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Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, born Salvatore Gravano, is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family in New York City.

Gravano was a close associate of John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino crime family, and played a key role in Gotti's rise to power. He became a government witness in 1994 and testified against Gotti, which led to Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment. Gravano's testimony was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was a controversial one. Some people believe that he was a traitor to the Mafia, while others believe that he was a hero who helped to bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the country. Regardless of one's opinion of Gravano, there is no doubt that he is a fascinating figure in the history of organized crime.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. He became a government witness in 1994 and testified against John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino crime family, which led to Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment. Gravano's testimony was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

• Early Life: Born Salvatore Gravano in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945.
• Criminal Career: Began his criminal career in the 1960s, working for the Gambino crime family.
• Underboss: Became the underboss of the Gambino crime family in 1985.
• Gotti's Right-Hand Man: Was a close associate of John Gotti and played a key role in Gotti's rise to power.
• Government Witness: Became a government witness in 1994 and testified against Gotti.
• Witness Protection: Entered the Witness Protection Program after testifying against Gotti.
• Author: Wrote a book about his life of crime, titled "Underboss."
• Reality TV Star: Appeared on the reality TV show "Mob Wives."
• Current Status: Currently lives in Arizona under a new identity.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano is a complex and controversial figure. He was a ruthless criminal who committed murder and other violent crimes. However, he also played a key role in bringing down one of the most powerful crime families in the country. Gravano's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement.

Early Life

Salvatore Gravano was born into a working-class family in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945. His father was a longshoreman and his mother was a homemaker. Gravano had a difficult childhood and dropped out of school at a young age. He began committing petty crimes as a teenager and was eventually recruited into the Gambino crime family.

Gravano's early life experiences had a profound impact on his development as a criminal. He grew up in a neighborhood where organized crime was rampant, and he was exposed to violence and corruption from a young age. This environment taught him the importance of loyalty, toughness, and ruthlessness. Gravano also learned the value of family and tradition, which would later become important factors in his decision to cooperate with the government.

Gravano's early life also played a role in his eventual decision to become a government witness. After years of living a life of crime, Gravano began to feel disillusioned with the Mafia. He saw the violence and corruption that was destroying his community, and he wanted to make a change. Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was a difficult one, but he ultimately believed that it was the right thing to do.

Gravano's early life experiences are a reminder of the complex factors that can lead someone to a life of crime. However, they also show that it is possible to change, even after years of involvement in organized crime.

Criminal Career

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's criminal career began in the 1960s when he joined the Gambino crime family. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted associate of John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino crime family. Gravano played a key role in Gotti's rise to power, and he was involved in many of the family's most violent and lucrative criminal activities.

Gravano's criminal career had a profound impact on his life. It exposed him to a world of violence, corruption, and greed. He learned how to kill, extort, and traffic drugs. He also learned the importance of loyalty and family, which would later become important factors in his decision to cooperate with the government.

Gravano's criminal career also had a significant impact on the Gambino crime family. He was one of the family's most ruthless and effective enforcers, and he played a key role in the family's control over the construction industry in New York City. Gravano's criminal activities helped to make the Gambino crime family one of the most powerful and feared crime families in the United States.

In 1994, Gravano decided to cooperate with the government and testify against John Gotti. His testimony was instrumental in Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment. Gravano's decision to cooperate was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's criminal career is a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime. It shows how even a seemingly ordinary person can be drawn into a life of violence and crime.

Underboss

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano became the underboss of the Gambino crime family in 1985, after the death of Frank DeCicco. As underboss, Gravano was responsible for overseeing the family's day-to-day operations, including its rackets in construction, gambling, and drug trafficking. He was also responsible for managing the family's relationships with other crime families and law enforcement.

Gravano's position as underboss gave him immense power and influence within the Gambino crime family. He was one of the most feared and respected mobsters in New York City, and his word was law. Gravano used his power to enrich himself and his family, and he lived a lavish lifestyle. However, he also used his power to help those in need, and he was known for his generosity and loyalty.

Gravano's position as underboss also made him a target for law enforcement. In 1991, he was arrested on racketeering charges. Facing a life sentence, Gravano decided to cooperate with the government and testify against John Gotti. Gravano's testimony was instrumental in Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment.

Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States. It showed that even the most powerful mobsters could be brought down if they were willing to turn against their own.

Gotti's Right-Hand Man

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano was a close associate of John Gotti and played a key role in Gotti's rise to power. Gravano was a made man in the Gambino crime family and was one of Gotti's most trusted lieutenants. He was involved in many of Gotti's most violent and lucrative criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Gravano's loyalty and ruthlessness made him a valuable asset to Gotti. He was always willing to do Gotti's dirty work, and he never hesitated to use violence to protect Gotti's interests. Gravano's role in Gotti's rise to power cannot be overstated. He was one of the key figures in the Gambino crime family, and his support was essential to Gotti's success.

However, Gravano's relationship with Gotti would eventually sour. In 1991, Gravano was arrested on racketeering charges. Facing a life sentence, Gravano decided to cooperate with the government and testify against Gotti. Gravano's testimony was instrumental in Gotti's conviction and life imprisonment.

Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime in the United States. It showed that even the most powerful mobsters could be brought down if they were willing to turn against their own.

Government Witness

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's decision to become a government witness in 1994 was a major turning point in his life and in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

• Breaking the Omert Code: Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government violated the Omert code, the Mafia's code of silence. This was a significant betrayal of trust and put Gravano's life and the lives of his family in danger.
• Instrumental in Gotti's Conviction: Gravano's testimony was instrumental in securing the conviction of John Gotti, the boss of the Gambino crime family. Gotti was sentenced to life in prison, and his conviction was a major blow to organized crime in New York City.
• Protection from Retaliation: By cooperating with the government, Gravano entered the Witness Protection Program. This program provides protection to witnesses who testify against organized crime figures.
• Mixed Public Reaction: Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some people praised him for his courage and for helping to bring down a powerful crime boss. Others criticized him for betraying his former associates.

Gravano's decision to become a government witness was a complex one. He risked his life and the lives of his family to help bring down one of the most powerful crime families in the United States. His decision was a major turning point in the fight against organized crime, and it showed that even the most powerful mobsters could be brought down if they were willing to turn against their own.

Witness Protection

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government and testify against John Gotti was a major turning point in his life. He knew that his decision would put his life and the lives of his family in danger, but he also knew that it was the right thing to do. Gravano's testimony was instrumental in securing Gotti's conviction, and he entered the Witness Protection Program to protect himself and his family from retaliation.

The Witness Protection Program (WITSEC) is a federal program that provides protection to witnesses who testify against organized crime figures. WITSEC provides witnesses with new identities, new homes, and new lives. Gravano has been living in WITSEC since 1994, and he has been able to rebuild his life and stay out of trouble.

Gravano's decision to enter WITSEC is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement. WITSEC is a valuable tool that can help to protect witnesses and bring down powerful criminals.

Author

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's book, "Underboss," is a memoir of his life in the Gambino crime family. The book provides a first-hand account of Gravano's rise through the ranks of the Gambino crime family, his close relationship with John Gotti, and his eventual decision to become a government witness. "Underboss" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the inner workings of organized crime and the life of one of its most notorious figures.

Gravano's decision to write "Underboss" was motivated by a desire to tell his story and to set the record straight about his life. In the book, Gravano provides a detailed account of his involvement in some of the most notorious crimes of the Gambino crime family, including the murder of Paul Castellano. Gravano also discusses his relationship with Gotti and the reasons why he decided to cooperate with the government.

"Underboss" is a fascinating and informative book that provides a unique glimpse into the world of organized crime. Gravano's writing is clear and concise, and he does not shy away from discussing the violent andaspects of his life. "Underboss" is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime or the history of organized crime in the United States.

Reality TV Star

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's appearance on the reality TV show "Mob Wives" was a controversial move that sparked both interest and criticism.

• Capitalizing on Notoriety: Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" allowed him to capitalize on his notoriety and earn additional income. The show provided him with a platform to share his story and promote his book, "Underboss."
• Exploitation vs. Education: Critics argued that Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" glorified his criminal past and exploited the suffering of his victims. However, others argued that the show provided an educational look into the world of organized crime and its impact on families.
• Mixed Reactions from Viewers: Viewers' reactions to Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" were mixed. Some viewers were fascinated by his stories and insights, while others were disgusted by his lack of remorse and his celebration of violence.
• Questionable Rehabilitation: Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" raised questions about his commitment to rehabilitation. Critics argued that the show allowed him to profit from his criminal past and sent the wrong message to young people.

Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" was a complex and controversial event. It sparked debates about the ethics of profiting from crime, the importance of rehabilitation, and the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of organized crime.

Current Status

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's decision to enter the Witness Protection Program and live under a new identity was a pivotal moment in his life. After testifying against his former boss, John Gotti, Gravano knew that his life would be in danger if he remained in New York City. The Witness Protection Program provided him with a new identity, a new home, and a new life.

• Protection from Retaliation: The Witness Protection Program is designed to protect witnesses who testify against organized crime figures. Gravano's decision to cooperate with the government put his life and the lives of his family in danger. By entering the Witness Protection Program, Gravano was able to protect himself and his family from retaliation.
• Starting a New Life: Entering the Witness Protection Program allowed Gravano to start a new life. He was given a new identity, a new home, and a new job. Gravano was able to leave behind his life of crime and start a new chapter in his life.
• Challenges of Living under a New Identity: Living under a new identity is not without its challenges. Gravano had to adjust to a new name, a new home, and a new job. He also had to be constantly vigilant about protecting his new identity. Despite the challenges, Gravano has been able to successfully rebuild his life under a new identity.
• Balancing Safety and Freedom: Living under a new identity involves balancing safety and freedom. Gravano has to be careful not to do anything that could compromise his new identity. However, he also wants to be able to live a normal life. Gravano has been able to find a balance that allows him to live a safe and fulfilling life.

Gravano's decision to live under a new identity is a reminder of the dangers of organized crime and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement. The Witness Protection Program is a valuable tool that can help to protect witnesses and bring down powerful criminals.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former underboss of the Gambino crime family.

Question 1: Why did Sammy "The Bull" Gravano become a government witness?

Gravano became a government witness in 1994 after being arrested on racketeering charges. Facing a life sentence, Gravano decided to cooperate with the government and testify against his former boss, John Gotti.

Question 2: What was Gravano's role in the Gambino crime family?

Gravano was a close associate of John Gotti and played a key role in Gotti's rise to power. He was involved in many of the family's most violent and lucrative criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.

Question 3: What is Gravano's current status?

After testifying against Gotti, Gravano entered the Witness Protection Program. He currently lives under a new identity in Arizona.

Question 4: What motivated Gravano to write his book, "Underboss"?

Gravano wrote "Underboss" to tell his story and set the record straight about his life. He provides a detailed account of his involvement in the Gambino crime family and his decision to cooperate with the government.

Question 5: Why was Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" controversial?

Gravano's appearance on "Mob Wives" was controversial because some people felt that it glorified his criminal past and exploited the suffering of his victims. Others argued that the show provided an educational look into the world of organized crime.

Question 6: What are the challenges of living under a new identity?

Living under a new identity involves balancing safety and freedom. Gravano has to be careful not to do anything that could compromise his new identity. However, he also wants to be able to live a normal life.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's story is a complex and fascinating one. He was a ruthless criminal who committed murder and other violent crimes. However, he also played a key role in bringing down one of the most powerful crime families in the United States.

The FAQs above provide a brief overview of some of the most common questions about Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. For more information, please consult the following resources:

• Sammy Gravano Wikipedia page
• FBI page on John Gotti
• Sammy Gravano's book, "Underboss"

Tips from Sammy "The Bull" Gravano

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former underboss of the Gambino crime family, has shared valuable insights and cautionary tales based on his experiences in the criminal underworld. Here are some key tips to consider:

Tip 1: Don't Get Involved in Organized Crime

Gravano emphasizes that organized crime is a dangerous and destructive path that leads to violence, addiction, and imprisonment. He warns that the allure of easy money and power is a trap that often comes at a great cost.

Tip 2: Stay Away from Drugs

Gravano highlights the devastating impact of drug use and addiction, both on individuals and society. He urges people to avoid drugs and seek help if they are struggling with addiction.

Tip 3: Value Education and Legitimate Work

Gravano stresses the importance of education and honest work. He encourages people to invest in their education and skills to build a fulfilling and law-abiding life.

Tip 4: Respect Authority

Gravano acknowledges the need for authority figures in society, such as parents, teachers, and law enforcement. He advises people to respect authority and follow the rules to maintain a stable and orderly society.

Tip 5: Learn from Mistakes

Gravano emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for one's actions. He believes that mistakes can be valuable opportunities for growth and improvement.

Tip 6: Seek Redemption

Gravano, after turning against his former associates and cooperating with law enforcement, highlights the possibility of redemption. He encourages people who have made mistakes to seek forgiveness and strive for a better path.

Tip 7: Value Family and Friends

Gravano emphasizes the importance of cherishing family and friends. He advises people to build strong relationships and surround themselves with positive influences.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's tips are a sobering reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of living a law-abiding life. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to deter others from making the same mistakes and guide them toward a more positive and fulfilling path.

Conclusion

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's life and experiences offer a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement. His decision to turn against his former associates and testify against John Gotti was a pivotal moment in the fight against organized crime in the United States.

Gravano's story is a reminder that even the most powerful criminals can be brought down if they are willing to turn against their own. It is also a reminder of the importance of giving criminals a way out, through programs like the Witness Protection Program. These programs can help criminals to break free from their old lives and start anew.

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano's legacy is a complex one. He was a ruthless criminal who committed murder and other violent crimes. However, he also played a key role in bringing down one of the most powerful crime families in the United States. His story is a reminder that even the most notorious criminals can change their lives and make a positive contribution to society.

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