Born in 1943 in New York City, Charles (Charlie Lips) Fratello was listed as a soldier in the Bufalino Family, active in strong-arm work and extortion. He later migrated to South Florida and served in the regime of Anthony (Gov) Guarnieri.
Fratello ran a popular Broward County topless nightclub called the Seminar Lounge that was a mob hangout until he shot a man to death during an altercation one evening in 1984. He was convicted of first-degree murder in 1985 and given a life sentence, which he served at Raiford State Prison in Florida.
He had figured into an undercover police sting code-named Operation Cherokee, which originally targeted Gambino soldier Demus Covello’s bookmaking ring. It later expanded to engulf multiple Cosa Nostra figures, including Bufalino capo Anthony Guarnieri and other members and associates in several crime families.
Until next time…”The Other Guy”
Check out more Miami mobsters in our Moon Over Miami Series:
Mafia Moon Over Miami: Part 1
Mafia Moon Over Miami: Part 2
Mafia Moon Over Miami: Part 3
Mafia Moon Over Miami: Part 4
