From Corruption to Illegal Gambling: How a Mobbed-Up NY Cop Warned the Mafia About FBI Probes

A former detective with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is currently on trial for serious charges including obstruction of justice and providing false information to the FBI. The case revolves around allegations that he warned a member of the notorious Bonanno crime family about an ongoing federal investigation into their extensive operations, which included large-scale drug trafficking and high-stakes illegal gambling. However, unbeknownst to the gangster, the individual was already secretly cooperating with the FBI to expose the criminal organizations illicit activities.

The Warning

On Wednesday, the proceedings at Brooklyn Federal Court revealed audio recordings of conversations between Hector Rosario, 51, and Sal Russo, a prominent Bonanno drug trafficker. In one recording, Rosario explicitly warned Russo that federal authorities were monitoring his drug trafficking operations.

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t look out for your interest,” Rosario reportedly told the informant. “They don’t care if it’s daytime or nighttime. They got people watching … You scratch your ass? They’re watching you. They’re waiting for you to s–t.”

A Cooperative Informant

The FBI had already established a relationship with Russo. Just a month prior to the recorded conversation, Russo was apprehended for selling cocaine to an undercover FBI agent in a Manhattan gelato shop. As part of a plea deal, Russo agreed to provide information and act as a confidential informant for the FBI.

The FBI tasked Russo with persuading Rosario to accompany him during the transportation of a large shipment of marijuana from Jamaica, Queens, to Russo’s auto body repair shop in Valley Stream, Long Island. However, Rosario refused, citing the inherent risks involved.

Allegations of Corruption and Payments

Rosario is now facing charges related to obstruction of justice and lying to the FBI. Prosecutors allege that he received a substantial sum of money – $1,500 per week – in exchange for his assistance to the Mafia. This assistance allegedly included orchestrating staged raids on rival illegal gambling operations.

One notable incident involved a raid at Sal’s Shoe Repair in Merrick, Long Island, owned by Salvatore “the Shoemaker” Rubino of the Genovese crime family. According to Russo, Rosario’s involvement in this operation included yelling “This is the police!” during the raid.

Russo testified that the raid was intended to intimidate rivals and deter customers from patronizing their illegal gambling businesses. However, Rosario’s performance was deemed unconvincing by a gambler known as “Mario the Landscaper,” who remarked, “These are not real police. They don’t just come in breaking things.”

Denial of Knowledge

When FBI agents initiated inquiries at Rosario’s residence in January 2020, he claimed to have no knowledge of Sal the Shoemaker or Sal Russo. This denial was made unaware that the FBI already possessed a recording of his conversation with Russo.

The Role of Illegal Gambling

Illegal gambling remains a significant concern in New York. Organized crime groups often profit immensely from these operations, using the proceeds to fund other illicit activities. Law enforcement agencies are constantly working to disrupt these illegal ventures and hold those involved accountable. Understanding the dynamics of organized crime and illegal gambling is crucial for effective law enforcement.

Here are some facts about organized crime in New York:

• The Mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra, has a long and complex history in New York, dating back to the late 19th century.
• Illegal gambling is a major source of revenue for organized crime groups, with operations ranging from underground casinos to illegal sports betting.
• These groups often engage in other criminal activities such as extortion, loan sharking, and drug trafficking.
• Law enforcement agencies employ various strategies to combat organized crime, including undercover operations, surveillance, and asset forfeiture.

Learn more about the history of organized crime in New York: The History of Organized Crime in New York

Conclusion

This case highlights the complex relationships that can exist between law enforcement and criminal organizations. Hector Rosario’s alleged actions have serious legal ramifications, underscoring the importance of upholding justice and preventing corruption. The FBI’s use of confidential informants plays a critical role in gathering intelligence and disrupting criminal enterprises. Moreover, the ongoing battle against illegal gambling demonstrates the persistent threat posed by organized crime to public safety and the economy.

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