Tom Papania

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tom Papania (born May 30, 1944) is a Christian evangelist who was a high-ranking enforcer in the Gambino crime family before his religious conversion.

Starting at age 17,[1] Papania worked his way up the Gambino crime family first working for Carlo Gambino and then directly for mafia boss Paul Castellano.[1][2]

Papania claims that in 1984 he had a Road to Damascus experience and then turned to Jesus Christ, and away from crime.[2][3]

Papania was charged and sent to Atlanta federal penitentiary to await trial.[2] The trial lasted 11 months.[2] After a year, Papania was set free.[2]

Since his release, Papania has worked as an evangelist and speaker throughout the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia among other countries.[2] According to the Ponca City News, Papania's interview with James Dobson was the most ordered cassette from Focus on the Family.[4]

In 2001, Papania was sued by Robert "Rocky" Scarfone, who accused him of using stories from Scarfone's life as his own.[5][6] Papania's attorney called the suit "a baseless, unsubstantiated allegation."[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Wolfe, Sandi. "Papania to share journey from mafia to ministry", The Daily Ardmoreite, 1999-11-02. Retrieved on 2008-04-23. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f Tom Papania's Testimony. Retrieved on 2008-04-23.
  3. ^ Ex-mobster to share his story of conversion. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (2006-02-17). Retrieved on 2008-04-23.
  4. ^ "KLVV Presents Popular Series Thursday Night", Ponca City News, 1997-02-26. Retrieved on 2007-05-14. 
  5. ^ Olsen, Ted (2001-01-01). Ex-mobsters face off on conversion stories. Retrieved on 2008-04-23.
  6. ^ a b "Ex-mobsters spar for story rights", Augusta Chronicle, 2001-01-12. Retrieved on 2008-04-22. 

[edit] External links