Gangland Wire
Retired Kansas City Mafia Detective Gary Jenkins examines the American Mafia through interviews with law enforcement, mafia members, and academics, adding his own experience to enhance the stories.
Episodes
From Temple Raiders to Elite Collectors: The Artifact Smuggling Pipeline
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins welcomes journalist and author Matthew Campbell to discuss one of the largest antiquities trafficking scandals of modern times. Drawing on his book The Man Who Stole the Gods, Campbell explains the rise and fall of Douglas Latchford, a British art dealer accused of orchestrating an international
The Secret Six: Chicago’s Vigilantes Who Took on Al Capone
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Kevin E. Meredith to examine a little-known but highly influential force in Chicago’s Prohibition-era crime wars—the Secret Six. Click here for a link to get the book The Secret Six: The Rise and Fall of Chicago's greatest VigilantesMeredith, a former newspaper reporter turne
Chicago Heights Mob History: Al Capone, Frank LaPorte, The Chicago Outfit & The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Connection
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins welcomes author Ray Franze to discuss his historical fiction novel The Heights, a story inspired by the real-life mob figures who controlled Chicago Heights and Northwest Indiana for much of the twentieth century. Drawing on FBI files, family stories, and historical research, Franze explores the rise of
The Chicago Outfit During the 1960s: Sam Giancana, Anthony Accardo, and Mob Power
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins welcomes back organized crime historian and author John Binder for an in-depth discussion about his new book, The Chicago Outfit During the 1960s. Together, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked decades in the history of the Chicago mob.The conversation examines how the Chicago Outfit evolved during the 1960s
Prohibition Chicago: How Al Capone Created America’s Most Powerful Crime Syndicate
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with organized crime historian and author John Binder to explore the violent and chaotic world of Prohibition-era Chicago. Drawing on his acclaimed book Al Capone's Beer Wars, Binder traces the explosive rise of organized crime in the 1920s and how bootlegging transformed local street ga
From Cuba to Amsterdam, Netherland: Lansky Cellini in the Netherlands
Gary Jenkins celebrates the Netherlands, who are in Kansas City for the World Cup. He has a discussion with a Dutch organized crime researcher, David Amoroso, and they trace how the American Mafia expanded its gambling empire after losing Cuba. The episode explores how Meyer Lansky's vision of luxury casinos evolved into an international operation spanning the Bahamas, London, and Amsterdam. Davi
From Albert Anastasia to Joe Colombo: Joey Gallo’s Deadly Mob War
In this replay, as a tribute to Camillius "Cam" Robinson, Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins, and co-host Cam dive deep into the wild life and violent death of one of the Mafia’s most unpredictable figures—Crazy Joey Gallo.From Brooklyn’s Red Hook streets to the bloody wars of the Colombo crime family, Joey Gallo built a reputation as a fearless outlaw who challeng
The Joe Colombo Assassination Attempt: Mafia Conspiracy, Italian Unity Day Shooting & The Unsolved 1971 Mob Mystery
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins examines one of the most puzzling events in organized crime history—the 1971 shooting of Joe Colombo.At the height of his influence, Colombo stood before a crowd of nearly 50,000 at Italian Unity Day in New York City when he was gunned down by Jerome A. Johnson, a man posing as a journalist with a
Mob Fences, Cocaine, and Prison Ministry | Bill Corum Interview
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with former criminal and prison minister Bill Corum for one of the most unusual conversations ever featured on Gangland Wire.Bill Corum recounts his journey from car theft and prison escapes in the early 1960s to his deep involvement in Kansas City’s criminal underworld in the 1970s and early 1980s. He describes his work
Hoffa’s Connections: Mob, Unions, and Sylvia Pagano
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Frank Hayde to explore his latest book, Hoffa’s Connection. Hayde, a Kansas City native and noted mob historian, brings forward a largely overlooked figure in organized crime history—Sylvia Pagano.The conversation centers on Pagano’s rise from Kansas City to Detroit, where sh
From Black Liberation Army Cop Killers to the Mafia: An NYPD Detective's Prison Ministry
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with former NYPD officer Jimmy Dennedy and NYC Brooklyn prosecutor Michael Vecchione for a gripping discussion on violent crime, justice, and redemption. Jimmy recounts the shocking murder of NYPD officers Rocco Laurie and Gregory Foster by the Black Liberation Army, while Michael reveals the challenges of prosecuting t
Louis “Streaky” Gatto: New Jersey and the Genovese Mob
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins examines the rise and influence of Louis “Streaky” Gatto and the Genovese crime family’s powerful New Jersey faction. Drawing from a 2004 New Jersey Crime Commission report, this episode explores how Genovese crews operated across multiple counties while controlling illegal gambling, loan sharking, and waterfront rackets through i
Jerry Catena and the New Jersey Genovese Empire
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins sits down with returning guest Scott Deitch for a detailed exploration of one of the more understated yet influential figures in organized crime—Jerry Catena.Deitch, known for his deep research and engaging storytelling, brings insight from his books Cigar City Mafia, Garden State Gangland, and his upcoming release Jersey Boss. Th
Boston's Pinball Rackets, IRS Wars, and Mob Secrets
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins interviews Eddie Inserra, author of Confidence of the Mob: The IRS Agent Who Took down the Mob - Then Advised Them, a deeply researched account of his grandfather, Fred G. Pastore, a key figure in early IRS efforts to dismantle organized crime. Fred Pastore was part of the IRS’s early “racket sq
Before Whitey Bulger: The Hidden Power of Joe Mac in Boston’s Underworld
In this episode, host Gary Jenkins, a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, sits down with author and mob expert Springs Toledo and discusses the Boston Winter Hill Gang and its notorious members. Springs’ book, "Don't Talk About Joe Mac: The Life, Wars, and Secret History of the Man Behind the Winter Hill Gang"Springs Toledo provides an exhaustive look at Joe McDonald aka Mac, a
Joe Massino's Silence: The Missing Truth Behind the Carmine Galante Assassination
Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins reports his previous contributor, Matt, who he interviewed on a new theory on the Carmine Glante hit, answers questions we have seen on various social media outlets. Matt claims the U.S. attorney and the FBI got it wrong when they alleged and convicted Bruno Indelicato for this murder. Challenging the official story, Matt reveals
John Gotti, Sonny Red, Bonanno Family, and the Truth Behind the Galante Murder
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins takes a deep dive with his guest Matt into the assassination of Carmine Galante—one of the most infamous mob hits in American history. Matt co-authored a book about the men he beleives really killed Carmine Galante titled Made In Long Island. Matt begins by analyzing the controversial footage cap
Jimmy Hoffa, Russell Bufalino, and the Mob's Biggest Unsolved Mystery
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Charles Bufalino, a relative of notorious Mafia boss Russell Bufalino. What begins as a family history discussion quickly expands into one of the most enduring mysteries in organized crime—the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. Charles recounts how, in 2011, he uncovered information tha
How Ice Pick Willie Worked with Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Dave Berman
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I sit down with Salt Lake City author Flats to discuss his book, Ice Pick Willie: The Life and Times of Israel Alderman. We take a deep dive into the shadowy world of Israel “Icepick Willie” Alderman—a largely forgotten but deeply embedded figure in early 20th-century organized crime.Willie’s criminal career traces back to Prohibition-era New York, where he began
The War on Drugs: A Smuggler’s Inside Story
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with former drug trafficker Carlos Perez for a direct, unfiltered discussion about the evolution of the drug trade in America. Carlos has a new book out titled Pedro Pan: The Product of a Revolution Gone Bad The conversation opens with recent controversy surrounding the reported death of **
The Russian Mob in Los Angeles
In this episode, Gary Jenkins, retired intelligence detective sits down with veteran true crime authors Frank Gerardot and Burl Barer to examine their book Where Murder Lies, a case that intersects Russian organized crime, Italian mob connections, and a troubling claim of wrongful conviction.At the center of the story is Jimmy Kitlas, a young man who struggled with learning disabilities and instab
Body in the Barrel: A Las Vegas Mob Mystery
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Aaron Mead to discuss his gripping novel Body in the Barrel, a story inspired by a real-life discovery in Lake Mead that shocked the nation.In 2022, as water levels at Lake Mead dropped to historic lows, authorities discovered a body in a barrel with a gunshot wound to the he
Nicola Gentile: The Mafia Godfather Who Knew Al Capone and Lucky Luciano
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with author and historian Gary Clemente for a deep dive into the remarkable life of Nicola Gentile, one of the most influential yet little-known figures in early American organized crime.Gentile was no street thug. Born in Sicily in 1884, he immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s and became a roving Mafia diplomat—trusted to
Dust Bunny Mafia: Real Mob Stories Told Through Comics
Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history through his unique perspective on the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins welcomes an unusual guest from the world of organized crime storytelling—cartoonist Brett Juliano, creator of the Dust Bunny Mafia comic series. Instead of traditional books or documentaries, Brett tells real Mafia stories throug
The Truth Behind the Gardner Museum Theft
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I sit down with retired FBI agent Geoff Kelly, a specialist in art theft investigations who inherited one of the most notorious unsolved cases in American history—the 1990 robbery at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. He recently wrote a book about this theft titled 13 Perfect Fugitives: The True Story of Mob, Murder, and the World's Largest Art Heist.Kelly’s la
Lefty Rosenthal and College Basketball
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I dive into the shadowy intersection of organized gambling and college athletics through the story of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, one of the most influential—and elusive—figures in the American gambling underworld. During the early 1960s, Rosenthal built his reputation by identifying weaknesses in sports systems, particularly among college athletes vulnerable to pres
From Capone to Genovese and Luciano: A Violent History of the Mafia
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, continues his deep dive into organized crime history with prolific Mafia author Jeffrey Sussman. Sussman, the author of eight books on organized crime, joins Jenkins for a wide-ranging conversation that spans the rise, violence, prosecutions, and survival tactics of La Cosa Nostra in Americ
The Million Dollar Car Detective: Inside the Market for Stolen Rare Cars
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, steps outside traditional Mafia territory and into a shadowy world just as dangerous—and just as fascinating: the international theft of ultra-rare automobiles. Gary is joined by author Stayton Bonner, former senior editor at Rolling Stone, and legendary car-recovery specialist Joe Ford, t
FiFi Buccieri: Meeting at the Edgewater
In this episode of Gangland Wire,host Gary Jenkins takes listeners deep into one of the most chilling and revealing moments in Chicago mob history—a secretive 1967 party held at the legendary Edgewater Beach Hotel. What appeared on the surface to be a lavish celebration was, in reality, a tightly controlled gathering of roughly 300 mobsters, political figures, and underworld insiders. The occasion
The Mafia in Colorado
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins talks with author Linda Stasi about her historical novel The Descendant, a story inspired by her own Italian-American family history. Stasi traces her ancestors’ journey from Sicily to the Colorado mining camps, revealing the brutal realities faced by immigrant laborers in the American West. The conversation explores the violent labor struggles
The Agent Who Discovered Roy DeMeo
In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins sits down down with author Craig McGuire to discuss his gripping book, Empire City Under Siege, a deep dive into three decades of FBI manhunts, mob wars, and organized-crime investigations in New York City. Craig explains how the project grew out of his collaboration with retired FBI agent Anthony John Nelson, whose career spanned the most violent an
Marijuana Mercenary - Ken Behr
In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with Ken Behr, author of One Step Over the Line: Confessions of a Marijuana Mercenary. Behr tells his astonishing life story—from teenage marijuana dealer in South Florida, to high-level drug runner and smuggler, to DEA cooperating source working major international cases. Along the way, he offers rare, first-h
IRS Underecover on Frank Schweihs
In this bonus episode of Gangland Wire, I take listeners back to 1970s Chicago for a series of lesser-known but revealing stories about the Chicago Outfit, centering on violent enforcer Frank Schweihs, also known as “Frank the German.” The episode begins with a personal side quest—tracking down the mystery of Tony Accardo and his rare red 1950s Mercedes sports car, possibly a 300 SL. These exoti
Did the Mafia Queen Open Springfield to the Genovese Family
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City poilice Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins is joined by mob historian and genealogist Justin Cascio to explore one of the most remarkable—and overlooked—figures of the Prohibition era: Pasqualina Albano Siniscalchi, the so-called Bootleg Queen of Springfield, Massachusetts.At the dawn of Prohibition in 1921, Pasqualina was a young widow l
Chicago Outfit Informants
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of the Chicago Outfit's informants, featuring insights from my late friend, Cam Robinson, and Paul Whitcomb, a well-respected expert on the mob. This special compilation draws from past interviews and shorts that once highlighted various informants who operated during the notorious 1980s era of organized crime in Chicago. Through a series of conci
Bob Cooley and the Deadliest Man Alive
In this special short episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins presents a wild and largely forgotten chapter from Bob Cooley's life—the former Chicago Outfit fixer, gambler, and lawyer whose career straddled the worlds of organized crime, corruption, and courtroom drama. Fresh off a long-form interview with Cooley, Gary pulls out a standalone story that feels almost too strange to be true: Cooley’s
Robert Cooley Outfit Fixer Part 2
In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins sits down with Bob Cooley, the once–well-connected Chicago lawyer who lived at the center of the city’s most notorious corruption machine. After years out of the public eye, Cooley recently resurfaced to revisit his explosive memoir, When Corruption Was King—and this conversation offers a rare, firsthand look at how organized crime, politics, and the
Bob Cooley Chicago Outfit's Chief Fixer Part 1
In this gripping episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with Robert “Bob” Cooley, the Chicago lawyer whose extraordinary journey took him from deep inside the Outfit’s criminal operations to becoming one of the federal government’s most valuable witnesses against organized crime.Cooley pulls back the curtain on the hidden machinery of Chicago’s underworld, describing how corruption,
James Ragen Chicago Race Wire Story
Retired Kansas City, Missouri, Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins tells the story of the unsolved murder of James Ragen.Gary Jenkins digs into an old-school Chicago Outfit story pulled from a vintage newspaper clip by legendary columnist Drew Pearson. The article centers on James M. Ragen, a key figure in the Continental Press and Racing Wire, and what happened when the Outfit decide
Gianni Russo: The Hollywood Godfather, Mafia Secrets
In this explosive episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with actor, entrepreneur, and mob insider Gianni “Johnny” Russo, best known for his unforgettable role as Carlo Rizzi in The Godfather.Russo pulls back the curtain on a lifetime of stories that stretch from Frank Costello and Joe Colombo to Las Vegas skimming, the Vatican Bank, Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hoffa, and even Pablo Escob
Did Marcello have RFK Assassinated?
In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins interviews bestselling author Mark Shaw about his explosive new research into the JFK and RFK assassinations — and the hidden role of New Orleans Mafia boss Carlos Marcello. Shaw breaks down newly uncovered FBI documents, including Marcello’s alleged 1985 prison confession claiming involvement in JFK’s murder. We explore Marcello’s long-running war wi
Undercover with the Crips: The Tegan Broadwater Story
In this powerful episode of Gangland Wire, retired Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Tegan Broadwater, a former Fort Worth Police officer, musician, and undercover operative whose story reads like a movie script. Broadwater takes listeners on a riveting journey from his early years as a professional musician to his dramatic turn infiltrating one of America’s most dangerous st
Taking Down the Real Sopranos
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with former FBI agent Séamus McElearney, author of Flipping Capo, for a deep dive into one of the most remarkable Mafia investigations and how he took down the DeCavalcante Family.McElearney recounts his unlikely path from banking to the FBI, driven by a lifelong fascination with law enforcement. Despite being told he didn’t have the “r
Mob Life: The Private World of Capone, Lansky, Gotti & Castellano
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Jay Baer to explore the hidden, human side of organized crime’s biggest names — Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, John Gotti, and Paul Castellano. Jay’s book, Mob Life: The Private World of Capone, Lansky, Gotti, and Castellano, takes a unique look beyond the murders, rackets, and headlines
Inside Miami’s Drug War: Cops On the Front Lines
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Burt Gonzalez, a veteran officer from the Miami-Dade Police Department, for an unfiltered look inside one of the most violent and chaotic eras in American law enforcement history.With decades of experience spanning multiple divisions, Burt recounts the transformation of Dade County’s police fo
Monkey Morales: The Mob, CIA, Castro, and the JFK Connection
In this explosive episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins dives deep into one of the most complex and mysterious figures of the Cold War era—Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, a Cuban exile whose life intersected with the CIA, the anti-Castro underground, Las Vegas mobsters, and even the JFK assassination. Gary welcomes Rick Morales Jr., son of Monkey Morales,
Anthony Russo: The Real Soprano
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins welcomes author Gregory Macalino, whose book “Little Pussy and Long Branch: Perfect Together” offers a deep dive into New Jersey’s underworld and the life of one of its most notorious figures—Anthony “Little Pussy” Russo. Gregory begins by sharing his own story, growing up in Monmouth County amid the It
Inside the St. Louis Mob: Crooks, Killers, and Cops
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Tim Richards, a former St. Louis intelligence officer and author of Crook’s Kill and Cops Lie. Tim brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge from his years investigating the mob and navigating the thin line between law enforcement and organized crime.We dive deep into the history and dynamics
Did The Colombo's Own an FBI Agent?
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins pulls back the curtain on one of the FBI’s most troubling scandals—the case of Joe Stabile, a corrupt FBI agent whose fall from grace revealed just how deep organized crime’s influence could run.The story begins in November 1978, when Stabile pled guilty to corruption charges. But as Gary explains, tha
Chinatown Sting Bonus
The Chinatown Sting is a gripping investigative show about a group of mothers who took down Manhattan Chinatown's drug kingpin, Machine Gun Johnny. Lidia Jean unravels an entire network of women who were roped into Johnny's criminal underworld and found themselves playing the ultimate high-stakes game. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Listen to a preview of The Chinatown Sting now and find it
Machinegun Johnny in Chinatown
In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins, former KCPD Intelligence Detective, is joined by Lydia Jean Kott (LJ), a producer at Pushkin Industries, the company founded by Malcolm Gladwell. LJ brings us inside the making of Chinatown Sting, a gripping new podcast that uncovers the fascinating and little-known story of Chinese organized crime and China White heroin in New York’s Chinatown durin
Dan O'Sullivan and The Outfit Podcast on Ken Eto
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Dan O’Sullivan from the new podcast The Outfit to discuss the incredible story of Ken Eto—known in Outfit circles as “Tokyo Joe.” Ken Eto was unique: the only Japanese American member of the Chicago Outfit, and the only man to survive being shot three times in the head. Eto was the Outfit’
The Pittsburgh Mafia Running, and Castro
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins sits down with journalist and author Rich Gazarik to explore a little-known corner of mob history—one that ties the Pittsburgh Mafia to Fidel Castro, stolen guns, and even the Kennedy assassination.Rich’s latest book, Gun Smuggling, Castro, and the Pittsburgh Mafia, shines a spotlight on Sam Mannarino, a Pitt
Greg Scarpa: The Grim Reaper’s Double Life
In this gripping episode of Gangland Wire, retired intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Jonathan Dyer to explore one of the most complex and dangerous figures in Mafia history—Greg Scarpa, the Colombo family enforcer known as The Grim Reaper. Dyer, whose career spans military intelligence, law, and education, brings deep insight into Scarpa’s remarkable—and chilling—dual rol
A Narc's Tale: Stories From the Underbelly
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I sit down with Keith Grounsell, a veteran law enforcement officer whose career spanned patrol, specialized units, and high-stakes undercover work with the DEA. Keith takes us inside the hidden world of narcotics investigations, sharing stories that reveal both the danger and the human toll of living a double life.We talk about how Keith’s upbringing as the son of
Chuck Goudie talks Chicago Outfit
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with veteran Chicago journalist Chuck Goudie, whose decades of reporting have made him one of Chicago’s most respected voices on organized crime. A fan of the show asked for more Chicago stories—and this conversation delivers.We dive into the legacy of the Spilotro family, sparked by the recent pass
Jimmy the Gent: The Rise and Fall of James Burke
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins dives deep into the life of James “Jimmy the Gent” Burke. Prompted by listener Paul Blackwood of Edinburgh, Gary explores Burke’s world beyond the headlines of the Lufthansa heist. From his turbulent childhood in foster homes and orphanages to his rise as a feared and respected mobster in the Lucchese
Hollywood and the Chicago Boys: Stone Wallace on Mobsters in Tinseltown
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with writer and mob historian Stone Wallace—a man whose path has crossed acting, broadcasting, boxing, and a lifelong fascination with organized crime. The focus of today’s conversation is Stone Wallace’s latest book, Hollywood and the Chicago Boys, which uncovers how the Chicago Outfit quietly move
Tommy Greco Genovese Enforcer
In this episode, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence detective, Gary Jenkins, interviews Gary Clemente, who offers profound insights drawn from his father's legacy as a pioneering FBI agent in the fight against organized crime. Gary recounts his father's pivotal role during the 1957 Appalachian mob conclave, detailing his unique rapport with notorious figures like Carlo Gambino and the psychol
Bobby Manna: Genovese Consigliere
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired intelligence detective Gary Jenkins exposes the brutal fall of one of the Mafia’s most calculating figures—Louis “Bobby” Manna, the Genovese consigliere who wielded silent power until a single wiretap changed everything. I have to credit Stephen Popkin for much of the research in this show, thanks, Stephen. From the mobbed-up docks of Bayonne to the smok
The Mob and the Savings & Loan Scandal
In this eye-opening episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins pulls back the curtain on a lesser-known chapter of American crime history — how the Kansas City mob capitalized on the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s to fuel its criminal empire. Gary takes listeners deep into the shadowy world of Nick Civella, the shrewd Kansas City mob boss w
The Man Who Ended Allie Boy Persico's Run
Gary and Mike also explore the uneasy dance between lawmen and mobsters—a world where unexpected moments of mutual respect could coexist with threats of violence. Mike shares stories of face-to-face encounters with figures like Rusty Rastelli of the Bonanno Family, offering rare insights into how respect, fear, and human decency sometimes blurred the lines between hunter and hunted. The episode d
A Mafia Counterfeit Ring
Hey Wiretappers, listen to my short bonus episode. I'm looking for mob fans to read the first half of a memoir about my life, which is partly about being a cop and mostly about the Civella Spero War. Email me at ganglandwire@gmail.com and I'll send you a pdf to read. It's about 22,000 words. Once it's done, I'll send you a copy This week, we journey back to the early 1900s—a time when the first w
The Murder of Teddy Deegan and the FBI
In this gripping episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins unravels one of the most damning scandals in FBI history—a chilling story of corruption, betrayal, and a sanctioned murder that would stain the Bureau’s legacy for decades. Gary examines the sinister role played by FBI agent H. Paul Rico in the 1965 murder of Teddy Deegan. You’ll hear how
Paul Rico: Crooked Agent Gets His Due
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Tulsa homicide detective Mike Huff joins host Gary Jenkins to break down one of the most shocking mob hits in U.S. history. Det. Huff tells about the 1981 murder of businessman Roger Wheeler at Southern Hills Country Club and the investigation that ended in the arrest of Boston F.B.I. agent Paul Rico. You can learn more about this story by reading Mike's b
Gotti and Jimmy McBratney
In this episode of Gangland Wire, I pull back the veil on one of the most pivotal moments in John Gotti's rise through the ranks of the Gambino crime family—the 1973 murder of Jimmy McBratney. As a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, I bring a lawman’s eye to the tangled web of revenge, power plays, and myth-making that surrounds this infamous hit. We start with the murky lege
Boston Crime Stories
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins sits down with author Daniel Zimmerman, whose investigative works dive deep into the dark corners of Boston's organized crime world. Zimmerman has written two gripping true crime books that reveal the raw and often tragic realities of life on the fringe of the Mafia. He recounts his research for his book, Shots in the Dark, which led him to an in
A Rhode Island Mob Story
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins welcomes Anthony Pesare, a retired Rhode Island State Police Intelligence officer turned crime novelist. Gary and Anthony dive into the notorious Providence neighborhood of Federal Hill, a hotbed of mob activity. Anthony offers first-hand stories of surveillance, navigating tight-knit communities, and the challenge of identifying criminals who bl
Behind the Walls: Dave Grosky on Life inside with Chicago's Jerry Scalise
In this revealing episode of Gangland Wire, retired intelligence detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Dave Grosky, a man who spent over a decade inside federal prisons—and came out with a story unlike any other. From FCI Loretto to Morgantown to Milan, Dave’s journey through the prison system introduced him to a cast of characters that included notorious organized crime figures—none more compelli
The Smaldone Family: Denver’s Hidden Mafia Legacy
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins takes listeners deep into a lesser-known corner of American mob history—Denver, Colorado. While most think of Denver as a gateway to the Rockies and a hub for skiing, few realize it also served as the long-standing stronghold of the Smaldone crime family. Gary uncovers the roots of organized crime in souther
From Homicide to Hollywood: Det. Don Tabak’s Journey
In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired intelligence detective Gary Jenkins welcomes a special guest—Don Tabak, a former LAPD homicide detective whose life story bridges the world of real crime and creative storytelling. With decades on the force, Det. Don Tabak shares the emotional and technical complexities of working on some of Los Angeles’s most brutal homicide cases. He recounts haunting m
Little Vic and the Great Mafia War with Larry McShane
In this gripping episode of Gangland Wire, retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins welcomes back veteran crime journalist and mob historian Larry McShane to discuss his latest book, Little Vic and the Great Mafia War. Together, they dive deep into the violent and chaotic period known as the Third Colombo War—a brutal internal conflict that nearly tore the Colombo crime family apart. Larry off
Pete Rose: Baseball Legend, Gambling Scandal, and Mob Ties
In this special episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins takes a deep dive into the life, career, and controversy surrounding Pete Rose, the legendary Major League Baseball icon who recently passed away at 83. Known as “Charlie Hustle,” Rose’s name is forever etched in baseball history with franchise records in games played, hits, and runs scored—primarily during his storied tenure with the Cin
The Kansas City Narcotics Syndicate
Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode, Gary and retired FBI agent and mafia historian Bill Ouseley discuss the creation of the Kansas City Narcotics Syndicate, which emerged during the prohibition era as local mobsters adapted to the loss of revenue from bootlegging. The conversation explores how the
The Mob and Narcotics: A Troubled History
In this episode of Gangland Wire, Gary Jenkins sits down with retired FBI agent and organized crime historian Bill Ouseley for a deep dive into the Mob’s transition from bootlegging during Prohibition to dominating the narcotics trade. Ouseley, known for his books Open City and Mobsters in Our Midst, shares insights from his years investigating the Kansas City crime family and the Vegas skimming
Inside a Chicago Mob Family with Kurt Calabrese
In this compelling episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City detective Gary Jenkins sits down with Kurt Calabrese, son of infamous Chicago Outfit enforcer Frank Calabrese Sr. Kurt opens up about what it was like growing up in the shadow of one of the most feared men in organized crime and living through the seismic fallout of the Family Secrets Trial. Kurt shares a deeply personal account of
The Mob and Rock and Roll
Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins interviews the prolific chronicler of the American Mafia, Jeffrey Sussman. Listeners will learn about Morris levy and the mafia's influence on the roots of the world's most important cultural influences, American Rock and Roll.
Does Chris Franzblau Really Know the Exact Location of Jimmy Hoffa?
In this episode of Gangland Wire, host Gary Jenkins interviews Chris Franzblau, author of The Last Mob Lawyer. Franzblau represented Meyer Lansky in his deportation hearing, he represented Genovese labor racketeers like Anthony “Tony Pro” Provenzano and Jerry Catena. He knew Jimmy Hoffa very well. Chris shares his remarkable career as a defense attorney for prominent figures in organized crime, of
Genovese Killer Anthony Arillotta and Mob Life
Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. In this Gangland Wire Crime Stories episode, Gary Jenkins interviews Anthony Arillotta, author of South End Syndicate: How I Took Over the Genovese Springfield Crew. Arillotta shares his firsthand experiences within organized crime in Springfield, Massachusetts, offering a raw an
Did Alto Knights Replace the Ravenite?
In this bonus episode of Gangland Wire, I follow up on my interview with Mafia historian Anthony DeStefano to discuss New York City's organized crime more. One of the most significant topics Anthony and I covered was the Alto Nights social club. This was not only the title, but also the central character in the recent Mafia film written by Goodfellas scribe Nicholas Pileggi, who starred Robert De
