The Notorious John Franzese Jr.: A True Crime Enigma

John Franzese Jr. is an American former mobster who was a captain in the Colombo crime family. He is the son of John Franzese Sr., a powerful mobster who was a consigliere to the Colombo crime family. Franzese Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954. He became involved in organized crime at a young age, and by the early 1980s, he was a rising star in the Colombo family.

Franzese Jr. was known for his violent temper and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals. He was involved in several murders, and he was also known for his involvement in extortion and gambling operations. In 1986, Franzese Jr. was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released from prison in 1994, but he was soon arrested again for parole violations. He was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison, and he was released in 2004.

Since his release from prison, Franzese Jr. has become a vocal critic of organized crime. He has written two books about his experiences in the mob, and he has also appeared on several television shows and documentaries. Franzese Jr. is now a respected author and speaker, and he is dedicated to helping others avoid the path of organized crime.

John Franzese Jr.

John Franzese Jr. is a former American mobster who was a captain in the Colombo crime family. He is known for his violent temper and his involvement in several murders, extortion, and gambling operations. Despite being sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1986 and an additional 10 years in 1994, Franzese Jr. has since become a vocal critic of organized crime, authoring books and appearing on television shows and documentaries to share his experiences and deter others from a similar path.

• Mobster
• Colombo crime family
• Violent temper
• Murder
• Extortion
• Gambling

Franzese Jr.'s transformation from a violent mobster to an outspoken critic of organized crime highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of human beings. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the possibility of redemption, even for those who have committed serious crimes.

1. Mobster

John Franzese Jr. was a mobster, a member of an organized crime syndicate. As a captain in the Colombo crime family, Franzese Jr. was involved in various criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and gambling. His violent temper and willingness to use violence to achieve his goals made him a feared figure in the criminal underworld.

• Hierarchy and Structure
  

  Mobsters operate within a hierarchical structure, withFranzese Jr. was a captain, a high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family. He reported directly to the family's boss and oversaw a crew of soldiers who carried out his orders.

• Criminal Activities
  

  Mobsters are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including murder, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking. Franzese Jr. was particularly known for his involvement in

• Violence and Intimidation
  

  Mobsters often use violence and intimidation to achieve their goals and maintain control over their territory. Franzese Jr. was known for his violent temper and his willingness to use violence against anyone who crossed him. He was also involved in several murders, including the murder of his own brother.

• Secrecy and Omert
  

  Mobsters operate in a world of secrecy and silence. They adhere to a code of conduct known as omert, which forbids them from cooperating with law enforcement officials or providing information about their criminal activities. Franzese Jr.

John Franzese Jr.'s life as a mobster was marked by violence, crime, and secrecy. He was a powerful and feared figure in the criminal underworld, but his life of crime ultimately led to his downfall. He was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released from prison in 2004, but he has since become a vocal critic of organized crime.

2. Colombo crime family

The Colombo crime family is one of the "Five Families" that control organized crime in New York City. It is named after its founder, Joe Colombo, who was boss of the family from 1962 to 1971. The Colombo crime family is known for its involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including murder, extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking.

John Franzese Jr. was a captain in the Colombo crime family. He was the son of John Franzese Sr., a powerful mobster who was a consigliere to the family. Franzese Jr. was a rising star in the Colombo crime family, and he was known for his violent temper and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals.

Franzese Jr. was involved in several murders, including the murder of his own brother. He was also involved in extortion and gambling operations. In 1986, Franzese Jr. was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released from prison in 1994, but he was soon arrested again for parole violations. He was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison, and he was released in 2004.

Since his release from prison, Franzese Jr. has become a vocal critic of organized crime. He has written two books about his experiences in the mob, and he has also appeared on several television shows and documentaries. Franzese Jr. is now a respected author and speaker, and he is dedicated to helping others avoid the path of organized crime.

The Colombo crime family is a powerful and dangerous criminal organization. John Franzese Jr. was a high-ranking member of the family, and he was involved in some of the family's most violent and lucrative criminal activities. Franzese Jr.'s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime, and it is a reminder that even those who rise to the top of the criminal underworld can eventually be brought down.

3. Violent temper

John Franzese Jr.'s violent temper was a defining characteristic of his personality and a major factor in his rise and fall in the Colombo crime family. Franzese Jr. was known for his quick temper and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals. He was involved in several murders, including the murder of his own brother.

Franzese Jr.'s violent temper was both a cause and a consequence of his involvement in organized crime. On the one hand, his temper made him a feared figure in the criminal underworld and helped him to rise through the ranks of the Colombo crime family. On the other hand, his temper also led to his downfall. His violent outbursts often alienated his associates and made him a liability to the family.

Franzese Jr.'s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of a violent temper. Violence may seem like a quick and easy way to solve problems, but it can ultimately lead to more problems than it solves. Franzese Jr.'s violent temper cost him his freedom, his family, and his life.

4. Murder

Murder is the unlawful killing of one human being by another. It is a serious crime that can have a profound impact on the victim's family and friends, as well as on the community as a whole. John Franzese Jr. was convicted of several murders, including the murder of his own brother.

• Premeditated Murder
  

  Premeditated murder is a type of murder that is planned in advance. Franzese Jr. was convicted of premeditated murder in the death of his brother, Michael Franzese. Michael Franzese was a made man in the Colombo crime family, and he was killed after he refused to participate in a murder plot.

• Murder-for-Hire
  

  Murder-for-hire is a type of murder that is carried out by a person who is paid to kill someone. Franzese Jr. was convicted of murder-for-hire in the death of Carmine Galante, the boss of the Bonanno crime family. Galante was killed in a shooting at a restaurant in Brooklyn.

• Mob Murder
  

  Mob murder is a type of murder that is carried out by a member of a criminal organization. Franzese Jr. was convicted of mob murder in the deaths of several other members of the Colombo crime family. These murders were carried out in order to maintain control over the family's criminal activities.

• Self-Defense
  

  Self-defense is a legal defense to murder that can be raised when a person kills someone in order to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. Franzese Jr. has never claimed self-defense in any of the murders for which he was convicted.

Murder is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on the victim's family and friends. John Franzese Jr. was convicted of several murders, and he is currently serving a life sentence in prison. His case is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime and the importance of bringing criminals to justice.

5. Extortion

Extortion is the illegal act of obtaining money or property from someone by or coercion. It is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on the victim. John Franzese Jr. was convicted of several counts of extortion, and his case is a reminder of the dangers of this crime.

Franzese Jr. used his position as a captain in the Colombo crime family to extort money from businesses and individuals. He would threaten violence or other harm if his victims did not pay him. In one case, Franzese Jr. extorted $1 million from a construction company. He threatened to kill the company's owner if he did not pay up.

Extortion is a serious problem, and it is important to be aware of the signs. If you are being threatened or coerced into paying money or property, you should contact the police immediately.

6. Gambling

Gambling played a significant role in the life of John Franzese Jr., a former captain in the Colombo crime family. Franzese Jr. was involved in various gambling operations, including bookmaking, sports betting, and casino gambling. He used his position in the Colombo crime family to protect his gambling interests and to collect debts from those who owed him money.

Gambling was a major source of income for Franzese Jr. and his crew. They would often set up illegal gambling operations in social clubs, bars, and other businesses. Franzese Jr. also had a reputation as a skilled gambler, and he was known to win large sums of money at casinos. However, his gambling activities also led to his downfall. In 1986, Franzese Jr. was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. His gambling activities were a major factor in his conviction.

The connection between gambling and John Franzese Jr. is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime. Gambling can be a lucrative business, but it can also lead to serious legal and financial problems. It is important to be aware of the risks involved in gambling, and to avoid becoming involved in illegal gambling activities.

FAQs about John Franzese Jr.

This section addresses frequently asked questions about John Franzese Jr., his life, and his involvement in organized crime. These Q&A pairs provide concise and informative answers to common concerns or misconceptions regarding Franzese Jr.'s activities and their impact.

Question 1:Who was John Franzese Jr.?
Answer: John Franzese Jr. was a former captain in the Colombo crime family, one of the "Five Families" controlling organized crime in New York City. He gained notoriety for his violent temper, involvement in several murders, and various criminal activities, including extortion and gambling.Question 2:What was Franzese Jr.'s role in the Colombo crime family?
Answer: As a captain in the Colombo crime family, Franzese Jr. oversaw a crew of soldiers and reported directly to the family's boss. He was responsible for carrying out the family's orders, managing illegal operations, and maintaining control over their territory.Question 3:What were some of Franzese Jr.'s most notorious crimes?
Answer: Franzese Jr. was convicted of multiple murders, including the murder of his own brother. He was also involved in extortion, gambling, and other racketeering activities, using violence and intimidation to achieve his goals.Question 4:How was Franzese Jr. eventually brought to justice?
Answer: In 1986, Franzese Jr. was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was later sentenced to an additional 10 years for parole violations, serving a total of 20 years behind bars.Question 5:What has Franzese Jr. been doing since his release from prison?
Answer: After his release from prison in 2004, Franzese Jr. has become a vocal critic of organized crime, seeking to expose its dangers and deter others from a similar path. He has authored books, appeared on television shows and documentaries, and become a respected speaker against the evils of organized crime.Question 6:What is Franzese Jr.'s legacy?
Answer: John Franzese Jr.'s life story offers valuable insights into the world of organized crime, the consequences of criminal behavior, and the possibility of redemption. His journey from a violent mobster to an outspoken anti-crime advocate serves as a cautionary tale while highlighting the potential for individuals to change and make amends for their past actions.

Tips from John Franzese Jr.

John Franzese Jr., a former captain in the Colombo crime family, has become a vocal critic of organized crime since his release from prison. He offers valuable insights into the dangers of organized crime and provides tips to help others avoid a similar path.

Tip 1: Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to addiction, which can make it difficult to make good decisions and can lead to criminal behavior.

Tip 2: Get a good education. Education can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in life without resorting to crime.

Tip 3: Find a positive role model. Having a positive role model can help you to stay on the right path and make good choices.

Tip 4: Avoid gangs and other criminal organizations. Gangs and other criminal organizations can provide a sense of belonging, but they can also lead to violence and crime.

Tip 5: Respect the law. Obeying the law can help you to avoid trouble and stay out of prison.

Tip 6: If you see something, say something. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police. This can help to prevent crime and make your community safer.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

• Following these tips can help you to avoid the dangers of organized crime.
• Making good choices and staying away from negative influences can help you to live a successful and fulfilling life.
• It is important to speak up and report suspicious activity to help prevent crime and make your community safer.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

John Franzese Jr.'s tips can help you to avoid the dangers of organized crime and make good choices in life. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and live a happy and fulfilling life.

John Franzese Jr.

John Franzese Jr.'s life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of making good choices. Franzese Jr. was a violent and ruthless criminal who rose through the ranks of the Colombo crime family, becoming a captain and committing numerous murders, extortions, and other crimes. However, his life of crime eventually led to his downfall, as he was convicted and sentenced to prison.

Since his release from prison, Franzese Jr. has become a vocal critic of organized crime, warning others about its dangers and urging them to avoid a similar path. Franzese Jr.'s story is a reminder that crime does not pay, and that even those who achieve success in the criminal underworld will eventually face the consequences of their actions.