Released wider the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1557 (44 USC FilT Hote). DATE: 11-14-2017 JFK Assassination System Date. 5/14/201 Identification Form “Agency Information AGENCY: . FBI RECORD NUMBER: = 124-10206-10408 RECORD SERIES: HQ AGENCY FILENUMBER:  92-6054-1ST NR 574 Document Information ORIGINATOR: FBI FROM: SAC, CV TO: DIRECTOR, FBI TITLE: DATE: 01/17/1964 “PAGES: 16 SUBJECTS : LCN, NUMEROUS SUSP, REL, BKG, CRIMINAL ACT, FISUR | DOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT CLASSIFICATION: — Unclassified ; RESTRICTIONS: 4 CURRENT STATUS: — Redact DATE OF LASTREVIEW: 06/23/1998 OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE COMMENTS : LL ir v9.1 Docld: 322911352 Page 1
@leased under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 U8cC 3107 Aowtern DATE: 11-14-2017 1 . , . 0 CV .157-227 ReCVairtel to Bureau, 1/11/64. SINCE THE INFO SET FORTH HEREAFTER IN THIS — COMMUNICATION WILL PINPOINT THE INFORMANT SPECIFICALLY, INFO HAS TO BE HANDLED AS EXTREMELY CONFIDENTIAL AND RN REY NN cv 344-c was contacted and he furnished considerable background info concerning himself and his family and father, GUISSEPPI PINDELLI, which he stated could serve to corroborate with the info furnished. Informant stated he himself has never been initiated as a member of the "organization" but stated that his father is a member and because of this and he being the oldest child in the family, might be considered a member. He stated that even though his father was deported from the United States and now resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he still exerts some influence in the "organization" in the United States. CV 344-C advised that GUISSEPPI PINDELLI was born 1/1/97 in Cosilita Reggio Calabria, Italy, and immigrated to the United States and settled in W. Va., in about 1906. PINDELLI began living common law with AGNES VIGILINTI «nd shortly thereafter moved tovWestmoreland County, Pa., and in particular Scottdale, Pa., where they resided for about 18 or 19 years. Six children were born in this common law relationship of which the informant. is the oldest. Informant stated that in about 1927, while residing at Scottdale, Pa., the Federal narcotics agents raided his parent's home and arrested his father and mother, himself, informant's aunt, MARY VIGILINTI and #70 boarders in the home, one TOBIAS MARFIA, who served two years in a Federal penitentiary and was later deported, and DOMINICK TORCHI (ph), who served three months in a Federal penitentiary. At the time of the arrest, no evidence was found connecting them with narcotics violations, but during the trial in Federal court, PG, where they were tried for conspiracy, a Federal Narcotics Bureau informant testified that he had purchased narcotics from them and all were found guilty. PINDELLI was sentenced to three years and served 27 months and about 18 days in Atlanta and Leavenworth Penitentiaries and was later deported to Italy. Informants mother, AGNES VIGILINTI was placed -on probation for two years and later violated her probation and served two years at Alderson Federal Penitentiary for Women in W. Va. His aunt MARY VIGILINTI was sentenced to one year at Alderson. Docld: 322911352 Page 3
Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (44 USC 7i0T Horer” DATE: 11-14-2017 Oo O CV’ 157-127 It 1s to be noted according to info of NY T-2 on page 28, report of SA JAMES FLYNN, 7/1/63, "LA COSA NOSTRA", CHARLES CAVALLARO was in PG at this period and CV B44-C advises he would be known by GUISSEPPI PINDELLI. cv 344-c stated that following PINDELLI's deportation to Italy, he slipped back into the United States about two months later and lived all over the United States with members of the "organization". He and his family later moved to Warren, Ohio, and about 1941 or 1942 at the beginning of World War II when it was necessary for aliens to register PINDELLI was arrested by Warren, Ohio PD and held for INS. Inasmuch as the U.S. was at war with Italy, it was impossible to deport PINDELLI and he was placed on bond of $50,000, which was put up by members of the "organization." When the war ended and it appeared that PINDELLI's arrest was imminent, the "organization" indicated to him thathe should take off and skip his bond. He had apparently made satisfactory arrangements with them, and he was not making enemies in skipping the bond. According to the informant, PINDELLI then left Warren and traveled with a carnival based on the West Coast through Calif., Oregon and Washington, PINDELLI was later arrested at informant's brother, FRANK's, home at South Gate, Calif, ani deported again to Italy. PINDELLI later immigrated legally to Buenos Aires, where his prother ANTHONY PINDELLI, now deceased, was residing and where PINDELLI remains today. According to informant, PINDELLI has nephews and nieces residing at Buenos and is residing at 1372 Centenera, Capital 24, Buenos Aires,. Argentina. Re: . Pittsburgh “organization" : cV 344-c stated that GUISSEPPI PINDELLI was a close associate of the seven VOLPE brothers in the PG area. JOHN VOLPE was the "boss" of the "family" and was later killed with his two brothers in an "organization" war. . He stated PINDELLI had told him that (FNU) SPINELLI had been one of about three persons responsible for the murders and fled to Italy to escape reprisal and was either apprehended py authorities there or "they" (the "organization") caught him and killed him in Italy. According to informant, PINDELLI was very close to the VOLPE brothers and on one occasion when GUY VOLPE (who later died of pneumonia) was 4 on the "lam", he stayed at the PINDELLI home in Scottdale, Pa. Docld: 322911352 Page 4
Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 Us¢°2107 Hotter DATE: 11-14-2017 C | O " - cv" 157-127 GIANNI. RAZZANO was also a close friand of. PINDELLI and it was in his (RAZZANO) bar, where the three — VOLPE brothers were killed. Informant stated BRAZZANO apparently was murdered at a leter date for his suspected part in the VOLPE murders. CV 344-c stated that BRAZZANO has a son still residing in the PG area named JOHN BRAZZANO, . who is.extremely close to young MIKE ROMEO of Campbell, Ohio, who is the son of PAUL ROMEO, who is retired but held in high respect by the "organization" and formerly a power in Youngstown and Mahoning County. Informant also stated that there is still a couple of VOLPE brothers living in the PG area, but he does not know them personally. CV 344-C stated that TONY RIPEPI was once an associate of PINDELLI and is the most powerful of the "organization" in the PG area. He stated there is no one higher in Washington or Allegheny Counties and he also exerts influence into W. Va. He stated that although "CHUCK" TEEMER is the front man for the Red Dog Club, a very: elaborate gambling casino, and previously Club 30 and the Jockey Club, large gambling spots, TEEMER is merely tolerated for his political influence, and all of the employees of the club are working for TONY RIPEPI. The informant stated that in 1927-1928 period, when GUISSEPPI PINDELLI was in the PG area, GABRIEL and SAMUEL MANNARINO of New Kensington, Pa., were just coming up in the racket activities and PINDELLI would know them and they in turn would know about him. He stated that diring the same period, MIKE ACQUARO was a power in the "organization" but at the present time he is allegedly dying. He stated that although ANDREW MANGINI is a member of the "organization" he is engaged in racket activities in the PG area. He is actually a "nobody" as far as power in the "organization" is concerned. Informant summarized the PG area by stating that in his opinion he is certain that RIPEPI is the "boss" and although FRANK VALENTI attended the Apalachin meeting, he was merely there as a representative of RIPEPI. He stated that from the info he has gathered, the Apalachin meeting was by no means a meeting of the real bosses of the Mafia but was a meeting of the representatives of the real bosses. He stated that as an example of this, JOHN T, SCALISH of CV, was at this meeting and if he was there he, informant, knows that he is not the "boss" of CV, and if he attended, he was merely there as an emissary im , of ANTHONY MILANO, Docld: 322911352 Page 5
Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 15992 (44 UST 2107 Hoter™ DATE: 11-14-2017 / XX - CV 157-127 Re: New York "organization Cv 344-c stated PINDELLI spent a great deal of his time in NY and had high connections and one connection was a "power" one PASQUALE NAPOLI, who contolled the longshoremen in Brooklyn for years, but died about a year ago. He stated NAPOLI was his, the informant's, godfather. Re: Cleveland "organization" * cv 344-c stated PINDELLI was a close associate of CICCIO MILANO, who now resides in Mexico. He stated that at the time PINDELLI was told@ he could jump his $50,000 bond, he was told by CICCIO MILANO that he could come and live with him in Mexico and MILANO still exerts power in the "organization" f rom Mexico. ANTHONY MILANO, Calabrese, «isthe "boss" in CV and is a close friend of PINDELLI. CV 344-c stated ANTHONY MILANO's word is "law" even with the Sicilian group in Toledo, Akron, Canton, Sandusky, Warren and Youngstown. He stated FRANK DE AUGUSTINI owner of the Roman Gardens, Mayfield Rd, section of CV, is second in command of CV under MILANO and is also a close friend of PINDELLI. He stated he does not know FRANK BRANCATO too well, but. knows he was a close friend of PINDELLI and is believed by the informant to be next in command of the Calabrese group under MILANO and DE AUGUSTINI. CV 344-c stated regarding the CV area there are two distinct groups in the "organization". He stated this is unusual in that the Calabrese group is more highly respected than the Sicilian group in this area. He stated his opinion comes from the reactions to different arguments which have arisen and would have later been settled by meetings. He stated the Sicilian group operates its own | enterprises and there is apparently a pact that they and the Calabrese will not encroach on each others enterprises. He stated that the Sicilians group includes JAMES LICAVOLI, aka Jack White, OF Cleveland, "WHITEY" BESASE of Toledo under LICAVOLI and ANGELO PERNA of Toledo under BESASE. He stated that they have enterprises operating in Docld: 322911352 Page 6
| Released under the John F. Kemedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (442 USC Fi0T Hoter” DATE: 11-14-2017 | O CV 157-127 Toledo. Informant stated that LICAVOLI has GUS DIMA as the representative at Sandusky, Ohio, who has his source of income there. At Canton, PAT FERRUCCIO was the representative for LICAVOLI for years, but lost out for some unknown reason, FERRUCCIO is still a member, but not in very good standing. He stated he has heard of "BONES" BATTISTA of Canton, and from what he has heard, BATTISTA supported the right candidate in a local election and was able to operate, but needed a "bank roll" for his operation and sought outside help, and therefore LEO MOCERI, ERNIE LA SALLE and ANTHONY DELSANTER became his partners in a bookie and numbers operation. At Warren, Ohio, ANTHONY DELSANTER became “boss" f the area where MIKE FARAH, a Syrian, was murdered 6/10/61), "Organization" put up ‘with FARAH as long as he had influence and had politicians in his pocket, which could be controlled. When he became obstriperous and unecnhtrolable the “organization” "dumped" him. He also stated that CHARLES IMBURGIA, operator of the Sunrise Inn, E. Market St., Warren, Ohio, may now be affiliated with the Sicilian group of LICAVOLI, but at one time. several years ago was a part of the PG group, headed by RIPEPI. The Akron area is part of the Sicilian group operating in Toledo, Canton, Warren and Youngstown, and JAMES LA FATCH seems to be the representative of LICAVOLI in that area together with his brother TONY and would be under the direct supervision of "WHITEY" BESASE of Toledo and LICAVOLI in CV. CV 344- C stated that TONY MOLLICA is an "organization" representative at Mansfield, Ohio, and although a Calabrese, will "hustle" with the Calabrese and Sicilian groups. Informant does not consider him a power, butheisa member of the "organization" and operates the Ritz Bar in Mansfield, Ohio. Docld: 322911352 Page 7
Released under the John F.. Kenedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 USC YI0T Hoter—” DATE: 11-14-7017 rr . 7 ( C) ~ CV 157-127 In connection with the influence. of-the Calabrese group headed by ANTHONY MILANO of Cleveland, CV: 344-C. gave the following as an illustration: He stated that in about 1955 he backed a sheriff!s candidate in Mansfield, hoping that if he was elected he would be able to open a house of prostitution in Mansfield and within the jurisdiction of the sheriff. The candidate was elected without any support whatsoever of TONY MOLLICA. He started his house of prostitution, which was a money making proposition and shortly thereafter MOLLICA approached him and told him that people in town were talking and saying that he, MOLLICA, was responsible for the house being able to operate and it was giving him a bad name because "members" are not Supposed to engage in prostitution, Informant told MOLLICA that he had nothing to worry about as he was not involved, and it then became apparent that MOLLICA was trying to get part of the operation and profit. MOLLICA then turned to MTKE ROMEO of Poland, Ohio, brother of PAUL ROMEO of Campbell, who was a friend of informant's father, and ROMEO called on the informant on behalf of MOLLICA, ROMEO told informant that he was "out of line" and was giving MOLLICA a bad reputation in that he had moved into MOLLICA's territory. ROMEO told cv 344-C to close the house for a couple of months so that everything would "cool" down, Informant refused and told ROMEO he was not out of line and secured his own "fix" by backing the sheriff in the election and the sheriff wanted nothing to do with MOLLICA and would not allow him to operate anything, Informant stated he was mad about this interference and then wrote a letter to his father in Buenos Aires and later received an answer to the letter. With the answer he was instructed to take the letter to PINDELLI's good friend, ANTHONY MILANO in Cleveland, and according to CV 344-C, he did this. A-couple of days later informant was called by "WHITEY" BESASE, who instructed him to come to Akron to the home of JAMES LA FATCH for a meeting. He was told to come there with MOLLICA, but informant refused stating he was not going to be "dumped" en route or at the meeting. He then called MILANO in the presence of MOLLICA and told MILANO what they wanted of him. MILANO instructed MOLLICA that he was instructing "the kid" (the informant) to accompany him to Akron, and told MOLLICA that if a "hair on the head of PANDELLI"” was harmed he would see that the whole bunch was taken care of, Informant then got on the phone and was instructed by MILANO to go to Akron with MOLLICA and everything was going to be all i Docld: 322911352 Page &
Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 Ust Pi0T Hoter— DATE: 11-14-2017 \ ~ CV 157-127 ' right, and he would not be hurt. Informant stated they went to Akron to JAMES LA FPATCH's home where abcut 20 varsons were assembled, After a dinner, all except infcrmant revived to the hasement where MOLLICA and MIKE ROMEO were interrogated. Informant advised MOLLICA lied and denied that hs had said what he had and ROMEO became infuriated and left, Everyone shook hands with the informant except ROMEO, and informant was told that he was "not out of line" and he should continue to operate. He recalled the following individuals at the meeting: LA FATCH * MOLLICA ROMEO "WHITEY" BESASE LEO MOCERI ERNIE fA SALLE ANTHONY DELSANTER Many svrangers cv 344.C stated that about two weeks leter he was called to the Ritz Bar in Mansfield by MIKE ROMEO, and in the presence of MOLLICA, ROMEO denounced MOLLICA as a "liar" and asked informant to forgive him. After the meeting ROMEO told the informant that he could go to ANTHONY MILANO in Cleveland and tell him that everything was all straightened out. Informant then went to DE AUGUSTINI, not wanting to bother MILANO with such small details, and gave him the information, and DE AUGUSTINI told him he would see that MILANO was advised, He stated he had no further troubles with MOLLICA. CV 344-c stated that in Youngstown there are the same _ two groups in the "organization" as in Cleveland, The Calabrese has some action, and the Sicilian group under LICAVOLI have their own ventures. Both have respect for one another's enterprises. The Calabrese is represented by DOMINICK MALLAMO, who is a more or less successor to PAUL ROMEO, brother of MIKE ROMEO, and MALLAMO is. close to MILANO in Cleveland. MALLAMO is in a semt- retired position but exacts tribute from those under him, second in command, taking a more active part and soon to be the leading representative of the Calabrese, is JAMES PRATO, aka “Two Gun JIMMY" of Poland, Ohio, who is a nephew of MALLAMO, Informant stated that when the “‘barbut game moved to Struthers, Ohio, from Youngstown, they moved the game in on the CARABBIA Docld: 322911352 Page 93
Released under the John F. Kenedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1997 (44 08St 2107 Hotter” DATE: 11-14-2017 ; 7 - CV 157-127 Regarding the Sicilian group of the "organization" in Youngstown, CV 344-C stated he could not say if VINCENT J. DE NIRO, bombing-murder victim, 7/17/61, was a member of the "organization" or not, but stated that DE NIKO's murders caused great concern amone 42) inesbers of the "organization". He stated that of all ot the murders committed in the Youngstown area, this was the only murder where members of the "organization" made active efforts to determine the persons responsible for same. He cited inquiry by PRATO, TRIPODI of Steubenville and RIPEPI of PG, as. DE NIRO was a big source of income for the group and was cooperative. CV 344-c stated that the "organization" made no inquiry with him following the bombing-murder of CAVALLARO .and for this reason he believes CAVALLARO was killed for getting "out of jine". He stated if he had been killed without the sanccion of the "organizatinn" they would have inquired as to vwno kilied one of their members, He stated that in his cpinion CAVALLARO had a portion of DE NIRO's. operation ani anparently tried to "hog" tne entire operation after his sath, Regarding JASPER. JOSEPH AIELLO, JR., aka "Fats", the informant advised he is no longer held in high respect because he has "gotten out of line" by bad publicity and by engaging in armed robbery and burglary. He stated that AIELLO had formerly been well thought of and in Youngstown was on about the same level as ANTHONY DELSANTER presently is in Warren. Informant stated WILLIAM NAPLES, bombing-murder victim, 7/1/62, was killed because the "organization" learned he was responsible for killing DE NIRO. According to the informant, the NAPLES brothers were not part of either the Calabrese or the Sicilian groups and did not contribute to either group. Regarding the killing of MMINICK MOIO, whose body was found stuffed in the trunk of his car at.Canton, Ohio, 9f/63, informant stated the "organization" made no inquiry about his death which would mean to him that MOIO had "gotten out of line"... MOIO had somehow obtained employment with the NAPLES brothers and unquestionably "set up" BILLY NAPLES for his murder. CV 344-C stated MOIO 10 Docld: 32291132 Page 10
rReleased under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (44 USC 2107 Hotter” DATE: 11-14-2017 cv 157-127 may have gotten "out cf line" by admitting to the FBI that he had driven BILLY NAPLES to his car when he was blown up. Re: Steubenville “organization” . CV 344-C stated that JAMES TRIPODI fully controls the Steubenville, Ohio area and exerts some influence into certain sections of W. Va. He stated that as an example, an "organization" members! restaurant known as the Baron Restaurant owned by COSMO QUATRONE was held up by some arméd robbers from CV, including DAVE TIBERZIO, THOMAS "LAUGHING TOMMY" RUDELICK, VINCENT INNOCENZI, whose body was found decomposed in Akron in the Summer of 1960, and DOMINICK MAHRICI, The thieves had not checked with TRIPODI before pulling the armed robbery and as ¢ vesult INNOCENZI was killed and MAFRICI although “she son-in-law of FRANK DE AUGUSTINI of CV was killed in 5U, 3/:5/57, while out on bend, Informant noted that M&SRICZ was heard plea@i:i: for his life prior to being sho: “> calling out "TONY con's do it," probably calling to TONY BUFFA of CV, who was she alleged murderer, Informant st=ted this was an example ci' what the "organization" considers getting "out of lines" and anyone who does this will be punished accordingly no matter who they are or how they are connected. It is noted that the above info is not being disseminated to’ other offices, inasmuch as it must be paraphrased to such an extent that the informant cannot .be compromised at a later late. The info contained in this communication will be evaluated and wil then be disseminated to interested offices. ; Informant advised in connection with his father, GUISSEPPI PINDELLI, three separate attempts have been made to secure a visa for him the last: being about two years ago, when it was felt he was going to be allowed re-entry but failed. He stated he is 77 years of age and would be kept by informant's Sister of excellent reputation and with no possible burden to the United States. Informant stated that if his father returned he, being the oldest son, would be his chauffeur and would give the informant an entree to the "organization" in the cities of PG, DE, CV, NY and possibly many other cities. 11 Docld: 32291132 Page il