Welcome back to Real Mob Stories with James Proctor! Today, we’re diving into an intriguing chapter in the life of one of the most powerful Mafia bosses in history—Carlo Gambino. In March 1970, ‘The Godfather’ of the Gambino crime family found himself in an unusual and unexpected situation: sitting in the back of a police car after being accused of masterminding a multi-million-dollar armored car heist.
Here’s how it went down: Police pulled over Gambino and his wife during a routine traffic stop, but it quickly escalated when they arrested Carlo on allegations of planning a $3 million heist at the US Trucking Company. The case against Gambino was based on information provided by Patriarca family associate John Kelley, who had flipped and become an informant.
Now, here’s where things get interesting: Gambino, who prided himself on being untouchable, was furious about the arrest. When bail was set at $75,000—a significant amount at the time—Carlo stubbornly declared that he wouldn’t pay ‘even a nickel’ to get out, viewing the arrest as an insult to his reputation.
But his son Tommy Gambino had other ideas. Worried about his father’s worsening health, Tommy convinced Carlo to let his lawyers and family post the bond. Reluctantly, Don Carlo agreed and was released. However, the case never made it to trial due to Carlo’s declining health, allowing him to avoid what could have been a legal disaster.
Meanwhile, the federal government wasn’t done with Gambino. After exhausting his appeals in 1967, deportation orders were still hanging over his head. When immigration officials attempted to move forward, Gambino conveniently suffered a massive heart attack, making deportation impossible.
Carlo Gambino spent his remaining years quietly at home, managing to evade both jail and deportation. Despite the challenges, he remained the untouchable Don, living out his final years as the godfather of New York’s underworld.
What do you think? Was Gambino’s defiance a display of old-school mob pride, or was it part of a carefully calculated plan? Let me know in the comments. And as always, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more stories about the rise and fall of America’s most infamous mobsters. Until next time, stay safe and God bless.”
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