JFK Assassination System Identification Form Agency Information AGENCY: FBI . RECORD NUMBER:  124-10306-10102 RECORD SERIES: HQ AGENCY FILENUMBER: CR 62-75147-34-240 Document Information ORIGINATOR: FBI FROM: SAC, NY TO: DIRECTOR, FBI TITLE: DATE: 10/15/1956 PAGES: 75 SUBJECTS : NRO, ASSOC, OC, GAMBLING ACT, B/F INT DOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION: — Unclassified RESTRICTIONS: 4 CURRENT STATUS: — Redact DATE OF LASTREVIEW: 05/05/1998 OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE COMMENTS : INC RPT, 2 ADMIN PAGES v9.) Docld: 32310693 Page 1 Date: 4/27/20]
wees — 32310693 Page 2? ami annwie General ‘the’ New: York Division of the period April 15, 1956, to Qetober nas 2 1956.. A. ORGANIZED CRIME SA LEON C. KELMER Cs POLITICAL TIES WIE. SA LEON ¢. KELMER _F. GRIMINAL RACKETS ACTIVITIES * 6 | 17. * «UNITED SiaLs3 GOVERNMENT DitwSTOR, FBI - DATE: 10/15/56 SAC, NEW YORK (9h- 19) . ve gy ene oe Sy , INVESTIGATIVE INTELLIGENCE FILE REPORT — “FOR PERIOD arty 15, 1956 THROUGH _ OCTOBER 15; “mhere is transmitted herewith two copies of the Investigative Intelligence Report for Bs INDIVIDUAL MOBSTERS SA LEON C. KELMER AND RACKETEERS _ ORGANIZED CRIME - De POLICE EFFICIENCY SA AUGUST J. MICEK E. GAMBLING SA LEQN C. KRLMER 12.19-GY SC4 Seal Maerrra/ Foy (a) Waterfront Activities-. SA EDWARD Te KELLY JG SA. LEON C.: XBIMER ¥ eo} wy haber Racketeoring “ese TLA Oy ‘Garment Distric t spOn'2 Tig 58, ee: ae 14 Vo
NY 9-119 A. ORGANIZSD GANGS NY 169-C, NY 20)-C, NY 842-C, NY 149-C, as well as other reliable informants and reliable Police sources, state that the Syndicate still controls most of the “ organized gangs in the New York Metropolitan area. The Syndicate, as previously reported, controls major rackets in the United States, such as bookmaking, narcotics, numbers, gambling, garment trucking, vending machines, juke,boxes and many other rackets. Mr. EDWARD JONES, Investigator, New York City Anti-Crime Committee, advised that he had received information from a confidential source, who has furnished him reliable ‘information in the past, that on the afternoon of May 18, . 1956, there was a meeting. of about 35 of the top racketeers van who are members of the Eastern Syndicate of the United ‘ States in Suite 2003 in the St. Moritz Hotel, New York City. Among those present at the meeting who could be identified byNthe informant were“top hoodlups VINCENT ALO, "TRIGGER MIKE™™€OPPOLA, JOEY RAO, BENNY LIVING and MEYER LANSKY. Also present at the eting was the notorious New York gambler, TOMMY-MILO, gambler ARTHUR "LEFTY “CLARK, and Miami Beach Fontainebleau Hotel owner BEN SOAK, According to JONES, those present at the meeting decided that with FRANK COSTELLO's conviction, his useful- ness as the head of the Eastern Syndicate was at an end v and that an election should be held for a replacement - for COSTELLO, New York top odlum VINCENT ALO was selected to replace COSTELLO as hee the Eastern Syndicate and Miami top hoodlum CHARL IS BOURING was selected as the "enforcer." a Also at the meetinz was New York gambler, JERRY RYAN, who had recently lost $35,000 in an open crap game at, the Hotel Victoria, New York City. RYAN was warned that, in the future, he was not to flash that kind of money. -1-¢ Docld: 32310693 Page 3
| 4 rn : is ; .  LCKsmar vw -2- \ Mr. JONES advised that Suite 2003 at the Hotel St. Moritz was rented on a long-term basis by a garment manufacturer, one LEO MORRIS, who is connected with the furrier firm of Morris, Suskind and Reich, 2,3 West 30th Street, New York City. Mr. JONES advised that top hoodlum BENIY LEVINE and Fontainebleau Hotel owner BEN NOVAK and NOVAK's sister, own Laurels City Club, Sackett Lake, New York, which is a well known New York summer resort.. In regard to VINCENT ALO, Mr. JONES advised that \.,.on September 12, 1956, VINCENT ALO, MEYER LANSKY and Mayor _, NGROGAN, of Jersey City, New Jersey, met in a suite on the = re ee v- "“$welfth floor of the Hotel Lincpin, New York City. =" According to Mr. JONES, MART RRAMER, owner_of the Hotel . MS t Lincoln, is a close friend of the well known hoodlum, OWNEY _ MADDEN. MADDEN stays at the Hotel Lincoin when in New Yorr.— - iS stated that the manager of the Hotel Lincoln is a mob contact, and that when VINCENT ALO visits the Hotel Lincoln, he shakes hands with the manager, giving him a $100 bill. , . - NY 1h4)9-C advised in regard to the racket sét-up / in the garment area that 2 gangs control all criminal § _ activities in these areas. He stated that one of these ~ gangs, which is headed by VITO GENOVESE, cotitrols the Italian element in thése areas. The other gang consists ~ of the control of the Jewish element which is controlled by MEYER LANSKY. The informant stated VITO GENOVESE is the biggest Hoodlum in the United States today, and that only one man-is stronger than GENOVESE in the United States, and that man is FLMHETTI of Chicago, Illinois. He stated that because of the vast power that GENOVESE presently — holds in the United States, he cannot adequately place too much control in one area. Hence, his control in the garment area of New York City is rather loose, and the Jewish Gangs apparently at the present time, have a stricter enforcement code to control this specific area. The informant furnished the following information concerning the control in the garment area by the Jewish Gangs: He stated that MEYER LANSKY is presently the top man in this area. He continued that LANSKY recently ‘ \ \ Docld: 32310693 Page 4 a /
NY 9-19 Se ae oe Ow $ x oe LCK:mar ~ BHYMIE SBIGEL eats each morning in the Stage Restaurant, located at Slst Street and Seventh Avenue, with the NEWMAN brothers. SEIGEL has purchased part of ' the Reed Courtney Combine and SEIGEL presently has offices at 110 West 37th Street, New York City. The informant described these offices as a Trucking Office in which SEIGEL operates from a rear room. New York k Metropolitan | area a Concerning LEVINE, the informant: reported that LEVINE has non-union shops which make coats and dresses .in Farmingdale, Long Island, New Jersey and Baltimore, Maryland. the Fabric, INU, located at 500 Seventh Avenue. LEVINE ewns a part in this firm. The informant stated LEVINE can be located at Tt is to be noted HYMIE SEIGEL was arrested on February 3, 1956, at an apartment located at Miami Beach, Florida, by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, for failure to register for a $50 gambling stamp. SEIGEL's Dade County Sheriff's Office Number 191298. This raid, according to the Miami Office, was conducted in an effort to ascertain more information concerning the Reed Courtney Combine. Informants, NY 20)-C, NY 169-C and NY 8l2-C, as well as Liéutenant WALTER CASEY, of the Bureau of Criminal Information, New York City Police Department, all advised that the top 1 Leaders of the _Syndioake 4 in. the VINCENT "JIMMY BLUS the S ndicate." NU TR PET FRANK COSTELLO - Former "Parime Minister of the ‘Syndicate! front man and political contact, who is now in jail. ‘THOMAS LUCHESE ~ Associated with "TRIGGDR MIKE™ COPPOLA, \ \ \ \ \) ae a in the East Harlem mod and influential garment district racketeer with political - connections. DoclId: 32310693 Page 5 / - Reported neuitPrine Minister tae Ze5 7 awe
° ° LCKemar -7- NY 9-119 i e Lower Hast Side Italian mob is headed by JOSEPH "socKs" Ne ZA, a top hoodlum, whose center of operations nas been “Fish Market Nihe Fulto area,/ Other lead >, this moh. are TOMMYAPALHER, SALVATOREAZ@RANELLO, ANIELLOfel CROCE, vw PET r>) 0. Also appearing in the Lower Hast Side are are& of operations is in, the garment district. The DIOGUARDIA brothers! uncle is STORY MER, with alias: JinmysPoyle, * 8 garment area trucking r&keteer and associate of FRANK YSCARBO, in the boxing racket. wn A ; 3. New York Waterfront The New York Waterfront, according to New York. 163-C, and the New York-New Jersey Waterfront Commission; is under the control of EDDIE MC GRATH, a top hoodlum. They state that no murder décisions are made by hoodlums on the Waterfront without the knowledge or tonsent of MC GRATH. Associated with MC GRATH is MICKEY BOWERS, who is the Upper East Side hoodlum leader, and has control of the racketeering on the piers from 2nd Street north. Tos to 57th Street, on the North River of New York. Associated with -ROWERS in this: moby are SONNY C. ELL, ALBERT ACKA Is, DANNY » JOHN, MICKEY RANE, JOHNNYYKEEFE, and EDWARD @EAHY. . Ay » East Harlen and Harlem rn rr rae = Ne pe te f 2M The Bast Harlem Italian moh, which is also known / ks he 116th Street mob, is probably the most powerful : /mob organization in New York, It is strictly an Italian | ‘mob headed by "TRIGGER" MIKE COPPOLA, and includes the \ following individuals who have tremendous power in the \different areas of the city: vi ne ae TOMMY "THREE FINGERS BROWNS#+TUCHESE, whose | | interests\are principally in politics and in garment area —— trucking x criminal control is in the garment area in Midtown-Manhattan. "FAT TONY" 7SALERNO, powerful Harlem and East \Harlem numbers rackéteer, . CT een ne wos ee Ay . SOBASBRACCT, with alias sookSereten, whose ' | Docld:32310693 Page 6 thet atc brothers, JOHNNY and FRANK, whose principal /4/)./ ( 4/..
w A MBM - 2 ON x . Co SY NY 94-419 VINCENTJALO was FBI 54810 _ nr AVGPO#E 30701 SS ane Se Tee Aon fee dap tea. VINCENT ALO has been a big time gambling operator for many years. He spends most of his time in 1} operate where he has resided since about 1936. ALO has a . home in Hollywood, Florida, and an apartment LYA at 315 River- side Drive, tes York City. It hagebeen reported that ALO's ~~ . ‘brother-In-1aw, , VINCENT "BANJO eGONTRALTA , resides at. this address. aod y On March 28 and $0, 1956, potential Criminal Informant FRANK GAGLIO was unable to ident ify a photograph of VINCENT ALO, with alias: Jimmy Blue Eyes. The informant stated he knew JIMMY BEUE EYES by reputationmly, and that . JIMMY BLUE EYES, JORMSTUTZ (Phonetic), an Italian gambler from .V y . Harlem, ,JeMMY MILO, with alias: Marlowe, 2% and 7 meme Le C. ULLETS controlled the numbers._.rackéts from Harlem to Yonkers. The informant advised that these individuals © ~~ occasionally met at Barnita's Restaurant, Jerome Avenue and ' Mount Eden Avenue, Bronx, New York. On May 29, 1956, NY 8ii2-c advised that VINCENT ALO still controls a "Book" in the Bronx. He did not know whether or not ALO actually runs the "book" or if he has someone. operating it for him. 8 ga” Ba On June 25, 1956, EDWARD JONES, “Investigator, New York City Anti-Crime Committee, advised that he had received information from a reliable source, who has furnished reliable information in the past to the effect that on the afternoon of May 18, 1956, there was a meeting of about _ thirty-five of the top racketeers who are members of the Eastern Syndicate of the United States. ~ 2h - a eee wee - ve ee Docld: 32310693 Page ?
° & a “\ —— , Zt MBM - 3 MN. ° . YO .. NY 94-419 A meeting was held in Suite 2003, St. Moritz Hotel, New York City. This suite at the Hotel St. Morita, ccording to JONES, is rented on a long term basis by LEO JORIS, a furrier of the firm of Morris, Suskind and Reich, 2H3 West 30th Street, New York City. A/ ¥f RR I EE = che Cannan ' Among those present at the meeting who could be identified by the informant were VINCENT ALO, "TRIGGER MIKE" COPPOLA, JOEY RAO, BENNY LEVINE, MEYER LANSKY, TOMMY MILO, ARTHUR "LEFTY" CLARK and BEN NOVAK, owner of the Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida. According to JONES, those present at the meeting decided that with FRANK CCSTELLO's conviction his usefulness as the head of the Eastern Syndicate was at an end, and that an election should be held for a replacement for COSTELLO. VINCENT ALO was selected to replace COSTELLO as head of the Eastern Syndicate. CHARLES TOURINE of Miami was selected as the "enforcer." mo . JERRY RYAN, a New York gambler, was at the meeting. He had recently lost $35,000 in an open crap game at the Hotel Victoria, New York City. RYAN was allegedly warned at this meeting that in the future he was not to flash that ‘kind offmoney. . On December 23, 1955, MM 322-C advised that CEypANTT, eo! FBI Number 791783, VINCENT ALO and E ATT, FBI Number 5036386, were in Hollywood, Florida. ee - 25 - } DoclId: 32310693 Page &
i ~ en ¢ ' 1956, stated: ck MBM - 11 foe NY 94-419 ANTHONY CARFANQ, was: "Little Augie, : Little Augie FBI Number 652552 NYCPD Number B113063 : — wey ee ee nee mp Aecording to’ PCI NICHOLAS PETILLO, CARFANO continues to be an important member _of the syndicate _in New York, and closely associated with FRANK COSTELLO, MEYER “LANSKY, LONGY ZWILLMAN, ALBERT ANASTASIA, and the recently deported JOE ADONIS, According to PZTILLO, CARFANO is presently connected with labor rackets and the Italian lottery, He,stated on February 15, 1956, that AUGIE's nephew, LOUISNOI SALVIO, is a Democratic District leader who runs the "Democratic Club" at Lafayette and Spring Streets, New York City. DI SALVIO reportedly is aware of -CARFANO's operations. NY According to the records of the New York City Police Department, ANTHONY CARFANO, with aliases; was born in New York City on November 11, 1895. However, the national list of the F.B.N. lists CARFANO as having been born in New York City in 1898. . New York Informant 169-C advised on July 20, 1956, that he heard that CARFANO is spending the summer in or near Long Beach, Long Island, New York, and is supposed to be behind a large crap game, either in session or proposed for that area. . "The New York Herald Tribuen" dated March 16, "LITTLE AUGIE PISANO insisted on a secret rendezvous yesterday, with New Jersey Police, before he would agree to questioning in the attempted assassination of LOUIS SAPERSTEIN, on Saturday, in Newark. "PISANO and his lawyer, HAROLD CORBIN, met Newark Police Lieutenant JOSEPH KINNEY and four other officers somewhere in Manhattan, and told them he did not know anything about the attempted killing of SAPERSTEIN, former insurance man. + - Sl - } \ \ | \ Docld: 32310693 Page 3
JBK - 18 ~ NY 4-19 this source, MISHEL advised that CHAIT had to acquire stops to operate the fleet of sixteen trucks and acquired the stops the same way he musceled into Stern's Express. NY 842-C, who has furnished reliable information relative to garment district racketeers, advised on July 26, 1955, that CHAIT holds a dominant place in the garment center areas of New York, He advised that approximately two months previously, according to underworld talk, CHAIT allegedly bought out THOMAS LUCHESE, with alias "Three Fingers Brown," CHAI is reported to have paid an even million dollars in cash to LUCHESE for his interest in the garment center area with the understanding that thereafter LUCHESE and his associates would leaves this area to CHAIT, The source stated that these was considerahkb talk in the underworld as to whether this move would mean that the Jewish element was to become Cominant in relations to the Italian element now reportedly in control of various activities in the garment center area; IRVING MISHEL advised in 1953, that Zenith Associates, 570 Seventh Avenue, New York City, was a factoring firm which made loans to many of the top hoodlums in New York City, and cashed checks for the top bookmakers and racketeers, This firm had connections with the National Safety Bank, 38th Street and Broadway, New York, and the Pennsylvania Exchange Bank, IRVING MISHEL advised that prior to 1953, racketeers, who were in control of the untons, associations and concerns in the garment area of New York Clty, were of Jewish decent. The principal racketeers were ABE CHAIT, MEYER and JACK LANSKY, DUTCH GOLDBERG, HYMAN-STROMBERG alias Nig Rosen, JOE-MILLER, TOM CUTTY, MORRIS SHAPIRO, JOB-BERGER, HYMIE-SIEGAL, the NEWMAN brothers and others of less notoriety, IRVING MISHEL claimed these individuals had unien connections and were in a position to either operate non-union shops, furnish protection for non-union shops or operate under special contract with the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, - 58 - Docld: 32310693 Page il
- MBM - 9 i ) NY 94-419 According to JONES, those present at the meeting decided that with FRANK COSTELLO's conviction his’ useful- ness as the head of the Eastern Syndieate was at an end and that an election should be held for a replacement for COSTELLO. i New York top hoodlum VINCENT ALO was selected to replace - COSTELLO as head of the Eastern Syndicate and the Miami top “ hoodium, CHARLES TOURINE, was selected as. the "enforcer." JONES advised that. Suite 2003 of the St. Moritz Hotel, New York City, was rented on a long. term basis by a garment manufacturer, one LEON MORRIS, who is connected with the furrier firm of Morris, .Suskind and Releh, 243 West 30th Street, New York City. When the above information was furnished to the Bureau, they directed by letter dated July 10, 1956, that 7 J further developments concerning the reported appointment of / VINCENT, ALO to. succeed FRANK COSTELLO in underworld affairs pe followed. ' On July 17, 1956, MM 509- c advised the. Miami’ | Office that he was.in Miami from New York City and that he had. heard nothing relative to a meeting in New York City whereby VINCENT “ALO was allegedly appointed to succeed FRANK COSTELLO, He stated/that while it was possible that CHARLES TOURINE, alias CHARLIE}WHITE, could have been named the "enforcer," he did not think ALO had enough standing in the sybdicate to succeed / : FRANK COSTELLO. og FRAME 908m . P On August. 21, 1956, O14-C advised SA FREDERICK F. DALY that he was informed by "S080 GIORDANO, a collector j)/,, / for: the FANELLI mob on the East Side4/that a meeting was held ae | in Hot Springs, Arkansas, by the gambling syndicate to discuss a replacement for FRANK COSTELLO and. that a meeting was scheduled for the same place during September. According to GIORDANO, sno specific decision was réached and CARMINE! OVE,. ERED_ RB TARELLI, and a racketeer name VALINDRT, are all under — a Docld: 32310693 Page 12
Ca EJD-17 ma NY 94-419 - i: - Secretary, Tress = ~-f oa AOL, Retail Clerks Inter- _nationat national Nssociation. The The article also, includes infor- “mation to the effect that Assistant District. Attorney,. BIRNS stated that the DIO organization was in the business of "selling labor peace for a price." BIRNS stated that DIOGUARDI offered to post. a $505 000.00 bond to assure the fulfillment of his commitment tc bar strikes in the two companies. ‘The article reflects that GOLDSTEIN was referred to, as a “go ween" in. relations between. DIOGUARDI and Ne f ZORALLO, by HOGAN. a, | x ct JAMES. J. DWYER, Area Director, New York State ‘Parole Board, 320 Broadway, New York City, advised on August 16, 1956, ‘that JOHN DIOGUARDI while incarcerated at Sing Sing Prison on August 3, 1937, listed the ; follo gng individuals as friends: ROBERT DGORDON 511 Mulrose Avenue | Chicago, 1itinets’ a <a _Ludiow and Livingston Streets New. “New York 2 New 3 York” — wornay¥OsE _ pon YefirEo | - 1400..Brondway. 53 Watt Street | . New york, New Ye York New _York,, New York OR ca On May 7, 13, and 29, 1956, Confi Informant, NY 173320, advised that CHAR: ‘CARLINO Af was closely associated with JOHN DIO and His brother, co a THOMAS DIO. - Confidential Informant NY 842-C, advised between May 12 and 18, 1956, that JOHN DIOGUARDI was a former partner of . CHARLI iso. Ny ~ . JOHN O'MARA, New. “York. City Anti-Crime Committee, advised that committee records reflected the following associates of JOHN DIOGUARDI: ; Tar / GEORGE 3 VELMA Clerk also known as George i/ uf Aces and as Géor gexepier-the organizer in the New York Vv a, win@hee F areain the UAW-AFL. Liaw fe By a ; ws , | JOSEPHA HEN, on the staff of the UAW-ArL, New Sort area~-frequ tly seen on clandestine trips py -e7 - | NM, ' Nos - : oe _ . re a ed Docld: 32310693 Page 153
NY 94-419 nin aque New York City Anti-Crime Committee files contain information to the effect that JOHN DIOGUARDI had the following girlfriends: ; papetfaKe, dancer and _ model; ADELG(ATPERT, VM ¥ Secretary to Local 102, CAW-APL. -_ ~~ F . These records further reveal that DIOGUARDI Was said to be contributing to the Support cf a blonde girl of Polish extraction. for a number of years, however, her identity never was revealed, . _ in an article in the ‘New York Times" of March 10, 1956, New York County District Attorney is quoted a8 having stated that evidence. is his possession shows ~that CORALLO-DIO GPoup was attempting to influence the outcome of the Joint Teamsters Council Elections, (the CORALLO refers to ANTHONY CORALLO and the DIO refers to JOHN DIOGUARDT). : -. On August-11, 1956, Confidential. Informant 842-C advised that he has a long time acquaintanceship with DIOGUARDI. He stated that CHARLES TUSO, (FBI # 382873), was in the early 1930's & partner of DIOGUARDI's and that together they. conmitted .an armed. rebbery for which TUSO was apprehended anc convicted, but refused to implicate’ DIOGUARDI in the..Yolation thus allowing DIOGUARDI ‘to escape ~detection, . The informant ‘stated.that DIOGUARDI. was sub- . sequently arrested along with his: uncle, JAMES PLUMERTI , for extortion and was committed to Sing Sing Penitentary and subsequently served. time along with’ TUSO, While at Sing Sing, DIOGUARDI Was. very. closely associated with JOE BERGER, | a On July 11, .1956; DIO was interviewed. in. con- junction with the investigation of. the case entitled il ABRAHAM TELVI, was (Deceased) et al; VICTOR RIESEL- VICTIM, OBSTRUCTION OF , JUSTICE-CONSPIRACY" in which case DIOGUARDI -is presently a subject. At the time of the i . interview, DIOGUARDI said that: in. the event that he had or developed any information concerning the Riesel attack, - OY concerning any other crime,-he would not furnish it to ‘the Federal Bureau of Investization or any other law enforce- ‘ment agency. - = 90 = DoclId: 32310693 Page 14
MBM - 9 NY 94-419 There are two other gambling casinos operating 4n Cuba at the present time. One is located at the Varadere International Hotel at Varadere Beach, Cuba, which is located approximately 80 miles east of Havana. The other gambling casino is located in Santiago de Cuba at the Casa Grande Hotel. The city of Santiago de Cuba is located in the eastern part of the island of Cuba and is approximately 700 miles from Havana. With reference to the possibility that gambling in Cuba is controlled by a syndicate headed by MEYER LANSKY or other individuals, it is noted that DINO CELLINI, who has operated the gambling casino at the Tropicana for many years, is also running the gambling casino at Oriental Park Race Track. His brother, EDDIE CELLINI, has been placed in the casino at the Hotel Nacional as a floor man in the gambling room. Also, information has been received from Lt. HERIBERTO HERNANDEZ of the Cuban National Police that the license for operating in the gambling casino at the Sans Souci had been issued by the Cuban Govertment to. OSCAR He-ECHEMENDARIA, who is an associate and director of the Topicana Night Club. It appears likely, therefore, that there is some sort of tie-in between at least four of Havana's gambling casinos. This matter is being followéad, and the Bureau will be kept advised. NY l449c advised from March 15, 1956, to March 31, 1956, that at the present time, two gangs control all / criminal activities in the Garment Area. He said one of these gangs which is headed by VITO GENOVESE controls the Italian element in this area. The other gang consists of / the Jewish element which is centrelled by MEYER LANSKY.° “ The informant stated VITO GENOVESE is one of the biggest f ~ hoodlums in the United States, and that oniy..one man is v stronger than GENOVESE in the United States, and that man is FISCHETTI of Chicago, Illinois. He stated that because of the \ vast power that GENOVESE presently holds in the United States, he cannot adequately place too much control in one area. Hence, his control in the Garment Area of New York City is rather loose, and the Jewish Gangs apparently at the present time, have a stricter enforcement code to control this specific area. - 123 - Docld: 32310693 Page 15
MBM - 18 NY 94-419 According to JONES, those present at the mect- ing decided that with FRANK COSTELLO's conviction, his usefulness as the head of the Eastern Syndicate was at an end, and that an election shoyld held for a replacement for COSTELLO. VINCENT ALO was \seVected to replace COSTELLO, and Miami top hoodlum, CHARLES}VORINI, was chosen as the "enforcer," ONES advised further that Suite 2003 at the Saint Moritz Hotel was rented on a long term basis oy a garment manufacturer, one LEO MORRIS, who is connected with the fur firm of MORRIS, SUSKIND and REICH, 243 West 30th Street, New York City. JONES advised also that BENNY LEVINE and hotel owner, BEN NOVAK, along with NOVAK's sister own Laurels City Club, Sackett Lake, New York, which is a well- known New York summer resort. NY 99-C advised on July 6, 1956, that BENJAMIN LEVINE reportedly owns the following companies: Olive Coat Company Sunray Coat Company Royal Mist Coat Company Kolmer - Freeman According to the informant, LEVINE would probably have "partners" running the above companies for him. Ct , The informant advised, additionally, that the mob" had a "piece" of LOGXSCHNEIDER's business (ladies! suits and coats) and the informant specifically mentionéd BENJAMIN LEVINE and JOE MIL as having a part. Aan anonymous letter received by United States Attorney, PAUL WILLIAMS on August 30, 1956, in connection with the VICTOR RIESEL case reflects TOM CUDDY “handles the LEPKEE GURAH piece for TOMMY BROWN, LANSKY, BENNY LEVINE and IRVING SHERMAN." . - 130 - DoclId: 32310693 Page i?
if MBM - io NY 94-419 that in so far as he knows, LUCHESE is mixed up with the garment industry and certain garment unions, but did not know his direct connection. This informant advised that it is more or less common knowledge in the underworld that LUCHESE along with others has connections with certain unions and gets a piece of the union welfare funds. NY L449~ C furnished the following information from March 15, 1956 to March 31, 1956 in connection with the Garment and Trucking Investigation. This informant advised that MEYER LANSKY is presently the top man in the New York City Garment Area. He is represented by Attorney MOE POLAKOFF, 430 Park Avenue, New York City, LANSKY controls DAVID DUBINSKY of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU); LANSKY dictates all ; policy to this Union Head. Underneath LANSKY, the informant : places one BENNY LEVINE. According to this informant, LEVINE controls all the Contractors in the Industry and is the man who allocates which Contractors deal with the Garment Manufacturers. Below LEVINE, the informant places on the same level, THOMAS LUCHESE and HYMIE SEIGEL. He stated that LUCHESE controls the Cutters and the Contractors in the Garment Area. On April 9, 1956, Mrs. JESSIE BANKS, 1038 Capouse Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, advised the Philadelphia Office that she is employed by the Harvick Sportswear Company, 1007 Capouse Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she serves as chairlady of Local 109, ILGwU. Until the fall of 1955, the plant was owned and ope ad by Oscar Zinn, but was at that time sold to ROBERT" SHIA (PH), allegediy the son of Three Fingers Brown. ' Young BROWN was rumored around the plant to be a West Point graduate. He normally visited the plant on Tuesday and remained until Fricay, returning to New York City for the weekend. He was always: accompanied by the plant manager, (FNU) St. George. . ~ 136 - Docld: 32310693 Page 16
NY 94-419 ABNER ZWILLMAN, was: FBI # 346333 "Tongzy" Zillman, etal "EONGY” ZWILLMAN has been known for many years as one of the most powerful members of the Syndicate in the United States. Of late years, he has assumed the status of a responsible, successful businessman. On March 31, 1956, NY 1449-c advised that MEYER LANSKY was in control of one of the two gangs which controlled all criminal activities in the garment aistrict in New York City. According to the informant, on March 30, 1956, ZWILLMAN and LANSKY went to the . office of Attorney MOE POLAKOFF, 430 Park Avenue, New Mork City, who represents LANSKY, to obtain legal aid for ZWILLMAN in his income tax. dirficulties. The following is extracted from the colum of VICTOR RIESEL, entitled "Multi-Barreled Purpose In Saperstein Shooting," which appeared in the March 14,1956, edition of the "New York Mirror," and con- cerns the shooting of SAPERSTEIN in Newark, New Jersey. | "He is LOUIS SAPERSTEIN, muleter-extraordingary of union welfare funds. He dipped in for almost $1,000,000. 00. | "And he kicked back to a string of union men and their underworld protectors from -coast-to-coast.. He did business under the protection of-one of the board of directors of the Crime Syndicate-ABNER (LONGIE) ‘ZWILLMAN, ZWILLMAN got hot recently when the Internal Revenue Service cracked down. Like FRANKIE COSTELLO, when'a high mogul of the mob gets hot, he loses prestige in the underworld. -"With ZWILLMAN for the moment otherwise occupied, the mob started after some of his. friends in the labor section of the. underworld. " on: July 6, 1956, NY 99-C. furnished the following information: ; A. oXirumr, Auctioneer, 11 Commerce Street, Newark, ‘New Jefsey, is allegedly friendly wrth UnLbed ~~ “States Distrte uurt Judge LLI (phonetic) of ; Nil Newark-who présideéd over tHe ‘recent trial of JOSEPH —— "DOG" STACHER, which trial resulted in STACHER's acquittal. : o Docld: 32310693 Page 19
NY 94-419 Gulfstream Park The informant stated that the Ryder Brothers have the policing of this track. COPPOLA, RYAN, and BROOKS particularly control bookmaking at this track. During the past season, all three would handle all of thé large play at the Club House, while RYAN and BROOKS took care of the customers in the pox seats. The informant stated that he has: often seen FRANK RYDER in conversation with MIKE COPPOLA inthe Club House. . The informant. stated that he has reason .to. believe that while he is neyeryat the track, MEYER LANSKY is represented by PHID)KOVOLICH, who resides on Jefferson Street in Holiywood, and who is often in New York In the company of BENNY LEVINE. Hialeah Racé~Track - The informant. stated that JOHNKMADALA | hp is the boss of police at this track, and that the same ————. conditions that exist at Gulfstream exist at Hialeah, \, A. Bookmaking . . . _ NY 1449-¢ advised that HYMIE SEIGEL, who is a troubleshooter for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, is.the head shylock for the garment. industry and furnishes loans in this capacity to manufacturers who are going in the red at exorbitant interest rates. SEIGEL now controls approximately 10 to 14 bookmakers in the New York. City area and is referred to as the man who took BUGSY SEIGEL's place in the garment industry. This informant. Stated that HYMIE SEIGLE eats each morming in the Stage Restaurant located at 51st Street: and Seventh Avenue with the NEWMAN brothers. The informant stated that SEIGEL ~ 216 - h : ONS ee —— ae ee a 5° TLE Sas ee ats Se = wate = aN nn, DoclId: 32310693 Page 270
Le LCK:ecf ad -37- NY 94-419 B. Garment District - ILGWU Criminal control in the garment district. is the subject of a pending investigation in the New York Office under the caption Garment - Trucking Investigation and Anti-Racketeering, Bureau file number 91- 1794 New York file number 92-305. In this connection NY 1449-c on March 31, 1956, advised that at the present time two gangs © controlled ‘all criminal activities in the garment area of New York City. He stated that one of these gangs. which is headed by VITO GENOVESE, comprises. the control of the. Italian element in these areas. The other gang consists of the control of the - Jewish element which is..controlled by MEYER LANSKY. ‘The informant stated VITO GENOVESE is the biggest hoodlum — in the United States today, and that only one man is stronger than GENOVESE in. the United States, and that man is FICHETTI of Chicago, Illinois. He stated that because of the vast power that GENOVESE presently holds. in the United States, he cannot adequately place too much contol in one area. Henee, his control in the Garment. Area of New York City is rather loose, and the. Jewish Gangs apparently. at the present time, have a stricter enforcement code to control this specific area. During the course of this discussion with the informant, the informant furnished the following information concerning the control in the Garment Area by the Jewish Gangs: “He stated that MEYER LANSKY is presently the top man in this area. He continued that LANSKY recently moved from the Essex House, New York City, and ispresently residing at the San Moritz Hotel, New York City. According to the informant, LANSKY is presently represented by Attorney MOE POLAKOFF of #30 Park Avenue, New York City. He stated that this Attorney handles all legal business for LANSKY, and - Q47 - Doclda: 32310693 Page 71
t NY 9-119 MISHEL stated that during 1953 thé control of the aforementioned individuals had given way to the Italian faction which ineluded JOE STRACCI, a‘lias Toe’ Stretch, MIKE COPPOLA, TEOMAS LUCHFSE, alias "Three Fingers Brown", JAMES PLUMFRI, alias Sammy Doyle, the DIO brothers, JOHN,THOMAS and FRANK, MOH KTLAMAS, BFNNY SQUINT (phonetic), FAT TONY SALERNO, FRANK CARBO, EDNIE coco, and others, “One JOR DIAMOND was reported by NY 8)2-5 as a representative of ANTHONY BONASERA and JOHN "Bath Beach" ODDO in the garment center, Files of the New York City Anti-Crime Committee indicate receipt of information in 1954 that JOR DIAMOND associated with ODDO, MORRIS KLEMAS and IZZY SCHWARTZ and that DIAMOND was not only connected in the garment district but was a Brooklyn mobster, Other New York City Anti-Crime Committee sources described DIAMOND as close to JAMES PLUMPRI and to HARRY KLAR, _ NY 62-C ‘advised that an organization to which he referred as the Master Trucking Association was made up of the Italian racketeering element, The informant advised that in 19.8 and 191.9, this association tried to. buck ARE CHAIT for control of _ trucking the garment. center area. At that time, they were unsuccessful, Recently, Master. Trucking has been shew ing great strength and-is reporte me against CHAIT in the garment center truck industry. He said this association is.made up of the following: JOHN DIOGUARDI FRANK DIOGUARDI - THOMAS DICGUARDI JAMES-PLUMERI MOE KLAMAS ARTHUR ROCCAMENTE OF STRACCT ANTHONY AZINI Aly ~ 267 - 2k Ing headway — . . - oe . — ee _ ee 7 . _ . . 2a — — Docld: 32310693 Page 253
LOK 3 MPC ~ l= NY 94-419 GENERAL CRIME CONDITIONS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY YONKERS RESIDENT AGENCY, YONKERS, NEW YORK A. Organized Crimes ’ Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety JAMES MC CUE, other high police officials and NY 1427-C have all indicated that they have no:knowledge of organized crime in Yonkers, New york. Be. Individual Racketeers and Mobsters NICHOLAS RATTENNI, with alias NICK#ERRY, was identi~ fied as "Westchester Garbage King" during his recent trial in Utica, New York on income tax evasion for failure to pay ‘the government $100,000 tax. He was connected with the Getty Square Recreation Company and the Oakmont Holding Company, as well as being the head of the Westchester Carting Company, a concern engaged in collecting commercial refuse. -— Testimony was introduced in the recent trial of RATTENNI that showed he had invested up to $35,000 between 1946~1950, the period that he is charged with tax evasion. The name of RATTENNI and FRANK COSTELLO were mentioned publicly in October 1953, when the Roosevelt Raceway indicated they had been trying to buy back a "Gangster Tainted" block of 6400 shares of stock worth $179,000 from the Old Country Trotting Association. That. shock was then held by RATTENNI's wife, CHARLOTTE SiC at onsNNT RATTENNI was described then as a reputed associa of gambler, FRANK COSTELLO. THOMAS MILO, SR., with aliases, FBI # 108588, 25 Lamartine Terrace, Yonkers, New York is reported to have been associated with FRANK COSTELLO, THREELFINGERS BROWN and other top New York City racketeers. MILO is still considered as the "KING PIN" of gambling activit:.es in lower Westchester County. Information has been developed that on May 18,1956, THOMAS MILO, SR. attended a meeting at the St. Moritz Hotel, New York City, with about 35 top racketeers who are members of the "Eastern Syndicate". Among those present were VINCENT ALO, "TRIGGER MILE" COPPOLA, JOEY RAO, BENNY MEVINO, and MEYER LANSKY ~415- DoclId: 32310693 Page 24