State of Mafia in Springfield , Mass

It has been six years now since reputed New England Mafia capo who ran the mafia in Springfield, Mass Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno was gunned down in a gangland slaying. Since then there have been multiple arrest on members of organized crime linked back to New York and the Genovese Crime Family. Since then the face of organized crime in Springfield has been changing say the Fed’s. From the old school mob ways of Al Bruno to today things in Springfield just aren’t the same.

Bruno was known by many in the area as a low key character who even supported many of the local charities although his income was allegedly coming from local mafia bookmaking rings. Taking over after Bruno’s death was Genovese family leader Anthony Arillotta and its thought that Arillotta and Arthur Nigro are the one’s who had Bruno killed to seize control of the local illegal gaming rackets. Arillotta , Nigro , Fotios Geas a mob associate were arrested in connection with the Bruno murder , prosecutor’s say that the men paid mob associate Frankie Roche to handle the Bruno hit.

Roche has since turned rat and him and his family have been placed in the witness protection program by the Fed’s. According to court records the Roche family has already received over 61 thousand dollars in payments from the federal government for his cooperation and continues to receive monthly payments of $4,500. Along with the Bruno murder the indictment against Arillotta and Geas contains charges of drug trafficing , extortion of local business owners , and illgeal gambling machines being forced into local bars and clubs.

Local law enforcement claim that their efforts along with federal and state police have severely diminished the power of the Mafia in Springfield since the days of Bruno. But the Springfield Mafia is not yet down for the count and they are still doing business on the street’s and maintaining a presence although it is a question as to who is in control as the Genovese family out of NY is possibly making a play to take over territory long held by the New England mafia. It yet to be seen if the recent violence and indictments will be the final blow to the mob influence in Springfield but odd’s are that the Mafia is not yet ready to lay down in a city filled with mob history.