Joseph Ligambi

Last updated
Joseph Ligambi
Born (1939-08-09) August 9, 1939 (age 84)
South Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation Philadelphia crime family mobster

Joseph Anthony "Uncle Joe" Ligambi (born August 9, 1939) is an American mobster and former acting boss of the Philadelphia crime family. [1] Ligambi is known among law enforcement circles to have a more "old school" approach, in sharp contrast to boss Joseph Merlino's, flamboyant, high-profile style. Ligambi was credited by the Philadelphia Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Unit with "quietly bringing stability back to the troubled Philadelphia-South Jersey branch of the American Mafia" during the 2000s. The New York Mafia families have been pleased with Ligambi and his approach, as well as his ability to turn the Philadelphia crime family back into a stable group. [2]

Contents

Early life

Ligambi was born on August 9, 1939, in South Philadelphia, one of four children born to Italian immigrant parents. [3] His father was a cab driver. He attended South Philadelphia High School before dropping out his junior year to join the United States Air Force, where he eventually earned his high school diploma. [4] Ligambi is the uncle of Philadelphia mobster George Borgesi. [5]

Early criminal career

Unlike many other gangsters who started their careers in crime as teenagers or young adults, Ligambi didn't have a criminal record before age 32 when he was arrested for cigarette smuggling. In the 1970s, he started to associate himself with mobster brothers "Yogi" and Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino and worked as a bartender at a frequent mobster hangout. Ligambi would become a protege of Merlino who in turn was close to powerful crime family member Nicodemo Scarfo. During this time, Ligambi started making money helping run illegal book making operations for the Merlino crew. He earned a reputation as an expert in sports handicapping, particularly for football. By 1981, the Philadelphia crime family was being led by Scarfo, with Merlino serving as his underboss.

In 1985, Scarfo ordered the murder of Mafia associate Frank "Frankie Flowers" D'Alfonso for refusing to pay tribute to him. When Philadelphia mobsters Thomas DelGiorno and Eugene Milano became government witnesses, they testified in court that on July 23, Ligambi and Philip Narducci were the triggermen in the broad daylight hit and Frank Narducci (Philip's brother) was the driver. DelGiorno, Milano, Merlino and Francis "Faffy" Iannarella helped plan the murder. [6] Ligambi became a made man in the Philadelphia crime family in 1986, at the age of 47. [7]

Murder conviction and acquittal

In 1987, Ligambi was arrested alongside Scarfo and others for the D'Alfonso murder. [8] On April 5, 1989, Ligambi, Chuckie Merlino, Nicodemo Scarfo Sr, Francis Iannarella, Frank Narducci and Phil Narducci were convicted of the murder and were all given life sentences. In 1992, an appellate court panel overturned the murder convictions, citing prosecutorial misconduct and trial-court error. [9] At the retrial in 1997, Ligambi and his fellow defendants were acquitted of the murder. [10]

Acting boss

At the time of Ligambi's release in 1997, the family was being run by Ralph Natale and Joey Merlino, the son of Ligambi's mentor Salvatore. While Ligambi was in prison, Merlino led a crew of young mobsters who fought a war and took over the Philadelphia crime family. One of these young mobsters was George Borgesi, Ligambi's nephew. After the arrest of Merlino, Borgesi and several others in 1999, Ligambi was chosen to take over as acting boss of the family. In 2001, Merlino was sentenced to 14 years in prison. After Ligambi took over, he remained in the shadows, rarely being mentioned in the media, while taking a much less "trigger-happy" approach to running the family. [11]

Ligambi had a no-show job with Top Job Carpeting run by fellow Philadelphia crime family member, Mauro Goffredo. [12]

On May 23, 2011, Ligambi and 14 other members and associates of the crime family were indicted by the FBI on racketeering charges related to illegal gambling operations, video poker gambling machines and loan sharking. [13] [14] In February 2013, Ligambi was denied bail after the jury dismissed gambling and extortion charges. [15] On January 28, 2014, two juries were hung on the racketeering charges, and Ligambi and Borgesi were acquitted and released. [16]

In 2020 court documents, Ligambi was identified as the consigliere of the Philadelphia crime family. [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicodemo Scarfo</span> Member of the American mafia

Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo Sr. also known as "Little Nicky", was an American mobster who served as boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1981 to 1990. Infamously known for his murderous reputation, Scarfo led the family through its bloodiest period until his conviction in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philip Testa</span> American mobster

Philip Charles Testa, also known as "The Chicken Man", was an Italian-American mobster known for his brief leadership of the Philadelphia crime family of the Italian-American Mafia. He became boss of the Philadelphia crime family after the previous boss and his close friend, Angelo Bruno, was murdered by Bruno’s own consigliere, Antonio Caponigro, who, in turn, was ordered killed by The Commission for murdering a boss without permission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angelo Bruno</span> Italian-American mobster

Angelo Bruno was a Sicilian-American mobster who was boss of the Philadelphia crime family for two decades until his assassination. Bruno was known as "the Gentle Don" due to his preference for conciliation over violence, in stark contrast to his successors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salvatore Testa</span> American gangster (1956–1984)

Salvatore A. "Salvie" Testa, nicknamed "The Crowned Prince of the Philadelphia Mob", was an Italian-American mobster who served as a caporegime and later acting underboss for the Philadelphia crime family. Testa made his reputation as a hitman for the Philadelphia family during a period of internal gang conflict. The son of former boss Philip “The Chicken Man” Testa, Salvatore Testa was an emerging figure in the mob until he was killed on the orders of boss Nicodemo Scarfo.

Philip Michael Leonetti is an American former mobster who became the underboss of the Philadelphia crime family under his mentor, uncle and former boss, Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo, before becoming a government informant in 1989 after being sentenced to 45 years for racketeering. At that time, he was the highest-ranking member of the American Mafia to break his blood oath and turn informant. As part of his cooperation, he served just five years in prison, and later authored a book about the mob.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patriarca crime family</span> Italian-American organized crime group

The Patriarca crime family, also known as the New England Mafia, the Boston Mafia, the Providence Mafia or The Office, is an Italian-American Mafia family operating in New England. It has two distinct factions, one based in Providence, Rhode Island, and the other in Boston, Massachusetts. The family is currently led by Carmen "The Cheese Man" Dinunzio, who is part of the Boston faction. The family is primarily active in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, with other territory throughout New England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Merlino</span> American mobster

Joseph Salvatore "Skinny Joey" Merlino is an American mobster and reputed boss of the Philadelphia crime family. He rose to power and seized control of the organization in the mid-nineties after he fought against the John Stanfa faction of the family. He has led the crime family in gambling, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and extortion. In comparison to other traditional mob bosses who shunned the limelight, Merlino has interacted regularly with the media and the public, often openly providing charity and hosting events to benefit indigent people in Philadelphia, drawing comparisons to the similarly outgoing, conspicuous, and ostensibly charitable late New York crime boss John Gotti. He is the son of deceased Philadelphia crime family underboss Chuckie Merlino.

Nicodemo Salvatore "Nicky" Scarfo Jr., sometimes known by the nicknames "Junior", "Nick Promo", and "Mr. Apple" is an American mobster and a member of the Lucchese crime family. Scarfo Jr. is the son of former Philadelphia crime family boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo Sr.

The Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction, also known as the Jersey Crew, is a powerful crew within the Lucchese crime family. The members operate throughout the Northern New Jersey area. During the 1970s into the late 1980s, the crew was led by Anthony Accetturo and his protégé Michael Taccetta. In 1987, Victor Amuso took over the family and began demanding a higher percentage of tribute from the crew. Accetturo refused and a war erupted between the New Jersey members and the New York members. This left brothers Michael and Martin Taccetta in charge of the crew as they tried to have Accetturo and his family murdered. In 1993, Accetturo defected and became a government witness. He helped convict Michael and Martin Taccetta. The crew is currently controlled by Joseph R. "Big Joe" Perna.

The Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Philadelphia Mafia, Philly Mob , Philly Mafia, Philadelphia-South Jersey Mafia, or Bruno-Scarfo family is an Italian-American Mafia family based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed and based in South Philadelphia, the criminal organization primarily operates in Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. The family is notorious for its violence, its succession of violent bosses, and multiple mob wars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Stanfa</span> American mob boss

Giovanni "John" Stanfa is an Italian-born American former boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1991 to 1995. Convicted of multiple charges in 1995, Stanfa was sentenced to life in prison.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Spirito</span> American mobster (1939–1983)

Pasquale "Pat the Cat" Spirito was an American mobster who was a soldier in the Philadelphia crime family from 1981 until his death on April 29, 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ralph Natale</span> American mobster (1935–2022)

Ralph Samuel Natale was an American mobster. He was the boss of the Philadelphia crime family from 1995 until 1999, when he became the first American Mafia boss to turn state's evidence. Natale helped sentence Joey Merlino to a 14-year sentence in 2001, but in January 2005, was also sentenced for racketeering, receiving a 13-year sentence. He was released in May 2011 and entered the witness protection program.

Salvatore Joseph "Chuckie" Merlino was an American mobster who was a member of the Philadelphia crime family. He served as underboss for Nicodemo Scarfo from 1981 to 1986.

Frank Monte was a member of the Philadelphia crime family. When Nicodemo Scarfo became boss, he named Monte as his consigliere. When Harry Riccobene refused to accept Scarfo as boss, the "Riccobene War" ensued. In 1979 Testa, Salvatore (Chuckie) Merlino, and Robert (Bobby) Lumio murdered 31-year-old drug dealer Michael (Coco) Cifelli. He was murdered for selling drugs to the son of Frank Monte, a capo from Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey. Frank served under Phil Testa and later Nicky Scarfo. He oversaw illegal gambling operations in Atlantic City and New Jersey for the crime family. Michael Cifelli was gunned down by Testa and Salvatore (Chuckie) Merlino as he was talking on the phone in a telephone booth just inside a bar, Priori's, at 10th and Wolf Streets in the Point Breeze, Philadelphia. Monte was later promoted to be consigliere in 1981 by Nicky Scarfo. Monte was murdered by a sniper rifle in 1982 on the orders of Riccobene. When the killers were arrested, they agreed to cooperate with law enforcement for lighter prison sentences. The men testified for the prosecution that Riccobene ordered them to kill Monte. Riccobene was convicted of the murder in 1984 and sentenced to life in prison.

Steven Mazzone is an American mobster and underboss of the Philadelphia crime family. After the family was decimated by prosecutions during the Nicodemo Scarfo and John Stanfa eras, Ralph Natale was released from prison in 1994. It was at this time Mazzone became a major organized crime figure in Philadelphia.

The 10th & Oregon Crew or 10th & O Gang, also known as the 10th & O Crew or 10th & Oregon Gang, is a predominantly Italian American gang and organized crime group operating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Active since the 1960s, the gang is associated closely with but independent from the Italian-American Philadelphia crime family. It is primarily active in South Philadelphia and certain working-class Italian-American neighborhoods in nearby South Jersey.

References

  1. ↑ Volk, Steve (August 18, 2004). "A Wiser Guy". Philadelphia Weekly. Philadelphia. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012.
  2. ↑ Anastasia, George (December 2, 2007). "A 'Family Man' Who's Content In Shadows". Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia.
  3. ↑ "Joseph A. Ligambi". Division of Gaming Enforcement Exclusion List. State of New Jersesy. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
  4. ↑ Porello, Rick (December 17, 2001). "Meet The New Boss". AmericanMafia.com. Internet. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012.
  5. ↑ Barry, Jim (August 2001). "The Boys of Summer". Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia. Archived from the original on 2008-01-31.
  6. ↑ "Informant Tells Of Beating D'alfonso Four Years Later, In 1985, The Bookmaker Was Slain. Eugene gino Milano Said He Wasn't Involved". Articles.philly.com. 1997-02-08. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  7. ↑ "Ligambi: Ex-bartender kept low profile - philly-archives". Articles.philly.com. 2011-05-23. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  8. ↑ "Feds take down reputed Philly mob boss Ligambi". Policeone.com. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  9. ↑ "Murder Of A Mob 'Gentleman' Will Be Back In Court". Articles.philly.com. 1997-01-20. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  10. ↑ "Scarfo, Pals Not Guilty But Only One Defendant Has A Shot At Freedoms". Articles.philly.com. 1997-02-21. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  11. ↑ "Still home for holidays". Articles.philly.com. 2011-05-24. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  12. ↑ "N.J. report describes reported Mob boss Joseph Ligambi's ties to garbage-disposal companies - philly-archives". Articles.philly.com. 2011-12-07. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  13. ↑ "FBI seizes reputed Philadelphia mob boss". United Press International. 2011-05-23. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Reputed mob boss Ligambi, others indicted". inquirer.com. May 23, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Reputed Philly mob boss Joseph Ligambi denied bail before retrial". abc7chicago.com. February 25, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi goes free". abc7chicago.com. January 28, 2014.
  17. ↑ Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Attorney’s Office. "Fifteen Members and Associates of the Philadelphia Mafia Indicted on Federal Racketeering and Related Charges". U.S. Department of Justice. Department of Justice. Retrieved 28 November 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.