Vincent Asaro was born on October 7, 1937, in Queens, New York. He was raised in a family with ties to organized crime, and he quickly became immersed in that world at a young age. As he grew older, Asaro climbed the ranks within the Bonanno crime family, eventually reaching the position of captain, also known as a capo, in the 1970s.
In January of 2014, Asaro found himself at the center of a high-profile FBI investigation related to the infamous 1978 Lufthansa heist, which inspired the Martin Scorsese-directed film "Goodfellas". Despite being arrested on charges linked to the heist, Asaro was later acquitted. However, his legal troubles were far from over.
In June of 2017, Asaro pleaded guilty to ordering a car arson, a crime that resulted in his sentencing to eight years in prison in late December 2017. This marked a significant chapter in Asaro's criminal career, showcasing the consequences of his actions within the criminal underworld.
Asaro's criminal ties extended beyond his own actions, as his son, Jerome Asaro, also became a member of the notorious Bonanno crime family. This familial connection further solidified Asaro's legacy within the organized crime community, highlighting the generational influence of his criminal activities.
Throughout his legal battles, Asaro became known for his colorful remarks and interactions with his legal team. After being acquitted of all charges related to the Lufthansa heist in November of 2015, he famously quipped to his lawyer, "Don't let them see the body in the trunk." This anecdote showcases Asaro's brazen demeanor in the face of legal scrutiny.
In addition to his involvement in the Lufthansa heist, Asaro had also been a suspect in the 1969 murder of Paul Katz. Despite facing accusations in this case as well, Asaro was acquitted of all charges in November of 2015, further cementing his reputation as a formidable figure within the criminal underworld.
Vincent Asaro's story serves as a captivating glimpse into the world of organized crime, illustrating the intricate webs of power, loyalty, and betrayal that define this shadowy realm. His rise to prominence within the Bonanno crime family, legal troubles, and familial connections paint a complex portrait of a man who navigated the dangerous landscape of mafia operations with cunning and bravado.
As Asaro's legacy continues to reverberate through the annals of criminal history, his name remains synonymous with the dark allure of organized crime and the enduring legacy of the Bonanno family. Vincent Asaro, with his enigmatic persona and tumultuous journey through the criminal underworld, stands as a testament to the complexities of a life lived on the edge of society's norms.
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