Peter (Petey 17) Piacenti

During the late 1940s, Peter Piacenti, operated in tandem with his brother Frank and others, a large-scale heroin smuggling and distribution ring. They would transport the narcotics from California to New York City for eventual distribution among various crews.

Peter (Petey 17) Piacenti - aka "Petey Gallo" and "Pete Nimo" - was born in 1921 in NYC. He was raised and resided all his life in Brooklyn. He later relocated out to 20-D Willow Ave., in Hempstead on Long Island.

He was described by authorities as a longtime “soldier” in the Gambino Family.

FBI # 561015A, NYPD # B-252724

Piacenti is believed to have been affiliated with one of the Brooklyn regimes serving possibly under Peter Ferrara, James Eppolito, Carmine Lombardozzi , Olympio Garafolo, and Anthony Gaggi (there were additional crews as well.)

He operated a private social club at 7513 17th Avenue in Brooklyn and, at one point, a nightclub called the “1717 Club." This is how Piacenti got his nickname.

Peter Piacenti

He was never known to be in business per se, and never officially “owned” any businesses only listing his occupation as a house painter when arrested. His activities included gambling (policy, slot machines, cards), narcotics, and strong-arm enforcer.

During the late 1940s, he operated in tandem with his brother Frank and others a large-scale heroin smuggling and distribution ring. They would transport the narcotics from California to New York City for eventual distribution among various crews.

His partners included the notorious Sebastiano Nani. Piacenti and Nani would be charged with bribery, in addition to narcotics conspiracy, when the agents finally indicted them. Convicted, he later served a two-year bid.

His police record starts in 1947 for policy, theft, conspiracy, felony assault, violating federal narcotics laws, double homicide, gun possession, conspiracy, gambling, racketeering, and conspiracy.

In 1979, he was indicted with Anthony (Nino) Gaggi (possibly his capo at the time), after the ill-fated botched “hit” they were commissioned to carry out against father and son Gambino mobsters James Eppolito, Sr., and James Jr. It is said that Piacenti may have been unaware of the planned hit.

After shooting the Eppolitos in a car they were all riding in, Gaggi and Piacenti fled the vehicle and got into a shootout with a policeman who spotted the shooting. Piacenti was wounded and both were captured. This was one of the few mob-style hits to have ever been stopped mid-stream, allowing for federal prosecution.

Gaggi and Piacenti were convicted of vastly reduced charges. Piacenti served 8 months. Gaggi won a reversal and never served a day.

Side Note: In 1980, the main eyewitness who testified at their trial was 22-year-old Patrick Penny of Sheepshead Bay. He was later shot nine times and killed gangland-style for testifying against Gaggi and Piacenti after refusing police protection.

In 2002, Piacenti was one of many Gambino defendants indicted on a 68-count RICO racketeering conspiracy for being active in a “regime” headed by Capo Anthony (Sonny) Ciccone that was controlling waterfront rackets, gambling, extortion, etc.

He died in 2007 at age 85.

Until next time..."The Other Guy"

Peter (Petey 17) Piacenti

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Peter (Petey 17) Piacenti

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