An FBI investigation launched into Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo’s operations employed an undercover agent posing as a representative of one of his associates. This strategic move eventually led Nicholas Caramandi, a notorious figure in the criminal underworld, to turn against the organization and testify against the boss. By 1986, Caramandi faced indictment for his role in an extortion attempt and chose to take the stand for the prosecution. Between 1987 and 1989, Scarfo was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, racketeering, and first-degree murder.
The result was a series of prison sentences totaling over 69 years, though one life sentence was later overturned. Scarfo’s own nephew, Phil Leonetti, whom he had elevated to underboss in 1986, also flipped in 1989, providing testimony after a racketeering conviction. During this tumultuous period, Scarfo’s son, Mark, experienced immense pressure and distress stemming from his father’s criminal reputation. On November 1, 1988, at just 17 years old, Mark attempted to take his own life after years of struggle.
Scarfo’s rule was marked by an unprecedented level of bloodshed within Philadelphia’s underworld. His violent tendencies came to the forefront in 1963 when he pled guilty to manslaughter for fatally stabbing a longshoreman, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. Upon his release, he was dispatched to Atlantic City by influential mob boss Angelo Bruno to oversee the family’s operations in what was then considered a backwater town. A significant turning point occurred in 1954 when Scarfo was inducted into the notorious Philadelphia crime family.
The ceremony, presided over by then-boss Joseph Ida, took place in New Jersey, where Scarfo was joined by two of his uncles, both welcomed as full-fledged soldiers. His career saw him share a cell with prominent mob figures while serving nearly two years in prison from 1971 to 1973 for refusing to testify before the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation. When Atlantic City legalized gambling, Scarfo recognized the potential for profit and quickly prioritized it as his primary source of income. What was once a sleepy seaside town transformed into a bustling gambling mecca, propelling Scarfo into a position of power.
The turning point in his ascent came with the assassination of Angelo Bruno, which sent a chilling message about who controlled the family. The murder of Vincent Falcone, carried out in a public restaurant with multiple rounds fired while the victim dined with his wife, established a climate of fear in Atlantic City. The drama escalated after Phil Testa’s rise to power, with consequences that proved swift and brutal. Frank Narducci would eventually be gunned down, while another associate, Cassella, found himself banished from the mob, escaping to Florida.
In personal tragedy, Scarfo’s younger brother, Mario, turned government informant, further destabilizing his position. The violent clash ultimately led to Riccobene receiving a life sentence for first-degree murder, demonstrating the reach of Scarfo’s power. Scarfo’s growing paranoia was showcased when he turned on those closest to him. His impact on American criminal enterprise exemplified the violent and often turbulent nature of organized crime during the late 20th century, illustrating the challenges law enforcement faced in combating these syndicates.
In May 1980, Scarfo appeared before the U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Chairman Nunn addressed him: “Mr.
Scarfo, the subcommittee has deemed it appropriate and necessary to call you personally and to provide you with the opportunity to respond to the evidence now before us. Mr. Scarfo, if you would please stand. Do you swear that the testimony that you are about to give before this subcommittee is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
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Scarfo’s attorney interjected: “I would ask you, Mr. Chairman, to excuse Mr. Scarfo from answering questions based on the fact that his sister, who lives in the same building as Mr. Scarfo’s mother, and others, were not permitted to remain while the search was going on.
They were taken out of the building. We believe, although cannot prove, that the place was at that time wired or bugged. As a result, Mr. Scarfo and I believe that possibly his Sixth Amendment right to counsel may have been infringed upon.
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The chairman responded: “I understand he also does not have immunity. ” The attorney confirmed: “Yes, I confirm that Mr. Scarfo does not have immunity. But we intend to proceed with the questions.
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Scarfo invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination repeatedly. When asked “Do you know Frank Gerace, the president of Local 54 of the hotel and restaurant employee union? ” Scarfo replied “Same answer, sir. ” The questioning continued with the same refrain for nearly every question, covering his relationship with Frank Gerace, whether he had discussed Local 54 business with him, and whether he knew Angelo Bruno and Phil Testa.
He was asked about his relationship with Bruno and Testa, and whether he had knowledge concerning the identities of those responsible for the murders of Angelo Bruno and Phil Testa. To each question, he gave the same answer. Senator Specter pressed: “Mr. Scarfo, why did you maintain the phone numbers of Frank Gerace and Salvatore Holland in a coded system of records?
” Scarfo replied: “I refuse to answer the question on the grounds of the Fourth and Fifth. ”
The committee continued, asking if he knew individuals associated with Local 54, including vice president Al DiCandido, organizer Eli Kirin, and grievance manager Carlos LaSala. They asked about Frank Latino, his relationship with him, and whether he had any discussions with Phil Testa concerning the appointment of the consigliere for the Bruno family. He was asked if he knew any members of the Genovese or Gambino crime families, and whether he had filed income tax returns since 1975.
He invoked his rights in response to every question. Scarfo’s ordeal included his 1980 trial, where he was charged with murder. He testified: “I was charged with murder on the strength of Joseph Salerno’s testimony, and I was also found not guilty. ” His fellow defendants were Lawrence Merlino and Philip Leonetti, who were also acquitted.
The victim was Vincent Falcone, who was killed by someone in the organization. Scarfo’s legacy serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between crime, society, and the law, and the certainty that the quest for power can lead to one’s downfall.