One of the biggest mob turncoats in Mafia history is set to once again take the stand as a government witness.
Former Bonanno crime family boss Joseph Massino will make his second appearance for the feds since he turned informant in 2004. Massino was once known as “the last don” because of his old school ways but broke the oath of Omerta and killed his mob legacy after being convicted of multiple murders. Massino testified last year against Vincent “Vinny Gorgeous” Basciano his successor as boss of the Bonanno Family. Massino’s wore a wire for the government taping prison conversations he had with Basciano and his testimony was devastating and a key to Basciano’s conviction.
“Joseph Massino”
The government is now calling on its prized mob rat again to testify against Anthony “Rom” Romanello a reputed captain in the Genovese crime family. Romanello is charged with extortion for his role in the shakedown of a Bonanno family associate who failed to a loan of $30,000 to a mortgage broker Romanello had assisted. Even though Massino did not personally commit any crime with Romanello he will testify as to the rules, hierarchy, structure, and protocols of the Mafia especially in respect to the Genovese and Bonanno mob families. Prosecutors also confirm that Romanello had dined at CasaBlanca a restaurant owned by Massino and they did know each other.
Massino’s case file was turned over to defense lawyers for Romanello this week in preparation for opening arguments and the informant’s testimony. Romanello’s lawyer Gerald McMahon said that he looked forward to showing the jury that Massino a man already convicted of eight murders had very little credible testimony to offer in this case. Massino sentenced to life in prison and said to be in poor health holds out hope that as a reward for his service as an informant will lead to a recommendation by the government for his release according to sources.
