Inside the Illegal Gambling Dens of Queens and Long Island: How a ‘Bonanno Cop’ Raided Genovese and Gambino Operations

A shocking case has unfolded in Queens and Long Island, revealing a former Nassau County Police Department detective accused of collaborating with the Bonanno crime family to dismantle rival illegal gambling operations run by the Genovese and Gambino families. A shocking case has unfolded in Queens and Long Island, revealing a former Nassau County Police Department detective accused of collaborating with the Bonanno crime family to dismantle rival illegal gambling operations run by the Genovese and Gambino families. New court documents detail how Hector Rosario allegedly used his position to raid these illicit establishments, providing a significant advantage to organized crime syndicates.

The Allegations Against Hector Rosario

According to prosecutors, Detective Hector Rosario was allegedly compensated for his efforts in raiding illegal gambling businesses operated by the Genovese and Gambino families. One key target was a gambling parlor owned by Salvatore “Sal the Shoemaker” Rubino, a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family. Evidence suggests Rosario forcibly entered Sal’s Shoe Repair in Merrick, NY, damaging a gambling machine and inquiring about the location of “Joe Box,” Joseph Rutigliano, also known as “Joe Box,” who was responsible for collecting gambling revenue for the Genovese family.

Court filings indicate that members of the Bonanno family used the profits generated from these illegal gambling operations to pay Rosario for his assistance. This highlights a dangerous level of corruption and criminal enterprise deeply embedded within law enforcement.

Shutting Down Illegal Venues

The accused detective is also alleged to have shut down at least two Gambino crime family venues and informed colleagues within the Nassau County Police Department about a third illegal gambling establishment. This suggests a deliberate effort to facilitate the Bonanno family’s expansion into new territories.

A Joint Venture for Illegal Gambling

Between August 2012 and at least August 2022, the Bonanno family reportedly operated illegal gambling businesses within various coffee shops and sports clubs across Queens and Long Island. Locations included prominent establishments like La Nazionale Soccer Club and Glendale Sports Club and Soccer Club. These venues offered “illegal joker poker-type gambling machines” and traditional poker games, generating over $2,000 in daily revenue.

Simultaneously, the Genovese family maintained similar operations from their own locations, such as Sal’s Shoe Repair and the Centro Calcio Italiano Club. From at least May 2023, the Bonanno and Genovese families engaged in a joint operation, operating a clandestine gambling parlor within a coffee shop in Lynbrook called Gran Caffé. This lucrative venture involved a profit-sharing agreement negotiated between Carmelo “Carmine” Polito (reputed Genovese capo), Joseph “Joe Fish” Macario, and Anthony “Little Anthony” Pipitone (alleged Bonanno capo). However, the agreement excluded Sal Rubino, who was considered a rival to the Bonanno family.

Sweeping Indictments and Sentences

Several individuals have been indicted on racketeering and illegal gambling charges, including Anthony “Little Anthony” Pipitone, his brother Vito Pipitone, and Agostino Gabriele, all reputed Bonannos. Carmelo “Carmine” Polito was sentenced to 30 months in prison last month. Other alleged Genovese members and associates – Joseph “Joe Fish” Macario, Salvatore “Sal the Shoemaker” Rubino, and Mark Feuer – have also pleaded guilty to similar charges.

During the trial, Rosario’s legal team requested the judge to exclude any mention of “organized crime.” However, prosecutors argued that this element is crucial to understanding the context of the case. This legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding organized crime prosecutions and the challenges in presenting a comprehensive narrative to the jury.

The Legal Proceedings

Detective Rosario is scheduled to stand trial next month in a Brooklyn federal court on charges of obstructing a grand jury investigation and providing false information to the FBI. The prosecution will likely present evidence detailing his involvement in the illegal gambling operations, highlighting the extensive network of corruption that allowed these criminal enterprises to flourish.

Conclusion

This case exposes a deeply disturbing alliance between a law enforcement officer and organized crime families. The actions of Detective Rosario not only facilitated illegal gambling but also undermined the integrity of the Nassau County Police Department. The ongoing trial promises to shed further light on the extent of this criminal network and the measures being taken to combat organized crime in the region. The use of coffee shops and sports clubs as fronts for these operations demonstrates the ingenuity and adaptability of criminal organizations.

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Additional Resources: Learn more about the dangers of organized crime.

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