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Trafficante was born in Tampa, Florida, to Sicilian parents Santo Trafficante Sr. and his wife Maria Giuseppa Cacciatore in 1914. And as for the rest of the Trafficante Crime family? Under pressure of a court order granting him immunity from prosecution, but threatening him with contempt if he refused to talk, Santos admitted to a Congressional committee in 1975 that he had in the early 1960s recruited other mobsters to assassinate Castro. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Castellana, Malio Iavarone, FrankCookie Fava, Antonino Marchese, Derek Iavarone, Frank Albano, Drew Smith, Joey Hunt, Michael Sierra, Tony Marchese, Peter Albano, Mario Pullara, Frank Miranda, Dino Trafficante, and Joseph Trafficante. Santo Trafficante arrives at Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens. Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista in Washington, D.C. in 1938. However, LoScalzo was nonetheless able to expand the families criminal reach into new locations across Florida, and took advantage of alliances with other Mafia families to ensure the mob maintained its hold on criminal activities. Trafficante had been operating in Cuba since the late 1940s under his father, Santo Trafficante Sr., a mobster in Tampa, Florida. Fine food, and lots of it. Santo Trafficante Jr Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. Santo Jr. was indicted several times through the 1950s but was convicted only once, on state charges in 1954 for bribery, and that conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court. Phil Alessi, a childhood friend, marvels at Trafficante's taste and capacity. English All the while, he lives in a palatial lakeside compound in rural northwest Hillsborough. Forget everything you think you know about Tampa mafia wives and girlfriends in the 1950s. And all this occurred throughout seven Sylvia at age 12 and her father Jimmy Velasco in California, June 1948 Jimmy Velasco was a political fixer. Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. Dennis Caruso/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesFrank Ragano and Santo Trafficante Jr. (right). Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. love gloria "owens" hill. At Boxer Cycle Works. He is just a businessman, he says, his money tied up in wholesale automobiles, an orange grove and real estate. After a violent mob war left several of Trafficantes rivals dead or weakened, his gang rapidly rose to prominence in Tampa. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. The east coast of Florida was a loosely knit conglomerate of New York family interests with links to Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, Angelo Bruno, Carlos Marcello, and Frank Ragano. Trafficante would be charged with bank fraud, perjury and disclosure of criminal investigation. Year should not be greater than current year. After Cuban revolution, the Mafia saw Castro as a threat to their business. There was a problem getting your location. ", Christopher Sabella elected as Hillsborough Countys next chief judge, Tampa man arrested in death of person found in apartment with unharmed infant, deputies say, Suspect in Hillsborough slaying of woman IDd, man known as Ya Dig, deputies say, After nearly a century of fixing Tampas flat tires, downtown Firestone closes, Under investigation, HART CEO proposes settlement, payout and exit, Dead body found in Hillsborough apartment with unharmed infant, deputies say, NAACP wants reparations for Tampas Black cemeteries that governments stole, Latin Kings gang leaders among 21 arrested in Hillsborough drug operation, sheriff says, Estimated 630,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Hillsborough River, records show, Tampa man who was first to face trial for Florida voter fraud in 2020 election gets probation. Santo Trafficante Jr, was born on November 15, 1914 in Tampa, Florida and followed in the footsteps of his father, Santo Trafficante Sr, into a life of organized crime. But he was also the most powerful crime boss in pre-Castro Cuba, with influence that extended into Florida and the rest of the United States. One small gang, led by Italian immigrant Santo Trafficante Senior, profited from the illegal lottery-style games they ran across Tampa. Daughters: Mary Josephine Sarah Ann Brothers: Frank, Salvatore (Sam), Epifanio and Enrico (Henry) Uncle: Joseph M. CACCIATORE (convicted narcotic trafficker) CRIMINAL HISTORY: Harris & Ewing/Library of Commons/Wikimedia CommonsCuban leader Fulgencio Batista in Washington, D.C. in 1938. And purchase valuable sports memorabilia for himself. One of the last surviving mobsters from the Luciano era, he died of heart disease in a Houston, Texas, hospital in 1987. My prayers are with all of you. He worked to expand the crime familys business holding and territory he was particularly interested in Cuba as a location for gambling, hotels and night clubs and worked to cement good ties with his fellow mobsters in. Santo Trafficante, Jr. was born in the United States on November 15, 1914, as one of five sons of Mafia boss Santo Trafficante. The beachfront properties were the site of many parties and barbecues. I hold such fond memories of Santo & Gerry when I was growing up. Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. I will always remember your perseverance, happiness and smiles at Marisa's wedding. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Scott M. Deitche, Mob Museum Advisory Council member and mob http://www.scottdeitche.com/books.htmlauthor of Tampa's favorite books, Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld & The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jror Manny Leto, previous Editor of Cigar City Magazine and Tampa historian, will guide you on a 1.5 -2 hour walking tour to old gambling palaces, street corners, and alleys where some mobsters met their demise, and restaurants where wise guys, like famed boss Santo Trafficante Jr, held court. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? "You hope things will just disappear two or three years from now.". Search above to list available cemeteries. Trafficantes chance came in the 1960s when he became acquainted with mobster John Handsome Johnny Roselli. Upon his return to the United States, he became determined to bring down the man who ended his empire. After his father died in 1954, he became the head in Tampa and took over his fathers interests in Cuba. Ex-FBI agent and later Howard Hughes aide Robert Maheu of Las Vegas was one of the primary go-betweens for Trafficante. The other guys are two doctors, who say they'll testify if they're summoned to court. All Rights Reserved. Email [email protected]. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. An editor and public historian, Carly Silver has written for Smithsonian, Narratively, The Atlantic, Atlas Obscura, and Archaeology, among other publications. Ed Giorandino/NY Daily News Archive via Getty ImagesSanto Trafficante arrives at Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens. As a leading member of the syndicate, he also was suspected of having behind-the-scenes interests in other syndicate-owned Cuban casinos: the Hotel Habana Riviera, the Tropicana Club, the Sevilla-Biltmore, the Capri Hotel Casino, the Commodoro, the Deauville, and the Havana Hilton. He will always be remembered with fondness. He dressed nicely but not ostentatiously, and his choice of cars was never flashy. "They wouldn't even let me go to the track. Rosselli testified in 1975 to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on the efforts to kill Castro. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. A Hillsborough judge threw out the wiretaps, the spine of the state's case. Several were wounded. Like Trafficante Jr. before him, had many close calls with law enforcement, but always escaped serious charges. The investigators were looking for proof of drug-money laundering. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987 ). You have been in pain too long. Don Santo Trafficante Jr was one of the last of the old-time American Mafia bosses in the United States. Geni requires JavaScript! Try again. Indeed, he owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreclosures to local banks, which he says treat him "like I had leprosy" because of Key Bank. It never did exist.". cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He had a big heart and will be missed. Born: November 15, 1914, Tampa, Florida Our deepest condolences to the Trafficante family. A A. "Sam Gold" was Sam Giancana; "Joe" was Trafficante. He owned and operated some of the most lavish casinos in pre-Castro Cuba. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The glamorous casino in the Hotel Nacional De Cuba in Havana in 1958. Please check your entries and try again. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Trafficante was one of the last surviving members of the original Luciano mob era upon his death, and the truth behind the JFK assassination may have perhaps died with him. And then there are the infinite conspiracy theories about the assassination of President Kennedy, many of them featuring Trafficante. Brother of Frank Cacciatore Trafficante; Private and Private. He walked outside and got into a 1951 Mercury sedan driven by one of his associates. So, who was this so-called Silent Don who wielded enough power to allegedly kill the President? Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. [22], sfn error: no target: CITEREFDouglass2010 (, Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 15:02, United States House Select Committee on Assassinations, Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, "With Santo Trafficante, an era is ending", "SANTO TRAFFICANTE, REPUTED MAFIA CHIEF, DIES AT 72", "Why mob bigs who met to crown a king had to run like roaches", "For Sale, a House WithAcreage.Connections Extra;Site of 1957 Gangland Raid Is Part of Auction on Saturday", "20 Apalachin Convictions Ruled Invalid On Appeal", "Narcotic Traffic Called Topic In Apalachin Talks", Memorandum for the Director of Central Intelligence, Subject: Roselli, Johnny, "Witness denies assassination, Cuba tied", "Mafia Linked In JFK Probe; By Cuban Exile", "Hoffa Lawyer: Jimmy Recruited Mob for JFK Hit", "Lawyer Says Hoffa Told 2 Mob Bosses to Have President Kennedy Killed", "Frank Ragano, 75, Lawyer for Mob and Hoffa", "The Sins of the Godfather? The Shore Acres home is 2,350-square-feet with 10 rooms that Capone reputedly built in 1925 for his mother. You've got to be a fool to marry wrong," he says. He headed the Trafficante crime family from 1954 to 1987 and controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante Sr. He was married to his wife for 49 years. [18] According to Ragano, he met Hoffa at the Teamsters' headquarters in Washington, DC, then delivered the message to Trafficante and Marcello in a meeting at the Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans. In January 1963, he married Geraldine Valenti, the daughter. 0 cemeteries found in Ybor City, Hillsborough County, Florida, USA. And despite relatively small time beginnings, Trafficante proved to be a shrewd mobster. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? But according to declassified documents released in 1992, Santo Trafficante Jr. made a deathbed confession of his involvement in the Presidents murder. Plant a tree to honor the memory of your loved one. Santos Trafficante Jr. was the son of Santos Trafficante Sr., who owned several casinos in Havana. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. "I thought I could just go down to (former Hillsborough State Attorney) Bill James and (Assistant State Attorney) Lee Atkinson and explain it all away in 15 minutes.". Afterwards, the son he had groomed to take his place, Santo Trafficante Jr., took the reins of the Trafficante crime family. Trafficante was apprehended in November 1957, along with over 60 other mobsters, at the Apalachin meeting in Apalachin, New York. In the early 1980s Trafficante was ensnared in two major cases that could have sent the aging don to prison for the first time in his life, apart from his time in the Triscornia detention camp in Cuba following Castros takeover in 1959. It wasn't somebody going into a back room to kiss somebody's ring. Santo Trafficante was wanted in 48 states by the time he was 43. I laughed _ until I realized it was a total f------ disaster," Trafficante says. Although a judge dismissed the charge for lack of evidence, the arrest had a lasting impact on another of Trafficante's ventures: thoroughbred breeding and racing. Donnie Brasco. Today, Santo Trafficantes criminal legacy lives on through his nephew and namesake, Santo Trafficante III, who was charged with organized fraud in 1992. Over the next 30-plus years, Trafficante, Jr. rose to oversee Mafia operations across the state of Florida. Sign up for service and obituary updates. "They'll sleep under trees on you.". the daughter of immigrants from the Italian region of Basilicata. That horse won $161,080 for its new owners, according to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association. With over 30 years experience in the field of Mechanics, I will work with you on a personal basis, I will discuss with you your specific needs pertaining to your motorcycle. Let others know about your loved one's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Santo Trafficante (53540265)? His positioning in Florida was prime for drug shipping as the product often passed through these ports en route to elsewhere in America. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Returning to Miami, he joined his father, managing some . Now in his late 70s or early 80s, LoScalzo is reported to be retired. A few months later, two members of that group took the train to New York City to drum up support for a move against Santo. By 1987, the Mafia boss, who had walked the casino floors of the Sans Souci in Cuba, dined and hobnobbed with Frank Sinatra in the nightclubs and hotels of South Beach, and who commanded a presence in Tampa that is still felt today, was suffering from a diseased kidney and bad heart. Meanwhile, he continued to make money from the drugs that came through Tampa. After a violent mob war left several of Trafficantes rivals dead or weakened, his gang rapidly rose to prominence in Tampa. As Jimmy Hoffas former lawyer Frank Ragano would later recall, Jimmy told me to tell [New Orleans boss Carlos] Marcello and Trafficante they had to kill the president. RIP Santo. Trafficante admitted his anti-Castro activities to the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1978, and vehemently denied allegations that he had knowledge of a plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. gerry,i am so sorry to hear about santo. Associates: Sam Giancana, Charlie Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Cuba, Fidel Castro, Johnny Rosselli, Robert Maheu. He headed the Trafficante crime family from 1954 to 1987 and controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante Sr. Trafficante maintained links to the Bonanno crime family in New York City, but was more closely allied with Sam Giancana in Chicago. [5] To use this feature, use a newer browser. However, by the late 1920s, facing little pressure, Sicilian gangsters began setting up lucrative gambling and narcotics rackets. President John. Santo Jr., who had inherited the leadership of the Tampa Mafia around 1950 when his father, Santo Sr., fell ill, had now completed his consolidation of power in Tampa and beyond. A car registered to former state attorney and current state appellate judge E.J. Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 - March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. Mobster Johnny Rosselli, who worked for both Trafficante and the Chicago Outfit, was another associate involved in the unsuccessful efforts to kill Castro and, according to some biographies, was the man who put Trafficante and Giancana together with Maheu. She was the Matriarch of the Trafficante Family; and we will all miss her presence, guidance, love and affection. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Try again later. He dropped out of high school and spent time in New York learning the trade from some of the countries toughest mobsters. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. This is a carousel with slides. His son, Santo Trafficante Jr., took over the crime family and became tangled in a web of conspiracies to kill the leader of revolutionary Cuba and, it is rumored, President John F. Kennedy. He headed the Trafficante crime family and controlled organized criminal operations in Florida and Cuba, which had previously been consolidated from several rival gangs by his father, Santo Trafficante Sr. Reputedly the most powerful crime boss in Batista -era Cuba, he . However, while the Latin American drug trade has figured prominently in the sunshine states less savory history, so has the Mafia. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. U.S. Treasury Department documents indicate that law enforcement believed Trafficante's legitimate business interests to include several legal casinos in Cuba; a Havana drive-in movie theater; and shares in several restaurants and bars in Trafficante's hometown of Tampa, Florida. Try again later. [20], In 2005, Lamar Waldron and Thom Hartmann's book Ultimate Sacrifice said that Trafficante was behind an aborted plot to kill Kennedy in Tampa on November 18, 1963. Chronicles of Events and Biographies Related to the American Mafia. Anthony Accardo & Santo Trafficante Jr - Labor Union Kickbacks (1977- 1981)https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/05/us/16-indicted-over-union-fund-use.htmlCredit:. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. My heart goes out to the family. The wiretap evidence has been thrown out of court. Desr Gerry, please know that I am thinking of you and never forget the kindness bestowed on me in my difficult time but especially the generosity and affection shown to my daughter and grandson. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). But those werent even their most ridiculous ideas. Like many of the most prominent mobsters of the 20th century, his father, Santo Trafficante Sr., grew up in Sicily, Italy but became a major player in the criminal world after migrating to America. [13] Trafficante also stated that he had no recollection of meeting Oswald or Oswald's assassin, Jack Ruby. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. More troubling for Trafficante was a court document that listed him for the first time as "a member of the Trafficante crime family.". Mrs. Gerry, Gina, Dino, Joe and Marisa - they broke the mold with Traff. "When my uncle visited it was like a family reunion. This account has been disabled. The international narcotics trade was also an important topic on the Apalachin agenda. He maintained close working ties with the Lucchese crime family and the Bonanno crime family from New York City. Trafficante Sr. passed away four years later, leaving Jr. his Tampa and Cuba-based criminal empire. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Santo Trafficante Jr. Over the next 30-plus years, Trafficante, Jr. rose to oversee Mafia operations across the state of Florida. Read free previews and reviews from booklovers. Harris & Ewing/Library of Commons/Wikimedia Commons. The Internal Revenue Service tried to collect $400,000 in back taxes owed on the business, saying it had not been run as business eligible for tax write-offs, but a hobby. So, as the popular theory goes, the mob bosses that lent a helping hand in getting Kennedy into office wanted revenge. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. The first case stemmed from the FBIs well-known Donnie Brasco undercover sting operation. According to the account of Judith Exner, however, one of JFKs many mistresses, it was she who introduced Kennedy to Chicago boss Giancana. The next son was Luigi Santo Trafficante Jr. (his namesake and future Mafia boss), born on November 15, 1914. Trafficantes father was the lucky survivor of what was called the Era of Blood, when rival gangs based in Tampa fought for control of Prohibition-era nightclubs and, crucially, the local numbers rackets called bolitas. Battling Mob rivals in South Florida essentially weakened each other financially and, through murder, the number of available soldiers. Services will be followed by a graveside service at the Italian Club Cemetery and a reception at the family home. Santo Trafficante Jr. (November 15, 1914 March 17, 1987) was among the most powerful Mafia bosses in the United States. I can answer any questions you . Shop eBooks and audiobooks at Rakuten Kobo. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. His wife also was named in the fraud charges. [15][16] He stated he was chosen by Hoffa because, as both Hoffa and Trafficante's lawyer, he could be assured of attorneyclient privilege. Santo Trafficante Jr. had long followed in his father's footsteps, and proved to be an even more effective Mafia kingpin. Despite all of this or, perhaps, because of it, a few writers and filmmakers have chosen to focus on organized crime, determined to give Tampa its due. A system error has occurred. [15] He repeated the claim two days later on ABC's Good Morning America,[16] in Newfield's Frontline report entitled JFK, Hoffa and Mob broadcast in November 1992,[17] and again in his 1994 autobiography Mob Lawyer. The "Family Jewels" confirmed that in September 1960, the CIA recruited ex-FBI agent Robert Maheu to approach the West Coast representative of the Chicago mob, Johnny Roselli. For the last 20 years, everyone knew her as JuJu. In this episode, we will discuss the fascinating life of Tampa's most powerful mobster: Santo Trafficante Jr. In 1957 he was suspected of involvement in the barbershop slaying of Albert Anastasia, the . For all the power he wielded, Trafficante was often described as quiet and reserved. You'll learn about bolita, the rumored tunnels of Ybor, and the Era of Blood. Failed to delete memorial. With deepest sympathy and love. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime's history and impact on American society. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Afterwards, the son he had groomed to take his place, Santo Trafficante Jr., took the reins of the Trafficante crime family. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. The seeds for Trafficantes most interesting historical chapter were planted, as the mobster would go on to have a well-established relationship with the CIA in an ongoing effort to assassinate Castro. Thanks for subscribing! According to some, he was even involved in the infamous assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Verify and try again. Reputed 'boss of bosses' dies at 72 TAMPA, Fla, "' Trafficante dies at age 72 TAMPA. We send our most sincere sympathies to the Trafficante family. He returned to Tampa for the last time for internment in the LUnione Italiana Cemetery. Santo told the state attorney, I dont have an enemy in the world. Hoffa said to me, This has to be done.'. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. THE CHARLIE WALL STORY Kingpin Charlie Wall (center holding bottle, right of child) and his notorious gang. The CIA came to Trafficante, and asked for his help in enlisting the Mafia to assassinate the Cuban leader. He will be sorely missed and his heart of gold will be remembered by all who new him. Trafficante was arrested again in 1957 for attending the famous Apalachin summit of Mob leaders in New York, but those charges were dropped. And while cocaine-fueled Latin American criminal networks have been a serious problem in Florida for decades, the Trafficante familys illicit activities were quite infamous as well. We cant help ourselves when it comes to watching mob films like The Godfather, Goodfellas, Casino and HBOs Boardwalk Empire and the iconic cable TV show, The Sopranos. Our prayers are with you. His business ventures have not always been successful. The mafiosos that made up the family are either retired, in prison, or have died due to old age. James Anthony Traficant Jr. (May 8, 1941 - September 27, 2014) was an American politician who served as a Democrat, and later independent, member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio.He represented the 17th Congressional District, which centered on his hometown of Youngstown and included parts of three counties in northeast Ohio's Mahoning Valley. [13] He stated that he received no payment for his involvement and that he acted out of patriotism. His luck has not improved recently. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Indeed, a wiretapped conversation picked up a Key Bank official calling Trafficante a "sacred cow," with loans in excess of a million dollars. Published: March 15th, 2017 - By Scott M. Deitche, Contributing Writer, Florida Mafia boss Santo Trafficante Jr. died 30 years ago March 17, El Chapos lawyers complain about strict rules at New York prison. "My kids suffered a lot by it," he says. In 1946, Santo Sr. sent his son, already a family underboss, to Cuba to invest in the growing number of nightclubs and casinos in the island nation. My ex-wife Erline Lazzara was a childhood friend you might remember. The original Malio's Restaurant located on South Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Florida. A full report was made by the Cuban police, dated January 23, 1958, includes transcripts of long-distance telephone calls made from the Sans Souci during the period AugustDecember 1957. Alongside Chicago boss Sam Giancana, Roselli and Trafficante came up with some truly insane plots to kill Fidel Castro. Other Mafia leaders, as well as newer organized crime networks, took over many of the rackets the family ran throughout the 20th Century. Zeng8r/Wikimedia Common A set of bolita balls. The mobsters also attempted to get Castro into a poisoned wetsuit and even offered to blow him up with an exploding seashell. Santo Trafficante Jr. was a reserved, modest man married to the same woman for 49 years. Learn more about merges. Perched on the edge of a leather chair in his attorney's office, Santo J. Trafficante III wears a pained expression on his jowly face. Please allow 24 hours for your entry to be reviewed for appropriate content. His sons, Dino and Joseph, run it for him, though he worries that sometimes they don't work hard. The authorities continued to charge him with participating in illegal activities, but the aging mob boss escaped conviction each time. While the senior Trafficante had been a major mobster in his own right, nobody could have expected the heights that were going to be reached by his son. Consequently, while generally recognized as the most powerful organized crime figure in Florida throughout much of the 20th century, Trafficante was not believed to have total control over Miami, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, or Palm Beach. The men started to drive away when another sedan drove past the Mercury, the occupants unloading a blast of buckshot as they passed. [9][10] The CIA and the Mafia had a common enemy in Castro, a communist revolutionary who had shut down Cuba's lucrative casino businesses. Getty ImagesSanto Trafficante was wanted in 48 states by the time he was 43. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Those were some of the greatest memories growing up. prosecution, fled temporarily to Cuba. After a lifetime in organized crime, Trafficante Jr. died of national causes in 1987. In 1975, the CIA declassified a report stating that Trafficante had been persuaded to poison Castro, an allegation he denied. In addition, "on January 23, 1958 the Cuban Department of Investigation, Havana, Cuba notified the Bureau of Narcotics that Santo Trafficante was registered in their Alien Office under No. SANTO TRAFFICANTE SR, A Sicilian of the Old School, RULED TAMPAS UNDERWORLD FOR MORE THAN A DECADE!