Mob Story Monday The "LAST" Sit Down with Michael Franzese

Michael Francis: Insights from a Former Colombo Crime Family Member

Introduction to Michael Francis and His Background

• Michael Francis introduces himself as a former caporegime in the Colombo crime family, one of New York's five mafia families.

• He clarifies that his involvement in the gasoline business was primarily to defraud the government out of tax revenue, emphasizing that he did not invent this practice.

The Gasoline Business Scheme

• Francis explains the necessity of creating a system for large-scale tax fraud without getting caught, which he successfully managed for several years.

• He details selling half a billion gallons of gasoline monthly to over 300 stations while operating 18 licensed companies responsible for collecting taxes.

• At the peak of his operation, he generated substantial income—up to six to eight million dollars weekly—though not all went directly into his pocket.

Lifestyle and Operations

• Despite not pocketing all profits, Francis enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with private jets, helicopters, and multiple homes across states.

• His partner Larry Iriza eventually became an informant, leading to the government's discovery of their scheme after years of successful operation.

Power Dynamics within the Mafia

• With significant earnings came power; Francis attracted many associates and had over 300 individuals working under him at one point.

• He maintained communication with other families and ensured his boss was aware of operations while navigating complex licensing issues.

Familial Connections and Rising Tensions

• Michael discusses his father's respected status in organized crime and how his imprisonment affected potential leadership opportunities within the Colombo family.

• Rumors about Michael's growing power led to concerns among leadership about possible disloyalty or intentions to break away from the family structure.

Navigating Family Dynamics and Loyalty in High-Stakes Situations

Conflict with Authority

• The speaker recounts a disagreement with his father regarding following orders, emphasizing the importance of unity: "if we go we're going to go together."

• Despite respecting his father's authority, the speaker expresses frustration over their differing views, leading to a heated argument where he ultimately concedes to his father's wishes.

Covert Operations and Trust

• A call from Captain Jimmy Angelina prompts a covert meeting due to the speaker's boss being on parole, highlighting the need for discretion in their operations.

• The speaker describes the tension of meeting in Brooklyn while ensuring they weren't followed, indicating the high stakes involved in their dealings.

Anticipation and Fear

• As they drive to the meeting location, there is an unsettling silence; Jimmy avoids discussing the purpose of their gathering, increasing anxiety for the speaker.

• Upon arrival at a basement apartment for the meeting, he reflects on the dangers of being part of this life—where trust can lead to fatal outcomes.

Facing Potential Danger

• The speaker experiences intense fear as he approaches what could be a deadly confrontation; vivid sensory details illustrate his heightened state of awareness.

• In moments of fear, he finds himself praying despite not being religious—a testament to human instinct when facing mortality.

Confrontation and Resolution

• Entering the room reveals that instead of immediate danger, he's met with questions about financial dealings; this unexpected turn shifts his focus from fear to defense.

• He defends himself against accusations regarding money flow within their operations but remains cautious about expressing anger towards higher-ups.

Understanding a Critical Moment in Life

Confrontation with Jimmy

• The speaker prepares to confront Jimmy for not preparing him for an upcoming situation, feeling frustrated and betrayed.

• Jimmy counters by questioning if the speaker would have informed him if roles were reversed, highlighting the complexities of their friendship.

• The speaker reflects on his upbringing and acknowledges that this life they lead often comes with unspoken rules and expectations.

Disappointment in Family Dynamics

• Before leaving the car, Jimmy reveals that the speaker's father did not support him during a critical moment, which shocks the speaker.

• The realization dawns on the speaker that instead of defending him, his father distanced himself due to his own legal troubles.

• This revelation leads to feelings of hurt as he recalls how hard he worked to help his father while navigating a life he never aspired to join.

Reflection on Choices and Consequences

• The speaker expresses disappointment in both his father's actions and the lifestyle that has created such distance between them.

• He emphasizes that he entered this life solely to assist his father after receiving a lengthy prison sentence, not out of ambition for mob life.

Fear and Realization

• A pivotal moment occurs when he contemplates what it means for family relationships within their lifestyle; fear becomes intertwined with love and loyalty.

• He chooses not to discuss these feelings with anyone, including his father, understanding that silence can sometimes be safer in their world.

Transformation Through Adversity

• The incident serves as a catalyst for change; it instills fear but also empowers him to consider leaving this life behind.

• He acknowledges facing death as part of this journey but recognizes it gives him strength rather than paralyzing fear.

• Ultimately, walking away from this life is framed as an act of courage despite potential repercussions.

Complex Emotions Towards His Father

• When discussing these events later through writing, the father's reaction reveals deeper layers of misunderstanding between them.

Understanding Disappointment and Moving On

The Nature of Disappointment

• Acknowledges that everyone experiences disappointment, including family members and loved ones. It's a part of being human.

• Emphasizes the importance of moving on from resentment and anger, as holding grudges is detrimental to personal well-being.

Overcoming Fear and Challenges

• Encourages reflection on past fears, highlighting that overcoming them is a testament to resilience.

• Addresses the inevitability of loss in life, particularly during challenging times like a pandemic, stressing the need to cope with grief.

Faith and Beliefs

• Shares personal Christian beliefs about life after death while urging respect for differing views.

• Discusses the implications of faith, suggesting that if Christians are correct about an afterlife, it’s crucial for others to consider their beliefs seriously.

Dealing with Disappointments

• Offers strategies for coping with disappointment by adopting a mindset that accepts setbacks as part of life.

• Reinforces the idea that one should not let disappointments destroy their spirit or hinder progress.

Upcoming Content: Mob Movie Monday

Homework Assignment

• Introduces "Mob Movie Monday," encouraging viewers to watch notable mob films as preparation for discussion.

Recommended Film: HBO's Gotti

• Recommends watching HBO's Gotti (1996), praising its authenticity and performances by Anthony Quinn and Armand Assante.

Anticipation for Discussion