Boston crime czar Jerry Angiulo kept a tight inner circle and only worked with his brothers when he started out. Initially confining their activities to bookmaking, the Angiulo enterprise expanded into money lending, restaurants, a country club, radio jingles, and greeting cards, among other things. But as Jerry and his…
As the Gang War in Boston heated up, the gang on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, had a feud of their own going on. But this time it was very much a family affair. Featuring the crimes and family drama of the Baccaris, the Marfeos, and their extended family.…
In March 1962, the FBI installed a wiretap at New England mafia boss Raymond Patriarca's office in Providence, Rhode Island. The Coin-O-Matic on Atwells Ave. was Grand Central Station with people coming to Raymond with their tributes and complaints. The wiretap was a goldmine for the FBI's intelligence gathering. We…
In this episode, we will be discussing the Mafia's role in Cuba, the various plots to kill Castro and theories about the assassination of President Kennedy. For a transcript of this episode visit www.doubledealpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You can also find us on…
Alleged mafia hitman and CIA recruit Maurice Pro Lerner compiled a batting average of .308 with 24 home runs and 225 RBI over the course of his 482 game baseball career. But he was just as well known for his antics off the field as on it, once smuggling a…
A gang war raged in Boston throughout the 1960s, and everyone was forced to choose a side. You were either with the McLaughlins or the McLeans. The FBI picked a side too. But in their effort to wipe out the “Italian faction” of organized crime, they made a deal with…
Jack Kelley's former partner, Billie Aggie, returns to star as the Postal Inspectors' "Expert" Investigator in the Plymouth Mail Robbery. Billie introduces Maurice "Pro" Lerner into Jack's circle, but Jack is one step ahead of them.
Last week we told you how the Plymouth Mail Robbery job dropped into Jack Kelley's lap in a Watertown diner, and introduced you to the Dream Team Jack assembled to take down the largest cash score in history. This week Jack decides on a date and the team executes his…
Still considered unsolved, the Plymouth Mail Robbery was the largest cash heist of all time when it was carried out in 1962. Jack "Red" Kelley was producer, architect, director, and the lead in its performance. We take you behind the scenes to see how Jack and his Dream Team came…
A constant “student” of crime, Jack Kelley analyzed other crimes not to replicate them, but rather not to repeat their mistakes. We are taking one last journey to the 1930s to examine some of the lessons Jack took away from his own experiences and those of his contemporaries, some of…
We are taking a deep dive into the origins of the McLean McLaughlin Gangland War of the 1960s. A war for territory marked by boxing matches, attempted car bombings, and the murder of more than 60 men. The Boston FBI Office also chose sides in the conflict, which led to…
Meet 4 men who made it their mission to escape from behind bars. Learn what happened to them once they gained their freedom. Lots of happy endings in today's episode. For a transcript of this episode visit our website doubledeapodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @doubledealpod for sneak peeks of upcoming…
Raymond L.S. Patriarca is infamous in his role as the Boss of the New England Mafia for nearly 30 years. Join us this week as we talk about Patriarca's early life of crime, and the many failures along the way to his rise to power. For a transcript of this…
Starting with the days when the Camorra ruled Boston, we introduce the Sicilian men who toppled them: Don Nene Terruso, Don Pepino Modica, Don Filippo Bruccola, and more. And don't miss Lara's personalized food tour of Boston, sharing some of her favorite restaurants and the best food to order there.…
Richie gets out of jail and returns to work for Mafia boss Ralphie Lamattina. He also starts robbing banks with Jack Kelley, and gun running. A not-so-chance meeting with FBI Special Agent H Paul Rico leads him to a crossroads. Now he must make a decision that will change his…
Meet the men of the Boston FBI office who comprised the special task force that was created to solve the Great Brink's Heist of 1950. Five of these men would go on to form the organized crime task force charged with bringing down the Mafia in New England. For a…
In this episode Nina and Lara will be discussing Richie Chicofsky's early years, and his first prison stint. Fats Buccelli's son Bobby, the DeSisto home invasion and Richie's first encounter with SA H. Paul Rico will be included. If you'd like to email Lara you can reach her at lara@doubledealpodcast.com…
The only money from the Brink's robbery ever recovered was found in June 1956. $57K of rotted and moldy cash wrapped in old newspapers was discovered behind a wall in an office on Tremont Street. Join us this week as we discuss how the Feds located the loot and what…
We are introducing Richie's nemesis in our story this week: H Paul Rico. Join us as we cover the early years of Rico's life and FBI career. We're also talking about the FBI's Confidential Informant Program and some of its early victories and blunders. If you'd like to email Lara…
In Episode 5 we will be discussing Sonny Diaferio and Mello Merlino, childhood friends and lifelong partners in crime. Nina and Lara will be telling the story of their early days. Email Lara at lara@doubledealpodcast.com and Nina at nina@doubledealpodcast.com For show notes and supporting materials please visit our website doubledealpodcast.com…
In Episode 4 we will be discussing Roy Appleton. The man who from his grave would be the beginning of the end for former FBI SA, H. Rico. Rico who spent his final days in prison, just as many of the men he put away. Nina and Lara will tell…
The Great Brink's Heist of 1950 was almost the perfect crime. $2.775 million was stolen in Boston on a mid-January evening. We follow the twists and turns of the FBI investigation that led to the capture and eventual conviction of eight local men who had long criminal records. We conclude…
We heard a little bit about Billie Aggie in episode 1. Today we will be discussing two more of Billie's heists, and how he found himself voted out of Walpole State Prison. For a transcript of this episode visit our website doubledealpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter @doubledealpod for sneak peeks…
Jack Kelley was called "Swiss watch" for the precision with which he planned robberies. But a simple trip to the race track led to his first arrest. This episode will cover the early years of John J. Kelley's criminal career. We will discuss several of his early robberies and how…