The Dragna-Licata Family of Los Angeles, CA

Around 1950 or so, federal and local law enforcement authorities renewed their vigor and focus against organized crime nationwide. Investigations and probes of the underworld soon started. It was within this atmosphere that Jack Dragna and his membership would start to receive extensive press coverage and negative exposure.

Los Angeles, California

The most iconic leader of what later became the resident Cosa Nostra Family based in Los Angeles, California, was Ignazio (Jack) Dragna. He was born in Corleone, Sicily, back on April 18, 1891. The actual family surname was Adragna, but they later dropped the “A” and adopted Dragna as their formal last name soon after landing on American shores.

He immigrated with his brother, sister, and other blood family to New York City in the year 1898.

The Adragna’s settled in the Little Italy section of East Harlem in Upper Manhattan. They were drawn there by the large Corleonese community that had developed along certain streets of the neighborhood, such as East 107th, East 109th, and East 112th Streets.

Among the young men from Harlem who were to become his closest, lifelong underworld associates was Gaetano Reina, Gaetano Gagliano, Gaetano Lucchese, and the brothers Stefano and Vito La Sala, who would become better known as the La Salle brothers. Each of them had also originally been born in the town of Corleone.

This is undoubtedly where the original ties between the men developed.

Ignazio Adragna soon began sporting the more American moniker of “Jack Dragna.” He initially became affiliated with the Harlem-Bronx-based clan headed by Tom Reina.

In future years, this group would expand into a formal borgata, and later became known as the notorious Gagliano-Lucchese Crime Family. Its succession of leaders for the first fifty years of its existence would be the three Tommy’s, right in a row.

Dragna cut his teeth alongside his Corleone amici, until one day a golden opportunity was laid at his doorstep.

It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Dovetailing with the culmination of the infamous Castellammarese War, which was hard-fought between the years 1929 and 1931, and the subsequent assassination of boss of bosses Salvatore Maranzano the same year the war ended, there was a major reorganization of the Italian-American underworld.

Los Angeles skyline at dusk

Family leader Tom Reina had been shotgunned, and also assassinated during the bloody conflict. So after the war, Gagliano assumed power as Capo Famiglia, with Lucchese as his second-in command.

Lucky Luciano, Joe Bonanno, Joe Profaci, Vincent Mangano, Gagliano, and all the other victors of the battle, agreed to form a consensus-styled leadership to more fairly govern the Italian underworld in the United States.

This “boardroom” type government was comprised of all Family bosses. These “representante,” or representatives so to speak, would cast one single vote for each of their respective clans from the east coast, clear across the country to the west coast. Twenty-six clans, or Families, in all.

To accomplish their lofty goals, it became necessary to either depose through a general vote of the Commission or eliminate through violence, many of the older “Mustache Pete’s” who had been in place for years, as the heads of the various clans operating in many American cities. It was the equivalent of Cosa Nostra house cleaning. Out with the old, and in with the new.

There were several other hierarchy changes made in various borgatas throughout the United States at that time as well. It was a purging of the original “Mustache Pete’s” from the old country, and the installation of more forward-thinking younger men such as Dragna, who had relocated out to the west coast some years earlier. He was one of many such young men who were looked upon as the “future” of Cosa Nostra.

A good example of this was the Mafia boss Giuseppe Ardizzone of Los Angeles, who was one of those deposed. During that same blood-soaked year of 1931, Joe Ardizzone disappeared off the face of the earth one afternoon and was never seen again. Jack Dragna was said to have been elevated in his place.

Giuseppe (Joe) Ardizzone

In general, the origins of Italian organized crime in the State of California had begun with such wily Sicilian-born mafiosi as Ardizzone, and other old-fashioned “Mustache Pete’s” who operated as “Black Hand” extortionists and terrorists.

With Ardizzone’s removal, thereafter, with the strong support of Gagliano and his East Harlem-based clan, as well as that of the other ruling Families back east, Ignazio Dragna came to power. He was almost immediately formally installed as the new “representante” of the Los Angeles borgata. He would rule for the next two and a half decades.

The borgata that Dragna became boss of was the largest of three recognized borgatas eventually established on the west coast. Clans would develop in the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles.

Dragna’s Family also operated a satellite regime in the City of San Diego, which was staffed with an official “capo di decina” who governed a handful of soldiers and associates. This “decina” was originally headed by a capo named Girolamo (Momo) Adamo. The Dragna Family would always be the recognized power in that city.

Early mugshot of Ignazio Dragna - NY

Around 1950 or so, federal and local law enforcement authorities renewed their vigor and focus against organized crime nationwide. Investigations and probes of the underworld soon started. It was within this atmosphere that Jack Dragna and his membership would start to receive extensive press coverage and negative exposure.

Although the L.A. Family would in later years gain the embarrassing and insulting nickname of the “Mickey Mouse Mafia” for their often bumbling ways, lackluster performance, and lack of strong leadership. At one time at least, this borgata boasted a powerhouse lineup of some very capable men.

The Family had operated successfully in Los Angeles for almost two decades before they really started coming under scrutiny. Jack’s most ardent supporter was his older brother Gaetano, or Tom Dragna, who served the borgata as its consigliere, or advisor.

The Dragna brothers supporting cast included Tom’s son, Louis Tom Dragna, and several other sons and nephews. Other top Los Angeles-based mafiosi included the infamous Antonio (Tony) Milano and his brother Frank.

Dragna at the height of his power

Another high-ranked member was lawyer Frank DeSimone, who’s father Rosario had been an early leader of this clan. Frank DeSimone became boss after Dragna’s death. The Matranga brothers, and future boss Nick Licata were also part of this early mix.

From their San Diego regime, early members included capodecina Girolamo (Momo) Adamo, his brother Giuseppe (Joe) Adamo, Paolo Mirabile, and the notorious Frank (The Bomp) Bompenisero. Another old-timer was Marco (Mimi) Li Mandri, and his son Joe.

The main problem that always faced the Dragna-Licata Family had more to do with geography and demographics, than with the membership’s basic underworld capabilities. Unfortunately, it was a problem that they would never overcome, regardless of how hard they tried through the years.

Tom Dragna, his sons and nephews at police headquarters

The State of California had a very limited Italian population. Other detractors factoring into its lackluster borgata was the state’s general makeup as a laid-back, easy-breezy, liberal-type populous. It lacked the feel of a gritty inner-city or ethnic Italian “character.” In short, Southern California was not a conducive atmosphere for Cosa Nostra to flourish.

The results of a small Los Angeles “talent pool” from which to draw Italian recruits allowed renegade, independent racketeers to gain too much strength over the years.

The Dragna Family’s small rank and file membership was just not large enough to intimidate, let alone overwhelm, the potential opposition from Jewish racketeers such as the notorious Mickey Cohen, and other independents.

In fact, Cohen would eventually become such a thorn in the side of the L.A. Family, that on more than one occasion over the years they planned and executed several unsuccessful attempts on Mickey Cohen’s life.

Hierarchy chart of the Los Angeles Family

Hence, after numerous failed murder plots, that included bombing his home, as well as shooting him, this is where they would garner their nickname, “The Mickey Mouse Mafia.” Nonetheless, their “gang that couldn’t shoot straight” bumbling exploits would fill newspapers all through the 1940s and 1950s era.

What follows is a listing of in-depth, biographical sketches on thirty-five of their more prominent and interesting members and associates.

Following these biographies is a traditional, FBI-styled, hierarchical chart listing all known inducted mafia members for the period of approximately 1950, through 1985. It was the time period when the Dragna-Licata Family of Cosa Nostra was arguably at their peak, through their waning years as they slowly faded from power.

Ignazio (Jack Dragna) Adragna

aka “Ignazio Rizzotto” “Charles Dragna”

Jack Dragna - The boss of L.A

Born on April 18, 1891, in Corleone, Sicily. Upon arriving at Ellis Island with his father, mother, and siblings as a 7-year old child in 1898, the Dragna’s settled in Brooklyn. As a young man, Jack later moved to East Harlem. He allied early on with Harlem/Bronx boss Tom Reina and was involved in several rackets with his faction in Upper Manhattan.

Dragna allegedly played a role in this clan's “push” into the Jewish poultry markets in the Bronx, in the Mafia’s bid to monopolize the industry. This led to coercion and intimidation, extortion, and beatings, in the shakedown of poultry vendors. In 1914, Dragna became implicated in the murder of Barnet Baff, a prominent Bronx poultry dealer who was resisting the Mafia’s efforts. This was the event that forced Dragna to flee to Los Angeles.

He must have had underworld connections there, because, by the very next year of 1915, Dragna was charged with a “Black Hand” extortion. He was convicted and served a 3-year prison term. His brother Gaetano, and other blood family must have relocated to California around this time as well.

Mugshot of Jack Dragna by LAPD

With the advent of Prohibition he and his brother Tom started bootlegging in concert with sitting L.A. boss Joe Ardizzone, and other Sicilian nationals. And by 1922, Jack had married Francesca (nee’ Rizzotto), and they started their own family, eventually giving birth to a girl and boy. In 1931, Ardizzone disappeared and was never seen again. His murder catapulted Dragna to prominence. He became the boss of a now-fledgling Los Angeles Family of Cosa Nostra.

Jack Dragna would become the head of all Mafia operations in Southern California for 25 years, from 1931, until his death from natural causes in 1956. A highly-respected Cosa Nostra leader who was an intimate of Gaetano Lucchese, Stefano La Salle, Vincent Rao, Carlo Gambino Joe Bonanno, and other top leaders in New York.

He also closely allied with Tony Accardo of Chicago, and Johnny Roselli. Dragna was allegedly partnered with Roselli in several gambling racket and extortion activities in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. But it was the Gagliano-Lucchese Family of East Harlem that Dragna would always be closest to. In fact, it is believed that boss Tommy Lucchese was his representative on matters before the national Commission.

At the height of his power and influence, Dragna was once referred to as “The Al Capone of Los Angeles.” During the Dragna era, this borgata’s main forms of income were shakedowns, and the extortion of independent bookmakers and gamblers in their territory, narcotics smuggling and distribution, their own bookmaking operations, operating a national “wire-service” that transmitted race results to bookmakers across the country, some infiltration of labor unions in L.A.’s garment and commercial laundry industries, and various thefts.

Starting from around 1950 forward, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department started a harassment campaign aimed at the Italian Mafia in their city. Dragna was repeatedly singled out for this harassment. He was subject to arrests on several occasions, probably the most embarrassing of which was when he was caught with an unmarried girlfriend during a sex romp at a motel.

It was the mid-1950s, and a conservative America was still blushing about such indiscretions. The Federal government had also started deportation proceedings against the aging mob boss, but he never ended up actually being deported. Ignazio (Jack) Dragna died of a heart attack on February 23, 1956. He was 64 years old.

Gaetano (Tom Dragna) Adragna

aka “Tom Allen” “Tom Rizzotti” FBI # 463258, LAPD # 30188-M15

Gaetano (Tom) Adragna

Born on November 25 (Christmas Day), 1888, in Corleone (Palermo Province), Sicily. Naturalized at Los Angeles on November 10, 1939. The older brother of Jack. He and his wife Julia (nee’ Torisco), resided with their children in a home they purchased at 649 North Hartley, in West Covina, California, for decades.

Arrest record dated to 1932 for violation of the deadly weapons act, national firearms act, and conspiracy to commit murder. Tom Dragna served as the highly-respected “consigliere” of the Family for years. One of his two sons, Louis Tom Dragna, would become a major figure in this mafia network in years to come. His other son, Frank (Frankie Two-Eyes), was also a known borgata soldier.

Louis Tom (Louie Dragna) Adragna

aka “Louis Tom Rizzotti” FBI # 4677209, LAPD # 107427

Louis Tom Dragna

Born July 18, 1920, at Los Angeles. The son of Gaetano (Tom) Dragna, and brother of Frank (Frankie Two-Eyes). He married Doris (nee’ Norton), and they had one adopted child. They resided at 1429 E. Thelborn, West Covina, CA. He was active in gambling operations, several labor unions, and garment racketeering through his ownership of Save-On Fashions Inc., 216 Rowland, in West Covina., and also held a partnership interest in Brand Motors Co., a used-car business in LA.

He had numerous arrests since 1947 for bookmaking, and possession of gambling records. Together with his brother Frank, and cousin Frank (One-Eye), was viewed by law enforcement as taking over leadership of the Mafia in Southern California, from his father Tom, and Uncle Jack Dragna. Considered an intimate of such top hoodlums as his Dragna relatives, Johnny Roselli, Tony Accardo of Chicago, Pete Licavoli of Detroit, Harold Meltzer, and Frank Bompensiero. In later years, Louie was named the underboss after Nick Licata was elevated to head the Family.

Frank DeSimone

FBI # 770726C, LAPD # B-610574

Frank DeSimone

The son of deceased mafia boss Rosario DeSimone, this man was born on July 17, 1909, in Pueblo, Colorado. He relocated to Southern California as a child with his parents and grew up in the Los Angeles area. College-educated, Frank became a licensed attorney, who was known to represent many mafia members in their struggles with law enforcement. A confirmed bachelor, he resided at the family home with his mother Rosalia (nee’ Cordo), at 7838 Adore Street, Downey, CA. His only criminal arrest stemmed from his attendance at the infamous 1957 “Apalachin Meeting” in Upstate, New York.

Charged in 1959, with contempt of the federal grand jury probing Apalachin, and a conspiracy to obstruct justice count. His subsequent conviction and 4-year sentence were later overturned on appeal, as were all the other sentences imposed in that case. Frank DeSimone was considered a highly-placed member of the family and later rose to the position of Family “boss” directly after the death of Jack Dragna. By and large, DeSimone was considered a weak, inept leader during his time as boss. He served in the hierarchy for nearly 11 years until his death from natural causes in 1967. At which time, Nick Licata came to power.

Nicolo (Nick) Licata

FBI # 2585380, LAPD # 170490

Nicola (Nick) Licata

He was born on February 20, 1896, in Camporeale, Sicily. He was naturalized at Los Angeles, on March 25, 1932. Married to Serafina (nee’ Cracchiolo), they raised three children, two girls named Vitani and Francesca, and a son they named Carlo, who would later also become a mafia member under his father's tutelage.

As he aged, Nick and his wife resided in unit #1, of a multi-unit apartment complex he owned and operated, which was located at 427 West Queen Street, Inglewood, CA. He owned several other similar apartment-house complexes around the Inglewood area.

His criminal record listed only two arrests; 1945 - refilling liquor containers; early 1950s - murder conspiracy (Tony Trombino and Tony Brancato double homicides). No known convictions. Licata was the longtime underboss to Jack Dragna, and would eventually become the boss himself, after the 11-year interim leadership of Frank DeSimone. Nick’s son Carlo was married to the daughter of Detroit underboss Guillermo (Black Bill) Tocco. Nick remained boss from 1968, until his death in 1974.

Antonino (Tony) Milano

aka “Anthony Milana” FBI # 433240, Cleveland-PD # 11100

Antonino (Tony) Milano

Born on December 5, 1888, in Milanesi, at Reggio Calabria, Italy. Naturalized in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 27, 1924. One of the top mafia figures in the country for decades. He married Josephine (nee’ DiSanto), and they had four sons; Peter, Frank, John, and Carmello. Each of whom would become involved in the Mafia. The Milano’s resided at 1538 North Crescent Heights, Hollywood, CA.

His record dated to 1912 for suspicious person, “black-hand” extortion suspect, and counterfeiting. Tony started out in Cleveland with his brother Frank Milano, where they rose to head the mafia in that city. He later semi-retired out to California but maintained his high underworld status. He numbered among his closest associates his brother Frank, his 4 sons, Anthony Pinelli, Simone (Sam) Scozzari, and Nick Licata. Extremely wealthy, with numbers legitimate business interests in Ohio and CA., including a “saving and loan” bank company in Cleveland.

Marco (Mimi) Li Mandri

FBI # 967752, NYCPD # B-137172

Marco (Mimi) Li Mandri

Born on April 14, 1891, in Palermo, Sicily. He originally lived in NYC after immigrating from Italy. Resided with his wife Mary at 4879 Austin Drive, in San Diego. He later inducted his son Joseph as a Family soldier, and was Mimi’s closest associate.

He had a very limited, but serious criminal record; 1935 - using the mails to ship morphine and counterfeit money from NYC to San Diego; 1942 - Federal liquor law violations in NYC. He was identified by the FBN as one of the largest cross-country traffickers of narcotics, with sources of supply in Italy and NYC. Close personal friends and criminal associate of Carlo and Paolo Gambino, and other top members of both the NY and Los Angeles Italian underworld.

Li Mandri was considered to be a very wealthy mafioso, who held ownership of a multimillion-dollar, 9-unit apartment house at 335 East 55th Street, in midtown Manhattan, and a sprawling grape ranch with his mobster son-in-law, Frank Fiorello, they named the F. & L. Ranch, Etiwanda Road, in Mira Loma, CA.

Joseph Li Mandri

FBI # 927552, NYCPD # B-134084

Joseph Li Mandri

Born on October 5, 1913, in Manhattan. The son and partner of Mimi Li Mandri. He married the former Florence Dippolito (daughter of mafiosi Salvatore Dippolito), was a brother-in-law to both Joseph (Joe Dip) Dippolito, and Frank Fiorello (who married Li Mandri’s sister Helen). He and his wife resided at 4588 Alamo Drive, San Diego.

He had a criminal record of 4 arrests dating to 1935, with one conviction for Federal Narcotics Laws Violations. Joe Li Mandri served as his aging-ailing father’s eyes and ears in the rackets. He oversaw narcotics, counterfeiting, and labor racketeering activities. And was in control of several labor union locals for their borgata.

He was the owner-operator of record for the F. & L. Grape Ranch, in San Bernardino County, CA. Besides his father and in-laws, he was a close associate of Angelo Polizzi, and Jasper and Frank Matranga.

Francesco (Ciccio) Milano

aka “Frank Milano” FBI # 4687, Akron-PD # 26868

Frank (Ciccio) Milano

Born on February 27, 1891, in the town of San Roberto, at Reggio Calabria, Italy. Settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he and his brother became the recognized Mafia bosses in that city. By the mid-1940s, he had joined his brother Tony in California, relocating to Los Angeles.

His criminal record dated to 1913, for such serious charges as counterfeiting U.S. currency, murders, and bootlegging. He was reported to have become extremely wealthy during the Prohibition era, with extensive land and property holdings in Mexico; Los Angeles; Miami, Florida; and Akron, Ohio.

After semi-retiring and relocating to Mexico, Ciccio Milano was known to still finance various illicit operations, including suspected international heroin and opium smuggling from Mexico, across the border into Southern California, for distribution to points across the U.S. Legend has it that Milano also sat as a founding member of the first Mafia Commission, formed back in 1931.

Paolo (Paul) Mirabile

FBI # 574937, SDPD # 13542M19

Paolo (Paul) Mirabile

Born on January 12, 1896, in Trapani Province, Sicily. Naturalized on March 1, 1920, at Detroit, MI. The brother of San Diego capo, Antonio (Tony) Mirabile. He resided at the Balboa Apartments, 2206 6th Street, in San Diego. He had one known arrest in 1922, at Detroit, for grand larceny. Close associate of the Adamo, Matranga, and Dragna Families. Also a close friend of former boss Joe Bonanno.

Anthony (Tony) Pinelli, Sr.

FBI # 2678506, A&TTD # X3113

Antonio (Tony) Pinelli

Born on October 28, 1899, at Calascibetta, Sicily. He was considered a resident alien of the U.S. (deportation proceedings were started against Pinelli, but were eventually dismissed). He was married to Madeline (nee’ Micelli), and they had five children. Pinelli was considered by some in federal law enforcement to be the wealthiest mafiosi living and operating in Southern California.

He owned luxurious homes at 481 Sierra Madre Boulevard, and 500 Monte Cito Boulevard, in Sierra Madre, CA. He was said to own his own airplane and frequented Chicago, New York City, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, on a regular basis. Ownership interests included large real estate holdings, restaurants, motels, a produce farm, and other varied businesses throughout the U.S. He also listed himself as a produce broker, and an olive oil importer from Europe.

His police record listed numerous arrests dating to 1927 for; Prohibition Law Violations (bootlegging), and in 1960 he was charged with evasion of California State income taxes. He was a close associate of Chicago’s Tony Accardo and Sam Giancana, as well as, Jack and Tom Dragna, Frank DeSimone, Angelo Polizzi, and Joe Sica.

Simone (Sam) Scozzari

FBI # 497230B, LAPD # 53870

Simone (Sam) Scozzari

He was born on January 1, 1900, in Palermo, Sicily. He married Theresa (nee’ Macri), and they resided for years at 3056 Sullivan Avenue, Rosemeade, CA. He had a police record listing several arrests for bookmaking, and one for conspiracy to obstruct justice, stemming from his attendance at the infamous 1957 Apalachin meeting in Upstate, New York. Which he attended as a leader representing the mafia of Southern California.

Held ownership in the Venetian Club, a popular L.A. nightclub, until the SLA revoked its liquor license in 1958 after Apalachin. He also held large real estate holdings. Scozzari later served as underboss to Nick Licata when he rose to power. He was an avid horse bettor, and could often be found at the local racetracks. Scozzari numbered among his associates; the Dragna brothers, Nick Licata, Tony Milano, Paul Mirabile, Johnny Roselli, Joe Adamo, Joe Sica and his brothers.

Giovanni (Johnny) Roselli

FBI # 3339986, LA-Sheriffs Office 51247

Johnny Roselli

This man was to become one of the best known, and most influential mafia figures in Southern California. He was born on July 4, 1904, in Italy as Filippo Sacco. Arrived in the U.S. in 1911. But he always hid this fact from both the authorities and friends alike, claiming he was born around Chicago. He had started out as a hoodlum in Chicago, under the auspices of Capone and Tony Accardo. Roselli would eventually relocate to Southern California, at the request of his mafia benefactors, in order to better control the Hollywood movie studio extortion rackets, and other mob operations. He was once married to movie actress June Lang, before they divorced. He resided at 1251 North Crescent Heights, in Hollywood.

His arrest record dated to 1926 for; suspicion of robbery, vagrancy, restraint of trade, mail fraud, parole violation. Convicted in 1944, along with other top Chicago mobsters, for the Bioff-Browne Hollywood movie studio extortion case. Sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, he was paroled in 1947. In 1968, he was convicted with several other men, in a conspiracy to cheat members of the Friars Club in Los Angeles, through the use of electronic devices during high-stakes gin rummy games.

He traveled the entire country on a regular basis as a mob emissary, and frequented all the Hotels and Casinos along the Las Vegas strip, and kept a steady room at the Tropicana and Desert Inn Hotels. He held a partnership interest, and was vice-president of Monte-Prosser Movie Productions in Hollywood. Johnny Roselli was an intimate of Tom and Jack Dragna, Frank Costello, Charlie Fischetti, Philip (Dandy Phil) Kastel, and other top mobsters.

In later years, he would, unfortunately, become embroiled in the infamous plot to assassinate Cuban president Fidel Castro, in partnership with fellow mafiosi Santo Trafficante, Sam Giancana, and elements of the CIA. Once the plot was exposed, Roselli would pay with his life. His body was found murdered gangland-style, floating inside a 50-gallon steel drum in Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

Joseph (Joe) Sica

FBI # 343378, LAPD # 32483M12

Joe Sica

Born on August 8, 1911, in Newark, New Jersey. Along with his brothers, Angelo, Frank, and Alfred (Freddy), the Sica brothers would become major racketeers in Southern California after relocating from New Jersey.

His record dated from 1926 and included arrests for; larceny, grand larceny, armed robbery, violation of the Mann Act, extortion, and narcotics law violations. He resided at 10219 La Tuna Canyon Road, Sun Valley, CA. He and his brothers had the well-deserved reputation as strong-arm enforcers and killers. They were known to frequent the strip clubs in the Hollywood area.

The best known and considered the leader of the brothers, Joe Sica in particular among the brothers was known to engage in extreme violence. He was known to travel with a bodyguard, and was a dealer in wholesale quantities of heroin. Close associates included his brothers, Salvatore and James Iannone, and Mickey Cohen.

James (Danny Wilson) Iannone

It is believed that the Sica’s were not formal members of the Los Angeles Family, but operated as highly-respected associates and independent racketeers in their own right. In 1950, Sica was indicted along with 15 other hoodlums for conspiracy to sell narcotics, but all the charges were dropped after the principal government witness, Abraham Davidian, was shot to death while sleeping in his mother's home at Fresno, California.

Alfred (Freddy) Sica

aka “Nunzio Sica” “Alfredo Gerardo Sica”(TN) FBI # 839704, LAPD # 46894

Alfredo (Freddy) Sica

He was born in New Jersey on February 19, 1915, and was a brother to Joe, Frank and Angelo. He was once married but divorced. Freddy Sica was known to move around after that, but his residence is recorded as 627 North Griffith Park Drive. He also maintained an apartment at 805 No. Lincoln Street, both located in Burbank, CA.

His police record dated to 1933 for such offenses as assault and robbery, and federal narcotics conspiracy in 1950. But he was not prosecuted after the chief government witness was murdered gangland-style. He and his brothers were all known bookmakers and extortionists, who also acted as muscle men for the mob in the L.A. area.

At one time he owned and operated the Capitol Shoe Company, in L.A. Known associate of the Dragna’s and Mickey Cohen.

Salvatore (Dago Louie) Piscopo

aka “Louie Piscopo” “Louis Rossi” FBI # 1491870, LAPD # 29988M7

Salvatore Piscopo

He was born in Naples, Italy, back on October 10, 1893. Naturalized at L.A. on April 22, 1938. He married Evelyn and they had three children. He later resided at 1318 Hayworth Street, Apt #3, in Los Angeles. He was a close associate of most members of the Jack Dragna Family, of which he was an inducted soldier. Affiliated in particular with the Sica brothers, Johnny Roselli, Nick Licata, James (Jimmy Wilson) Iannone, and Jimmy (The Weasel) Fratianno.

Since 192, he had arrests for concealed weapons, burglary, homicide, and conspiracy to commit murder. Never known to engage in any legitimate business. He was known as working for Jack Dragna when he was boss. Liked to gamble in Las Vegas, and known to frequent the Hollywood strip clubs.

He was active as an enforcer, committing several bombing and shooting at the direction of mob higher up. Piscopo was also said to have been an FBI source who provided inside information against his old friend Roselli, telling the feds that Roselli’s surname was really Sacco, and that he had been born in Italy not the U.S., which opened Roselli up to a possible deportation back to his homeland. He died of natural causes in 1977.

Harold (Happy) Meltzer

aka “Harold Fried” “Harry Miller” “Harry Levy” FBI # 113017, LAPD # 96472, NYPD # B-115520

Harold (Happy) Meltzer

He was born on January 1, 1908, in NYC. He married the former Dolores (nee’ Fuller-Moutner) and they had two sons. The Meltzer’s resided at 355 So. New Hampshire Avenue, in L.A. He was a close and respected mafia “associate” who named top mobsters such as Meyer Lansky, John (Big John) Ormento, Louis Tom Dragna, Max Crossman, and Mickey Cohen, among his friends and business associates. He was a partner with Louis Tom Dragna in the California Sportswear Company, a garment manufacturing firm located at 1024 So. Maple Avenue, in L.A.

He was well known as a top narcotics smuggler and wholesale distributor, who traveled internationally in order to facilitate his narcotics operations. Sources of supply included Mexico, Cuba, and the Orient. He was a frequent “flyer” who was known to travel throughout the United States to such cities as Enid, Oklahoma; Laredo, TX; Baltimore, MD; Las Vegas, NV; NYC; Boston, MA; Canada; Tijuana, Mexico; Havana, Cuba; Hong Kong; Japan; Hawaii; and the Philippine Islands.

After negotiating purchases of heroin and opium in far-off lands, he smuggled kilo-quantities across U.S. borders into California, for eventual distribution to New York and other east coast cities.

Since 1920, he had arrests for: disorderly conduct, larceny, homicide, assault with intent to kill, possession of a dangerous weapon, escape from custody, gambling, and Federal narcotics and customs laws violations. He had two Federal narcotics convictions. Besides his first love of drug trafficking, Meltzer was also thought to control a large bookmaking business and a prostitution ring. He was also suspected of dabbling in the labor union rackets.

Frank Matranga

FBI # 1079136, LAPD # 29838M21

Francesco (Frank) Matranga

He was born on April 11, 1911, at Chicago, IL. Frank was an important mafia member, and an elder of the notorious Matranga family of California. He married Maxine (nee’ Hanson) and the had a son named Frank who was allied with his father in the rackets. They resided at 1859 West 78th Street, L.A. Father and son operated the Sierra Distributing Company, a coin-machine distributorship.

They also held hidden ownership in several bars and taverns in Los Angeles. He had 4 bootlegging arrests since 1931, with one felony conviction for Federal Liquor Law Violations. Closely affiliated with his Matranga relatives, Jack Dragna, as well as Joe Adamo, and the Mirabile brothers of San Diego.

Francesco (Big Frank) Matranga

aka “Francis Matranga”

Frank (Big Frank) Matranga

This man was born on August 21, 1913, at Balestrati, Sicily. Resided at 5316 East Palisades Road, San Diego. He and his brothers were originally allied with the Detroit Family, having married Frances (nee’ Priziola), the daughter of Detroit elder-statesman Giovanni (John) Priziola. With his brothers Gaspare, Joseph, and Liberante, was considered an international heroin trafficker.

He ostensibly owned and operated several bars in Downtown San Diego, but law enforcement considered him to be among the most powerful younger members of the San Diego underworld. Although Matranga was FBI # 412019B, SDPD # 77593, he was known for his low-key style, and had a minor record of only one traffic-related arrest. Through his father-in-law's connections, Frank was a close associate of Louis Tom Dragna, Joe Adamo, Frank Bompensiero, Tony and Paul Mirabile, the Li Mandri’s, as well as top members of the Detroit hierarchy such as Joe Zerilli, Mike Polizzi, and his brother-in-law Salvatore Vitale.

Gaspare (Jasper) Matranga

FBI # 672563, SDPD # GP6954

Gaspare (Jasper) Matranga

Born on April 18, 1920, at Balestrati, Sicily. The brother of Francesco, Joseph, and Liberante. Married Maria Giuseppa (nee’ Peri). They resided at 4805 Biona Drive, San Diego. Arrested twice in 1954, for assault with a deadly weapon. He operated the Cuckoo Club with his brother Liberante, located at 1040 3rd Street, San Diego.

Law enforcement viewed him as a member of a leading Mafia family, and himself a professional Cosa Nostra assassin. He repeatedly made trips back to Sicily, and was suspected of facilitating Matranga family narcotics trafficking. Associates included: his brothers, his cousin Frank Matranga, Giuseppe Adamo, Paul Mirabile, and mafia members based in Mexico and Italy.

Joseph Ernest Matranga

FBI # 4582298, SDPD # 97380

Joseph E. Matranga

He was born on March 25, 1922, at Balestrati, Sicily. Immigrated with his family to the U.S. and first settled in Detroit, before relocating to San Diego. He resided at 4006 Hempstead Circle, San Diego, with his young wife Josephine (nee’ Priziola), the sister of Frances (Frank’s wife), and daughter of Detroit mafia elder John Priziola.

Together with his brothers, owned and operated the Cuckoo Club, Java Hut, Hula Hut, which were all bars located in Downtown San Diego. He had one arrest for possession of a deadly weapon (brass knuckles). Associate of his brothers, Joe Adamo, Frank Bompensiero, Marco Li Mandri, and Louie Dragna. Also, Mike Polizzi, John Priziola, and Sal Vitale, all of Detroit. Joe Matranga was considered an aggressive young mafia member, in line to succeed leader San Diego capo, Tony Mirabile.

Vincent (Jimmy) La Sala

FBI # 690454, LAPD # 82171

Vincent (Jimmy) La Sala

He was born on June 4, 1904, at Brooklyn, NY. He was considered single, and resided at 3645 Fletcher Drive, L.A., but also frequented San Francisco on a regular basis. He was a convicted narcotics violator, with a lengthy record of arrests since 1933 on such charges as narcotics, counterfeiting, and bookmaking.

La Sala was considered to be a very active member in a large drug operation on the west coast. He was said to obtain his sources of heroin from back in NYC, with one supplier being Profaci hood Christoforo Rubino. La Sala was known by the FBN to use extreme caution whenever contacting other traffickers, or his customers. But he was nabbed iand convicted n 1954, receiving 4 years in prison for narcotics sales. Associates included his own son Frank, Frank Messina, Anthony Caruso, and a narcotics wholesaler named Joseph Di Giovanna of NYC.

Francesco Rocco (Frank Rocco) Fiorello

FBI # 1937638

Frank Fiorello

Born in NYC, on June 30, 1907. He married Helen Li Mandri (daughter of Marco Li Mandri), and they resided at 757 West Crescent, Redlands, CA. He had a record dating to 1940, with several arrests for violations of State and Federal Liquor Laws. Fiorello was considered an important Mafia member, partially through the influence of his father-in-law, but in his own right,

Fiorello had been an accomplished bootlegger during Prohibition, and was also known to have talent as a chemist, capable of the clandestine conversion of opium into heroin, which he smuggled across the border from Mexico. He was a close friend and associate of known NYC heroin traffickers, Lucchese soldier Theodore (Teddy the Bum) De Martino, and Genovese capo Michael (Trigger Mike) Coppola.

He co-owned (with his in-laws), a sprawling acreage in Mira Loma, that housed the Fiorello-Li Mandri Grape Ranch. Because of this asset, and money garnered over the years from bootlegging and narcotics, Fiorello was considered a wealthy mafioso by authorities.

Giuseppe (Joe) Adamo

aka “Joseph Adamo” “Joe DeGregorio” FBI # 1060177, LAPD # A-30222

Giuseppe (Joe) Adamo

Born on November 21, 1902, in the town of Alcamo (Trapani Province), Sicily. Brother of San Diego capo, and onetime underboss Girolamo (Momo) Adamo. He married Maria (nee’ Greco) and the had two daughter. The Adamo’s resided in LA, before later relocating to 4010 Hempstead Circle, San Diego.

Joe Adamo was a documented soldier in the Dragna Family, who together with his brother Mom, controlled most racket operations in the City of San Diego. Criminal record included arrests and convictions for bootlegging dating to 1935. The I&NS started deportation proceedings against Adamo, but no final disposition could be determined.

He was partners with Peter Montana in the ownership of the Arizona Club, and the Panama Club, both of San Diego. Trusted associate of Frank DeSimone, Nick Licata, and the Dragna, Matranga, Greco, and Li Mandri families.

Frank (The Bomp) Bompensiero

“Happy” “Harry Bompensiero” FBI # 337240, SDPD # 16337

Frank Bompensiero

He was a notorious hoodlum, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in September 29, 1905. After relocating to California, he married Thelma (nee’ San Filippo), they had one daughter, and then moved to 5878 Estelle Street, in San Diego. He had a lengthy police record dating from 1928 for bootlegging, possession of firearms, gambling, kidnapping, bookmaking, murder, and bribery. In 1955, he was sentenced to a 1-1/2 to 42-year prison term at San Quentin State Prison for bribery.

Ostensibly owned the Southland Music Company with Gaspare (Jasper) Matranga. He also held control of the Trans-America Wire Service, which was a race-results wire service provided to bookmakers across the country for a weekly fee.

Bompensiero was considered a vicious killer, and mob executioner, suspected in numerous gangland-slayings over the years. He was an intimate of each succeeding L.A. Family hierarchy, including those of Dragna, DeSimone, and Licata. He was referred to as a “dumb hoodlum” by top mafiosi Tony Pinelli after Bomp served 5 years on a police bribery rap.

Side Note: By the mid-1970s, it was strongly suspected by his mob associates that Bompensiero was an FBI informer, providing the feds with inside information on the Los Angeles Family, and other mafiosi. On February 10, 1977, Bompensiero received a sensitive telephone call at his home from an associate, telling Bompensiero they had to talk immediately. Bomp left his home and walked down to a payphone at the corner by his house. While talking on the phone, he was repeatedly shot in the head and torso, and killed by an assailant lurking in the dark….and that was that! Gangland justice.

Max J. Cossman

aka “Max Weber” “Joe Miller” Sam Wilkins” FBI # 576020, LAPD # 30226M5

Max J. Cossman

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA., back on February 22, 1895. Married several times to different women and divorced. Three children. He had a long record of arrests since 1919 for larceny, grand larceny, bootlegging, parole violations, Federal Narcotics Law Violations, and suspicion of murder.

He was an intimate of Mickey Cohen, Mexico narcotics kingpin Gustavo Alvarado, Joseph and Alfred Sica, Harold Meltzer, and others. Never known to engage in any legal business.

Law enforcement considered Cossman to be a dangerous, master criminal, who was closely associated with opium growers, clandestine chemists, and international traffickers, including top-level mafiosi.

He was jailed in the late 1950s on a 24-year prison sentence at the Federal Institution at Mexico City. But despite this imprisonment, continued to carry on his large-scale narcotics smuggling through clandestine contact by mail, and using his Mexican wife as an intermediary. Cossman was once a prime suspect in the murder of two Mexican Police Officers.

He was known to frequent Los Angeles, San Francisco, Baja, California, and Mexico City, in furtherance of his trafficking activities.

Joseph (Joe Dip) Dippolito

aka “Joseph Dipollito” FBI # 1413807, LAPD # 241443

Joseph Dippolito

His father was Dragna Family soldier, mafioso Charles (Charlie Dip) Dippolito. Resided at 3193 Mayfield Avenue, San Bernardino. Joe was born on December 28, 1914, in California. At 5’-11” and 250 pounds, Joe was an intimidating presence and considered a strong-arm enforcer for the mob.

Since 1937, he had several arrests and two convictions for Internal Revenue Law Violations. Closely associated with his father Charlie Dip in control of the rackets in the San Bernardino area, and eventually assumed his father's position in the local underworld.

The Dippolito’s owned and operated Dippolito Vineyards, and also the Arrowhead Retail Liquor Store. Both located in San Bernardino. Joe and Charlie “Dip” were both suspected in several gangland killings over the years. Their closer associates included Louie Dragna, Angelo Polizzi, Mimi, and Joe Li Mandri, Dago Louie Piscopo, Joe Adamo, Jasper Matranga, Frank Fiorello, and Nick Licata.

Frank Paul (Frankie One-Eye) Dragna

FBI # 4677210, LAPD # 144978

Frank (One Eye) Dragna

The (son) of boss Jack Dragna, Frank was born on August 11, 1924, in Los Angeles. He acquired his nickname due to having a glass eye. He married Nadine (nee’ Wiley), and they resided at 4757 Kensington Avenue, San Diego.

He was the manager (and hidden owner) of the Gold Rail Bar. He was arrested in February of 1950, on a conspiracy to commit murder charge.

Since relocating to San Diego from L.A., Frankie One-Eye was helping Frank Bompenisero, and other regime members consolidate gambling rackets and other activities of that city. Closely associated with all the Dragna’s, Sam Scozzari, and Joe Adamo.

Frank Paul (Frankie Two-Eyes) Dragna

aka “Frank Rizzotti” FBI # 1489319, LAPD # 32506M13

Frank (Two Eyes) Dragna

The (nephew) of Jack Dragna, son of Tom Dragna, and older brother of Louie Dragna. He was born on November 18, 1918, in L.A. He married Vivian, and they resided at 339 North Hartley, in West Covina. A steady visitor to the casinos at Las Vegas, NV. Frankie had a solid police record since 1938 for bookmaking, burglary, and conspiracy to commit a contract murder.

At one time he handled the management of the Trans-American Wire Service for his uncle Jack. Along with his brother and cousins, was slowly taking over control of all Southern California rackets from his aging father Tom and uncle Jack. Well known to all important underworld members operating in Dragna territory.

Aladena (Jimmy the Weasel) Fratianno

aka “James Fratianno” “Jimmy Frattiano”

Jimmy (The Weasel) Fratianno

He was born in Naples, Italy, on November 14, 1913. He immigrated to the U.S. as a child along with his father and mother, they settled in Cleveland, Ohio. This is where Jimmy was raised and reared, and where he first took to the criminal life.

His first arrest was at age 19. Over the next decade, he would be repeatedly arrested and jailed on various robbery and heist charges, until serving a 7-year term in Ohio State Prison. Upon being paroled in the early 1940s, he relocated to L.A. where he became mobbed-up.

After he became an inducted mafia member, he publically made his bones and reputation in 1951 with the brazen double-murder of “the two Tony’s” - Anthony Brancato and Anthony Trombino, after a newsman’s photo of their massacred bodies in the front seat of their car was splashed across front pages of newspapers across the country.

Thereafter, Fratianno picked up arrests and imprisonments for attempted extortion in 1954 (6 years at San Quentin); 1968 - fraud; and in 1971 for extortion. He also slowly rose up into the Dragna-Licata Family hierarchy through the years. In 1975, the current boss of the family, Dominick Brooklier, tapped Jimmy to help run the borgata while Brooklier served a short jail term.

Dominick Brooklier

He gave Fratianno power normally reserved for a boss. Louie Tom Dragna was also tapped to oversee their Family, but Dragna had been taught well by his father and uncle and knew enough to stay in the shadows the best he could.

He was a wealthy and cautious mafiosi, so it was agreed that Fratianno would be propped upfront to run day-to-day operations. “Jimmy the Weasel” essentially became “Queen for a day," during the 18 months that Brooklier was jailed, Fratianno enjoyed flexing his muscles within the Family, and in interactions with other borgatas throughout the U.S.

He even flew to NYC and strutted around like a peacock, after being given a boss's welcome by the Five Families during his stay. But it wouldn’t last long. A few years back, he had started a “relationship” with an FBI agent. A no-no for any mafioso. On occasion, Fratianno had repeatedly fed his FBI friend sensitive information about the L.A., Cleveland, and Chicago Families.

By 1977, he got word that the L.A. mob had discovered they had two informants within their ranks. It was only a matter of time until they discovered he was talking. That revelation, coupled with him having fallen into disfavor by the Los Angeles hierarchy, pushed Fratianno to run to the FBI.

He became one of only a handful of inducted mafia members to openly become “rats” against the Brotherhood up to that point. He would go on to testify in several trials, give TV interviews, and write a biography of his life in the mob. He died while still in the Witness Protection Program in June of 1993.

The Milano family (the sons, brothers, and nephews of Ciccio and Tony Milano). As the grew into adulthood, the young blood relatives of the infamous Milano family would rise to power to help lead the L.A. Family. These included Frank, Johnny, Carmen, and Pete Milano.

Below are short, early thumbnail profiles on each of them. The FBI started tracking the second-generation Milano brothers early in their lives and would follow them throughout the underworld careers.

Peter John Milano

aka “Pete”

Peter (Pete) John Milano

He was born in Cleveland on December 22, 1925. The son of Antonino (Tony) Milano. Married to Concetta, they resided at 3338 Watseka Avenue, Culver City, CA. At one time, he owned and operated The Roman Candle Lounge, 5571 Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Also suspected of hidden ownership in other bars and nightclubs along the “Hollywood Strip” and other areas.

He was put in charge of bookmaking and other gambling operations by his father and uncle, and would eventually rise into the hierarchy of the borgata as a capo. Pete Milano also became an intimate of every top Mafia member to operate in, or visit the city. By the 1980s, he was elected “boss.” In the mid-late 1980s, he pled out to federal charges and accepted a 6-year jail term. He was paroled in 1991.

Frank Angelo Milano

aka “John Gallo" FBI # 906688A, LAPD # B604423

Frank A. Milano

Born in Cleveland on July 17, 1927. The middle son of former boss Tony Milano. He originally partnered in The Roman Candle Lounge with his brother Pete. He started his police early, with arrests for numbers lottery, grand larceny, and bookmaking. Resided at 846 Palm Avenue, in West Hollywood, and on occasion at the 3338 Watseka Avenue address of his brother Pete.

As a young man, he became close with underboss Sam Scozzari and future boss Nick Licata. Frank assisted his brothers and cousins in the rackets.

John Joseph Milano

The younger son of Tony Milano, and brother to Pete, Frank, and Carmen. Born back in Cleveland on August 20, 1931, before the Tony moved his entire family west. He shared a residence with his brother Frank as young men, at 846 Palm Avenue.

With their brother Carmen, he worked as a bartender at The Roman Candle, while assisting his brothers with their bookmaking rackets. At the time of a mid-1960s memorandum written up by the FBI and FBN on the Milano’s, neither John, Carmen, or Pete, had ever been arrested yet. But in future years they would be sure to make up for it.

The Milano brothers would carry on the “tradition” started by their father and uncle, keeping the Milano surname front and center in the headlines. Their future prominence within Cosa Nostra was nearly a given, and most certainly insured, by the huge respect their surname garnered within both the American underworld.

Carmen (Flipper) Milano

The youngest of the Milano brothers. He operated for many years in the shadow of his older brothers. Carmen was named “underboss” by Peter, upon Pete becoming the boss of the borgata. A later major FBI indictment of the Family resulted in many arrests of various members and associates, including Carmen. He later pled out to a minor count and was sentenced to serve a 6-month sentence.

Michael (Mike Rizzi) Rizzitello

He was born up in Montreal, Canada, on March 29, 1927. As a young man he relocated to Brooklyn, New York, and soon became affiliated with underworld characters. He has originally allied himself with South members of Brooklyn’s Gallo Gang, a faction of the Joseph Profaci Family.

Mike Rizzi operated as a semi-independent heist man, and soon became a strong-arm collector and enforcer for the Gallo’s. Rizzitello’s name first came to prominence, and to the attention of local law enforcement, during the infamous Gallo-Profaci War of 1961-63. He sided with Larry and Joey Gallo in their fight with Joe Profaci and his men.

Rizzi’s name was tied into several gangland slayings and attempted murder plots. By 1962 or so, had become prime suspects in several killing, including those of Profaci soldier John (The Solider) Guariglia and mob associate Paul Ricci in the Hi-Fi Lounge in late 1961. Profaci forces also began to zero in on Rizzi for execution for having aided the Gallo’s.

Rizzitello and two close associates named Louis (Lefty) Castiglione and Tommy Ricciardi, decided to flee New York City for the relatively safer environs of sunny Southern California after they got word that Carmine (The Snake) Persico, and other pro-Profaci gunsels were out gunning for them….Mike Rizzitello never came back. Within a short period of time, Mike Rizzi ingratiated himself to the local mob gentry and was accepted into their ranks.

After having landed in Los Angeles, he went about doing what he did best. Which was setting up various heists and robbery “scores,” and strong-arming suckers. He soon came to the attention of the L.A. borgata, and they immediately recognized Rizzitello’s underworld potential. The local Mafia Family never had a large membership to begin with, and they certainly needed ballsy gunmen and strong-arms to enforce their desired dictates and expand their jurisdiction and control over the area.

So the steel-nerved Mike Rizzi was a perfect fit for them. He would go on to become a “made guy” in the L.A. outfit and later rise to a capo post. But the big money he always sort to make, and his own freedom, would elude him for the rest of his days. His modus-operandi was that of a heavy-handed street hood. And his methods of constant extortion and killing to achieve his goals led to constant trouble with the law.

He was repeatedly jailed; 1962 - 9 years for a string of armed robberies; 1977 - insurance fraud (2 years); 1977 - extortion (2 years to run concurrently); 1978 - conspiracy to murder a government witness (acquitted at trial); 1980 - Rico extortion of porn dealers (5 years); 1986 - stock fraud (acquitted); 1987 - interstate transportation of stolen securities (acquitted); 1987 - jailed on a parole violation; 1990 - conspiracy to commit murder (33 years in prison). Michael Rizzitello died in jail in 2005.

Meyer (Mickey) Cohen

aka “Meyer Harris Cohen” (TN) “Michael Cohen” FBI # 755912, LAPD # 178743C

Mickey Cohen

He was born to Russian-Jewish parents in NYC on September 4, 1913. As a young hood, he migrated early on to the west coast, settling in the City of Los Angeles. From that moment forward, Cohen became one of the highest-profile racketeers in the city.

From 1933 on, he racked up over 25 arrests for offenses ranging from embezzlement, bookmaking (numerous times), assault, failure to register as an ex-convict, income-tax evasion, suspicion of murder, and disturbing the peace. He married LaVonne Weaver in 1940, and divorced in 1959. Cohen never had children. He resided at 705-C Barrington Road, West Los Angeles.

A fledgling-pugilist in his youth, the feisty Cohen took on all comers in his bid to establish himself as “king of the rackets” in L.A. His ambition of course would bring him into direct conflict with the Mafia, who had also set their sights on controlling the area’s rackets.

Through the years, this competition led to a “love, hate” relationship between the Jewish Mickey Cohen and the Sicilians. At times they got along and even worked in tandem with one another in bookmaking and other activities. Other times, they were at each others throats, with the Italian mob plotting Cohen’s murder on a number of occasions.

Several of his close aides and associates would get killed during these forays. Cohen himself was repeatedly shot at, and his residence was literally blown apart be a powerful dynamite bomb placed under the foundation of his home….but Mickey survived every attempt to eliminate him like a cat with nine lives.

Cohen became the strongest and best recognized “independent” gangster in L.A. He and his gang ran one of the largest bookmaking operations in the city. He was also active in fixed-boxing matches, scams and frauds, and many other commonly accepted gangster pursuits.

His exploits made the newspapers regularly. He became notorious. Ostensibly, he listed employment as owner of the Carousel Ice-cream parlor, 11719 San Vicente, in West L.A.

Over the years he knew, associated with, employed, or fought, most of the city’s top mob figures. These included Harold (Happy) Meltzer, Louie Dragna, Joe Sica and his brothers, Johnny Spampinato, Johnny (Batts) Battaglia, Harry Rudolph, Jimmy Fratianno, and many others.

John (Johnny Batts) Battaglia

The long list of racketeers named above were still but a smattering of the many who tried making their way in sunny California. Some were natives Californians, having been born and bred there. Most were transplants from the midwest, or east coast who had migrated west for one reason or another.

Similar to South Florida and several other cities, many future hoodlums who later became big names in L.A. had been “bustouts” or “lamsters” back home. They had fled their hometowns because they either owed monies to bookies or shylocks that they couldn’t pay off, had robbed somebody, had open arrest warrants for them, had murder contracts out on them, or were just plain broke, and looking for a fresh start in life. With its warm balmy weather and easy-breezy lifestyle, almost 3000 miles away from NYC, Boston, or Philly, the State of California looked promising to many.

Among the many hoodlums who originally hailed from eastern cities to bolster up the Los Angeles Family were men such as Johnny and Charlie Battaglia, and Angelo Polizzi of Buffalo; Jimmy Fratianno and Dominick Brooklier of Cleveland; Abraham (Trigger Abe) Chapman, Mike Rizzitello and Tommy Ricciardi of Brooklyn; the Sica brothers of Newark, New Jersey, Nick Licata of Detroit, and many others. In fact, without these out of state “imports,” the Dragna-Licata Family would have been hard pressed to ever form a rank and file membership over the years.

What I designed below is a “Family” chart for their known and suspected, FBI-documented “inducted” membership, as well as many of their more well known “associates.” This hierarchy chart tracks the borgata from approximately 1940, through 1980. A 40-year list of the rank and file.

It is estimated that at their 1950s peak, the formal “made” membership numbered approximately 40-50 mafiosi. The list also charts their succession of leadership positions as they rotated the hierarchy over the years.

Key to the graph:

# informant + elevated to hierarchy ^ murdered “ possible member

THE DRAGNA-LICATA-MILANO FAMILY

“REPRESENTANTE”

Ignazio Dragna (1931-56) Frank DeSimone (1956-67) Nicholas Licata (1967-74) Dominick Brooklier (1974-84) Peter Milano (1984-12)

“SOTTO-CAPO”

Girolamo Adamo (1931-56) Simone Scozzari (1956-62) Nicholas Licata (1962-67) Joseph Dippolito (1967-74) Samuel Sciortino (1974-79) Carmen Milano (1984-06)

“CONSIGLIERE”

Gaetano Dragna (1931-56) Nicholas Licata Thomas Palermo Frank Bompensiero # ^ Giocchino Lo Cicero

[———————— “CAPO-REGIMES”————————]

(San Diego)

Louis Tom Dragna Michael Rizzitello

Frank Matranga Angelo Polizzi

Antonio Mirabile Giuseppe Adamo +

[——————————“SOLDIERS” —————————]

Giuseppe Aleccia Dominick Cancellieri Frank Borgia ^ Ignazio Calcaterra Liborio Dia Giuseppe Giammona + Salvatore Guzzo Frank I. Matranga Gaspare Matranga + Joseph Matranga + Aladena Fratianno + # John Battaglia Charles Battaglia Thomas Ricciardi Salvatore Dippolito + Salvatore Pinelli Biaggio Bonventre Giuseppe Bonventre Paolo Mirabile Giuseppe Stagno Frank P. Dragna Frank Dragna Carlo Licata Lawrence Musso Salvatore Bruno Frank Milano John J. Milano Frederick Vacco Luigi Gelfuso

Antonio Bartolotta Domiano Bartolotta John Cacioppo Antonio Campagna Frank Fiorello Frank Gruttadauria Marco Impastato Vincent Caci Joseph Mineo Joseph Li Mandri Marco Li Mandri Frank Stellino Dominick Longo James Iannone Salvatore Piscopo Steven Cino Anthony Mangione Nicolo Marchese Salvatore Pizzo Dominick Tripoli Michael La Barbara Rosario Lantieri Angelo Marchese Biagio Pantano Salvatore Sorge John Roselli * Thomas Gambino * Vincent Ravo Leonardo DeSimone +

[————————- “ASSOCIATES” —————————]

Joseph Sica Alfred Sica Frank Sica Angelo Sica Carmine Carpanelli Gaetano DeMaio“ Julian Antista John Cascio “ John DiQuattro Antonio Giardina Rudolph Reina Nicholas Nardi Jack Fine Fred Stein Frank Niccoli Salvatore Sorge “ Nicolo Borgia Bernard Stein Charles Caci “ Samuel Cuda Angelo Governale Dominic DeFalco Dominick Pagano Edward Firotto John Barlotta Daniel Kitzler Harry Levitt Joseph Mineo Robert Mineo Samuel Berger Samuel LoCigno Neddie Herbert Louis Leiberman Bernie Stein Joseph Bernardo Joseph Bello Arthur Di Maria Francesco Musitano James Pesce Pasquale LaPrieda Michele Marchese “ Angelo Marchese “

Harold Meltzer Max Cossman Vincent La Sala Charles Migliore “ James Costa Gaetano DiGiuro Benjamin Rizzotto “ Anthony Mangione Pietro Giammona “ Andrew Ingoglia Salvatore Streva “ James DiQuattro Daniel Kitzler Eli Lubin Jack Westosky Alfonso Pizzichino Edward Cannizaro Mickey Cohen Walter McCowen Ralph D’Angelo Antonio Matranga “ Louis Fiano Vito Pepitone “ Joseph Iacullo Tsidoro Bartolotta Thomas Simone Eugene Berg Walter Vallivero John Monica James Rist Andrea Lococo Morris Sedikaner Irving Glasser Charles Kamenetski Giuseppe Bonventre “ Salvatore Bompensiero Salvatore Di Puma Giorgio Niotta Antonio Trapani Giacomo Lima Dominick Mastropolito “ Thomas Mastropolito

The Dragna-Licata Family of Los Angeles, CA

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The Dragna-Licata Family of Los Angeles, CA

Unlock This Door to the Underworld

Take the Journey!

You May Also Enjoy

The Anthony Strollo Regime of NY/NJ

The Day Charlie (the Bug) Workman Saved a Horse

Racketeer Profile – San Francisco’s “Jimmy the Hat” Lanza

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