Emily Chan
In 1966, he was accused of financial fraud and was arrested by the FBI. He was listed as the leader of a gang that stole more than $65,000 from four banks and loan associations across three states. He was also suspected of being behind a $2 million jewelry theft from a Miami hotel.
Franzese was convicted in 1967 and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He won parole in 1978 but returned to prison at least six times for violating parole.
He remained in the mob even during his nineties, carrying out threats and wreaking havoc on the streets of New York.
Finally, in 2010, his son John Jr. decided to cooperate with federal authorities and wear a wire to record conversations within the mob.
John Jr. provided incriminating evidence in a racketeering case against his father. As a result of John Jr.’s cooperation, Franzese was sentenced to eight years in prison at the age of 93.
John Jr.’s decision to turn on his father was an unprecedented move, marking one of the most significant betrayals in the history of the Mafia.
It illustrated the harsh realities and complexities of mob life. Franzese’s long life of crime ended in 2020 when he died at 103-years-old.
