Frank Piccolo
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Frank Piccolo (b. 1923; d. September 19, 1981) was a caporegime in the Gambino crime family in Bridgeport, Connecticut, until his death at the orders of Paul Castellano, then Boss of the Gambino family.[1] Reportedly, Piccolo was killed because he had become embroiled in a power struggle with Connecticut's Genovese crime family and threatened lucrative constructions rackets the Gambino family held with them.[2]
Piccolo was central in the libel case Wayne Newton filed, and lost, against National Broadcasting Company.[3] Newton turned to Piccolo for help with threats he was receiving from other organized crime figures in his effort to purchase the now-demolished Aladdin Hotel & Casino.[4] He was also charged, along with his cousin Guido Penosi, of conspiring to extort money and 'valuable rights' from Newton and entertainer Lola Falana.[5]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ FBI document registered in court case against Sammy Gravano
- ^ Jerry Capeci, Gang Land Goes to the Emailbag, GangLandNews.com.
- ^ New York Times, Deliberations Started in Wayne Newton Case, December 11, 1986.
- ^ Floyd Abrams, Speaking Freely, published by Viking Press, Pages 94-110.
- ^ New York Times, The Region; 2 Allegedly in Mobs Accused of Extortion, June 13, 1981.
