Double Deal - True Stories of Criminals, Crimes and Lies

Lara and Nina discuss Operation Lobster, a joint undercover FBI/Mass State Police operation targeting the Winter Hill Gang. They also delve into the background of infamous former FBI agent John Zip Connolly and his connections with notorious and illustrious figures like Whitey Bulger and Billy Bulger. And of course the truck hijacking case that resulted from the undercover work of Special Agent Nick "Doc" Gianturco. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Summer Topics00:25 The Lobster and Loan Shark Case00:54 John Zip Connolly's Background02:45 Connolly's Early Career and Connections05:22 Connolly's Transfer to Boston06:59 Operation Lobster Begins10:47 The Undercover Operation Details15:02 The End of Operation Lobster18:19 Aftermath and Convictions

The girls delve into loan sharking in Massachusetts in the 1970s, focusing on key figures like Jimmy Martorano and the various legal challenges they faced. They discuss the timeline of the arrests, the run up to Operation Lobster, the ongoing legal battles and the connection of some of the men to Lara's father, Richie.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement01:02 Loan Sharking in Massachusetts05:33 The Case Against Loan Sharks11:20 Legal Troubles and Appeals15:05 Wrap-Up and Future Episodes

The girls delve into the criminal activities surrounding Howie Winter in the 1970s, focusing on the pinball case and the subsequent race fixing scandal. They discuss the key players involved and the legal proceedings that followed exploring the testimonies of witnesses and the eventual verdicts.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Schedule Changes00:45 The Pinball Case Overview02:39 The Race Fixing Case Begins05:39 Key Players and Investigations08:13 The Role of Witnesses and Testimonies11:11 The Trial and Its Developments14:03 Chula's Cooperation and Its Consequences16:35 The Indictments and Their Implications18:35 Conclusion

Thanks to technical difficulties and Nina being on strike in protest of said tech issues, Lara is flying solo today. She talks about the gangland slayings of 1978 in the Boston area and Rhode Island. Some of the men profiled in this episode are Joseph "Joe Onions" Scanlon, Joseph DiFronzo, Joseph Patrizzi and George Basmajian.

Lara and Nina delve into the infamous Blackfriars Massacre that occurred in Boston in June of 1978, exploring the profiles of the victims, the details of the crime scene, the investigation that followed, and the various theories surrounding the suspects involved. The girls discuss the complexities of the case, including the connections between the victims and organized crime, as well as the aftermath of the massacre.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Blackfriars Massacre02:56 Profiling the Victims05:37 The Crime Scene and Investigation11:08 Business Entanglements and Motives14:04 The Arrests 16:50 Background of the Defendants22:38 The Role of Informants and Testimonies26:23 The Aftermath of the Massacre30:00 The Investigation and Legal Proceedings33:38 Theories and Suspects in the Case

Nina and Lara wrap up this three part series about the men who were killed in gangland slayings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1977. The last 6 men who lost their lives were linked together not just geography and association but also by an international drug smuggling ring.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the 1977 Drug Smuggling Case02:04 The Discovery of the Ghost Ship04:47 The Murders of Ralph Imperatore and Billy Lavin07:43 The String of Homicides: Gerald Christy, Ronald Leone, Rudy Baronet, and Cesar Ledda10:18 Theories and Connections

The girls delve into two of the mob related homicide cases of 1977, focusing on the lives and deaths of Mike Ross and Dennis Lytwyn aka Danny Raimondi. They explore the circumstances surrounding Ross' murder, his connections to organized crime, and the man who killed him. They wrap up with Lytwyn's story, the events that leading up to his death and the outcome of his murder trial.

Lara and Nina delve into the gangland slayings in Massachusetts in 1977, focusing on former Alcatraz inmate, Louis Arquilla, and others including Robert McFarland and Jackie DiFronzo.

In this episode, Lara and Nina delve into the 1977 gambling charges against several mob figures, including Larry Zannino, Abe Sarkis and Melvin Berger. They discuss the background of these individuals, the events leading up to the charges, the court proceedings, and the eventual sentencing. The conversation also touches on the life of Dominic Isabella, a figure in Boston organized crime, and how he was connected to Lara's father, Richie Chicofsky.00:00 Introduction and Milestones00:59 The 1977 Gambling Charges06:08 Larry Zannino's Early Days and Indictment10:39 Sentencing and Consequences15:57 Dominic Isabella's Arrest and Background

In this episode Lara and Nina discuss the Danvers Armory heist of 1976, where the weapons ended up, the attacks carried out by the IRA with some of the stolen M60s, their theories and more!

Much attention has been given to the Mafia induction ceremony of 1989 in Medford, Massachusetts, but few remember the ceremony that took place on October 5, 1977 in Boston. Lara and Nina discuss the men that were made that day and the testimony about the induction ceremony itself.Links:La "Causa" Nostra - The Hill - Part 1Family Feud - The Hill - Part 2Jack's Justice - Part 1 - The First Round of ArrestsNot Your Average Joe

Lara and Nina delve answer questions about Sonny Mercurio and Little Joe Napolitano. They introduce Joe Puzzangara, discuss informants, connections between various Mafia figures., their counterfeiting operations and the massage parlor case that was the first RICO case in Massachusetts.Joseph Puzzangara family treeRussell Nicholson episodes 13 and 25Chapters00:00 Mailbag Questions and Informants04:03 The Story of Joe Puzzangara09:57 Counterfeiting and Connections15:52 The Massage Parlor Case and RICO

This episode was inspired by a listener's email. Nina and Lara discuss Big Joe, Mickey and Little Joe Napolitano and their adventures in Maine including morphine, a still and a counterfeiting ring. 00:00Introduction to Organized Crime in Maine01:55Intel Laundering: The Dark Side of Information04:40The Napolitano Family 07:30Mickey Napolitano's Criminal Ventures10:12Little Joe Napolitano's Counterfeiting Operations13:09The Downfall of Little Joe Napolitano

In this episode, Lara and Nina revisit Nicky Bianco's early years including his time as a member of the Colombo Family and his return to Rhode Island, early legal troubles including income tax evasion, and his post prison career as a paralegal. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week02:02 Nicky D'Anco's Background and Rise06:49 Nicky's Leadership and Legal Troubles12:43 Nicky's Post-Prison Life and Legal Issues

Nina and Lara delve into the mob slayings of 1976 in Massachusetts and RI. The hosts explore key figures, events, and the implications of these crimes, including the tragic story of Richie Castucci. They highlight the intertwining lives of mobsters, law enforcement, and the consequences of greed and betrayal.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:07 Exploring the Winter Hill Murders05:04 The Power of the Lam08:24 The Death of Frank "ChiChi" Cucchiara09:33 The Murder of Patrick J. Fabiano12:19 James F. Kearney15:05 Inmate Violence at Walpole20:07 The Downfall of John Eugene Rossi25:32 The Aftermath of Rossi's Death27:12 The Murder of Richie Castucci30:22 The Financial Motives Behind Castucci's Death36:21 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Trials and Stories

In this episode, Lara and Nina wrap up the Bonded Vault series, discussing the fates of various characters involved in the heist and subsequent events. They delve into the lives of Jacob Tarzian, Robert Dussault, Joe Danese, John Ouimette, Ralph Byrnes, and Charles Flynn, highlighting their criminal activities, legal troubles, and the impact of their choices.

In this episode, the hosts delve into the Bonded Vault heist trial, exploring more details of the robbery, the various players involved, and the courtroom dynamics that unfolded over the course of the trial. They discuss witness testimonies, the role of organized crime, and the eventual verdicts that led to life sentences for the convicted individuals. The conversation highlights the drama and intrigue surrounding one of the largest heists in U.S. history, providing insights into the motivations and actions of those involved.

The Bonded Vault Heist: Revenge by Robbery 2.0In this episode, the hosts discuss unresolved technical and logistical issues before diving into a listener comment about notorious criminals Anthony "Ponytail" Parillo and Dennis Roach. They explore the 1975 Bonded Vault heist in Providence, including key players like Robert 'the Deuce' Dussault, Chucky Flynn, and Jerry Tillinghast. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, Raymond Patriarca's parole, and the significant impact of the heist, highlighting how the theft of millions in cash, coins, and precious items was executed and its aftermath. Discussions also explore speculative connections, and mob dynamics in of one of history's most infamous heists.

Unraveling the Bonded Vault Heist: Background Stories and Intriguing ConnectionsIn this episode, the hosts discuss their nonstop technical difficulties before diving into listener questions about the Medford Mafia Induction Ceremony. The episode focuses on the backstories and criminal backgrounds of the heist participants, including Robert 'The Deuce' Dussault, Charles 'Chucky' Flynn, John and Walter Ouimette, Jerry Tillinghast, Joe 'The Dancer' Danese, Ralph 'Skippy' Byrnes, and Jacob Tarzian. The hosts also touch on related incidents and connections among the criminals, setting the stage for the subsequent episodes on the planning, execution, and aftermath of the heist.00:00 Internet Woes and New Camera Excitement00:54 Non-Mailbag Question: Shotgun Shells01:48 Listener Question: Medford Mafia Induction Ceremony03:22 Introducing the Bonded Vault Heist Series04:13 Profiles of the Bonded Vault Participants04:58 Robert 'The Deuce' Dussault's Criminal History08:54 Charles 'Chucky' Flynn's Early Life and Crimes12:40 John and Walter Ouimette: From Chauffeur's Sons to Criminals15:13 Gerald 'Jerry' Tillinghast: From Pool Dives to Prison16:45 Joe 'The Dancer' Danese: From Teen Delinquent to Heist Participant24:06 Ralph 'Skippy' Byrnes: The Mysterious Member24:46 Jacob Tarzian: The Armenian Connection

In their first full episode in two years, the hosts dive into a detailed recount of mob-related events and murders from 1975. The episode covers various crimes, including the deaths of Ben Tilley, Carmen "Gags" Gagliardi, Dickie Callei, Buffy Baccari, Eddie "Bulldog" Connors, and Tommy King. It also touches on notable incidents like the release of Raymond Patriarca, the failed car bombing of Mike Manfredi, and a house arson involving Andrew Manocchio. The hosts promise to follow up on unanswered questions and upcoming episodes, including a deep dive into the Bonded Vault heist next week.00:00 Introduction and Comeback00:55 Listener Questions and Conspiracy Theories03:38 Pronunciation Woes and Personal Anecdotes06:25 Technical Updates and 1975 Overview07:08 Raymond Patriarca's Parole and Mob Activities10:29 Carmen Gagliardi's Death and Historical Mob Hits16:33 Rico Sacrimone's Murder and Boxing Connections18:35 Rhode Island Murders and Informant Gossip24:45 Federal Hill Neighborhood Corporation Scandal25:38 The Abbey's Tap Gang and Italian Civil Rights League29:05 The Murder of Callei31:24 Buffy Baccari's Murder37:22 Eddie Bulldog Connors Murder and the Heist40:16 Andrew Manocchio's House Bombing41:42 Unsolved Murders in Rhode Island43:49 The Gold Dust Twins45:43 Tommy King's Disappearance and Aftermath47:37 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes