Agency: FBI
Originator: FBI
From: YOST, NEWTON E.
To: DIRECTOR, FBI
Document date: 08/20/1968
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 744 USC 2107 Hotel.

DATE: 11-14-2017

JFK Assassination System

Identification Form

Date:

5/20/201

Agency Information

AGENCY :

RECORD NUMBER :

FBI

124-10297-10113

RECORD SERIES: HQ

AGENCY FILE NUMBER : 92-6054-2382

Document Information

ORIGINATOR:

FROM:

FBI

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 :

v9.1

DocId: 32308986

Page 1

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## Page 2

Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 144 USC 2107 Hote).

DATE: 11-14-2017

-FD-263 (Rev. 3-8-67)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

REPORTING OFFICE

LOS ANGELES

TITLE OF CASE

OFFICE OF ORIGIN

NEW YORK

DATE

8/20/68

REPORT MADE BY

NEWTON E. YOST

CHARACTER OF CASE

INVESTIGATIVE PERIOD

9/1/67 - 8/16/68

TYPED BY

paw

LA

COSA NOSTRA

AR - CONSPIRACY

REFERENCES:

Report of SA NEWTON E. YOST dated 9/4/67 at Los

Angeles.

Bureau airtel to New York dated 7/24/68.

-P -

ADMINISTRATIVE

As noted in the details of this report, Los Angeles

La Cosa Nostra (ICN) "Boss" NICOLO LICATA, reportedly, was to share

In the profits of the two panguingue clubs that were

In Los Angeles since October, 1967. Subsequent to their original

trying to operate

opening, they were closed by local

several

authorities. This happened on

occasions until a new county ordinance governing these

clubs was passed and they have not since re-opened.

CONVIC

AUTO

FUG.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS CLAIMED - None

FINES

SAVINGS

RECOVERIES

APPROVED

2

SPECIAL AGENT

IN CHARGE

ACQUIT.

TALS

CASE HAS BEEN:

PENDING OVER ONE YEAR EYES INO

PENDING PROSECUTION

OVER SIX MONTHS

DYES IXINO

DO NOT WRITE IN SPACES BELOW

92-6054-2382

REC 82

Bureau: (92-6054)

(RM)

New York (92-2300)

San Diego (92-229)

(RM)

- Los Angeles (92-1112)

AUG 21 1968

EX-10Z

ed

• Dissemination Record öf Attached Report

Agency

Request Recd.

Date Fwd:

How Fwd.:

Bỳ

510CT1 41968

:32308986 Page 2

t Division,

Notations

i pring

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## Page 3

Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (41 USC 2107 Note) .

DATE: 11-14-2017

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;

Celebrity Club and the Almont Club.

the

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 4711-C-TE advised on 3/14/68 that MANUEL "RICKY"

JACOBS, Los Angeles area gambler, was "fronting" various

investments 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

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 ICN

"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 4711-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

that this group would continue their efforts

to obtain their

money back.

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Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Aot of 1992 (14 USC 2107 Hotej.

DATE :*

11-14-2017

LA 92-1112

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 LICATA.

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

became 111.

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.

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

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

sanas casino, in cabazon, California, the following is perti-

nent:

- C-

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Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Aût oF 1992 T11 USc 2107 Hotey.

DATE: 11-14-2017

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

ing.

Through control of three of the five man Cabazon City

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

ICN "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

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

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-

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.

On 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

down this new casino. SIMPONIS stated that he would be

willing to refund this group their $25,000 license fee and

other expenses incurred in preparing the casino property for

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/Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Recorus ColLection Hot O1 T992 171 USC 2T07 Hotey.

DATE: 11-14-2017

LA 92-1112

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

chat 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

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-

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Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination

Recorus Collection Act of 1992 (41 USC 2107 Hote).

DATE: 11-14-2017

LA 92-1112

SIMPONIS left for a trip to Mexico City on 7/25/60.

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 received from SD 1064-C-TE and

LA 4448-C-TE.

For their additional protection, several symbol

numbers have been assigned to those sources.

LA I-I Is LA 4448-C-TE who is a member" of the

Los Angeles ICN "Family".

LA I-2 is SD 1064-C-TE who is a "member" of the

Los Angeles LCN "Family"

LA I-3 1S LA 4412-C-TE who is not a "member" of the

Los Angeles ICN "Family" but who has an extremely

close identity with various of its "members"

LA T-4 is LA 4448-C-TE who 1s a "member" of the

Los Angeles ICN "Family"

LA T-5 1S SD 1064-C-TE who 1s 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 I-T 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 ICN

"member" of New York City.

-

F

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/Released under the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act Of 1992 (17 USC 2107 Hote).

DATE: 11-14-2017

LA 92-1112

LA T-9 is LA 4960-C-TE who is a " member" of the

New Jersey LCN "Family"

close identity with its leaders and members as

well as a close association with numberous ICN

"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"

G*

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