Veteran organized crime reporter George Anastasia interviewed reputed Philadelphia Cosa Nostra organized crime figure Joey Merlino about his dealings with a Gambino wiseguy wired for sound by the FBI for Bigtrial.net.
They met in a Dunkin’ Donuts near the beach in Boca Raton.
Nicholas Stefanelli, a 60-something mobster from North Jersey, was full of propositions and ideas for “business” ventures.
Nicholas Stefanelli, a 60-something mobster from North Jersey, was full of propositions and ideas for “business” ventures.
Joey Merlino, recently turned 50 and out of jail for about a year, was all ears.
Merlino was looking for a fresh start in Florida, or so he said. Stefanelli had come recommended from a defense attorney in Newark who had worked on one of Joey’s cases.
They talked for about an hour. At first, Stefanelli focused on ideas for bars and restaurants, businesses he knew Joey was interested in. Money and backers were available, he said. They could make something happen, he promised. Then he steered the conversation to past events in the world in which they both operated.
Stefanelli, known as “Nicky Skins,” was a soldier in the Gambino crime family.
Merlino, who everyone knew as “Skinny Joey,” had been or was (depending on your frame of reference) the boss of the Philadelphia mob. He had just finished a 14-year stint in a federal prison. He had no desire to go back. So when Stefanelli started asking about some of the guys up north and talking about pending criminal cases, Merlino pulled back.
There are certain things you don’t talk about, especially with someone you’ve just met.
http://www.bigtrial.net/2013/04/merlino-talks-about-nicky-skins-and.html#more
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