Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 Use 2107 Hotey. DATE: 11-14-2017 JFK Assassination System - Date: 5/20/201 Identification Form ‘Agency Information AGENCY: FBI _ RECORD NUMBER: — 124-10297-10113 RECORD SERIES: HQ AGENCY FILENUMBER:  92-6054-2382 Document Information ORIGINATOR: FBI FROM: YOST, NEWTON E. TO: DIRECTOR, FBI TITLE: DATE: 08/20/1968 ‘PAGES: 19 SUBJECTS : LCN, MEMBERS, ASSOC, CRIMINAL ACT, GAMBLING DOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION: — Unclassified RESTRICTIONS: 4 CURRENT STATUS: = Redact DATE OF LAST REVIEW: 06/26/1998 OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE COMMENTS : eee v9.t 3 Docld: 32308986 Page 1
Released under the John F. Kennedy Hssassination Records Collection Act of 1997 T4f Use 2107 Hote) - DATE: 11-14-2017 | 4 _ e "FD-263 (Rev. 38-67) oo on a OO. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVES TIGATION . INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD 9/1/67 - 8/16/68 8/20/68 REPORT MADE BY NEWTON E, YOST CHARACTER OF CASE OFFICE OF ORIGIN NEW YORK : — — . ~. LOS ANGELES _ TITLE OF CASE TYPED BY paw “LA COSA NOSTRA AR - CONSPIRACY - a). REFERENCES : “Report of SA ‘NEWTON E. YOST dated 1 9/M/6r at. ‘Los | wy eaacemnare ts Angeles . Bureau airtel to New York dated 7/24/68. _ -P- ADMINISTRATIVE As noted ins the details of this report, Los Angeles La Cosa Nostra (LCN) "Boss" NICOLO LICATA, reportedly, was to share in the profits of the two panguingue clubs that were trying to operate in Los Angeles since October, 1967. Subsequent to their original opening, they were closed by local authorities. This happened on several occasions until a new county ordinance governing these clubs was passed and they have not since re-opened. ACCOMPLISHMENTS CLAIMED ~ None ACQUIT-| case was been: : TALS CONVIG }AUTO.| FUG. _ FINES SAVINGS ‘| RECOVERIES ; ; " PENDING OVER ONE YEAR K]}ves [~]no PENDING PROSECUTION OVER SIX MON-THS Cores (Xjno SPECIAL AGENT approvido av IN CHARGE DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW _ conid sy a ‘ a — REC 7) ‘New York (92- ay "ay 4 1 - San Diego: ic 229 (zm 2 - Los Angeles 92-1112 ms TUE EXAUe : . . I y iv, . Digsenination Record of Attached Report ff Notations tx: 7 Agency : ; 7 Sa Request Recd. we ‘Pocld:32308986 Page 2.
Releazed under the John Ff. ennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 USC Fil7 ater DATE* 11-14-2017 . @ O oe = - LA 92-1112 LA 4711-C-TE, since his original development in October, 1967, has furnished valuable information in such connection. This source advised that he, himself, is one of the principals in both of these panguingue clubs, the Celebrity Club and the Almont Club. This source has advised on various occasions that once these clubs had’ paid off their original ‘opening expenses, that he, informant, would see to it that "Boss" NICK LICATA received a regular share of the pro- fits. LA W711-C-TE advised on 3/14/68 that “MANUEL "RICKY" JACOBS, Los Angeles area gambler, was "fronting" various investinents in the Almont Club. Informant stated that, among ‘ others, the LCN "Family" formerly headed by THOMAS LUCHESE of New York had invested $180,000 in the Almont Club. Inform- ant’ stated that the LUCHESE money had been invested through New York bookmakers, CHARLES -MEYERSON and HERBERT LIEBERT (deceased). Informant noted that JACOBS had been a former | bookmaking partner of LIEBERT. According to informant, JACOBS has not paid any of this money back to the LUCHESE interests |. | | { and informant stated that JACOBS was in real trouble if the LUCHESE interests do not receive, shortly, a return on their investment. On 3/28/68, LA 4711-C-TE advised that on 3/23/68, he had met at the New Yorker Hotel in New York City with LCN | member CARMINE TRAMUNTI of the LUCHESE family and TRAMUNTI was accompanied by Attorney SCHECTEL (phonetic) who has repre- | sented members of the LUCHESE family. This meeting according to informant concerned the investment by the LUCHESE LCN i "Family" in the Almont Club. Informant stated that TRAMUNTI | reiterated that the LUCHESE "Family" was a partner in this investment, having invested their money through New York book- maker, CHARLES MEYERSON. . . On 5/17/68, LA A711- C-TE advised that during the past week, CARMINE TRAMUNTI, New York LCN member, his attorney, (FNU) SCHECTER (phonetic ) and WILLIE ROSEN had been in Los ' Angeles. The purpose of the visit was to attempt to determine the status of panguinque and what could be done for the return’ of the money invested by this New York group. Since the panguingue clubs were now permanently closed, informant noted c that this group would continue their efforts to obtain their | money back. | _. -B- COVER PAGE a | J Docld: 32308956 Page 3
Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act DATE :* 11-14-2017 C oO - LA 92-llle In this same connection, SD 1064-C-TE advised on 5/3/68 that he had attended a meeting in Los Angeles on 4/26/68. Present at this meeting were LCN members JOHN ROSELLI, LOUIS TOM DRAGNA, FRANK BOMPENSIERO, "Under-Boss" JOSEPH DIPPOLITO and "Boss" NICK LIGATA. ° SD 1064-C-TE advised that at this meeting "Boss" NICK LICATA explained that his predecessor, "Boss" FRANK DESIMONE (deceased), had set up a detailed investments in Los Angeles panguingue with the THOMAS LUCHESE LCN "Family" of New York.and that later this New York "Family" interests were worked out with "Little Steve" of this "Family" after LUCHESE became ill. From comments made, informant received the impression that, in the past, the LUCHESE group had invested between | $110,000 and $120,000 in Los Angeles panguingue activities and that at the present time this group has between $180,000 and $185,000 invested. This money has been spent on Pan Club rent, card tables and attorney's fees to fight the various injunctions formerly and presently outstanding prohibiting this activity. According to comments. made at this meeting, informant did not believe the LUCHESE group has currently received "$0.25 back on their $185,000 investment". ROSELLI told the group that in his opinion the LUCHESE group would be unable to recover any of their money and the pan clubs would not be successful in getting the injunction lifted banning their operation. a At this meeting NICK LICATA explained that he had been attempting to work out details with HAROLD "HAPPY" MELTZER regarding the LUCHESE investment in Panguingue. LICATA stated ‘that in the event they were successful in lifting the injunction banning panguingue and after the LUCHESE group got their original investment of $185,000 back, that the Los Angeles LCN "Family" would thereafter receive 25% of the profits from Panguingue. In connection with the Los Angeles LCN "Family" interests in the luxurious, legal card casino, the Desert Sands Casino, in Cabazon, California, the following is perti- nent: ~-C- COVER PAGE Docld: 32308956 Page 4 ! i I
“Released wider the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (44 TSC Fi0T Hovey: ‘ DATES 11-14-2017 © S LA 92-1112 -Some months ago, the Los Angeles LCN "Family" sold out their hidden 30 points in the Desert Sands Casino, owned and controlled by Los Angeles gambler, NICK GUST SIMPONIS, to SIMPONIS. SIMPONIS, subsequently, constructed a luxurious new casino in Cabazon, California, and vacated the old build- ing. Through control of three of the five man Cabazon City Council, SIMPONES was successful in having the city deny all other gambling licenses and he operated the Desert Sands Casino with no competition. This has been a most lucrative operation for SIMPONIS, Various members of the Los Angeles LCN "Family", especially "Boss" NICK LICATA, have frequently expressed their desire to again "cut into" this operation of SIMPONIS. No active steps, however, were taken. On 6/26/68, SIMPONIS contacted LA 4448-c-TE in Los Angeles, California. He stated that a few months ago, a new city councilman had been elected in Cabazon, California, who was now the deciding vote on the City Council. SIMPONIS 7, stated that this individual, THOMAS DE LUCA, and two other "| councilmen had issued a second gambling club license. in } Cabazon to a group headed by EDWARD ROBAN and FRANK BARNESE. He stated this group had paid $25,000 for the first year's license. They obtained a lease on the old building SIMPONIS had first used for a casino and began re-modeling in preparation for opening in early July, 1968. They indicated this would provide only temporary housing for their casino and that they planned a future construction of a big new motel-casino oper- ation. SIMPONIS told LA 4448-C-TE that he was extremely concerned over the opening of this new casino as it would cut heavily into his profits at the Desert Sands Casino. ; _:0n 6/27/68, LA 4412-C-TE advised that on the night of 6/26/68, SIMPONIS, informant and LCN "Boss" NICK LICATA had met in Los Angeles, California. At this time, SIMPONIS told LICATA of his concern over the opening of this new | casino. SIMPONIS claimed that the small town of Cabazon | could not support two casinos and he feared heavy financial { loss from this competition. SIMPONIS then requested LICATA's help in closing ice down this new casino. SIMPONIS stated that he would be fo willing to refund this group their $25,000 license fee and . ; other expenses’ incurred in preparing the casino property for COVER PAGE. . to ! . : ae a ~ 4 SOX SA Docld: 32308986 Page 5
"Released tinder the John F. Kennedy Assassination & DATE: 11-14-2017 LA 92-1112 , | a opening. SIMPONIS stated that he would leave the entire matter up to.LICATA and if he (LICATA) was successful, he would make LICATA a "partner" again in the new Desert Sands Casino. LICATA agreed to see what he could do in this matter, stating that he (LICATA) could not handle it alone because he must take care of "my people". Based on information received from SD 1064-C-TE, Special Agents of the Los Angeles Office observed a meeting of several Los Angeles LCN "Family" members on 7/6/68. Among those present were "Boss" NICK LICATA, "Under-Boss" JOSEPH DIPPOLITO and member JOSEPH LIMANDRI. On 7/10/68, SD 1064-C-TE advised that LICATA had discussed his contact with SIMPONIS, as set out above, and LICATA indicated that his group would contact the principals of the new casino in Cabazon and dis- cuss SIMPONIS' offer with them. Both SD 1064-C-TE and LA 4412-C-TE have furnished information on a virtually daily basis since the meeting on 7/6/68 relative to this matter. Based on information received from these sources, meetings between LICATA and his group , have been observed on 7/21,24/68 and a meeting between LICATA and SIMPONIS on 7/24/68. Both SD 1064-C-TE and LA 4412-C-TE have advised .! that the principals of the new casino have been contacted and SIMPONIS' offer discussed with them. Both sources have advised that LICATA, at least until the date of this report, has handled this as a business offer and no threats of any sort have been. made to the casino principals. ~ ~ Both SD 1064-C-TE and LA 4412-C-TE have advised 4 that these principals have advised that they prefer that SIMPONIS purchase between 20 and 50 points in their new | enterprise rather than accept the original offer of SIMPONIS. These sources have advised that LICATA is in favor of this— plan as well as having the new casino group purchase a few points in SIMPONIS' Desert Sands Casino. In that manner, LICATA could share in the profits of both enterprises and with the two groups as partners, they would control the entire Cabazon City Council and, thus, prevent the issuing of another gambling license to any other group. , --E - COVER PAGE Docld:327308986 Page 6
ennedy Assassination Records Collection Act o lone me DATE: 11-14-2017 LA 92-1112 SIMPONIS left for a trip to Mexico City on 7/25/68. He was not expected to return until about 8/19/68. Both SD 1064-C-TE and LA 4412-C-TE have advised LICATA will meet with SIMPONIS as soon as he does return from Mexico City and, at that time, will discuss LICATA's plan on resolving this matter. Careful consideration has been given to each source concealed and "T" symbols were utilized in only those instances where the identities of the sources must be concealed. Extensive information relating to LCN members and their activities in the Los Angeles area as well as infor- mation relating to LCN members and their activities in:other parts of the country has been réceived from SD 1064-C-TE and LA 4448-C-TE. For their additional protection, several symbol numbers have been assigned to those sources; © LA T-1 is LA 4448-c-TE who is a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family". oo LA T-2 is SD 1064-C-TE who is a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family". LA T-3 is LA 4412-C-TE who is not a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family" but who has an.extremely close identity with various of its "members". LA T-4 is LA 4448-C-TE who is a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family". — . LA T5 is SD 1064-Cc-TE who is a "member" of the _ Los. Angeles LCN "Family". LA T-6 is LA 4448-c-TE who is a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family". LA T-7 is SF 2689-C-TE who is a "member" of the San Francisco LCN "Family". LA T-8 is JOSEPH VALACHI.who has been identified. as an LCN "member" of New York City. - = F- COVER PAGE hae wee, Docld: 32308956 Page fF ns Me he
“Released wider the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records ColLléction Act of 1397 (aT Ust Fi0r votes DATE > 11-14-2017 © A | LA 92-1112 | | | LA T-9 is LA 4960-C-TE who is a " member" of the New Jersey LCN "Family". “ LA-T-10 is LA 4711-C-TE who is not a "member" of the Los Angeles LCN "Family" but who has extremely \ close identity with its leaders and members as well as a close association with numberous LCN "members" throughout the entire country. LEADS SAN DIEGO AT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: An information copy of this report Is being furnished to San Diego as information concerning individuals. in that area appears in this report. LOS ANGELES | < AT LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Will continue efforts to develop information relating to membership, leadership, and other activities of the Los Angeles LCN "Family". © _ ‘6 = Ge - | COVER. PAGE Docld: 32308956 Page &