Criminal Enterprises: The Rise and Fall of New Jersey Crime Families

Criminal Enterprises: The Rise and Fall of New Jersey Crime Families

Hey there, folks! Today, we’re diving into the wild world of New Jersey crime families. Strap in, ’cause we’re about to take a ride through the ups and downs of these notorious organizations. From their heyday to their decline, we’ll explore the ins and outs of these criminal enterprises and the impact they’ve had on the Garden State.

The Glory Days

Back in the day, New Jersey’s traditional organized crime families were a force to be reckoned with. They had their hands in all sorts of illegal activities, from extortion to gambling; you name it, they were probably involved in it. These families were like something out of a movie, with their larger-than-life figures and their web of illegal enterprises[1].

But as they say, what goes up must come down. A series of aggressive prosecutions, exhaustive undercover investigations, and infighting among underworld figures themselves, have left New Jersey’s traditional organized crime families in retreat[1]. The Federal Organized Crime Strike Force and state investigators carried out a series of sensational mob cases, chipping away at the power of mob families and their aura of invincibility[1].

The Decline

Over the next two decades, the families faced a tough time. The Genovese organization, responsible for more than a dozen homicides, saw its power smashed by an inquiry into the Teamsters Local 560, the first New Jersey investigation to use the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute to prosecute a crime gang[1]. Even after the recent conviction on racketeering and murder conspiracy charges of its leader, Vinnie ”the Chin” Gigante, the Genoveses continued to run street crime operations in various counties and had influence along the docks[1].

Despite their decline, the families continued to run a web of illegal enterprises, including extortion and gambling, according to the authorities[3]. Organized crime is alive in New Jersey, if not altogether well. The criminal underworld continues to evolve and thrive in ways that damage the fabric of society[3].

The Impact

These crime families have had a lasting impact on New Jersey. Their activities have damaged the fabric of society, and their influence has been felt across the state. From extortion to gambling, their illegal enterprises have left a mark on the Garden State[3].

Legal Precedents and Implications

The legal battles against these crime families have set important precedents. The use of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute to prosecute crime gangs was a significant step in smashing the power of the Genovese organization[1]. The aggressive prosecutions and exhaustive undercover investigations have shown that law enforcement is committed to taking down these criminal enterprises[1].

However, the continued existence of organized crime in New Jersey highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in eradicating these groups. The resilience of these organizations to law enforcement onslaughts and their ability to evolve and thrive pose significant challenges to the authorities[3].

Defenses and Prosecutions

Recent investigations and prosecutions, such as “Operation Heat,” have shown that law enforcement is actively pursuing these crime families. “Operation Heat” exposed a multi-billion dollar criminal gambling enterprise and underscored the fact that traditional organized crime remains a corrosive presence in New Jersey[5]. By putting the leaders of these crime families in prison, law enforcement has struck a powerful blow against these criminal syndicates and put others on notice that they will continue to pursue them aggressively with far-reaching investigations and prosecutions under tough racketeering laws[5].

The Jersey Shore Connection

Organized crime has a long history at the Jersey Shore. The rapid growth of Monmouth and Ocean counties in the 1960s and 1970s created business opportunities for mob families, leading to the establishment of large-scale gambling and loan-sharking operations in the area[4]. The state’s Investigation Commission held hearings in the early 1970s about organized crime in Ocean County, highlighting the extent of the influence of these crime families in the region[4].

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks. The rise and fall of New Jersey crime families have left a lasting impact on the state. From their glory days to their decline, these organizations have shaped the criminal landscape of New Jersey. While law enforcement has made significant strides in prosecuting and dismantling these crime families, their continued existence poses ongoing challenges. The battle against organized crime in New Jersey continues, and the authorities remain committed to taking down these criminal enterprises.

Sources:

The New York Times
The New York Times
State of New Jersey Commission of Investigation
Asbury Park Press
New Jersey Attorney General’s Office