v9.1 AGENCY : RECORD NUMBER : RECORD SERIES : AGENCY FILE NUMBER : ORIGINATOR : FROM: TO: TITLE: DATE: PAGES: SUBJECTS : DOCUMENT TYPE : CLASSIFICATION : RESTRICTIONS : CURRENT STATUS : DATE OF LAST REVIEW : OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS : Nw 35923 Doocld: 32260782 JFK Assassination’System Date: 10/14/20 Identification Form Agency Information HSCA . 180-10104-10340 NUMBERED FILES. 009378 Document Information HSCA LOUISANA METRO. CRIME COMMISSION. METROPOLITAN CRIME COMMISSION. 04/11/1978 18 ORGANIZED CRIME. LOUISANA METROPOLITAN CRIME COMMISSION, FILES. SUMMARY. Unclassified 3 Redact 11/20/1997 Box 172. Page i
om poe ORR METROPOLITAN CRIME COMMISSION FILE California - criminal organizations: »Places. For references to: D'Alton Smith Jim Braden Article - date uncertain in file as of 9/1/74 Bill Hazlett - author; "San Diego - It's a New Mother Lode to Mafia Bosses" - Los Angeles Times. Article names Mafia members operating in the San Diego area. This includes: Allan M. Dorfman - Teamster ties Louis Chow the Tailor} Rosanora Anthony Spilatro John (Jackie the Lackey) Cerone Harry Hall, 55, AKA Harry Helfgot and Harry Haler. L.A. Consultant for Hoover Gorin, a small Las Vegas PR outfit which won a $1.3 million-a-year contract to improve image of Teamster's Union. Hall made frequent trips to S. Diego, until he was taken to serve sentence for using stolen securities in a bank fraud. Acquitted earlier in Chicago on charges of transporting stolen Treasury notes valued at $175,000 after he claimed to be an informant for IRS. . Hall had actually tried to sell part of the $6 million in securities stolen from the United Bank of Calif. in Laguna Niguel during a 1972 burglary. Other recent visitors with Organized Crime ties include N.Y. Mafia bos Joseph (Joe Bananas) Bonanno and Salvatore (Bill) Bonanno, , his son. Dalton (formerly D'Alton) Smith and William Schley AKA Lloyd William Sakley indicted on charges involving fradulent loans from United Calif. Bank. Both men also under investigation in Louisiana, according to Aaron Kohn. Kohn said Smith was indicted by E. Baton Rouge Grand jury in 1967 on charges of attempting to bribe an aide to then Gov. John J. McKeithen in a $2 million scheme to free Teamster boss Hoffa from federal custody. Scheme, reportedly engineered by Carlos Marcello, NW 55923 Doclid:32260T82 Page 2
Notes: Metro Crime Commission NAME FILE: Marcello Newsday Clips - Tom Rennas 2/28/74 ~ Penthouse - March 1975 - "La Costa" Authors - Lowell Bergman and Leff Gerth Rancho La Costa - run by Moe Dalitz mob. La Costa regulars include Allen Dorfman - spec. consultant to Teamsters Pension Fund who was convicted of kickbacks; currently under indictment Jim Braden - (Eugene Hale Brading), mob courier & "“lovebird Swindler" Anthony Giacolone - mob boss in Detroit Louis Rosanova - Chicago mobster now headquartered in Georgia. Anthony Spilatro - " -Criminal Division - Henry E. Peterson Asst. Atty. General (from the "Annual Report of the Attorney General for 1972) p. 91. Significant prosecutions- Five (5) organized crime figures convicted of securities and mail fraud: John Lambardozz;, member of the Gambino syndicate living in Miami; Hilmer B, Sandine; Leslie S. Zacharias; Samuel Benton; William F. Hamilton. Defendents involved in a scheme to distribute stock in Picture Island Computer Corp. p. 93. Meyer Lansky and Associates Dino Cellini's were indicted on substantive and conspiracy charges of income tax evasion. NW 55923 Docld: 32260782 Page 3
Notes* Metro Crime Commission FILE: BENTON -NAME FILE No references to Sam Benton except 1972 Atty. *General's report, previously cited. - Wall St. Journal 5/2/72 "Six Go on Trial Today on Alleged. Promotion of Samuel Benton, "a ‘of Sam's co-defendents to distribute millions Ltd., formerly Picture Worthless Company”. Miami promoter", named as one in trial on charges they tried of shares of leisure sources Island Computer Corp., a Miami concern that falsely claimed 51$ million. in assets. NW 55923 Docld:32260782 Page 4
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 4 FILE: BECKLEY: Criminal organization (Beckley--deceased) ~ States 6/27/61 "U.S. Smashes Giant Betting Ring; Indict five Orleanians". Gilbert Lee Beckley of Surfside, Calif. listed as one of 13 indicted in what IRS called a crackdown on the biggest national conspiracy of gambling in many years. ; - Sunday Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, OK 6 July '75. By Jack Taylor - "Release sought by Mafia Bookie". Eugene Anthony Nolan, bookmaker who has close ties with Cosa Nostra family headed by Mamello, seeking release from prison after harsh sentence in case in which co-defendant was Leroy Dale Hines, Tulsa bookie. Nolan-part of large scale bookmaking ring controlled by Marcello's mob thru lay-off service run by Marcello's lieutentnts. That ring featured Sam DiPiazza of New Orleans, used by Hines for horse : race layoffs, and Gilbert Lee Beckley of New York and Miami, with whom Nolan later lived until Beckley disappeared, the suspected victim of a mob murder. ~ Baton Rouge Morning Advocate - "BR man among 13 U.S. Indicts in Betting Case", AP, 6/28/61. Reported as Attorney General Kennedy's Ist breakthru of Organized Crime gambling. Eugene A. Nolan of Baton Rouge indicted; Gilbert Lee Beckley of Surfside, Fla; Sam Diprazza, Louis — E. Baynens of Arabia, La. , -New Orleans states Item - March 5, 1970 "Nine Indicted in Stolen Bond Investigation"--_ by James M. Markham. ‘Gilbert Lee Beckley, 58, one of 9 indicted by federal Grand Jury on charges of conspiracy and transporting various stolen and counterfeit securities worth $1.8 million across several state lines. Also reported to have helped federal authorities investigate Cosa Nostra infiltration of professional athletics. NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page 5
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 5 - Atlanta Constitution 10/29/69 Bill Shipp "Slaton Lauds Wiretap". Slaton-Fulton DA Lewis Slaton of Atlanta- noted an indictment involving an illegal credit card is now pending against "Gilbert Lee. Beckley (The Brain), 57, of N.Y. Beckly allegedly one of 2 men.. who had taken control of a thriving illegal lottery company in Atlanta. - Letter of 11/3/67 from Joseph I. Giarrusso, Superintendent of Police to Mr. Robert E. Rightmyer, SAE, FBI New Orleans, LA. Contains info from source - uncorroborated. Sam DiPiazza - reportedly involved in both interstate and intro-state illegal gambling activities. Allegedly gives a cut of his Operation to Carlos Marcello thru meetings of DiPiazza's wife and "Sammy" Marcello, Carlos' brothers. DiPiazza's operation one of largest illegal "lay-off" book makings operations in the U.S. It is a.toss-up, as to who is bigger--his or Gil “Beckley' s of Miami. Close liaison between DiPiazza and Beckley and another person known as Eugene Nolan of New Orleans. Reported that New. Orleans Athletic Club is DiPiazza's main base of operations as recently as September '67 and is believed to be a bigger operator from that location then Sammy Marcello, also reportedly headquartered there. there. Two persons, Joseph Barrogona and "Buck" Diaz are representatives of DiPiazza in his book making enterprise, acting as agents. Mr. Barogona claims his livelihood as that of a salesman for The Continental Produce Co., #95 French Market Place. Both Bargona and Diaz are reportedly "booking" from the pay telephones at the Fontainebleau Motor Hotel as recently as Tues., Oct. 31, 1967. Baragona positions himself in the kitchen of the Fontainebleau during the morning hours, representing himself as a produce salesman. Sammy Marcello, in addition to being a "messenger" between the DiPiazzas and his brother, Carlos, Sammy ~Marceéllothas the primary -base of operations in Jefferson Park at the Mi-Roller Stag Bar. Sammy Marcello is also alleged to be personally operating out of New Orleans ‘Athletic Club as recently as one week ago. NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page 6
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 6 Nolan believed to be operating with father-in-law Jake Atz - illegal booking operations. Carlos Marcello - frequently visits the horse farm in Covington, La. -~ Memo for file 1/23/68 by Aaron M. Kohn. Re: Nolan, Beckley News report re: “Beckley, Nolan-- Nolan picked up in New York:with 21 others in what has been called $100 million per year bookmaking operation. Nolan and Beckley--two of biggest gamblers in the country. Betting on Athletic events. . - States on Dec. 19, 1967, "No man held as Bookie King Freed on Bond." - Nolan arrested by Garrison investigators. DA said investigation of Nolan jeopardized by "irresponsible" actions of Metro Crime Commission Director.Kohn. Commission had been surveilling Nolan, but investigator was caught with binoculars by Nolan. Kohn jailed week prior for 18 hrs. for refusing to tell Orleans Grand Jury the name of a confidential informant who reported Nolan was operating a bookie ring.in New Orleans. NW 35923 Docld:32260782 Page 7
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 7 FILE HINES: Name File - Sunday Oklahoman - Oklahoma City, OK 11/16/75 "Bookie King Bids Adieu" by Jack: Taylor. Repts. Hines moving operation from Tulsa, where he had operated since 1946 after reportedly working in a Cuba Casino for. Meyer Linsky, to Las Vegas. , ; Names Beckley of Salerno for Genovese mob, (Tier, NY) as big name bookie with whom he dealt, also: Nolan, Dirazza of Marcello mob. - Nolan's attornty Pattick J. Malloy III of Tulsa. NW 535923 Doold: 32260782 Page 6
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 9 - Handwitten notes re: Smith FBI #290-927G 4/22/74 File Briefing by AMK Con-man, deals in stolen securities, operates various complex frauds for profit. Definite ties to Marcello; also sisters are Mrs. Nofio Pecora and Mrs. Joseph Poretto. 1/11/68 Arrested for attempted bribery of Aubrey Young, Gov.. McKeithen's Security Chief, and. indicated. National Notoriety; also charged with bribary of Edward Grady Partive - Re: Jimmy ‘Hoffa case. 69 - Smith uses A.D. Smith Construction Co., as front for promoting complicated Pops festival fraud. First National Bank of Denham ~ Springs involved. Also worthless life insurance policies and other phoney assets used to get credits. 9/1/72 Gov. Edwards announced reappointed Mrs. Frances Smith to La. Insurance Rating Commission. "73 Convicted of defrauding SBA of $350,000. L.A. County Grand Jury. "counts of grand theft, one of conspiracy - $382,000 check swindle of securities fraud? Alleged bribery of Judge Malcolm O'Hara to block, extradition from La. Burden convicted, Smith freed." 2/69 Smith involved in aborted plot, also involving syndicate figure to bribe officials to. get a State sweepstakes lottery. 12/8/58 SBA loan to Smith's Mojave Electric Co., Langston, Calif.. $75,000 defaulted. 5/19/71 SBA $350,000 loan to Smith's American western Plastics Corp, Denver, thru First National Bank of Clovis, New Mexico. Convicted '73. "65 SBA gave Smith's sister and brother-in-law (Pecora) $187,500 loan guaranty. "71 Revealed that Smith hadn't filed U.S. income tax returns for at least 7 years. © He looted deceased brothers' A.D. Construction Co. of about $1.8 million. NW 35923 Docld: 32260702 Page i0
Notes: Metro Crime Commission . 10 Jan. 70 Smith convicted in U.S. District Court, L.A. 18 counts, interstate transport of stolen and forged securities. Leroy Gordon Cooper, retired astronaut and a director of Smith's Telstar, Inc. interviewed with Judge on behalf of Smith. Smith sold 2 companies‘he didn't own. (1) AD... Construction Co., NO, sold in March to Comutrix Corp., Miami for $250,000 shares of Comutrix stock without knowledge of Construction Co. owners. ~ No identification for report on Smith 4 . . DOB: 8/27/24 5'7" 225 lbs. brown hair, green eyes, ruddy complexion FBI #290927G; NOPD #131-685 Dealer (fence) in stolen bonds, stocks and other securities which he sometimes uses to pledge against loans he receives in his construction business. Owner-operator of A.D. Smith Construction Co., 2818 St. Louis St., N.O. La. Arrested 1/11/68 for bribery in connection with an attempt to bribe Edward Grady Partin, who was a gov't witness in a case against Teamster's Pres. Jimmy Hoffa. After a dismissal, which allegedly involved Judy Malcolm O'Hara, Carlos Marcello, and $100,000. There was a retrial under a new statue and Smith was acquitted. One of the jurors in the case reportedly record a death threat during the trial and was released. Frances Smith Pecora, sister of Dalton Smith, is wife of Nofio Joseph Pecora, FBI #057 660. Another sister, Mary Smith Poretto, is wife of Organized Crime figure and close assoc. of Carlos Marcello, Joseph Albert Poretto. ~ Letter from Chief of Police R. L. Hoobler City of San Diego to Aaron Kohn 8/2/73 Re: Dalton Smith, Joseph Merola. Smith - SSN: JFK Act 6 (3) Residence: 8515 Cliffridge Ave., La Jolla Business: Algermon, Inc. “ 7744 Fay St., La Jolla (General Manager) NW 35923 Docld:32260782 Page ii
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 1l Joseph Raymond Merold Aka Joseph Maurice; Joseph Menola w/m; DOB: 10/9/25 (Pittsburg, PA) 5'11"  220lbs brn/brn. FBI #4989 299 SSN: 191-14-1649 Address: 730 N.E. 120 St. Miami, Fla. Business: Owner, Salesman.and Licensed Pilot Opa Locka Aviation, Inc. - Bldg. 407, Opa Locka Airport, Fla. - 3/3/73 information received Merola in S. Diego for express purpose of committing armed robbery. Merola - contacted and arrested for possession of Narcotics that evening. At the time of his arrest, Merola stated that he was in San Diego to meet with Dalton Smith and form corporation called Algemon. Stated he had been in San Diego on numerous previous occasions. . Norma said, Merola's long time girl friend, accompaned Merola. Merola subsequently in daily contact with Dalton Smith. Merola arrived in San Diego 2/18/72, left for N.Y. on 3/28/73 to face trial for charge of armed robbery. Smith paid Merola's hotel bill in San Diego. - April 73, after Merola's trail and conviction, he reported to Miami, Fla. - 3 years probation. During April Merola in bi-weekly telephone communication with Smith. ~ FBI rap sheet - Merola Among entries - 3/23/59 arrest - Miami- transporting stolen firearms in Interstate Comm. 11/29/60 case dismissed by U.S. Atty. - 4/9/59 - Pgh Per Viol - National Stolen Property Act. Receiging and concealing rifles. Sentence 5 years custody ag. 10, 000 Comm., FN - 6/24/59 Miami Bringing an alien into the USA and harboring an alien. - 2/4/60 Pittsburgh National Stolen Proterty Act. Pitts. ~- 8/25/61 Vio. National Stolen Property Act. Tallahassee - 8/29/61 Conspiracy to transport guns l/s NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page if
Notes: Metro Crime Commission | 12 Atlanta - 10/14/61 Conspiracy to transport guns 1/s Tallahassee - 12/7/61 Chicago. - 2/13/62 -9/2/72 - 5/10/71 Conspiracy to. transport guns 1/s SKUM Times Picayne "Gervais Netted 5 day Term" Pershing 0. Gervais, former chief investiga-~ tor for Jim Garrison, who became informer for the federal government in its case against Garrison, two former policemen > and 7 pinball figures, involving alleged payments to Garrison to protect illegal pinball operations. Gervais found guilty of contempt of court for refusing to. testify in Grand Jury proceedings of investigation of charges that a $5000 bribe was paid former Judge Malcolm V. O'Hara by Carlos Marcello. Gervais said he would testify if given immunity. Alleged bribe attempt was intended to help Dalton Smith avoid or delay extradition to California. Times— Picayune ) John McMillan ..was forced into prejury in '64 Hoffa Trial-Partin. Baton Rouge Teamster Boss Edward Grady \\w 53923 Doold: 32260782 Page i3
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 13 Name File Marcello, et als sec transcript Subject: FF Smith (Dalton) 4/10/70 Partin says he lied during trail which sent Hoffa to Prison--Statement made in deposition March 27. In April 1969 Partin testified in BR court that Smith offered $65,000 if he would say the gov't. used illegal wiretapping during the jury tampering trial which sent Hoffa to prison. He said meeting with Smith was arranged by Aubrey Young, one-time aide to Gov. McKeithen. - In alleged deposition Partin said in 1962 Justice Dept. reps forced him into role of informer with threats unless he did their bidding. - States Item 4/19/69 Bill Lynch "Bribery Traial teft interesting question. re: Smith's bribery trial in Baton Rouge. Smith supposedly little fish in big scheme to spring Teamster boss Hoffa from prison on a Federal jury tampering conviction. - Remainder of file arcitles on Partin--Smith case. NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page i4
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 14 FILE: Smith D'Alton Rocky Mountain News Services Sept. - Oct. 1971 Criminal organization - Articles only Smith - Younger-Partin bribery case FILE: "Nicoletti - Name File References: 1. Criminal Org: U.S. Cong. Rec. 23445 8/12/69 , 2. Criminal Org: Chicago Chicago Daily News 3/31/77 3. Criminal Org: U.S. Cong. Rec. p. 23441 8/12/69 ~ Chicago Tribune 2/22/71 Bob Wiedrich "Tower Ticker" Ref: To Charels "The Butcher" Nicoletti, imprisoned Milwaukee Phil Alderiso's reputed triggerman, who represents the enforcement area of the Crime syndicate. NW 35923 Docld: 32260702 Page 15
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 15 FILE Chicago: Criminal Organization - 3/31/77 Chicago Daily News "Mob Bloodbath" - Edmund J. Rooney and Phillip J. O'Connor. re:.bloodbath in mob circles: victims: Richard -Cain, shot to death 12/4/73, allied with mob's older faction; served as chauffeur for mob boss Sam Giancana, during self-imposed exile in Mexico. the mob's bag man in the police department discovered tapping Mayor Daley's offices. Claimed to have helped CIA with Bag of Pigs, trained Cubans. Charles (Chuck) Nicoletti- shot to death-- 20th in series of mob-style murders since Cain murder Nicoletti - 61, had been among .mob's top triggerman; chief enforcer for. 3 aging hoodulms-- Anthony Accardo, Joseph Aiuppa, Gus Alex. Giancana - 65 - 1147 Wenonah, Oak Par, mob's one- time operating director, shot in basement of his home 6/20/75 after being kicked out of Mexico. - LA Examiner 7/16/70 William Farr "Mafia Probe Here" Re: Grand jury investigation into hidden interests in Las Vegas. casinos. Suspected "skimming" - Subpoened - Tony Accardo, Paul Ricca, John Roselli testified Gray and June.” Feds probing Nevada operations of Giancana, Frank LaPorte, Charlie Guchetti, Accardo, Ricca. - Chicago Crime Commission 10/67 Spotlight on Organized Crime - The Chicago Syndicate - File mostly contains articles pertaining to mob. Will attempt to‘obtain copies of articles. ( NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page i6
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 16 FILE P.J. Martino Criminal organization Martino of Biloxi,Boss Not identified with John Martino i Arrested Aug. '71 with 25 others - for interstate gambling activities. Found guilty, July '71. Feb. 1963 - involved in betting ving trial also with Eugene Nolan, Gil Beckley. NW 35923 Docld: 32260782 Page if
Notes: Metro Crime Commission 17 FILE: SANTO TRAFFICANTE Criminal organization - Dade Cty, Fla. Public Safety Dept. Bulletin 6/13/68. - Santo Trafficante family - listed. Associates listed as below-_ , Vincent Bruno Harlan Blackburn Joseph Chierico Wm. rito Dentamaro Jimmie Duca Evaristo Gracia Evaristico:Gareia Antonio Marchese Lazaro Milian. Pedro Perez Stefano Randazzo Norman Rothman "Wichy" Ravello Humberto Trueba Charles Tourine Santo: Trafficante AKA Louis Santos W/M DOB 11/15/14, 5'4", 170 lbs., sparse greying brn hair, green eyes, glasses ‘ FBI # 482531. - NY Times 2/27/77 ~ "Lansky and 4 subpoenaed in Miamai in investigation into Murder of Roselli" A.P. Miami dateline Feb. 26. Marcello, et als. ~- Report 6/19/75 Marcello, Joseph Jr. " " Marcello,-.et al - Newsclip-Newsday, by Tom Renner 2/28/74 - Shreveport Times - "Organized Crime. Uses New Methods in Business Take-Over" 6/21/73. Bill Mazlett. LA Times Wash. Post. NW 35923 Docld: 32260702 Page 16
: flotes: Metro Crime Commission . 18 é - Newsday - "Mob rethinking it Heroin Ban to do ‘a service to the Country'". Tom Renner. August 1972 ~ States Item "Bid by Marcello Under Advisement" 6/28/72. - States Item "Court Refuses to kill suit against Time" 6/3/70. -~ One of 2 Mr. Bigs - FBI Tags Marcello" by Victor Riesel 5/5/70 Journal - Shreveport. - Investigative Report 4/16/68 - by Kohn Informant advised on 4/12/68. Joe Marcello (brother of Carlos) in Tampa, Fla for funeral of Primo Lazzero, underboss for Trafficante. (Died 4/8/68 after surgery for cancer) Lazzero's widow scheduled to arrive in New Orleans 4/12 for stay at Carlos Marcello's home. , During Feb. 68, Trafficante traveling thru, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saigon -- not known why. - "Gangland Meet Held to Divide Crime Empire" States Item 5/20/67 NY AP - 6/12/67 = Investigative Report by Kohn Information received 4/26/67 from informant. Marcello planning to go to Las Vegas to look over: situation. Mano Mareno seeking CM aid for financing on casino in. Las Vegas. CM expected in NYC on or about 5/12/67. NW 35923 Doold: 32260782 Page is