Introduction
Readers, embark on a captivating journey into the shadowy realm of the Decavalcante crime family. This notorious organization has left an indelible mark on the underworld, shaping the criminal landscape of New Jersey and beyond. From humble beginnings to a reign of terror, this article delves into the inner workings, significant figures, and illicit activities that have defined the Decavalcante family.
Delve into the intricate history and evolution of this infamous criminal syndicate, uncovering its rise to power and the key players who steered its course. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of their racketeering, gambling, and extortion schemes, which have fueled their empire. Join us as we explore the complex and often deadly world of the Decavalcante crime family.
The Genesis: From a Gang to a Family
The Seeds of Crime Sown in Prohibition
The roots of the Decavalcante crime family can be traced back to the golden age of Prohibition, when bootlegging and bootlegging syndicates flourished. Among these, the Profaci clan established a foothold in Elizabeth, New Jersey, under the leadership of Joseph Profaci. At the same time, another young man named Simone "Sam the Plumber" Decavalcante was making a name for himself in the criminal underworld. A skilled and ambitious individual, Decavalcante rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a confidant and trusted lieutenant of Profaci.
Decavalcante’s Ascension and the Infamous Crew
As the Profaci family’s influence expanded, Decavalcante’s stature grew, and he became a capo regime, overseeing a crew in North Jersey. This crew gained notoriety for its involvement in illegal gambling, extortion, and labor racketeering. Decavalcante’s strategic alliances and unwavering loyalty to Profaci earned him a reputation as a formidable force within the family. In 1957, with Profaci’s blessing, Decavalcante assumed control of his own family, which would bear his name for decades to come.
A Reign of Terror: Power, Violence, and Corruption
Subjugating North Jersey’s Underworld
Under Decavalcante’s leadership, the Decavalcante crime family established a reign of terror throughout North Jersey. It infiltrated labor unions, controlling construction and waste disposal industries, and corrupted public officials through bribery and intimidation. The family’s criminal activities extended beyond New Jersey’s borders, reaching into New York City and even Las Vegas. Through a web of illicit businesses and alliances with other crime families, the Decavalcante family became a dominant force in the world of organized crime.
Feuds and Bloodshed
The Decavalcante crime family’s rise to power was not without its rivalries and violent conflicts. The family engaged in bloody turf wars with the Genovese crime family and the Lucchese crime family, resulting in numerous murders and disappearances. The family’s internal conflicts were equally deadly, with power struggles and vendettas leading to the elimination of potential threats. The constant threat of violence and the brutal enforcement of loyalty kept the family’s members in line and ensured the Decavalcante crime family’s continued dominance.
Criminal Empire: The Decavalcante Rackets
Extortion and Loan-Sharking
Extortion and loan-sharking were the bread and butter of the Decavalcante crime family. They used threats, violence, and intimidation to extort money from businesses, labor unions, and individuals. The family’s loan-sharking operations provided them with a steady stream of income, charging exorbitant interest rates and resorting to violent tactics to collect debts. These illicit activities fueled the family’s wealth and power, making it a formidable force in the criminal underworld.
Labor Racketeering and Illegal Gambling
The Decavalcante crime family also had a strong foothold in labor racketeering, infiltrating and controlling unions in various industries, including construction, waste disposal, and transportation. Through extortion and threats, they forced businesses to hire union members, inflated labor costs, and skimmed money from union funds. The family’s involvement in illegal gambling brought in additional revenue, with illegal casinos, sports betting, and numbers games generating illicit profits.
Legitimate Businesses as a Facade
To conceal their criminal activities, the Decavalcante crime family invested in legitimate businesses, such as restaurants, construction companies, and waste disposal services. These businesses served as fronts for money laundering, extortion, and other illicit operations. By intermingling legitimate and illicit enterprises, the family sought to avoid detection and maintain a veneer of respectability.
Declining Influence and Government Crackdown
Internal Divisions and Government Investigations
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Decavalcante crime family began to experience internal divisions and challenges from law enforcement. Government investigations, including the notorious Operation Wasteland, led to numerous indictments and convictions of family members. The family’s once-solid structure began to crumble as informants and defectors provided valuable information to law enforcement, exposing the family’s criminal activities.
The Rise of New Jersey’s Anti-Organized Crime Law
In 1999, New Jersey enacted the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), a powerful tool for combating organized crime. This law allowed prosecutors to charge individuals and organizations engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity, leading to the dismantling of the Decavalcante crime family’s leadership and operations.
Legacy and Modern Influence
Despite significant law enforcement efforts, the Decavalcante crime family has managed to maintain a presence in North Jersey. Its influence has dwindled compared to its heyday, but it still engages in various criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. The family has also sought alliances with other criminal organizations, such as the Lucchese crime family, to bolster its position.
Despite its diminished power, the Decavalcante crime family remains a reminder of the enduring presence of organized crime in New Jersey and beyond. Its legacy of violence, corruption, and illicit activities continues to shape the criminal landscape of the region, and its ongoing activities pose challenges for law enforcement.
Table: Decavalcante Crime Family Leaders
| Name | Decade | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Profaci | 1930s-1950s | Boss |
| Simone "Sam the Plumber" Decavalcante | 1950s-1992 | Boss |
| Vincenzo "Vinny Ocean" Palermo | 1970s-1980s | Consigliere |
| Giovanni "John the Eagle" Riggi | 1980s-1990s | Underboss |
| John D’Amato | 2000s | Acting Boss |
| Louis "Big Lou" Fazzini | 2010s | Boss |
Conclusion
Readers, we have delved into the fascinating and disturbing world of the Decavalcante crime family. From its humble beginnings to its reign of terror, this family has left an indelible mark on the criminal landscape of New Jersey. Its illicit activities, reign of violence, and corruption have shaped the region’s history.
Though law enforcement efforts have dealt a significant blow to the Decavalcante crime family, its presence continues to linger. Its legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the enduring power of organized crime.
If you’re intrigued by this story, check out our other articles on notorious crime families and the history of organized crime in the United States. Stay tuned for more captivating tales of power, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
FAQ about Decavalcante Crime Family
Who is the Decavalcante Crime Family?
A: The Decavalcante Crime Family is an organized crime syndicate based in New Jersey and New York City.
When was it founded?
A: The family was founded in the early 1930s by Sam DeCavalcante.
Who is the current boss?
A: The current boss of the family is Anthony Capetti.
What are their primary activities?
A: Their primary activities include racketeering, extortion, gambling, drug trafficking, and labor union infiltration.
Where are they headquartered?
A: The family is primarily based in North Jersey and New York City, but they also have operations in South Florida and California.
What are their alliances and rivalries?
A: The Decavalcante Crime Family has alliances with the Lucchese and Bonanno crime families and rivalries with the Gambino and Genovese crime families.
How many members does it have?
A: The family is estimated to have approximately 100-200 active members.
How did they get their name?
A: The family is named after its founder, Sam DeCavalcante.
What is their territory?
A: The family’s territory includes Essex, Union, and Monmouth counties in New Jersey, as well as parts of New York City.
What is their annual revenue?
A: The family’s annual revenue is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
