You're listening to Law and Order Criminal Justice System, a production of Wolf Entertainment and iHeart podcasts.

You're listening to Law and Order Criminal Justice System, a production of Wolf Entertainment and iHeart podcasts.

In the criminal justice system, landmark trials transcend the courtroom to reshape the law. The brave many women who investigate and prosecute these cases are part of a select group that has defined American history. These are their stories. Wednesday, August twenty eighth, nineteen ninety six, Federal District Court, Brooklyn.

In the criminal justice system, landmark trials transcend the courtroom to reshape the law. The brave many women who investigate and prosecute these cases are part of a select group that has defined American history. These are their stories. Wednesday, August twenty eighth, nineteen ninety six, Federal District Court, Brooklyn.

After six years of protracted legal battles, Vincent the Ciniganti, the boss of the Genevese crime family, was declared mentally competent to stand trial. His decades long odd Father act deemed an elaborate deception.

After six years of protracted legal battles, Vincent the Ciniganti, the boss of the Genevese crime family, was declared mentally competent to stand trial. His decades long odd Father act deemed an elaborate deception.

Vinnie the Cinigante is sane enough to stand trial. That's what a federal judge decided. The alleged mob boss will face charge of murder and racketeering.

Vinnie the Cinigante is sane enough to stand trial. That's what a federal judge decided. The alleged mob boss will face charge of murder and racketeering.

The judge ruled that Giganty's public display of bizarre behavior was all part of a campaign of quote persistent malingering, and that, with the help of relatives, he had feigned mental illness for over twenty years as a means to elude prosecution.

The judge ruled that Giganty's public display of bizarre behavior was all part of a campaign of quote persistent malingering, and that, with the help of relatives, he had feigned mental illness for over twenty years as a means to elude prosecution.

For years, his lawyers have been saying he's insane, that all he does is walk around outside in a bathrobe. He must now appear in court next week.

For years, his lawyers have been saying he's insane, that all he does is walk around outside in a bathrobe. He must now appear in court next week.

In the ten years since the Commission trial, Giganty had been the only New York mob boss to escape imprisonment. But after this dramatic nineteen ninety six competency hearing, the tables were starting to turn.

In the ten years since the Commission trial, Giganty had been the only New York mob boss to escape imprisonment. But after this dramatic nineteen ninety six competency hearing, the tables were starting to turn.

The government's witnesses, cops and agents would document the movements of a saying, at least according to them, Vincent Giganty.

The government's witnesses, cops and agents would document the movements of a saying, at least according to them, Vincent Giganty.

You're not with the mob because you want to be. It's the gangster that decides whether y're his associated with.

You're not with the mob because you want to be. It's the gangster that decides whether y're his associated with.

If you like your life, you will vote to acquit.

If you like your life, you will vote to acquit.

I'm Aniseega Nicolazzi.

I'm Aniseega Nicolazzi.

My father should have been a dead man.

My father should have been a dead man.

From Wolf Entertainment and iHeart Podcasts. This is law and order criminal justice system. In the years following the Commission trial, Vincent Gigante had reached an almost mythical status among the Five families. For most Gene's mobsters, it would have been extremely rare to catch a glimpse of their reclusive boss, let alone speak with him, unless, that is, you are responsible for engineering something new, something that would generate millions of dollars. That kind of juice could earn you a seat at the table. Taking advantage of a government subsidy program. A savvy Genovi's associate by the name of Pete Savino, had developed a scheme involving windows. Savino rig bids for the installation and replacement of windows throughout the city houses, buildings, low rises, even skyscrapers. Much like the concrete racket. It wasn't sexy, but it was extremely profitable and for the next decade, netted the four participating families hundreds of millions of dollars.

From Wolf Entertainment and iHeart Podcasts. This is law and order criminal justice system. In the years following the Commission trial, Vincent Gigante had reached an almost mythical status among the Five families. For most Gene's mobsters, it would have been extremely rare to catch a glimpse of their reclusive boss, let alone speak with him, unless, that is, you are responsible for engineering something new, something that would generate millions of dollars. That kind of juice could earn you a seat at the table. Taking advantage of a government subsidy program. A savvy Genovi's associate by the name of Pete Savino, had developed a scheme involving windows. Savino rig bids for the installation and replacement of windows throughout the city houses, buildings, low rises, even skyscrapers. Much like the concrete racket. It wasn't sexy, but it was extremely profitable and for the next decade, netted the four participating families hundreds of millions of dollars.

The government claims that since nineteen seventy eight, the mob's control of the bidding, manufacture, and installation of replacement windows resulted in the mafia getting three fourths of the one hundred and ninety one million dollar replacement window business in city housing projects.

The government claims that since nineteen seventy eight, the mob's control of the bidding, manufacture, and installation of replacement windows resulted in the mafia getting three fourths of the one hundred and ninety one million dollar replacement window business in city housing projects.

Savino had become a money making machine for the Genevies, and his reward was something rare, indeed, the confidence of the boss. He was granted the privilege of meeting with Gigante dozens of times over the years, eating dinner together, meeting his family, even gaining access to Gigante's exclusive village hangout, the Triangle Club on Si Sulli Street. A rare feat from your associate, But as Jim Kostler points out, that privilege also came with its fair share of risk, and nothing could be more frightening than answering a late night summons from the boss.

Savino had become a money making machine for the Genevies, and his reward was something rare, indeed, the confidence of the boss. He was granted the privilege of meeting with Gigante dozens of times over the years, eating dinner together, meeting his family, even gaining access to Gigante's exclusive village hangout, the Triangle Club on Si Sulli Street. A rare feat from your associate, But as Jim Kostler points out, that privilege also came with its fair share of risk, and nothing could be more frightening than answering a late night summons from the boss.

He got a phone call in the middle of the night, two or three in the morning from Gigante's right hand man telling him come to Sullivan Street right now, get over here, right now.

He got a phone call in the middle of the night, two or three in the morning from Gigante's right hand man telling him come to Sullivan Street right now, get over here, right now.

So Vino had no choice but to obey. Given Gigante's reputation, this might be a one way trip.

So Vino had no choice but to obey. Given Gigante's reputation, this might be a one way trip.

Told his wife, I guess I'll never see you again. This is it. He's called me to come over. I'd probably be dead by morning. We haf to two. If you're told, if you join that your life is in the hands of the mob. But he did what he was told, and he came over to Sullivan Street and walked into the club. Gigante was sitting at the table, and he goes over and Gigante takes out this catalog and he says, see if you can get me three pair of these sweatsuits, Oh my gosh. And he says, okay, how get him? And he left and that's the kuy The guy. He was scared his own people to death.

Told his wife, I guess I'll never see you again. This is it. He's called me to come over. I'd probably be dead by morning. We haf to two. If you're told, if you join that your life is in the hands of the mob. But he did what he was told, and he came over to Sullivan Street and walked into the club. Gigante was sitting at the table, and he goes over and Gigante takes out this catalog and he says, see if you can get me three pair of these sweatsuits, Oh my gosh. And he says, okay, how get him? And he left and that's the kuy The guy. He was scared his own people to death.

The fear he instilled in even his own men, including favorites like Pete Savino, was critical to his unrivaled control. Here's his daughter read it.

The fear he instilled in even his own men, including favorites like Pete Savino, was critical to his unrivaled control. Here's his daughter read it.

Giganty, Vito Genovies and some of the others. They were ruthless and they would kill someone at the drop of a hat. My father was not that way, but he was very strict on There was a servant code and you had to follow the code, and if he didn't follow the code, there were consequences, which is why.

Giganty, Vito Genovies and some of the others. They were ruthless and they would kill someone at the drop of a hat. My father was not that way, but he was very strict on There was a servant code and you had to follow the code, and if he didn't follow the code, there were consequences, which is why.

When Paul Castellano was killed in front of Spark Steakhouse without commission approval, Giganty swore revenge against the men behind it, namely John Gotti, and while Gotti was able to escape retribution, his co conspirators were not so lucky. In other words, Vincent Giganti was not a man you wanted to cross. Ever, to even think about cooperating with law enforcement meant risking your life and possibly that of your families. But in nineteen eighty seven, that is exactly the dilemma Pete Savino found himself in after the FBI connected him to six drug related murders. Savino was given a simple ultimatum, agree to cooperate or you're going to jail. Here's former FBI agent might camp be Pete.

When Paul Castellano was killed in front of Spark Steakhouse without commission approval, Giganty swore revenge against the men behind it, namely John Gotti, and while Gotti was able to escape retribution, his co conspirators were not so lucky. In other words, Vincent Giganti was not a man you wanted to cross. Ever, to even think about cooperating with law enforcement meant risking your life and possibly that of your families. But in nineteen eighty seven, that is exactly the dilemma Pete Savino found himself in after the FBI connected him to six drug related murders. Savino was given a simple ultimatum, agree to cooperate or you're going to jail. Here's former FBI agent might camp be Pete.

Savino became a cooperating witness on the Windows case, so he was making recordings with regard to that whole window installation generated millions and millions of dollars for all families.

Savino became a cooperating witness on the Windows case, so he was making recordings with regard to that whole window installation generated millions and millions of dollars for all families.

Once the up and coming favorite of the Genevese Boss, Savino was now his biggest threat and if caught, it would likely cost him his life, but incredibly, wearing a wire was a risk he was willing to take, though there were some within the family who suspected that Savino had flipped. As Mike can't be discovered in a bugged conversation with a Genevie soldier.

Once the up and coming favorite of the Genevese Boss, Savino was now his biggest threat and if caught, it would likely cost him his life, but incredibly, wearing a wire was a risk he was willing to take, though there were some within the family who suspected that Savino had flipped. As Mike can't be discovered in a bugged conversation with a Genevie soldier.

He was forewarned that Savino was a rat, and he was trying to warn others to stay away from him, but others, because of the money being generated in that industry, they ignored it.

He was forewarned that Savino was a rat, and he was trying to warn others to stay away from him, but others, because of the money being generated in that industry, they ignored it.

Savino's Windows racket was a winner, and each of the families had reason to protect it. But the real reason Savino was still alive was simple. He was Giganti's guide, and the Boss refused to believe he had been betrayed.

Savino's Windows racket was a winner, and each of the families had reason to protect it. But the real reason Savino was still alive was simple. He was Giganti's guide, and the Boss refused to believe he had been betrayed.

He trusted a man that he shouldn't have trusted, and everybody told him, but he didn't listen.

He trusted a man that he shouldn't have trusted, and everybody told him, but he didn't listen.

In May of nineteen ninety, thanks in large part are recorded conversations collected by Savino, fifteen mafia members from four families were indicted on a Rico enterprise charge. Giganti was arrested in his bathroom at his mother's apartment. Facing a trial, it was time to see if Gigante's elaborate Insanity Act would allow him to escape punishment for his crimes. Here's prosecutor Andrew Weisman.

In May of nineteen ninety, thanks in large part are recorded conversations collected by Savino, fifteen mafia members from four families were indicted on a Rico enterprise charge. Giganti was arrested in his bathroom at his mother's apartment. Facing a trial, it was time to see if Gigante's elaborate Insanity Act would allow him to escape punishment for his crimes. Here's prosecutor Andrew Weisman.

He had been indicted, but he had been severed from the case because there was this issue about whether he was competent to go to trial.

He had been indicted, but he had been severed from the case because there was this issue about whether he was competent to go to trial.

Gigante's lawyers were quick to submit psychiatric evaluations, deeming Giganty to be mentally unfit to stand trial. While the court considered it's ruling on his sanity, Giganty was released on bond. He returned to Greenwich Village and to his bathrobe to run the wealthiest crime family in America.

Gigante's lawyers were quick to submit psychiatric evaluations, deeming Giganty to be mentally unfit to stand trial. While the court considered it's ruling on his sanity, Giganty was released on bond. He returned to Greenwich Village and to his bathrobe to run the wealthiest crime family in America.

And so this whole case just sort of languished. He was out on bail, and the case just sat there with the idea that he was incompetent and couldn't go to trial.

And so this whole case just sort of languished. He was out on bail, and the case just sat there with the idea that he was incompetent and couldn't go to trial.

It was clear that Gigante's long con had worked. He had designed a sanity stalemate that would last decades. But other secrets could not be kept as long, and exposing them would ultimately prove to be his downfall. In the relentless investigation into Genevi's boss, Vincent Gigante, the FBI left nostone unturned, but they weren't the only ones uncovering family secrets about his double life.

It was clear that Gigante's long con had worked. He had designed a sanity stalemate that would last decades. But other secrets could not be kept as long, and exposing them would ultimately prove to be his downfall. In the relentless investigation into Genevi's boss, Vincent Gigante, the FBI left nostone unturned, but they weren't the only ones uncovering family secrets about his double life.

He did have another family, well, he had two other families. He had the street family, and then he also had another family that was living uptown.

He did have another family, well, he had two other families. He had the street family, and then he also had another family that was living uptown.

Rita would learn all about her father's infidelity when she was a teen. Despite all she knew about her dad, it was this betrayal that was the most shocking and most painful.

Rita would learn all about her father's infidelity when she was a teen. Despite all she knew about her dad, it was this betrayal that was the most shocking and most painful.

The name of the woman is the same name as my mother, which is unheard of because it's not a common name, not at all. It's so bizarre.

The name of the woman is the same name as my mother, which is unheard of because it's not a common name, not at all. It's so bizarre.

Vincent Giganty had a wife named Olympia in New Jersey. He also had a girlfriend who you can't make this up, was named Olympia.

Vincent Giganty had a wife named Olympia in New Jersey. He also had a girlfriend who you can't make this up, was named Olympia.

Coincidence maybe, But when it came to the odd father people were convinced that the Genevese boss left nothing to chance. Here's former prosecutor, Guilt Childers.

Coincidence maybe, But when it came to the odd father people were convinced that the Genevese boss left nothing to chance. Here's former prosecutor, Guilt Childers.

I thought that was the biggest piece of information that showed he wasn't nuts. He was very smart. He couldn't get the name wrong no matter which woman he was with. His mistress was on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, who he would spend more time with than actually his wife generally.

I thought that was the biggest piece of information that showed he wasn't nuts. He was very smart. He couldn't get the name wrong no matter which woman he was with. His mistress was on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, who he would spend more time with than actually his wife generally.

According to Rita, Giganti's betrayal took a very heavy toll on her mom.

According to Rita, Giganti's betrayal took a very heavy toll on her mom.

My mom also experienced a lot of depression and anxiety. They put her on valume at age thirty seven because of the anxiety attacks that she was having because she felt ashamed.

My mom also experienced a lot of depression and anxiety. They put her on valume at age thirty seven because of the anxiety attacks that she was having because she felt ashamed.

In addition to Olympia's five children, the other Olympia, Borgia Gante, two daughters and a son, Rita's mother had known about his second family for years, and along with as many other lies and crimes, she bore the burden of the secret until one day when she finally couldn't hold it in any longer and confided in her youngest daughter.

In addition to Olympia's five children, the other Olympia, Borgia Gante, two daughters and a son, Rita's mother had known about his second family for years, and along with as many other lies and crimes, she bore the burden of the secret until one day when she finally couldn't hold it in any longer and confided in her youngest daughter.

I was like, no way, I just did not see my father as this guy.

I was like, no way, I just did not see my father as this guy.

I don't know why it runs in that whole gamut of the world that he ran in, and yet I did not see him as this man.

I don't know why it runs in that whole gamut of the world that he ran in, and yet I did not see him as this man.

I just looked at her, like, what are we doing here? Why are you still doing this? Like get out, you know, like leave.

I just looked at her, like, what are we doing here? Why are you still doing this? Like get out, you know, like leave.

And I think the most she lasted was maybe three weeks, and then she softened and missed him and went back to it. And I had to come to the realization that this is who she was. I had to accept that, and eventually I just stopped trying to help or make her see things a certain way, because I knew she was never walking away.

And I think the most she lasted was maybe three weeks, and then she softened and missed him and went back to it. And I had to come to the realization that this is who she was. I had to accept that, and eventually I just stopped trying to help or make her see things a certain way, because I knew she was never walking away.

For years, the FBI's Genov squad had been trying to keep taps on the Boss, but tailing him was no easy feat. Every night, his chauffeur engaged in dangerous street racing tactics, weaving his Cadillac through one way streets the wrong way, ignoring speed limits, and blowing through red lights. But he had one routine that was regular as clockwork, his visits uptown to the other Olympia. Eventually, the squad managed to follow him to the townhouse, and what they witnessed would prove to be the first chink in the Boss's armor.

For years, the FBI's Genov squad had been trying to keep taps on the Boss, but tailing him was no easy feat. Every night, his chauffeur engaged in dangerous street racing tactics, weaving his Cadillac through one way streets the wrong way, ignoring speed limits, and blowing through red lights. But he had one routine that was regular as clockwork, his visits uptown to the other Olympia. Eventually, the squad managed to follow him to the townhouse, and what they witnessed would prove to be the first chink in the Boss's armor.

Jigante was observed walking or being driven to his usual neighborhood haunts, the Triangle Club on Sullivan Street or the Upper east Side townhouse of his longtime girlfriend Olympia Esposito.

Jigante was observed walking or being driven to his usual neighborhood haunts, the Triangle Club on Sullivan Street or the Upper east Side townhouse of his longtime girlfriend Olympia Esposito.

The surveillances would have him walking around the streets in his bathrobe doing all these crazy things, and then around eleven o'clock or midnight, he'd come out of the residence, not dressed in a bathrobe, but dressed in clothes, sometimes stepping out clothes and going up to his mistress and doing other things, acting like a normal person, I suppose to his daytime stick.

The surveillances would have him walking around the streets in his bathrobe doing all these crazy things, and then around eleven o'clock or midnight, he'd come out of the residence, not dressed in a bathrobe, but dressed in clothes, sometimes stepping out clothes and going up to his mistress and doing other things, acting like a normal person, I suppose to his daytime stick.

When Gigante was uptown, the enigma in a bathrobe would drop the act and put on a whole new persona.

When Gigante was uptown, the enigma in a bathrobe would drop the act and put on a whole new persona.

The cop testify that Giganti walked on assisted had numerous conversations contradicting the claim that Giganti is a paranoid schizophrenic who needs constant attention.

The cop testify that Giganti walked on assisted had numerous conversations contradicting the claim that Giganti is a paranoid schizophrenic who needs constant attention.

For the FBI, it was proof that Giganti was not just a liar or a philanderer, but that he was more than capable of standing trial and answering to his many crimes. For his daughter Rita. The revelations about his secret family proved to be a tipping point in her own life.

For the FBI, it was proof that Giganti was not just a liar or a philanderer, but that he was more than capable of standing trial and answering to his many crimes. For his daughter Rita. The revelations about his secret family proved to be a tipping point in her own life.

I started to realize at a certain age that I didn't believe all the things they were telling me about family, about the Catholic religion and.

I started to realize at a certain age that I didn't believe all the things they were telling me about family, about the Catholic religion and.

All of that.

All of that.

In the midst her family chaos, Rita turned inward and revealed a secret of her own.

In the midst her family chaos, Rita turned inward and revealed a secret of her own.

I knew at a very young age that I was gay, and I also knew I couldn't speak to anybody about it, although they all knew, but nobody wanted to talk about it, and I was too afraid to come and talk about it. So the more I didn't talk about my own truth, the more sick I got. It's like, you either sacrifice yourself for the family and not have a life, or you make changes and you create a life for yourself. And physically, my body was always telling me something's got to change. At nineteen, I'm realizing there's so many secrets.

I knew at a very young age that I was gay, and I also knew I couldn't speak to anybody about it, although they all knew, but nobody wanted to talk about it, and I was too afraid to come and talk about it. So the more I didn't talk about my own truth, the more sick I got. It's like, you either sacrifice yourself for the family and not have a life, or you make changes and you create a life for yourself. And physically, my body was always telling me something's got to change. At nineteen, I'm realizing there's so many secrets.

That went on in this family. I don't want to carry any secrets.

That went on in this family. I don't want to carry any secrets.

It's not who I am. So I was like, Okay, I'm going to do it. I'm going to just tell them.

It's not who I am. So I was like, Okay, I'm going to do it. I'm going to just tell them.

Rito was terrified, but she knew it was time.

Rito was terrified, but she knew it was time.

My father was visiting New Jersey at the time, and I'm a wreck I'm shaking, my hands are sweating, you know, my whole body's like forget it. But I knocked on the door and I said, can I come in? I really want to talk. They sat me down and they said, what is it.

My father was visiting New Jersey at the time, and I'm a wreck I'm shaking, my hands are sweating, you know, my whole body's like forget it. But I knocked on the door and I said, can I come in? I really want to talk. They sat me down and they said, what is it.

You look upset? What's going on?

You look upset? What's going on?

Very simply, I said, I like women, I says, I've always felt this connection. I said, and I really wanted to just tell you.

Very simply, I said, I like women, I says, I've always felt this connection. I said, and I really wanted to just tell you.

And all of a sudden, I saw their faces.

And all of a sudden, I saw their faces.

Right, it was like disbelief that I was actually saying it. My mother, especially because I said it in front of my father. I don't think she ever thought I would have the bulls to do it. And I was like, oh shit, oh god, if I could just pull the good words back of my mouth and not said anything.

Right, it was like disbelief that I was actually saying it. My mother, especially because I said it in front of my father. I don't think she ever thought I would have the bulls to do it. And I was like, oh shit, oh god, if I could just pull the good words back of my mouth and not said anything.

After an excruciating silence, Rita looked to her mother for support, but none came.

After an excruciating silence, Rita looked to her mother for support, but none came.

She just looked at him, and all of a sudden, this calm came over him. I knew I was finished after this, and he said to me, you know what, all kids your age go through this. It's okay, You're just experimenting. I shut down after that because I knew he could not accept it. The minute he finished the first line I just shut down and said, you know what, You're right, I'm just going through something.

She just looked at him, and all of a sudden, this calm came over him. I knew I was finished after this, and he said to me, you know what, all kids your age go through this. It's okay, You're just experimenting. I shut down after that because I knew he could not accept it. The minute he finished the first line I just shut down and said, you know what, You're right, I'm just going through something.

I said, thank you.

I said, thank you.

I got up and I walked out and I just went into my room assopped because I couldn't follow through.

I got up and I walked out and I just went into my room assopped because I couldn't follow through.

In Vincent Gigante's world, there was just no place for the truth. Survival had meant a lifetime of deception, but his house of cards was about to come crashing down, and my Campy was poised to knock the foundation right out from under him.

In Vincent Gigante's world, there was just no place for the truth. Survival had meant a lifetime of deception, but his house of cards was about to come crashing down, and my Campy was poised to knock the foundation right out from under him.

My focus was like, Okay, who's the next power base? And if chin gets wrapped up in my case because somebody wants to cooperate, I'll deal with it.

My focus was like, Okay, who's the next power base? And if chin gets wrapped up in my case because somebody wants to cooperate, I'll deal with it.

Then Campy and his fellow FEDS took aim at some of Gigante's underlings, a roster of kappos and underbosses.

Then Campy and his fellow FEDS took aim at some of Gigante's underlings, a roster of kappos and underbosses.

My pursuit was the acting administration. Jimmy Ida at that time was the consigliere, and you had Barney Bolomo as the acting boss and Mickey Domino is the acting Hunter Boss. And there was a social club at one Sevenue, one Mulberry Street controlled by Jimmy Ida at the time. It took a while for me to have a title three or bugs installed in that social club, but every day they're discussing crime.

My pursuit was the acting administration. Jimmy Ida at that time was the consigliere, and you had Barney Bolomo as the acting boss and Mickey Domino is the acting Hunter Boss. And there was a social club at one Sevenue, one Mulberry Street controlled by Jimmy Ida at the time. It took a while for me to have a title three or bugs installed in that social club, but every day they're discussing crime.

And if Giganti proved elusive, his brain trust proved to be anything. But their meetings provided the Feds with investigative gold, including the moment when one of their own, an associate named Ralph D. Simone, was singled out for elimination.

And if Giganti proved elusive, his brain trust proved to be anything. But their meetings provided the Feds with investigative gold, including the moment when one of their own, an associate named Ralph D. Simone, was singled out for elimination.

When you're proposed for induction, that would also have to be coordinated with Chin And when Ralph D. Simone's name was passed around, the Lukeesi family identified him as being a rat and Mickey Domino made a gesture with his hand like a gun, saying we'll handle it. And it was like a week or so later DeSimone, who was dead. He was found in the trunk of a car at in the airport.

When you're proposed for induction, that would also have to be coordinated with Chin And when Ralph D. Simone's name was passed around, the Lukeesi family identified him as being a rat and Mickey Domino made a gesture with his hand like a gun, saying we'll handle it. And it was like a week or so later DeSimone, who was dead. He was found in the trunk of a car at in the airport.

It was more than enough evidence for prosecutors to work with, and with their next round of arrests, law enforcement delivered a massive blow to the Genovese organization.

It was more than enough evidence for prosecutors to work with, and with their next round of arrests, law enforcement delivered a massive blow to the Genovese organization.

In New York, federal agents say for their first time they cracked the top tier of the reputed Genevieve's crime family.

In New York, federal agents say for their first time they cracked the top tier of the reputed Genevieve's crime family.

Among eighteen people.

Among eighteen people.

Under arrest is Barney Bellomo, the Mom's alleged number two.

Under arrest is Barney Bellomo, the Mom's alleged number two.

This indictment took down the genevese acting boss under a boss, and sixteen other members for a slew of rico charges. Gigante's power base was eroding. His insanity bluff had been called. The FEDS also had three new defectors with intimate knowledge of the at father's past, giving the courts an opportunity to rebuild the Windows case. So the Eastern District appointed Deputy Chief Andrew Weisman to breathe new life into the long dormant case.

This indictment took down the genevese acting boss under a boss, and sixteen other members for a slew of rico charges. Gigante's power base was eroding. His insanity bluff had been called. The FEDS also had three new defectors with intimate knowledge of the at father's past, giving the courts an opportunity to rebuild the Windows case. So the Eastern District appointed Deputy Chief Andrew Weisman to breathe new life into the long dormant case.

The two prosecutors of the case had since left the office, so it got reassigned to me and my colleague, George stan Bealitis. He and I had tried a whole slew of Columbus cases together. Obviously it was flattering to be given the case in the sense that it's the boss of incredibly powerful family. But the case had been languishing and we didn't know anything about its merits. We didn't know anything about the witnesses.

The two prosecutors of the case had since left the office, so it got reassigned to me and my colleague, George stan Bealitis. He and I had tried a whole slew of Columbus cases together. Obviously it was flattering to be given the case in the sense that it's the boss of incredibly powerful family. But the case had been languishing and we didn't know anything about its merits. We didn't know anything about the witnesses.

You know.

You know.

It was a little bit of a mixed blessing when we first heard it.

It was a little bit of a mixed blessing when we first heard it.

Despite the nerves that come with a high profile case, Andrew and his trial partner George were up for the task. But before heading into court, the first turtle to jump was convincing a judge what they already knew that Vincent Gigante was mentally fit to stand trial.

Despite the nerves that come with a high profile case, Andrew and his trial partner George were up for the task. But before heading into court, the first turtle to jump was convincing a judge what they already knew that Vincent Gigante was mentally fit to stand trial.

No judge had decided that issue. So our biggest issue when we first got the case was what is the proof that he's in competent or competent. We had this competency hearing. It lasted many months, lots of medical testimony. We had our own medical expert. We also had the defense's expert.

No judge had decided that issue. So our biggest issue when we first got the case was what is the proof that he's in competent or competent. We had this competency hearing. It lasted many months, lots of medical testimony. We had our own medical expert. We also had the defense's expert.

The competency hearing was a culmination of years of back and forth legal wrangling stemming from Giganti's first indictment back in nineteen ninety.

The competency hearing was a culmination of years of back and forth legal wrangling stemming from Giganti's first indictment back in nineteen ninety.

So the evidence that was presented by the defense was that Vincent Giganti it was basically a vegetable. For the last twenty five years. He couldn't read, he couldn't count, and his condition had stayed the same. We then presented our own evidence through cooperating witnesses who said at the time that you had just heard he was supposed to be a vegetable. He was having conversations with him. We had Pizzaviino within the Genevese family, Salvato Garvano from the Gambino family. He had had interactions personally in commission meetings with Vincent Scanty, so we had cooperating withnesses who could talk about the fact that he was not incompetent, but that would require the judge to believe our cooperating witnesses.

So the evidence that was presented by the defense was that Vincent Giganti it was basically a vegetable. For the last twenty five years. He couldn't read, he couldn't count, and his condition had stayed the same. We then presented our own evidence through cooperating witnesses who said at the time that you had just heard he was supposed to be a vegetable. He was having conversations with him. We had Pizzaviino within the Genevese family, Salvato Garvano from the Gambino family. He had had interactions personally in commission meetings with Vincent Scanty, so we had cooperating withnesses who could talk about the fact that he was not incompetent, but that would require the judge to believe our cooperating witnesses.

A common line of defense for Gigante's lawyers was if throughout these gangsters' lives they would lie, cheat, and steal, how could you possibly believe them. Now, we had.

A common line of defense for Gigante's lawyers was if throughout these gangsters' lives they would lie, cheat, and steal, how could you possibly believe them. Now, we had.

A really fantastic piece of evidence that put this entire issue to bed. One day, I'm sitting in my office and I remember an agent in the Columbus squad came in and said, well, I assume you're going to call Charlie Bodwin in your competency hearing, and I'm like, what's a Charlie Bodwin. Charlie Bodwin was an FBI agent with very good eyesight who was on the Genevies squad and years earlier, the FBI wanted to go up on a bug in this townhouse that Vince Scanty lived in from time to time with his girlfriend.

A really fantastic piece of evidence that put this entire issue to bed. One day, I'm sitting in my office and I remember an agent in the Columbus squad came in and said, well, I assume you're going to call Charlie Bodwin in your competency hearing, and I'm like, what's a Charlie Bodwin. Charlie Bodwin was an FBI agent with very good eyesight who was on the Genevies squad and years earlier, the FBI wanted to go up on a bug in this townhouse that Vince Scanty lived in from time to time with his girlfriend.

To get a wire tap, approved, agents had to show probable cause that illegal activity was occurring in the townhouse, which they did not have so the government went old school and used street surveillance.

To get a wire tap, approved, agents had to show probable cause that illegal activity was occurring in the townhouse, which they did not have so the government went old school and used street surveillance.

Charlie Bodwin's job for about three months was to at night go to the townhouses on the back side of that street and look into the back of the townhouse with a patent pencil and just record what he was seeing.

Charlie Bodwin's job for about three months was to at night go to the townhouses on the back side of that street and look into the back of the townhouse with a patent pencil and just record what he was seeing.

And what the surveillance team observed was not the bumbling odd father of Greenwich Village.

And what the surveillance team observed was not the bumbling odd father of Greenwich Village.

I remember Charlie when he came to my office was saying, I don't know that this is going to help you. I didn't see anything criminal, and I said, don't worry about that. Tell me what kind of things you saw, and he's like, well, you know, he was talking to people, he was reading the newspaper, he was counting.

I remember Charlie when he came to my office was saying, I don't know that this is going to help you. I didn't see anything criminal, and I said, don't worry about that. Tell me what kind of things you saw, and he's like, well, you know, he was talking to people, he was reading the newspaper, he was counting.

Money, hardly the activities of a man in a vegetative state.

Money, hardly the activities of a man in a vegetative state.

He was doing things that were completely inconsistent with what the defense doctor said it and we had already got the defense doctors to agree that if he could do those things, they had been fooled. So we put him on in the competency hearing and it was basically game over because not only was a very credible witness, but he had contemporaneous notes.

He was doing things that were completely inconsistent with what the defense doctor said it and we had already got the defense doctors to agree that if he could do those things, they had been fooled. So we put him on in the competency hearing and it was basically game over because not only was a very credible witness, but he had contemporaneous notes.

You had to record all of this in court, Gigante's defense attorney tried to undermine this surveillance agent's credibility unsuccessfully.

You had to record all of this in court, Gigante's defense attorney tried to undermine this surveillance agent's credibility unsuccessfully.

Barry Slotnik, who was representing Vincent Scanty at the time, went to the back of the courtroom and said, is this about how far the distance was? And I remember Charlie going, yeah, it's about right, like thirty yards away. And I remember Judge Nickerson then putting on the record exactly how big the courtroom is, and Charlie was only like a foot off. He kept on digging and making it worse because Barry then held up a US note to see whether Charlie could see what it is, and he holds up this bill. I couldn't see it. Charlie goes, oh, yeah, that's a twenty dollars bill. Back of the courtroom and Charlie's on the witness stand and Judge Nickerson goes, mister Slotnick, come up here. We're going to mark that as an exhibit. It's very slot that thinks, okay, maybe he just got lucky, and he tries it again and goes, what's this and he goes, that's a five dollar bill, And at some point Judge Nickerson goes mister Slotnick how much money are you going to lose? It was just devastating. So the judge ruled that he was competent, so we were off to the races in terms of then preparing the case for trial.

Barry Slotnik, who was representing Vincent Scanty at the time, went to the back of the courtroom and said, is this about how far the distance was? And I remember Charlie going, yeah, it's about right, like thirty yards away. And I remember Judge Nickerson then putting on the record exactly how big the courtroom is, and Charlie was only like a foot off. He kept on digging and making it worse because Barry then held up a US note to see whether Charlie could see what it is, and he holds up this bill. I couldn't see it. Charlie goes, oh, yeah, that's a twenty dollars bill. Back of the courtroom and Charlie's on the witness stand and Judge Nickerson goes, mister Slotnick, come up here. We're going to mark that as an exhibit. It's very slot that thinks, okay, maybe he just got lucky, and he tries it again and goes, what's this and he goes, that's a five dollar bill, And at some point Judge Nickerson goes mister Slotnick how much money are you going to lose? It was just devastating. So the judge ruled that he was competent, so we were off to the races in terms of then preparing the case for trial.

There was just one more hitch. Giganty was scheduled for heart valve replacement surgery and the trial wouldn't be able to start for another year, pending his recovery. According to Rita, this wasn't another charade, and although she wouldn't put it past him, her father's heart condition was real.

There was just one more hitch. Giganty was scheduled for heart valve replacement surgery and the trial wouldn't be able to start for another year, pending his recovery. According to Rita, this wasn't another charade, and although she wouldn't put it past him, her father's heart condition was real.

We saw him before he actually went in for the heart surgery, we saw him in the hospital when he was recovering. But then he decided to go stay with the other family.

We saw him before he actually went in for the heart surgery, we saw him in the hospital when he was recovering. But then he decided to go stay with the other family.

Just a few weeks before the trial was finally set to start, Giganty and his defense team took one last shot at proving his incompetency, but this time around they crossed a line.

Just a few weeks before the trial was finally set to start, Giganty and his defense team took one last shot at proving his incompetency, but this time around they crossed a line.

A new application comes in saying that their client has advanced Alzheimer's, to which I still want to Judge Nickerson saying, and you just noticed you don't just happen to get advanced Alzheimer's. Judge Nickerson decides that he just could not deal with hearing evidence about that because his wife at the time had advanced Alzheimer's.

A new application comes in saying that their client has advanced Alzheimer's, to which I still want to Judge Nickerson saying, and you just noticed you don't just happen to get advanced Alzheimer's. Judge Nickerson decides that he just could not deal with hearing evidence about that because his wife at the time had advanced Alzheimer's.

Which is a brutal disease.

Which is a brutal disease.

Brutal and brutal. To watch somebody you love going through that, I think it's a very very hard decision for Judge Nickerson, and I think he just could not put himself through it. So the case got reassigned to Judge Weinstein, who the two of them had known each other for decades. We go to court the first appearance before Judge Weinstein and he says, okay, would the defense like to be heard on the motion with respect to his condition? And they said, Judge, are we withdraw that?

Brutal and brutal. To watch somebody you love going through that, I think it's a very very hard decision for Judge Nickerson, and I think he just could not put himself through it. So the case got reassigned to Judge Weinstein, who the two of them had known each other for decades. We go to court the first appearance before Judge Weinstein and he says, okay, would the defense like to be heard on the motion with respect to his condition? And they said, Judge, are we withdraw that?

What?

What?

Yeah?

Yeah?

I mean it was so despicable. George Weinstein says, okay, is there anything else from the defense? No, your honor, okay, the defendant is remanded.

I mean it was so despicable. George Weinstein says, okay, is there anything else from the defense? No, your honor, okay, the defendant is remanded.

Getting remanded means being imprisoned while waiting for the trial. The defense may have caused one judge to voluntarily leave the case, but the rules of law would prevail and the case moved forward without further delays. The trial e Vincent Giguanty would finally begin, and the list of charges against him was formidable Giganty faced charge charges that included being the boss of the Genevese crime family, the windows extortion racket, authorizing six murders in Philadelphia, and the attempted murder of John Gottie for his daughter Rita. Gigante's criminal resume was staggering.

Getting remanded means being imprisoned while waiting for the trial. The defense may have caused one judge to voluntarily leave the case, but the rules of law would prevail and the case moved forward without further delays. The trial e Vincent Giguanty would finally begin, and the list of charges against him was formidable Giganty faced charge charges that included being the boss of the Genevese crime family, the windows extortion racket, authorizing six murders in Philadelphia, and the attempted murder of John Gottie for his daughter Rita. Gigante's criminal resume was staggering.

They had a list. I remember reading the list and I remember thinking, holy shit.

They had a list. I remember reading the list and I remember thinking, holy shit.

It was just.

It was just.

Unbelievable for me to actually say, Wow, he did all of this, even if he didn't pull a trigger.

Unbelievable for me to actually say, Wow, he did all of this, even if he didn't pull a trigger.

He gave an order to do that.

He gave an order to do that.

On June twenty fifth, nineteen ninety seven, seven years after the original indictment, court came to order in the trial of Geneve's boss, Vincent Gigante.

On June twenty fifth, nineteen ninety seven, seven years after the original indictment, court came to order in the trial of Geneve's boss, Vincent Gigante.

I still remember the first day of the actual criminal trial of friend of a jury. He showed up and wheelchair and to Kane and they placed him right in front of the jury. We started the trial by putting on all the evidence that he was faking. By day three, they had him as far away from the jury as possible.

I still remember the first day of the actual criminal trial of friend of a jury. He showed up and wheelchair and to Kane and they placed him right in front of the jury. We started the trial by putting on all the evidence that he was faking. By day three, they had him as far away from the jury as possible.

It became apparent that his insanity act was losing steam, but there was no turning back now. Day in and day out, Gigante stared blankly into space, mumbling to himself as the prosecution played tapes of multiple mobsters, including John Gotti, identifying him as the boss. But the biggest hurdle for the prosecution remained the fact that Giganty himself was never caught on a recording. According to co operator Piete Savino, it was because Gigante was so careful when they needed to talk business. The Boss would take him into the bathroom, turn on the water faucet, and whisper into his ear. Andrew would have to convince the jury of Gigante's guilt without the proverbial smoking gun.

It became apparent that his insanity act was losing steam, but there was no turning back now. Day in and day out, Gigante stared blankly into space, mumbling to himself as the prosecution played tapes of multiple mobsters, including John Gotti, identifying him as the boss. But the biggest hurdle for the prosecution remained the fact that Giganty himself was never caught on a recording. According to co operator Piete Savino, it was because Gigante was so careful when they needed to talk business. The Boss would take him into the bathroom, turn on the water faucet, and whisper into his ear. Andrew would have to convince the jury of Gigante's guilt without the proverbial smoking gun.

Miles of audio tapes, some barely audible, that was secretly recorded by the FBI at mob clubs contain obscure references to the chin, but so far, not one agent has admitted hearing Gigante's voice on tape or observing him in the vicinity of their surveillances.

Miles of audio tapes, some barely audible, that was secretly recorded by the FBI at mob clubs contain obscure references to the chin, but so far, not one agent has admitted hearing Gigante's voice on tape or observing him in the vicinity of their surveillances.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence came from a recording made from Savino's wire when he was meeting with Gigante's underboss Benny Eggs Mgano. Before that fateful meeting, Savino's FBI handler asked him to purposely break a Genovie's cardinal rule.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence came from a recording made from Savino's wire when he was meeting with Gigante's underboss Benny Eggs Mgano. Before that fateful meeting, Savino's FBI handler asked him to purposely break a Genovie's cardinal rule.

We had him mention Vincent's name. He did that, and then what we got on tape was Mengano saying, don't ever do that. That's a violation. That was really good evidence that it was sort of useful as establishing his role and this rule in the organized crime family.

We had him mention Vincent's name. He did that, and then what we got on tape was Mengano saying, don't ever do that. That's a violation. That was really good evidence that it was sort of useful as establishing his role and this rule in the organized crime family.

Next came the star witnesses. First up was the former Lucia underboss Al Diarco.

Next came the star witnesses. First up was the former Lucia underboss Al Diarco.

Al Diarco, he came in because people in his family thought that he was cooperating when he wasn't, and there were efforts underway to kill him because of that. He was like, these people are so despicable. I wasn't a rat, but now I was being called a rat. Those were his words, and he's just like, that's it. I'm done.

Al Diarco, he came in because people in his family thought that he was cooperating when he wasn't, and there were efforts underway to kill him because of that. He was like, these people are so despicable. I wasn't a rat, but now I was being called a rat. Those were his words, and he's just like, that's it. I'm done.

On the stand, Diarco's candor about the mafia proved invaluable to the prosecution's case. Asked what the mob would do with somebody that was mentally incompetent, Diarco didn't mince words.

On the stand, Diarco's candor about the mafia proved invaluable to the prosecution's case. Asked what the mob would do with somebody that was mentally incompetent, Diarco didn't mince words.

He said, oh, we would have killed them. And we're like why, and he said, we couldn't take the risk that they would go to the police or they'd say something that would implicate people, especially somebody who was a leader, who would know all of those secrets. And I remember looking over in one of the jurors was writing that down and I thought, Okay, that's a good sign.

He said, oh, we would have killed them. And we're like why, and he said, we couldn't take the risk that they would go to the police or they'd say something that would implicate people, especially somebody who was a leader, who would know all of those secrets. And I remember looking over in one of the jurors was writing that down and I thought, Okay, that's a good sign.

To Gante's attorneys attempted to discredit to your go by highlighting his long list of past crimes.

To Gante's attorneys attempted to discredit to your go by highlighting his long list of past crimes.

Altiarca. I think was so hard to cross examine because he was so open about who he was and what he regretted in his life. Very very good defense lawyer Gus Newman kept on going over all of the things he'd done, and who was like, you murdered this person, you murdered that person, You did these awful things. So of course he's admitting everything. And I looked over at the jury and the jury looked bored as hell. They were like, we know he was the acting boss of the Ukasey family. None of this is surprising.

Altiarca. I think was so hard to cross examine because he was so open about who he was and what he regretted in his life. Very very good defense lawyer Gus Newman kept on going over all of the things he'd done, and who was like, you murdered this person, you murdered that person, You did these awful things. So of course he's admitting everything. And I looked over at the jury and the jury looked bored as hell. They were like, we know he was the acting boss of the Ukasey family. None of this is surprising.

Ever since the commission trial, the mafias sworn oath of silence, Omerta had been slowly eroding, and as the FBI closed in, mobsters like Diarco and Savina were opting for self preservation over loyalty to the family, and there was perhaps no bigger turncoat than the one about to take the stand.

Ever since the commission trial, the mafias sworn oath of silence, Omerta had been slowly eroding, and as the FBI closed in, mobsters like Diarco and Savina were opting for self preservation over loyalty to the family, and there was perhaps no bigger turncoat than the one about to take the stand.

My name is Salvatore Gravano. I became a made member of the Gambino family in nineteen six. At that time, pol Castellano was the boss of the Gambino family. John Gotti I, along with some others, murdered Pole Castellano. We took over the family. I decided to cooperate before we went to trial.

My name is Salvatore Gravano. I became a made member of the Gambino family in nineteen six. At that time, pol Castellano was the boss of the Gambino family. John Gotti I, along with some others, murdered Pole Castellano. We took over the family. I decided to cooperate before we went to trial.

Sammy the Bull Gravano was a Gambino underboss and a newly minted media darling due to his testimony in John Gotti's trial five years before.

Sammy the Bull Gravano was a Gambino underboss and a newly minted media darling due to his testimony in John Gotti's trial five years before.

Federal prosecutor said they planned to call Sammy the Bull Gravano to the stand to testify against the Gin. He's the mob rat whose testimony said John Gotti away for life.

Federal prosecutor said they planned to call Sammy the Bull Gravano to the stand to testify against the Gin. He's the mob rat whose testimony said John Gotti away for life.

Gravano was scheduled to fly in the night before he testified, leaving Andrew very little time to prepare his witness.

Gravano was scheduled to fly in the night before he testified, leaving Andrew very little time to prepare his witness.

There was a huge storm. Sammy was late coming into the city because of the storm. I ended up with about one hour to meet with Sammy to go over what questions they're going to ask him. But once Sammy's on the stand, he was an extremely effective, good witness. Say he was completely candidate about organized crime, about the life he was in, and didn't make excuses for it at all.

There was a huge storm. Sammy was late coming into the city because of the storm. I ended up with about one hour to meet with Sammy to go over what questions they're going to ask him. But once Sammy's on the stand, he was an extremely effective, good witness. Say he was completely candidate about organized crime, about the life he was in, and didn't make excuses for it at all.

Gravano told a jury that he first met Fitza Gigante in nineteen seventy six. According to Gravano, although the chin was unshaven and wore pajamas in a row at this meeting, he spoke normally.

Gravano told a jury that he first met Fitza Gigante in nineteen seventy six. According to Gravano, although the chin was unshaven and wore pajamas in a row at this meeting, he spoke normally.

Sammy the Bull testified. All these people are testified. They turned state seven as they rated all of this. These are people that are walking around that murdered thirty thirty five people. You know, like, how do I understand? Like what makes that okay? It still doesn't sit right with me. They all did what they did. But you're going to let one go because he gives you this one. That's just how it went. That's how they did it.

Sammy the Bull testified. All these people are testified. They turned state seven as they rated all of this. These are people that are walking around that murdered thirty thirty five people. You know, like, how do I understand? Like what makes that okay? It still doesn't sit right with me. They all did what they did. But you're going to let one go because he gives you this one. That's just how it went. That's how they did it.

Giganti is charged with six murders and conspiracy to commit several others. The star witness against him is Sammy the Bull Gravano, an admitted killer of nineteen people.

Giganti is charged with six murders and conspiracy to commit several others. The star witness against him is Sammy the Bull Gravano, an admitted killer of nineteen people.

You're a Jura, you're listening to this and say, wait a minute. Here's a guy who did nineteen homicides and.

You're a Jura, you're listening to this and say, wait a minute. Here's a guy who did nineteen homicides and.

He's accusing this guy won and he's on the streets and they want to pull him in.

He's accusing this guy won and he's on the streets and they want to pull him in.

Darco and Gravano were high ranking mobsters, pointing the finger at Gigante as the boss of bosses, but it was Pete Savino, the low level Genevie's associate, whose testimony proved most compelling.

Darco and Gravano were high ranking mobsters, pointing the finger at Gigante as the boss of bosses, but it was Pete Savino, the low level Genevie's associate, whose testimony proved most compelling.

He was dying. He would really wanted to testify, but by the time this case went to trial, he was in a hospital. The doctors would not let him travel.

He was dying. He would really wanted to testify, but by the time this case went to trial, he was in a hospital. The doctors would not let him travel.

Savino was bedridden with cancer and could barely speak. So prosecutors came up with an innovative idea.

Savino was bedridden with cancer and could barely speak. So prosecutors came up with an innovative idea.

Remember this is nineteen ninety seven. There was no zoom, that technology didn't exist, and we proposed to the court that there be a closed circuit television where there would be a camera on Peter Savino in his hospital. A defense lawyer and a prosecutor would be there. They would bring exhibits and things that they wanted to show him and that would get beamed into the courtroom, and there were television sets all around the courtroom.

Remember this is nineteen ninety seven. There was no zoom, that technology didn't exist, and we proposed to the court that there be a closed circuit television where there would be a camera on Peter Savino in his hospital. A defense lawyer and a prosecutor would be there. They would bring exhibits and things that they wanted to show him and that would get beamed into the courtroom, and there were television sets all around the courtroom.

In an attempt to avoid sympathy end level the playing field for the defense, Judge Weinstein gave the prosecution a strict directive.

In an attempt to avoid sympathy end level the playing field for the defense, Judge Weinstein gave the prosecution a strict directive.

We were not allowed to tell the jury that Peter Savina was dying. That judge said it would be too prejudicial, and what he meant by that was it would be too damning that he was clearly telling the truth, you know, if he was about to die, Like, why would you lie about this?

We were not allowed to tell the jury that Peter Savina was dying. That judge said it would be too prejudicial, and what he meant by that was it would be too damning that he was clearly telling the truth, you know, if he was about to die, Like, why would you lie about this?

Savino suffered through questioning and did very well, but he constantly needed breaks. He appeared a shadow of his former self, but with his image projected throughout the courtroom, he delivered the final blow against Gigante.

Savino suffered through questioning and did very well, but he constantly needed breaks. He appeared a shadow of his former self, but with his image projected throughout the courtroom, he delivered the final blow against Gigante.

I remember Peter was wearing a red shirt, and so all around the room there were these screens with this bright red shirt. He looked terrible, drunk down his testimony to be as concise as possible. At every break, I just remember the judge going, you have to go faster. At lunchtime, he goes, you need to end your direct We need to get to cross. This witness cannot go past.

I remember Peter was wearing a red shirt, and so all around the room there were these screens with this bright red shirt. He looked terrible, drunk down his testimony to be as concise as possible. At every break, I just remember the judge going, you have to go faster. At lunchtime, he goes, you need to end your direct We need to get to cross. This witness cannot go past.

Today Savino became the most convincing witness of the trial.

Today Savino became the most convincing witness of the trial.

Peter was so happy that he was able to do this because he had been living with us for so long. He wanted to do it before he died, and within a month after the verdict he was dead.

Peter was so happy that he was able to do this because he had been living with us for so long. He wanted to do it before he died, and within a month after the verdict he was dead.

Andrew made sure the jury understood the full measure of the reco charge, and.

Andrew made sure the jury understood the full measure of the reco charge, and.

I remember making that point insummation and saying, don't let a boss get off just because he wasn't at the scene of the crime. That is the advantage of being the boss.

I remember making that point insummation and saying, don't let a boss get off just because he wasn't at the scene of the crime. That is the advantage of being the boss.

But as the defense was quick to point out, how could the government prosecute Deganty as the boss, insisting that fat Tony Salerno was the boss. During the commission trial twelve years before, Andrew decided to address the issue head on.

But as the defense was quick to point out, how could the government prosecute Deganty as the boss, insisting that fat Tony Salerno was the boss. During the commission trial twelve years before, Andrew decided to address the issue head on.

And I said, look, at the time that that happened, Sammy Gravano was not a cooperating witness. Aldi Arco was not a cooperating witness. Peter Savina was not a cooperating witness. They didn't have these tape recordings. But that's not really what's going on. You know what is absolutely true. The government does make mistakes. No one's going to sit here and tell you the government doesn't get things wrong. But you have seen all of the evidence. I just explained that to the jury. We had such a good jury, they were so smart, it didn't cause them any concern at all. And I do think that's a real lesson of don't hide from issues and just be straight with the jury and trust their intelligence.

And I said, look, at the time that that happened, Sammy Gravano was not a cooperating witness. Aldi Arco was not a cooperating witness. Peter Savina was not a cooperating witness. They didn't have these tape recordings. But that's not really what's going on. You know what is absolutely true. The government does make mistakes. No one's going to sit here and tell you the government doesn't get things wrong. But you have seen all of the evidence. I just explained that to the jury. We had such a good jury, they were so smart, it didn't cause them any concern at all. And I do think that's a real lesson of don't hide from issues and just be straight with the jury and trust their intelligence.

Concluding a month long trial, the anonymous jury filed into the jury room for deliberations, and after three days they returned with a verdict.

Concluding a month long trial, the anonymous jury filed into the jury room for deliberations, and after three days they returned with a verdict.

When the jury comes out, you can tell there's a conviction because I have noticed that the jury is more dressed up on the day of the verdict, which always to me is a sort of sign of the solemnity, And they don't look at the defendant as they're walking out, so you have a very good tell on both fronts.

When the jury comes out, you can tell there's a conviction because I have noticed that the jury is more dressed up on the day of the verdict, which always to me is a sort of sign of the solemnity, And they don't look at the defendant as they're walking out, so you have a very good tell on both fronts.

Giganty rolled his eyes as the fore women announced the verdict. He was found guilty for his role as boss of the Genopes family, for the window scheme and conspiring to murder his rival John Gottie, but he was acquitted for the six Philadelphia gangland murders, which proved to be little consolation. After decades of unimpeded criminal Tyranny Vincent the Jin Giganty was finally brought to bay, and while grateful that justice was served, many had to tip their hats out of respect for the odd father, including James Leonard.

Giganty rolled his eyes as the fore women announced the verdict. He was found guilty for his role as boss of the Genopes family, for the window scheme and conspiring to murder his rival John Gottie, but he was acquitted for the six Philadelphia gangland murders, which proved to be little consolation. After decades of unimpeded criminal Tyranny Vincent the Jin Giganty was finally brought to bay, and while grateful that justice was served, many had to tip their hats out of respect for the odd father, including James Leonard.

His run was absolutely legendary. The matter in which he fooled the FBI and the matter in which he evaded the criminal justice system for decades.

His run was absolutely legendary. The matter in which he fooled the FBI and the matter in which he evaded the criminal justice system for decades.

There's a guy.

There's a guy.

If there is a mount rushmore of gangsters, that should be the first face etched into it. Vincent the Chin Gigante, absolutely Hall of Fame gangster.

If there is a mount rushmore of gangsters, that should be the first face etched into it. Vincent the Chin Gigante, absolutely Hall of Fame gangster.

After a lifetime of lies, Rita Giganty had vowed to never go to the uptown home of her father's mistress, but in the end, she did visit the townhouse once where she saw her ailing father for the very last time.

After a lifetime of lies, Rita Giganty had vowed to never go to the uptown home of her father's mistress, but in the end, she did visit the townhouse once where she saw her ailing father for the very last time.

One time, my mother begged me to go and see him before they put him away. So I went once to their townhouse. I would not go unless I knew nobody was home, especially the other woman, because I would never disrespect my mother.

One time, my mother begged me to go and see him before they put him away. So I went once to their townhouse. I would not go unless I knew nobody was home, especially the other woman, because I would never disrespect my mother.

But I went to visit him there After that.

But I went to visit him there After that.

It was letters that went back and forth, or sometimes he would call on the phone and it would be like when I was a kid, how do you feel?

It was letters that went back and forth, or sometimes he would call on the phone and it would be like when I was a kid, how do you feel?

How's your mother to carry your mother? That would be it.

How's your mother to carry your mother? That would be it.

With all the bizarre happenings brought by the Gigante saga, it wouldn't be complete without one more surprise, which came at his sentencing.

With all the bizarre happenings brought by the Gigante saga, it wouldn't be complete without one more surprise, which came at his sentencing.

Jech Weinstein at sentencing did something a little odd. Vincent Giganti was relatively old at the time, but not ancient did judge sort of looked at the actuarial tables and based his sentence off of that and gave him.

Jech Weinstein at sentencing did something a little odd. Vincent Giganti was relatively old at the time, but not ancient did judge sort of looked at the actuarial tables and based his sentence off of that and gave him.

Twelve years, Calling Giganty an inveterate gangster who committed his life to crime and not getting caught dodging legal bullets left and right. The sixty nine year old head of the Genovies crime family, the most powerful mobster in the nation, was sentenced to twelve years in jail and a one and a quarter million dollar fine.

Twelve years, Calling Giganty an inveterate gangster who committed his life to crime and not getting caught dodging legal bullets left and right. The sixty nine year old head of the Genovies crime family, the most powerful mobster in the nation, was sentenced to twelve years in jail and a one and a quarter million dollar fine.

But the sense that was called for was life, So I disagreed with him on the sentence in the Eastern District of New York, though out of respect for the role of the court and sentencing, we were trained that that is a court function. Our job was to present the evidence, but we did not take a position on what sentence should be given by the court.

But the sense that was called for was life, So I disagreed with him on the sentence in the Eastern District of New York, though out of respect for the role of the court and sentencing, we were trained that that is a court function. Our job was to present the evidence, but we did not take a position on what sentence should be given by the court.

The surprise was twelve years. We thought definitely he was going in for life. Everybody was like, oh my god, he could still get out. You know, we never thought we would getting a gift like that.

The surprise was twelve years. We thought definitely he was going in for life. Everybody was like, oh my god, he could still get out. You know, we never thought we would getting a gift like that.

Despite the short sentence, Andrew was proud of what they'd achieved and grateful he'd been chosen for the task.

Despite the short sentence, Andrew was proud of what they'd achieved and grateful he'd been chosen for the task.

I don't know that there's anybody who's been an assistant the United States Attorney who doesn't say the same thing about the first time you stand up in front of a jury and you say, my name is Andrew Weisman, I represent the United States, that you don't feel to your core the enormous privilege and responsibility that comes with that statement.

I don't know that there's anybody who's been an assistant the United States Attorney who doesn't say the same thing about the first time you stand up in front of a jury and you say, my name is Andrew Weisman, I represent the United States, that you don't feel to your core the enormous privilege and responsibility that comes with that statement.

As the years continued to pass, Rita slowly became ready to live life on her own terms.

As the years continued to pass, Rita slowly became ready to live life on her own terms.

Not until I was twenty four did I actually fully come into my own where that was concerned.

Not until I was twenty four did I actually fully come into my own where that was concerned.

I had to make the choice.

I had to make the choice.

If I could have stayed in that victim energy and said this is what they did to me, this is why I am who I am today and hold on to that, or I could have chosen to move forward, and that's what I did. I went to my mother and I said, you could tell him. They don't have to tell him. I says, I don't want to speak to him about it. I said, but this is my life and I'm living it. She hugged me and she said she understood, although she prayed every day that I would change my ways because she.