Originator: FBI
From: HAVANA
To: HQ
Document date: 12/10/1958
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

JFK Assassination System

Identification Form

Agency Information

Date:

5/21/201

AGENCY: FBI

RECORD NUMBER:

124-90066-10143

RECORD SERIES: HQ

AGENCY FILE NUMBER: CR 92-2781-86

Document Information

ORIGINATOR :

FBI

FROM:

HAVANA

TO: HQ

TITLE:

DATE:

12/10/1958

PAGES:

8

SUBJECTS :

SALVATORE GRANELLO

SANTO TRAFFICANTE, JR.

DOCUMENT TYPE :

PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

CLASSIFICATION :

Unclassified

RESTRICTIONS: 4

CURRENT STATUS:

Redact

DATE OF LAST REVIEW :

06/24/1998

OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE

COMMENTS :

MEMO

69262 Date: 09-22-2022

v9.1

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14

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## Page 2

STANDARD FORM NO. 64

Office Memorandum • UNITED STAT., GOVERNMENT

TO

DATE:

December 10, 1958

FROM

SUBJECT:

Director, FBI (92-2781) SEORET

Legal Attache, Havana (92-1)

SANTO- TRAFFICANTE, JR., Was.

ANTI-RACKETEERING

# 211,38

Classified b

25 Ch

Declassify on: DADR 1121/33

Reference Havana letters dated September 22 and October

17, 1958; Miami airtel dated September 17, 1958; report SA STEPHEN

LABADIE, Miami, dated October 2, 1958; and Miami letter dated

October 23, 1958.

Set forth below is additional information concerning

the subject and his associates which has been developerby the mr

Havana Office. (R)(U)

AND FIALD CEFI!

ADVISED BY RO

HUNG

Residence (lE) (u)

SLIP (S) OFC

х/ва

WATE

18/18

The

subject continues to reside in Apartment 14-B at

Calle 12, No!

20, Vedado, Havana, Cuba. (%)(U)

Automobiles (k) (U)

On October 28, 1958, PCI ALBERTO SUAREZ ALEMAN, who is

employed as a combination doorman and caretaker at Calle 12 No. 20,

Madvised that subject was visited by à married couple on October 24

and 25, 1958, and that this

couple was riding in a 1953 Buick,

Florida

license 34 W 344.

(6)(4))

DECLASSIFIED BY S668 SU0/KSR

Associates

•Xu)

6-6-97

ON •

(JFK)

On October 16, 1958, PCI SUAREZ advised that about four

months previous an individual, similar in appearance to GABRIEL

MANNARINO, FBI # 8548503nhadpLunched with a number of other indi-

viduals at TRAFFICANTs apartmentin (XU)

BOB SOMEM

On October 28

1058, 4 Per SuAREZ

said that subject had

been visited on a number

FBI # 4736859, Miami

GEORGE LEVINE,

shortly

fter

TRAFFICANTE moved into his apartment at Calle 12

No,

20 d

ENCLOSURE

to

MM, MyTLA

17/18158

2.200

1c 12 3

/48/58 / REG: 94

92

127%

1-56

38 LH 28

21 DEC 16 1958

8

Bureau (Enc A 1

1 - Havana

DJB: 1g

ibiz old

(9)

ÀI

IN CONTAINED

AUSTETED

1958

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## Page 3

Havana 92-1'

SECI

12/10/58

On November

5, 1958, former PCI GOFFREDO CELLINI, Afternoon

Manager, gambling casino, Hotel Nacional, advised that ANTHONY

RANDAZZO, Dade County SO No. 119194, IS

identical with the

indi-

vidual whom he previously identified

as TONy RENDOZZI. (RU) LA

On October 29, 1958, HAV-31 informed that ANTHONY RANDAZZO

had been observed in the gambling casino in the Hotel Nacional with

two other individuals, one who used the name MILANO and one who

used the name LONARDO.

In this regard HAV-4 advised on November 7,

1958, that on October 29, 1958;

; the following individuals arrived

in Havana from Miami aboard PAA Flight 415:

• DOMINICKLONARDO

CARMEN MILANO

PETER MILANO

On October

29, 1958, T. JAMES ENNIS, Manager, Hotel Havana

Riviera,

advised that the following individuals arrived

at the Hotel

Havana Riviera:

JOHN DEMMI, 3405 Elmore, Tampa, Florida;.

JAMES LONGO, 2119 Beach Street, Tampa, Fl

Florida;

SAM TRAFFICANTE, 701 West Alfred, Tampa,

Florida.

Mr. ENNIS noted that these

their wives, resistared as a group i liduals, together with

On December 2, 1958, PCI SUAREZ advised that the following

individuals have visited TRAFFICANTE at his apartment in the past:

DIECIDUE, FBI Nº. 764639 B;

ZL/CUEH

JAMES COSTA LONGO, FBI. No. 4454459;

JOE

R DIEZ, FBI NO. 895483 B;

SAM TRAFFICANTE, FBI No. 492471 B.

Source noted that DIECIDUE was frequently in the company

Of JOE STASSI, FBI NO.

559327, during his visits to TRAFFICANTE's

apartment. STASSI has been reported in the past as the partner

of TRAFFICANTE in the gambling casino at the Sans Souci night

club.

(U)

(S)

Gambling Interests

(u)

General Information] #)(u)

Referenced Havana letter dated September 22, 1958, furnished.•

information concerning an individual named J. M. BROGNOLO who was

reported by HAV-31 to have requested informant to put him in touch

with DINO CELLINI in order that indirect contact could be made

with SANTO TRAFFICANTE.

u)

-2-

SECAST

doppE-1315

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## Page 4

Havana 92-1

SEORET

12/10/58

On October 23, 1958, Mr. THOMAS J. KeLLEY, Resident

Manager, Hotel Nacional, furnished a copy of the registration

card completed by "Mrs. Mr. J. M BROGNOLO" on August 13, 1958.

The records of the Hotel Nacional indicate that BROGNOLO checked

into the hotel at 12:20 P.M. August 13 and checked out of the

hotel at 12:59 P.M. August 16, 1958. Copy of the hotel registra-

tion card is being enclosed for forwarding to the Miami Office.

Inquiry among airport limousine chauffeurs developed that indi-

viduals checking into the Hotel Nacional at 12:20 P.M. would nor-

mally arrive

at Rancho Boyeros Airport between 11:00 A.M. and

11:30 A.M.

(U)

A review of airlines'manifests of entries into Havana

on August 13 and departures on August 16, 1958, developed that

only two individuals came in as a party between 11:00 and 11:30

These individuals

were JOSEPHALGA and MARY BOT GORDON who arrived

In Havana from Tampa, Florida,

at 11:20 A. M./ aboard National

Airlines Flight 301 on August 13, 1958. They carried three

pieces of luggage weighing 63 pounds:

departed Havana aboard National Airlines Flight 302 for Tampa,

• T 0 20r 4AX ORDON

Florida, at 7:40 P.M. August 16, 1958:

They left as a party and

carried seven pieces of luggage weighing 130 pounds.

Opposite

URGA's name appeared the following identification number which

was for airline official use only

102-823930. Opposite GORDON'S

name was the number 102-823929.

On November 7, 1958, Mr. THOMAS J. KELLEY, mentioned

above; advised that the

records of the Hotel Nacional failed to

reveal any record of a JOSEPH VEGA Or URGA OF & MARY GORDON (X)UJ

On November 17, 1958, PCI MAXIMINO GONZALEZ FAGIN, bell-

Doy, Hotel Sevilla Biltmore, Havana, who has furnished reliable

information in the pasty advised that on November 13, 15, and 16,

1958, the subject, DINO, CELLINI, and AMLETTO BATTISTI had meetings

boss of the gambling casino in the Hotel Havana Riviera and a

long-time associate of TRAFFICANTE in Havana.

BATTISTI is a

Cuban Congressman who owns the gambling casino in the Hotel

Sevilla Biltmore and who is considered to be one of the lead-

ing numbers bankers in Havana.

Sources have advised that BATTISTI

has a reputation of being able to cover any numbers bet. PCI

1: -4

-3-

,SECRET

SOOEI-1901

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## Page 5

Havana 92-1

12/10/58

ILA CUBA

SEQRET

FREEMAN Or FREEMORE had

a meeting in Room 455 of the Sevilla

"Biltmore on' November 12, 1958.

Source was of the opinion that

all these meetings were

concerned with bolita operations in

Havana and Florida.

Source noted that an individual named

GEORGE SABA, comes to the Sevilla Biltmore from the United

States twice each week with a handbag and sees AMLETT@ BATTISTI. ELFA

Source was of the opinion that SABA is a runner for lay-off bets

in connection with bolita operations In lorida.

In this regard

the files of the Havana Office reflect that sABA was arrested

by Cuban police on January 27, 1956, at Rancho Boyeros Airport

when he was preparing to depart from Havana for Miami..

At that

time SABA had on his person $600, in American currency and a

number of miscellaneous pieces of paper bearing figures and

notations which caused the Cuban police to believe that he might

to Havana. At the time of his arrest SABA gave his address as

1501 S.W. 63rd Avenue, Miami, and indicated he was born January 5,

in Lebanon.

He was

1904, hair, and blue eyes.

grey

described as 5'6", 180 pounds, brown-

xu)

Hotel Plaza]CH (U)

on september 19, 1958, HAV-33 advised that JOF STASSI,

an associate of the subject,

together with an individual named CutA

FRANK BIRD (phonetic) and other unknown individuals had invested

approximately $300,000.00 in the construction of a gambling casino

in the Hotel Plaza in Havana.

Source advised that in this con-

nection a meeting had been held of a number of gamblers in the

Hotel Havana Riviera in early September, 1958, and that the

subject was present at this meeting.

According to source,

the principal item on the agenda was the Hotel Plaza casino.,

(u)

On October 8, 1958, HAV-31 informed that PETE SÁRNO, @infI

who had previously worked at the Sans Souci gambling,

casino,

was going to work in the casino in the Hotel Plaza. X)U)

1958, HAV-31 informed that FRANK MURPHY

and MILTON SEID, who had formerly worked in the gambling casino

in the Hotel Nacional,

were going to work in the Hotel Plaza

gambling casino.

(u)

_4 -

SECRETI

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## Page 6

Havana 92-1

SECR

12/10/58

On November 14, 1958, HAV-33 advised that the adminis-

trator of the gambling casino in the Hotel Plaza is GEORGI SHERMAN

who appears to be operating the casino jointly with Joe STASSI HA

Source noted that FRAnK GENTILE, who was formerly boss of the

poker table at

the Sans Souci, is now working at the Hotel

Plaza casino. (*

On November 21, 1958, HAV-33 informed that gambling at

the Hotel Plaza casino had been temporarily suspended by the

police for a short period of time on November 19, 1958.

Source

JOE STASSI; his brother ANTHONY STASSI, wa. Tony, Rogers; GEORGE

LEVINE; JACK FREEMAN; FRANK GENTILE; GEORGE SHERMAN; and MILTON

'SEID®

Hotel

Havana Hilton](u)

On September 19, 1958, HAV-33 advised that the Hotel

Havana Hilton continues

to be managed by JOE SILESI, wa. Joe

• Rivers,

an associate of the subject pUT

on October 24, 1958, HAV-33 advised that ANGEL, GONZALEZ

GONZALEZ is no longer employed at the gambling casino in

Havana" Hilton.

Source subsequently informed that GONZALEZ had

the Hotelf'!!!

purchased

an interest in the gambling casino in the Hotel St.

Johas.

TOURINE,

Butch."

Hotel Capri Casino

The Hotel Capri Casino continues

to be managed by CHARLES

Charles

White, and NICHOLAS DE

*COSTANZO, wa. "Fat. The

On November 7, 1958, HAV-33 informed that the subject

continues to havé a substantial interest in the gambling casino

in the Hotel Capri.. Source noted that FRANK RENZONI, who formerly

worked for the subject at the Sans Souci casino, appears to be

the person responsible for protecting subject's

interest. in the

Capri.

Source noted that ANTHONY WILLIAMS, who is the brother of

JOHN HARRY WILLIAMS, Boston Top Hoodlum; is employed at the gambling

casino in the Hotel

Capri. (R) (U)

On November 21, 1958, HAV-33 informed that on November 17,

1958, NICHOLAS DI COSTANZO, CHARLES TOURINE, ANTHONY WILLIAMS, the

subject, and other individuals had a meeting with other casino

operators la

not known:

Hayana but that the purpose of this meeting was

It should be noted that on numerous occasions the sub-

ject has been observed by members of the Legal Attache's Office,

at the Hotel Capri®

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## Page 7

Havana 92-1

SECKET

12/10/58

Hotel St. Johns

On September 24, 1958, HAV-31 informed that the following

individuals have interests

in the St. Johns Casino:

RAUL GONZALEZA PEREZ

ANGEL GONZALEZ GONZALEZ

ROBERTO, MENDOZA

CUBA

CALEEL SIMON

SID. JACOBS

Source said that he was quite certain that RAUL GONZALEZ

PEREZ is representing the money

interests of

SANTO TRAFFICANTE. (K)U)

On November 14, 1958, HAV-33 informed that two of the

interest holders in the St. Johns casino were ANGEL GONZALEZ

GONZALEZ and CALEEL SIMON:

Source informed further that JOHN

WILLIAMS, Boston Top Hoodlum, has purchased

craps table in the st. Jehas Hotel casino gUl

interest in the

[Hotel Deauville Casino (SP(u)

On October 24, 1958, HAV-33 informed that the principal

interest holders in the

Hotel Deauville casino were:

u)

SANTO TRAFFICANTE

EVARISTO GARCIA

GARCIA has previously been identifled as a former

partner of FREDESVINg BOSQUE LeUETO, FBI NO. 4209342

in the i l

Havana-Madrid Jai Alai

'Fronton. GARCIA has also been identi-

fied as a "polita banker"' in Havana for many years. (5)(U)

(Sans Souct Night CLub]# [u)

The subject continues to personally oversee the opera-

tion of the Sans Souci night club gambling casino, and his prin-

cipal assistant continues to be SID JACOBS.

HAV-31 advised that TOMMY "GAGS' GAGLIANO,

at the Comodoro

gambling casino, is now working in the Sans Souct

frotel Comodoro Gambling Casino]U)

Information concerning the manager of the Hotel Comodoro,

'SALVATORE

GAETANQ SCALIA, was set forth in Havana letters dated

October It, 1958! Numerous sources have advised that subject

owns a substantial majority interest in the Hotel Comodoro casino

and that TRAFFICANTE transferred SCALIA from the gambling casino

in the Sans Souci

the Hotel Comodoro. " (it)

-position of, manager in the casino in

- 6 -

SECRET MORE ONE

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## Page 8

Havana 92-1

12/10/58

SECRE

On November 17, 1958, PCI MAXIMINO GONZALEZ FAGIN,

previously mentioned, advised that SCALIA had been associated

with SALVATORE GRANELLO and GEORGE LEVINE Several years ago

when they operated a

ar

concession in the Hotel Sevilla

Biltmore in Havana.

U)

On November 15,

1958, HAV-32 advised that SALVATORE SCALIA

had been arrested on November 14, 1958, in connection with the

shooting of a Cuban girl named MARTA SANDOMINGO MACHADO at Calle

16 No. 2, Apartment 501, Vedado. HAV-32 stated that investiga-

tion indicated SANDOMINGO was SCALIA's mistress, and, although

SCALIA denied it, it appeared that she had been

during an

argument. HAV-32 informed that considerable political intluence

had been exerted to obtain SCALIA's immediate release and that

he was set free under $25,000 bond. Source said that SCALIA

was placed under the protection of Lt. Colonel IRENALDO GARCIA

XBAEZ, the Head of the Cuban Army Military Intelligence Service CAfyi

and son of Chief of Police PILAR GARCIA GARCIA. Hav-32/ informed

that representatives of GARCIA BAEZ had "gotten to" MARTA SANDO-

MINGO MACHADO and that she claimed to have shot herself. Source

said that the superintendent in charge of the apartment building

where SANDOMINGO had been shot had been threatened by representa-

tives of GARCIA BAEZ to "keep his mouth shut."

Source stated

further that a Cuban writer named PAUBIA, who is a police reporter

for the Cuban newspaper "El Crisol", had written an article inti-

mating that SCALIA was linked with the Mafia.

Source stated that

PAUBIA had been threatened with death if he did not "forget about

the Malia and keep his mouth shut."

Hav-32 informed further that

a police officer named OSVALDO ARANGO had investigated the matter Clife

initially.

Source said that ARANGO had been intormed he would

be promoted to Corporal if he

"white washed" SCALIA and that he

would be fired if he furnished a true report on the case. (S) /U)

On November 17,

1958, HAV-32 informed that the weapon

used in the shooting of MARTA SANDOMINGO MACHADO was a .38 caliber

short barrel Smith & Wesson. Source said that this weapon bore

the number 104912 at the base of the grip and the number 32276

on the inside of the frame and on the cylinder.

Source noted

that, while the revolver was temporarily in the hands of Cuban

judicial authorities, there was no doubt that it would mysteriously

disappear in the immediate future. Source noted that for that

reason he had managed to clandestinely obtain the revolver and

had arranged to have two test shots fired from the weapon.

Source noted that, while these two test shots could not serve

for evidentiary purposes, they would be available for comparison

purposes in the event the possibility existed that a similar

weapon had been used in the killinE Of ALBERT ACASTASIA dRU)

- 7 =

SECHET D000O-10043

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## Page 9

Havana 92-1

12/10/58

SECRET

Extra copies of this/letter have been prepared for for-

warding by the Bureau to Miami, New York, and Albany. It is re-

quested that the New York Office advise Legat, Havana whether

the weapons used in the killing of ALBERT ANASTASIA have been

identified and whether it is desired that the test bullets in

the possession of HAV-32 be obtained for forwarding to the

FBI Laboratory.

'(u)

ENCLOSURE TO BUREAU (For forwarding to Miami Office)

Copy of registration card # 27411 for Hotel Nacional,

Havana, Cuba,

for date August 13, 1958, in name "Mrs. Mr. J. M.

Brognolo. ' 2 Uj

- 8 - SECRET

NOORS-013

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