Genovese Crime Family Members Face Racketeering Charges: Feds

New York City NY

27 April, 2022

10:40 AM

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NEW YORK CITY — A federal racketeering case aims to take down the notorious Genovese crime family, prosecutors announced this week. An indictment unsealed Tuesday details a sweeping case against six accused Genovese members, including suspected crime family captains Nicholas Calisi, 63, and Ralph Balsamom 51, court records show. The mobsters ran a conspiracy covering illegal gambling and extortion, according to the indictment. "From extortion to illegal gambling, the Mafia continues to find ways to prey on others to fill its coffers," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement. Calisi and Balsamo ran crews and received a share of earnings brought in by soldiers Michael Messina, 69, and John Campanella, 47, and associates Michael Poli, 37, and Thomas Poli, 64, the document states. All but Messina were arrested and arraigned Tuesday. Messina went in to custody April 12, authorities said. The charges all men face carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. "For years, members of the Genovese crime family have terrorized New York communities with violence and illegal businesses," said Attorney General Letitia James. "These individuals allegedly made their money through illegal gambling and loan sharking — saddling victims with incredible debt that they cannot repay."