Exposing The Underbelly Of The Gambino Crime Family

Sammy Gravano, also known as "Sammy the Bull," is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family. Gravano became a government witness against his former boss, John Gotti, and testified against Gotti and other members of the Gambino family.

Gravano's testimony helped convict Gotti of murder, racketeering, and other crimes. Gravano's decision to become a government witness was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in New York City. He provided valuable information to law enforcement and helped bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country.

Gravano's story is a fascinating one that provides a unique insight into the world of organized crime. He is a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he played a significant role in the fight against organized crime.

Sammy Gravano

Sammy Gravano, also known as "Sammy the Bull," is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family. He became a government witness against his former boss, John Gotti, and testified against Gotti and other members of the Gambino family.

  • Early life: Born Salvatore Gravano in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945.
  • Criminal career: Began his criminal career in the 1960s, working for the Gambino crime family.
  • Underboss: Became underboss of the Gambino crime family in 1985.
  • Government witness: Turned government witness in 1991 and testified against John Gotti and other members of the Gambino family.
  • Witness protection: Entered the Witness Protection Program after testifying against Gotti.
  • Author: Wrote a book about his life, "Underboss," which was published in 1997.
  • Reality TV: Appeared on the reality TV show "Mob Wives" in 2011.
  • Current status: Lives in Arizona under a new identity.

Sammy Gravano's decision to become a government witness was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in New York City. His testimony helped convict Gotti of murder, racketeering, and other crimes. Gravano's story is a fascinating one that provides a unique insight into the world of organized crime.

Early life

Sammy Gravano's early life played a significant role in shaping the man he would become. Born into a working-class family in Brooklyn, New York, Gravano was exposed to the criminal underworld from a young age. His father was a bookmaker, and his uncles were involved in organized crime. As a teenager, Gravano began running errands for local mobsters, and by the age of 20, he was a full-fledged member of the Gambino crime family.

  • Growing up in a criminal environment: Gravano's exposure to organized crime from a young age gave him a unique insight into the workings of the criminal underworld. He learned the importance of loyalty, secrecy, and violence.
  • Developing criminal connections: Gravano's family connections gave him access to powerful mobsters. He was able to develop relationships with influential figures in the Gambino crime family, which would later help him rise through the ranks.
  • Learning the criminal trade: Gravano started out running errands for local mobsters. This gave him hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of organized crime. He learned how to collect debts, launder money, and carry out.

Gravano's early life experiences laid the foundation for his successful career in organized crime. He developed the skills, connections, and mindset that would eventually make him one of the most powerful mobsters in New York City.

Criminal career

Sammy Gravano's criminal career began in the 1960s when he joined the Gambino crime family. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted lieutenant to boss John Gotti. Gravano was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including murder, racketeering, and drug trafficking.

  • Murder: Gravano was convicted of murdering two people, including a rival mobster and a civilian. He was also suspected of involvement in other murders, but was never charged.
  • Racketeering: Gravano was involved in a variety of racketeering activities, including extortion, gambling, and money laundering. He also controlled several legitimate businesses, which he used to launder money and hide his criminal activities.
  • Drug trafficking: Gravano was a major drug trafficker, importing cocaine and heroin into New York City. He also controlled several drug distribution networks.
  • Loyalty to John Gotti: Gravano was one of Gotti's most loyal followers. He carried out Gotti's orders without question, even when they involved violence or murder.

Gravano's criminal career came to an end in 1991 when he agreed to become a government witness against Gotti. His testimony helped convict Gotti of murder, racketeering, and other crimes. Gravano's decision to turn against Gotti was a major blow to the Gambino crime family, and it helped to bring down one of the most powerful crime families in New York City.

Underboss

Sammy Gravano's rise to the position of underboss of the Gambino crime family in 1985 marked a significant milestone in his criminal career. As underboss, Gravano was second-in-command to boss John Gotti and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the family.

  • Increased power and influence: As underboss, Gravano had a great deal of power and influence within the Gambino crime family. He was responsible for managing the family's criminal activities, including murder, racketeering, and drug trafficking.
  • Close relationship with John Gotti: Gravano was one of Gotti's closest confidants and advisors. He was fiercely loyal to Gotti and carried out his orders without question.
  • Role in the Castellano hit: Gravano played a key role in the murder of Paul Castellano, the former boss of the Gambino crime family. Gravano lured Castellano to a meeting where he was shot and killed by Gotti and other mobsters.
  • Eventual downfall: Gravano's position as underboss came to an end in 1991 when he agreed to become a government witness against Gotti. His testimony helped convict Gotti of murder, racketeering, and other crimes.

Gravano's time as underboss of the Gambino crime family was a period of both great power and danger. He was one of the most powerful mobsters in New York City, but he was also constantly at risk of being killed by his rivals or by law enforcement.

Government witness

Sammy Gravano's decision to become a government witness in 1991 was a major turning point in his life and in the history of organized crime in New York City. His testimony helped convict John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino crime family, of murder, racketeering, and other crimes. Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was a major blow to the Gambino crime family and helped to bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country.

  • Gravano's motives for becoming a government witness: Gravano's decision to become a government witness was likely motivated by a combination of factors, including fear for his own safety, a desire to protect his family, and a sense of guilt over his own criminal activities.
  • The impact of Gravano's testimony: Gravano's testimony was devastating to the Gambino crime family. He provided detailed information about the family's criminal activities, including murders, racketeering, and drug trafficking. His testimony helped convict Gotti and other members of the family, and it led to the downfall of the Gambino crime family.
  • Gravano's life after becoming a government witness: After becoming a government witness, Gravano entered the Witness Protection Program. He assumed a new identity and moved to a new location. He has since written a book about his life and has appeared on several television shows.

Sammy Gravano's decision to become a government witness was a courageous one. He risked his own life and the lives of his family to help bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country. His testimony was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime, and it helped to make New York City a safer place.

Witness protection

Sammy Gravano's decision to become a government witness against John Gotti and other members of the Gambino crime family put his life in danger. In order to protect him from retaliation, Gravano was placed in the Witness Protection Program. This program provides new identities and relocation assistance to witnesses who testify against organized crime figures.

  • New identity: Gravano was given a new name, Social Security number, and driver's license. He also underwent plastic surgery to alter his appearance.
  • Relocation: Gravano was moved to a new location, far away from New York City and his former associates.
  • Protection: Gravano was provided with around-the-clock protection by U.S. Marshals.
  • New life: Gravano was given the opportunity to start a new life, free from the fear of retaliation.

Gravano's decision to enter the Witness Protection Program was a difficult one, but it was necessary to protect his life. The program has allowed him to live a normal life, free from the fear of being killed by his former associates.

Author

Sammy Gravano's book, "Underboss," provides a unique insight into the world of organized crime. In the book, Gravano recounts his life story, from his early days as a street criminal to his rise to the position of underboss of the Gambino crime family. He also provides detailed accounts of the murders, racketeering, and drug trafficking activities that he was involved in.

"Underboss" is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about organized crime. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the life of Sammy Gravano, one of the most notorious mobsters in American history.

The book has been praised by critics for its honesty and its insights into the criminal mind. It has also been criticized for its violence and its glorification of the mob lifestyle. However, there is no doubt that "Underboss" is an important book that provides a valuable glimpse into the world of organized crime.

Reality TV

Sammy Gravano's appearance on the reality TV show "Mob Wives" in 2011 was a significant event that brought him back into the public eye. The show, which follows the lives of women who are connected to organized crime families, gave Gravano a platform to share his story and to offer his insights into the world of organized crime.

  • Gravano's role on "Mob Wives": Gravano appeared on "Mob Wives" as a recurring guest star. He shared his experiences as a mobster, and he offered his opinions on the current state of organized crime.
  • Insights into organized crime: Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" provided viewers with a unique insight into the world of organized crime. He discussed the inner workings of the Gambino crime family, and he shared his thoughts on the changing landscape of organized crime.
  • Public perception of Gravano: Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" helped to change the public perception of him. He was no longer seen as a dangerous mobster, but as a complex and fascinating individual.

Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" was a significant event that helped to shed light on the world of organized crime. He provided viewers with a unique insight into the inner workings of the Gambino crime family, and he shared his thoughts on the changing landscape of organized crime.

Current status

Sammy Gravano's current status as a resident of Arizona under a new identity is a direct result of his decision to become a government witness against his former boss, John Gotti, and other members of the Gambino crime family. After testifying against Gotti and other mobsters, Gravano entered the Witness Protection Program, which provides new identities and relocation assistance to witnesses who testify against organized crime figures.

Gravano's decision to enter the Witness Protection Program was a difficult one, but it was necessary to protect his life. He knew that if he remained in New York City, he would be at risk of being killed by his former associates. The Witness Protection Program has allowed Gravano to live a normal life, free from the fear of being killed by his former associates.

Gravano's current status as a resident of Arizona under a new identity is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime and the importance of protecting those who testify against it. Gravano's testimony helped convict Gotti and other members of the Gambino crime family, and it helped to make New York City a safer place. His decision to enter the Witness Protection Program was a courageous one, and it is a testament to his commitment to justice.

Sammy Gravano FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Sammy Gravano, a former underboss of the Gambino crime family who became a government witness against his former boss, John Gotti.

Question 1: Why did Sammy Gravano become a government witness?

Sammy Gravano became a government witness in 1991 to protect his family and himself from retaliation by the Gambino crime family. He was facing multiple murder charges and knew that he would likely be killed if convicted.

Question 2: What was Sammy Gravano's role in the Gambino crime family?

Sammy Gravano was the underboss of the Gambino crime family, which is one of the five crime families that control organized crime in New York City. As underboss, Gravano was second-in-command to boss John Gotti and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the family.

Question 3: What crimes did Sammy Gravano commit?

Sammy Gravano committed a wide range of crimes, including murder, racketeering, extortion, and drug trafficking. He was convicted of murdering two people, and he was also suspected of involvement in other murders.

Question 4: Is Sammy Gravano still alive?

Yes, Sammy Gravano is still alive. He is currently living in Arizona under a new identity as part of the Witness Protection Program.

Question 5: What is Sammy Gravano's net worth?

Sammy Gravano's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. He made his money through his criminal activities, and he has also earned money from book deals and reality TV appearances.

Question 6: What is Sammy Gravano's legacy?

Sammy Gravano is a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he played a significant role in the fight against organized crime. His testimony helped convict John Gotti and other members of the Gambino crime family, and it helped to make New York City a safer place.

Summary: Sammy Gravano is a complex and fascinating figure. He is a former mobster who turned against his own family to help bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country. His story is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime and the importance of protecting those who testify against it.

Transition to the next article section: Sammy Gravano's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime. It is also a story of redemption, as Gravano has turned his life around and is now a law-abiding citizen.

Tips By Sammy Gravano

Sammy Gravano, the former underboss of the Gambino crime family, has shared valuable insights into the world of organized crime and the importance of protecting those who testify against it. Here are some tips based on Gravano's experiences:

Tip 1: Understand the dangers of organized crime. Organized crime is a serious threat to society, and it can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. It is important to be aware of the dangers of organized crime and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Tip 2: Report criminal activity to the authorities. If you witness or have knowledge of criminal activity, it is important to report it to the authorities. This can help to prevent further crimes and bring criminals to justice.

Tip 3: Cooperate with law enforcement. If you are called to testify against a criminal, it is important to cooperate with law enforcement. Your testimony can help to convict criminals and make your community safer.

Tip 4: Enter the Witness Protection Program if necessary. If you fear for your safety after testifying against a criminal, you may be eligible to enter the Witness Protection Program. This program can provide you with a new identity and a safe place to live.

Tip 5: Seek support from family and friends. If you are facing threats or intimidation from criminals, it is important to seek support from family and friends. They can provide you with emotional support and help you to stay safe.

Summary: By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of organized crime.

Transition to the article's conclusion: Sammy Gravano's story is a reminder of the importance of speaking out against organized crime. By following these tips, you can help to make your community safer and bring criminals to justice.

Conclusion

Sammy Gravano's journey from underboss of the Gambino crime family to government witness offers a unique insight into the world of organized crime. His story highlights the dangers of organized crime and the importance of protecting those who testify against it.

Gravano's decision to become a government witness was a courageous one. He risked his own life and the lives of his family to help bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country. His testimony helped convict John Gotti and other members of the Gambino crime family, and it helped to make New York City a safer place.

Gravano's story is a reminder that organized crime is a serious threat to our society. It is important to be aware of the dangers of organized crime and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you see something, say something. Report criminal activity to the authorities and cooperate with law enforcement. Your actions can make a difference.

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