Organized crime boss (born 1940) who became a major media celebrity. After an extensive operation that cost $75 million, Gotti, who had repeatedly eluded the law, was finally convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992. As a repeat offender, he was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole and sent to federal prison in Marion, Illinois, where he died in 2002. Organized crime boss. On December 16, 1985, Paul Castellano, the boss of the Gambino family, was gunned down while eating at the Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. Gotti, who was widely believed to have orchestrated the hit, was made boss soon after. At the same time, Gotti was facing a racketeering trial that turned into a media circus after a revenge attempt on his life in 1986. Gotti, who now was something of a local hero and icon in his Howard Beach neighborhood, was acquitted. It is widely suspected that the jury was fixed. The FBI then turned the conviction of Gotti, now known as “Teflon Don” into an organizational crusade. Using a combination of undercover operatives, surveillance equipment and spending close to $75 million, Gotti was finally convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992. As a repeat offender, Gotti was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole and sent to federal prison in Marion, Illinois where he died in 2002. ALS signed “Johnny,” on the interior of a 4 x 9.25 greeting card, no date. Gotti writes to Tom and Barbara. In part: “I … am sorry to hear that Barbara is not doing well. I haven’t written because I was very busy with my son’s situation and haven’t even written to my children & grandchildren. And now June thru Aug—with the heat and humidity these cells are like saunas. We have no fans or A. C. and writing is impossible…. By the way, I feel great!” In fine condition. RRAuction COA.
