bull” Gravano, former underboss of the Gambino family, offered rare insight into how the mob operated.
He explained that being “with” a family meant a made member put you “on record” with his captain, giving you the family’s protection and connections. Gravano distinguished this from being a “made member,” a separate stage that comes later when a man is brought into a meeting, given an oath, and becomes a full “blood member. ”
Gravano described how the family could “reach” anyone, including Donald Trump, through its union contacts. He testified that the Gambino family could use figures like Jimmy Roselli or Bobby Sasso, who controlled Teamsters Local 282 in New York, to open a door for a meeting.
Gravano explained that putting a business dealing “on record” meant a made member reported to his captain, who would then inform the administration, allowing the boss to know what connections the family had across different industries. The testimony turned to a dispute between the Gambino and Bufalino families over portions of boxer Buddy McGirt’s contract. Gravano identified three men in an FBI surveillance video from November 15, 1989, filmed on Mulberry Street in Manhattan: himself, Eddie Scandrich, and Jo Jo Corozzo, at the Ravenite Club, one of the Gambino family’s headquarters. He acknowledged these individuals were involved in the dispute over who owned part of McGirt’s contract.
When asked if McGirt could have been unaware that part of his earnings went to organized crime, Gravano replied, “It’s very possible, Senator. “