Anthony Accetturo
Encyclopedia
Anthony "Tumac" Accetturo (born 1938) is a former caporegime
and leader of the New Jersey
faction of the Lucchese crime family
The Jersey Crew
.
, his mother a seamstress. Accetturo dropped out of school after completing the sixth grade
. At age 16, Accetturo moved to Newark, New Jersey
and became the leader of a large street gang. He received his nickname "Tumac" from the caveman hero of the 1940 film One Million B.C because Accetturo was a ferocious street fighter.
At age 17, Accetturo was recruited by Anthony "Ham" Delasco during the 1960s for the Lucchese crime family
and worked as Delasco driver. Accetturo became Delasco's Protégé learning trades in illegal gambling and loansharking controlling the Newark New Jersey area. Delasco died in the late 1960s and Joseph Abate
became the new capo of The Jersey Crew
and Accetturo would play a major role in organized crime in New Jersey. Accetturo represented the Mafia ideal: loyal, trustworthy and a good earner. Accetturo grew rich in the family, netting about $500,000 yearly.
to avoid an investigation of his gambling operations in Newark
. Another reason for his move was that South Florida was open to all the crime families for exploitation. During his absence, Accetturo designated his lieutenant, Michael "Mad Dog" Taccetta
of Florham Park, New Jersey
, to run the day-to-day operations of the crew. In the early 1970s, Lucchese
boss Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo, put Accetturo in charge of the entire Lucchese operation in New Jersey, even though he wasn't yet a family member.
Accetturo and his crew of new muscle help Joseph Abate
(who was still the official boss/capo) keep control over The Jersey Crew
. The delay in his initiation occurred because none of the New York families were accepting new members during this period. However, Corallo and Accetturo had a great relationship. In 1976 with help from Joseph Abate
, Accetturo finally became a made man
in the Lucchese crime family
along with the Taccetta brothers (Michael and Martin). Accetturo described getting inducted into the family as "The greatest honor of my life". Accetturo would finally become the official capo of The Jersey Crew by 1979 when Joseph Abate
retired.
In February, 1973, Accetturo was indicted for loansharking and extortion
. He was eventually arrested in Miami, Florida
with his bail set at $10,000. In 1976, the State of New Jersey tried to extradite Accetturo from Florida, however he fended off the order due to poor health. Based in Hollywood, Florida
, Accetturo would continue to elude federal authorities while remaining involved in Lucchese interests in New Jersey. In 1980, the murder of Philadelphia crime family
boss Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno
, created a power vacuum in that family, with rivals Philip Testa
and Nicodemo Scarfo
fighting for control. Accetturo used this unrest to establish a small foothold for the Lucchese family in Philadelphia, using Michael Taccetta
and his brother Martin
.
On October 18, 1985 Accetturo was indicted on charges of threatening government witnesses and posing a threat to public safety. He was later charged with intimidating of competitors of the Lucchese-controlled Taccetta Group Enterprises, along with credit card and wire fraud
. Facing a number of federal prosecutions, Accetturo was granted a stay of sentence and was allowed to live in his Florida residence. In 1987, Accetturo and Michael Taccetta went on trial for narcotics and racketeering charges.
One of the longest trials in U.S. history, the trial went on for 21 months. When the verdict was read, the defendants were pronounced not guilty on all counts, a stunning rebuke to the government. During the RICO
trial, the relationship between Accetturo and Taccetta deteriorated into an outright power struggle. Taccetta was jealous of the rise of Accetturo's son, Anthony Accetturo Jr., within the New Jersey crew. Taccetta also felt that the father had given him very little respect and deference over the years that he had been watching the New Jersey operation.
Finally, Taccetta ordered a murder contract on the senior Accetturo. When the trial ended in acquittals for the defendants, Accetturo returned to Florida for his own safety. In September, 1989, New Jersey authorities extradited Accetturo from North Carolina
due to his refusal to appear and testify before a grand jury about labor racketeering and other state offenses. Due to Taccetta's murder contract, the State placed Accetturo in protective custody
. In 1993, Taccetta was sent to federal prison.
to become new boss of the Lucchese family. Corallo was said to have wanted Lucchese family capo Neil Migliore (who was a good friend) to become Boss but was entangled with the courts as well. Corallo reluctantly approved Amuso to become the boss.
The new leaders of the Lucchese family in Brooklyn, New York, Vittorio "Vic" Amuso
and Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso
, suspended the family's relationship with the New Jersey crew. During the last years of the Corallo regime, Accetturo had been decreasing his tribute to the point that he was only giving the family a $50,000 a year. Although Corallo and Accetturo had an "unbelievably great" relationship, Corallo was undemanding when it came to money. As the years went by, Corallo had lowered his demands from the New Jersey Crew. The ascension of Amuso and Casso ended Accetturo's idyllic lifestyle.
Amuso and Casso knew this was not enough and instead demanded that Accetturo turn over 50% of the crew's proceeds to them. When Accetturo refused, the two bosses stripped Accetturo of his rank as capo and threatened to kill him and his son, also a member of the Jersey crew. In the fall of 1988, the entire New Jersey crew was summoned to meet with Amuso in Brooklyn. Fearful of being massacred, everyone refused to go. Soon the entire New Jersey crew had gone into hiding, decimating the Lucchese interests in New Jersey.
Over the next 12 months, most of the New Jersey crew members came back to the family. Amuso told the returned crew members that Accetturo was an outlaw and needed to be disposed off. Amuso sent hitmen to Florida, searching for Accetturo. However, what Amuso did not realize was that Accetturo was in jail in New Jersey, for refusing to testify in front a state panel. In 1993, Accetturo was convicted on racketeering charges. Facing a 30-year prison sentence and regarded as a family pariah, Accetturo learned that Amuso had provided pictures of his wife, son and himself to the Lucchese hitmen. Blaming Casso and Amuso for the internal turmoil in the family, Accetturo decided to turn against the Cosa Nostra and attempt to save his life and gain a lenient sentence.
With three decades in the Mafia, Accetturo provided investigators with a clear picture of the Lucchese family, including its penetration and exploitation of businesses in New Jersey and its relationship with corrupt officials. Accetturo provided information on 13 murders, although he insisted he never personally participated in the slayings. Accetturo provided unexpected information about the origins of the New Jersey family, going back to 1931 and Lucky Luciano
. Mysteries about the relationship between the American and Sicilian Mafia were also clarified.
Reputed mob enforcer, Thomas Ricciardi went on to testify against the Taccetta brothers and the remaining defendants. Martin
and Michael Taccetta
were sentenced to 25-years to life imprisonment for racketeering, narcotics, extortion, loansharking, conspiracy and murder in 1993. Taccetta reportedly went on to control the Jersey Crew, as he was doing his sentence in Atlanta. As of March, Accetturo is still alive and well. Accetturo was sentenced to state prison and his sentence ended during the mid 2000s.
Caporegime
A caporegime or capodecina, usually shortened to just a capo, is a term used in the Mafia for a high ranking made member of a crime family who heads a "crew" of soldiers and has major social status and influence in the organization...
and leader of the New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
faction of the Lucchese crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew is a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family, that operates and controls illegal activities like drug trafficking, labor racketeering, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling, money laundering, and murder, in the Northern New Jersey area....
.
Biography
Born in 1938, Accetturo's father was a butcher in Orange, New JerseyOrange, New Jersey
The City of Orange is a city and township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 30,134...
, his mother a seamstress. Accetturo dropped out of school after completing the sixth grade
Sixth grade
Sixth grade is a year of education in the United States and some other nations. The sixth grade is the sixth school year after kindergarten. Students are usually 11 – 12 years old...
. At age 16, Accetturo moved to Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
and became the leader of a large street gang. He received his nickname "Tumac" from the caveman hero of the 1940 film One Million B.C because Accetturo was a ferocious street fighter.
At age 17, Accetturo was recruited by Anthony "Ham" Delasco during the 1960s for the Lucchese crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
and worked as Delasco driver. Accetturo became Delasco's Protégé learning trades in illegal gambling and loansharking controlling the Newark New Jersey area. Delasco died in the late 1960s and Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
became the new capo of The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew is a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family, that operates and controls illegal activities like drug trafficking, labor racketeering, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling, money laundering, and murder, in the Northern New Jersey area....
and Accetturo would play a major role in organized crime in New Jersey. Accetturo represented the Mafia ideal: loyal, trustworthy and a good earner. Accetturo grew rich in the family, netting about $500,000 yearly.
New Jersey crew
In 1970, Accetturo moved to FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
to avoid an investigation of his gambling operations in Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
. Another reason for his move was that South Florida was open to all the crime families for exploitation. During his absence, Accetturo designated his lieutenant, Michael "Mad Dog" Taccetta
Michael Taccetta
Michael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
of Florham Park, New Jersey
Florham Park, New Jersey
Florham Park is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 8,857, which had grown to 12,389 as of the Bureau's 2008 estimate....
, to run the day-to-day operations of the crew. In the early 1970s, Lucchese
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
boss Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo, put Accetturo in charge of the entire Lucchese operation in New Jersey, even though he wasn't yet a family member.
Accetturo and his crew of new muscle help Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
(who was still the official boss/capo) keep control over The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew
The Jersey Crew is a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family, that operates and controls illegal activities like drug trafficking, labor racketeering, loansharking, extortion, illegal gambling, money laundering, and murder, in the Northern New Jersey area....
. The delay in his initiation occurred because none of the New York families were accepting new members during this period. However, Corallo and Accetturo had a great relationship. In 1976 with help from Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
, Accetturo finally became a made man
Made man
A made man, also known as a Mafioso , made guy, man of honor, or uomo d'onore , is someone who has been officially inducted into the Sicilian or American Mafia . They may also be referred to by some as a goodfella or wiseguy...
in the Lucchese crime family
Lucchese crime family
The Lucchese crime family is one of the "Five Families" that dominates organized crime activities in New York City, United States, within the nationwide criminal phenomenon known as the Mafia . The family originated in the early 1920s with Gaetano "Tommy" Reina serving as boss up until his murder...
along with the Taccetta brothers (Michael and Martin). Accetturo described getting inducted into the family as "The greatest honor of my life". Accetturo would finally become the official capo of The Jersey Crew by 1979 when Joseph Abate
Joseph Abate
Joseph F. Abate , also known as "Joey", was a New Jersey mobster involved in extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling as a caporegime for the Lucchese crime family's New Jersey faction.-Criminal career:...
retired.
In February, 1973, Accetturo was indicted for loansharking and extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
. He was eventually arrested in Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625...
with his bail set at $10,000. In 1976, the State of New Jersey tried to extradite Accetturo from Florida, however he fended off the order due to poor health. Based in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida
-Demographics:As of 2000, there were 59,673 households out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.2% were non-families. 34.4% of all households were made up of...
, Accetturo would continue to elude federal authorities while remaining involved in Lucchese interests in New Jersey. In 1980, the murder of Philadelphia crime family
Philadelphia crime family
The Philadelphia crime family, also known as the Scarfo crime family, Bruno crime family, Philadelphia Mafia, or Philly Mob, is an Italian American criminal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of the most active American Mafia families outside of the Five Families of New York...
boss Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno
Angelo Bruno
Angelo "The Gentle Don" Bruno was a Sicilian-American mobster who ran the Philadelphia crime family for two decades. Bruno gained his nickname and reputation due to his preference for conciliation over violence.-Early years:Born in Villalba, Sicily, Bruno emigrated to the United States in his...
, created a power vacuum in that family, with rivals Philip Testa
Philip Testa
Philip Carlo Testa , also known as "The Chicken Man" or "The Julius Cesar of the Philadelphia Mob" or "Philly", was a Sicilian-born American Mafia figure known for his brief leadership of the Scarfo crime family...
and Nicodemo Scarfo
Nicodemo Scarfo
Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Domenico Scarfo is a member of the American Mafia who eventually became the Boss of the Philadelphia crime family after the death of Angelo Bruno and Phil Testa...
fighting for control. Accetturo used this unrest to establish a small foothold for the Lucchese family in Philadelphia, using Michael Taccetta
Michael Taccetta
Michael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
and his brother Martin
Martin Taccetta
Martin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
.
On October 18, 1985 Accetturo was indicted on charges of threatening government witnesses and posing a threat to public safety. He was later charged with intimidating of competitors of the Lucchese-controlled Taccetta Group Enterprises, along with credit card and wire fraud
Wire fraud
Mail and wire fraud is a federal crime in the United States. Together, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, and 1346 reach any fraudulent scheme or artifice to intentionally deprive another of property or honest services with a nexus to mail or wire communication....
. Facing a number of federal prosecutions, Accetturo was granted a stay of sentence and was allowed to live in his Florida residence. In 1987, Accetturo and Michael Taccetta went on trial for narcotics and racketeering charges.
One of the longest trials in U.S. history, the trial went on for 21 months. When the verdict was read, the defendants were pronounced not guilty on all counts, a stunning rebuke to the government. During the RICO
Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as the RICO Act or simply RICO, is a United States federal law that provides for extended criminal penalties and a civil cause of action for acts performed as part of an ongoing criminal organization...
trial, the relationship between Accetturo and Taccetta deteriorated into an outright power struggle. Taccetta was jealous of the rise of Accetturo's son, Anthony Accetturo Jr., within the New Jersey crew. Taccetta also felt that the father had given him very little respect and deference over the years that he had been watching the New Jersey operation.
Finally, Taccetta ordered a murder contract on the senior Accetturo. When the trial ended in acquittals for the defendants, Accetturo returned to Florida for his own safety. In September, 1989, New Jersey authorities extradited Accetturo from North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
due to his refusal to appear and testify before a grand jury about labor racketeering and other state offenses. Due to Taccetta's murder contract, the State placed Accetturo in protective custody
Protective custody
Protective custody is a type of imprisonment to protect a prisoner from harm, either from outside sources or other prisoners. Many administrators believe the level of violence, or the underlying threat of violence within prisoners, is a chief factor causing the need for PC units...
. In 1993, Taccetta was sent to federal prison.
Amuso and Casso
In late 1986, Lucchese boss Anthony Corallo along with underboss Salvatore "Tom Mix" Santoro and consigliere Chris Furnari were handed a 100-year sentence in 1986 Commission case. Corallo replacement Anthony "Buddy" Luongo turned up missing. Chris Furnari then suggested narcotics trafficker Victor AmusoVictor Amuso
Vittorio "Little Vic" Amuso is a New York mobster and, as of 2011, the reputed Boss of the Lucchese crime family. Amuso is currently serving life at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont, Texas on murder and racketeering charges....
to become new boss of the Lucchese family. Corallo was said to have wanted Lucchese family capo Neil Migliore (who was a good friend) to become Boss but was entangled with the courts as well. Corallo reluctantly approved Amuso to become the boss.
The new leaders of the Lucchese family in Brooklyn, New York, Vittorio "Vic" Amuso
Victor Amuso
Vittorio "Little Vic" Amuso is a New York mobster and, as of 2011, the reputed Boss of the Lucchese crime family. Amuso is currently serving life at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont, Texas on murder and racketeering charges....
and Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso
Anthony Casso
Anthony "Gaspipe" Casso is a former New York City mobster who served as underboss and acting boss of the Lucchese crime family until he was arrested in 1993, becoming a cooperating witness for the Federal Government...
, suspended the family's relationship with the New Jersey crew. During the last years of the Corallo regime, Accetturo had been decreasing his tribute to the point that he was only giving the family a $50,000 a year. Although Corallo and Accetturo had an "unbelievably great" relationship, Corallo was undemanding when it came to money. As the years went by, Corallo had lowered his demands from the New Jersey Crew. The ascension of Amuso and Casso ended Accetturo's idyllic lifestyle.
Amuso and Casso knew this was not enough and instead demanded that Accetturo turn over 50% of the crew's proceeds to them. When Accetturo refused, the two bosses stripped Accetturo of his rank as capo and threatened to kill him and his son, also a member of the Jersey crew. In the fall of 1988, the entire New Jersey crew was summoned to meet with Amuso in Brooklyn. Fearful of being massacred, everyone refused to go. Soon the entire New Jersey crew had gone into hiding, decimating the Lucchese interests in New Jersey.
Over the next 12 months, most of the New Jersey crew members came back to the family. Amuso told the returned crew members that Accetturo was an outlaw and needed to be disposed off. Amuso sent hitmen to Florida, searching for Accetturo. However, what Amuso did not realize was that Accetturo was in jail in New Jersey, for refusing to testify in front a state panel. In 1993, Accetturo was convicted on racketeering charges. Facing a 30-year prison sentence and regarded as a family pariah, Accetturo learned that Amuso had provided pictures of his wife, son and himself to the Lucchese hitmen. Blaming Casso and Amuso for the internal turmoil in the family, Accetturo decided to turn against the Cosa Nostra and attempt to save his life and gain a lenient sentence.
With three decades in the Mafia, Accetturo provided investigators with a clear picture of the Lucchese family, including its penetration and exploitation of businesses in New Jersey and its relationship with corrupt officials. Accetturo provided information on 13 murders, although he insisted he never personally participated in the slayings. Accetturo provided unexpected information about the origins of the New Jersey family, going back to 1931 and Lucky Luciano
Lucky Luciano
Charlie "Lucky" Luciano was an Italian mobster born in Sicily. Luciano is considered the father of modern organized crime in the United States for splitting New York City into five different Mafia crime families and the establishment of the first commission...
. Mysteries about the relationship between the American and Sicilian Mafia were also clarified.
Reputed mob enforcer, Thomas Ricciardi went on to testify against the Taccetta brothers and the remaining defendants. Martin
Martin Taccetta
Martin "Marty" Taccetta is a New Jersey mobster who is the alleged boss of the Jersey Crew, a powerful faction of the Lucchese crime family.-Early life:...
and Michael Taccetta
Michael Taccetta
Michael Salvatore Taccetta , also known as "Mad Dog", is a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family, who wound up controlling the entire New Jersey faction of the family in the 1980s...
were sentenced to 25-years to life imprisonment for racketeering, narcotics, extortion, loansharking, conspiracy and murder in 1993. Taccetta reportedly went on to control the Jersey Crew, as he was doing his sentence in Atlanta. As of March, Accetturo is still alive and well. Accetturo was sentenced to state prison and his sentence ended during the mid 2000s.
Popular culture
- The 2006 Sidney LumetSidney LumetSidney Lumet was an American director, producer and screenwriter with over 50 films to his credit. He was nominated for the Academy Award as Best Director for 12 Angry Men , Dog Day Afternoon , Network and The Verdict...
film Find Me GuiltyFind Me GuiltyFind Me Guilty is a 2006 legal drama crime film based on the true story about the longest Mafia trial in American history. Mobster Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio faces a series of charges even though he has a prior 30 year conviction, but he decides to stand trial instead of ratting out his family and...
chronicles the 2-year trial of Accetturo and other family members.
Further reading
- Raab, Selwyn. The Five Families: The Rise, Decline & Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empire. New York: St. Martins Press, 2005. ISBN 978-0-312-36181-5
- Rudolph, Robert C. The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds. New York: William Morrow and Company Inc., 1992. ISBN 978-0-8135-2154-1
- Pistone, Joseph D.; & Brandt, Charles (2007). Donnie Brasco: Unfinished Business, Running Press. ISBN 0-7624-2707-8.
External links
- New York Times: Second Lawyer Balks At Taking Defense
- New York Sun: Ex-Mobster Claims an FBI Cover-Up by Jerry Capeci
- Ocean County Observer: Crime boss nears parole date by Don Bennett
- Crime Boss: Did FBI Frame A Former Crime Boss For Murder ? by Clarence Walker
- Yahoo Movies;(2006) Find Me Guilty
- New York Times: Mafia Defector Says He Lost His Faith By SELWYN RAAB