Michael DeSiato is an infamous mobster who was a high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family in New York. He had a long criminal career spanning decades and was heavily involved in racketeering, extortion, illegal gambling, and murder conspiracies. After evading law enforcement for years, DeSiato was finally convicted on multiple felony charges in 2005 and sentenced to life in prison.
Criminal Career
DeSiato worked his way up through the ranks of the Lucchese family over the years. He started out as an associate conducting small crimes like loan sharking and extortion. By the 1990s, he had become a made man and eventually a capo, running his own crew. Here is a timeline of DeSiato’s known criminal activities:
Timeline of Michael DeSiato’s Crimes
| Date | Crime |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Loan sharking, extortion |
| 1988 | Money laundering |
| 1991 | Illegal gambling operation |
| 1993 | Murder conspiracy |
| 1996 | Racketeering, extortion |
| 1999 | Drug trafficking |
| 2002 | Witness tampering |
DeSiato was involved in many mob staples like gambling, drugs, and extortion. But murder conspiracies resulting in several deaths are likely his most serious offenses.
Conviction and Sentencing
After decades of criminal activity, law enforcement finally built a solid racketeering case against DeSiato and other high-ranking members of the Lucchese family in the early 2000s. Here are the key details about his conviction and punishment:
- 2003 – DeSiato was indicted on charges of racketeering and extortion.
- 2005 – Following a high profile trial, he was convicted on all counts including murder conspiracies.
- 2005 – DeSiato was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- 2006 – His conviction was upheld on appeal.
- Today – DeSiato remains incarcerated at a high security federal prison.
His life sentence eliminated the threat of this powerful mobster returning to the streets and ensured he paid the price for his many crimes.
Why was DeSiato Able to Operate so Long?
DeSiato managed to have a long, successful criminal career before finally being brought to justice. Here are some factors that help explain his ability to evade law enforcement for decades:
Code of Silence
The mafia’s code of silence, known as Omertà, is stringent and harshly enforced. Mobsters face violence or death if they become informants or cooperate with police. This code ensured DeSiato could trust his fellow mobsters and prevented turncoats from giving him up.
Witness Intimidation
When witnesses did try to speak up, the Lucchese family used intimidation and violence to silence them. DeSiato himself was charged with witness tampering in 2002 for attempting to dissuade a witness from testifying. Fear led to a lack of cooperation from insiders.
Bribery and Corruption
There were also accusations that DeSiato bribed law enforcement officials during his criminal career. Corrupt officers may have given him a heads up about investigations, warned him about wiretaps, or helped bury evidence. This enabled him to stay ahead of the law.
Dodging Electronic Surveillance
DeSiato was careful and paranoid about electronic surveillance. He constantly checked for listening devices and wiretaps. For sensitive conversations, he met associates in person to avoid leaving a trail. This made building a case very difficult.
Conclusion
Michael DeSiato was a powerful and dangerous mobster who led the Lucchese crime family’s criminal activities for many years. Through intimidation, corruption, and caution, he was able to evade legal consequences for decades. But eventually, law enforcement caught up to him. His conviction and life sentence finally put an end to the brutal crimes of this notorious career criminal. DeSiato’s legacy serves as a reminder that even the most cunning mob bosses eventually face justice for their misdeeds.