In 1938, at the age of 20, Samuel DeBella took his first pinch for breaking and entering (burglary) and larceny.
He had numerous subsequent arrests for armed robbery (twice), burglary (thrice), possession of stolen property, gambling, disorderly conduct, bookmaking, assault, carrying a concealed weapon (twice), and grand larceny.
DeBella was generally viewed as an important close associate and direct subordinate of Pittston-Scranton area family boss Rosario (Russ) Bufalino.