Mob Wives: Sneak Peek Video Season 3 Episode3

Renee Graziano fears for her safety in the Mobfessional.

We love, love, love when the VH1 Gods share a sneak peek of an episode.  It helps get us through our Mob Wives addiction until Sunday arrives.  We get a glimpse of Ramona Rizzo getting her do done.  Renee walks in needing to tell her something.

The something is Renee Graziano's ex-husband Hector "Junior" Pagan has sent her a letter.  Apparently Mr. Pagan doesn't want Renee turning their son against him.  Now I don't know any of the individuals personally.  However, from the little I do see of A.J. Pagan he seems to make it no secret that he loves his mother, father and grandfather.  The situation is unfortunate for all involved.  Watch the video for yourself:

Get More: Mob Wives (Season 3), Mob Wives 3

Do you think the letter was a threat?  Do you think Renee Graziano has seen the last of Hector?  Let us know your thoughts on the video in the comment section if you feel like it.  Tune in on Sunday January 20 to watch Mob Wives @ 8PM on VH1.  Am I the only one who thinks Emilio & Uli were robbed once again on Project Runway All-Stars?  Random, I know.

Picture Credit: VH1

Mob Wives: Pumpkin Seeds, Really Renee, Pumpkin Seeds

The Truth About Pumpkin Seeds

Well Renee announces Junior is/has moved in to her house in episode 8. She claims it’s for AJ’s benefit, but the other women have their doubts. One reason that caused Renee to allow Junior to move in is that he went out and bought her David’s Pumpkin Seeds. Yes, pumpkin seeds!  Now my interest is peaked as to why Renee loves pumpkin seeds so much, almost as much as she loves Junior. Carla smirked at the pumpkin seeds comment, and Karen said, “Pumkin seeds, really Renee? Pumpkin seeds?”

Turns out pumpkin seeds are very nutritious. Who knew? How many of us have been carving pumpkins every Halloween and throwing out the seeds? Well Renee may be having the last laugh on us all. Pumpkin seeds are nothing to laugh at.

Pumpkin seeds are great for prostate health, especially for enlarged prostates.

Pumpkin seeds are good for helping the bladder work better.

They are a great natural anti-inflammatory, so you don’t need to take drugs.

They are a good source of L-tryptophan, which is a natural treatment to fight depression.

They are high in zinc! This is good protection from osteoporosis and preventing colds.

Some studies allege that pumpkin seeds may help prevent kidney stones.

In some parts of the world, pumpkin seeds are used to treat tapeworms and other parasites.

They are a great source of magnesium! A half cup of seeds has 92% of your daily requirement.

They contain certain compounds that help lower cholesterol.

They are a rich source of tryptophan, which is used by the body to make serotonin, which has a calming effect on the mind and for good sleep and as aide for insomnia.

Put them in pesto sauce instead of pine nuts, put them in meatloaf, salads and anywhere you can think of because they are very healthy.

They are also said to boost the libido and increase the sex drive.

*Baseball players eat them as an healthy alternative to chewing tobacco (for Linda)

So Karen, I think I can speak for Renee when I say, “Yes, pumpkin seeds Karen, pumpkin seeds!”



Mob Wives: Renee Graziano Interview With Cherry Martinez

Part 6: The Priest Story!

This 6 part radio interview, on Cherryontopdotcom, with Renee took place on May 9 to May 11, and I found Renee to be playful, charming, engaging, funny, entertaining AND all with no cursing. The interviewer, Cherry, had known Renee before the show and they had a great rapport. It was relaxed and easy going and I really enjoyed it. There is maybe 40 to 45 minutes of viewing from the 6 parts, that you can watch at various times, that touch on different subjects in Renee’s life. Let’s get down to business!


Part 1: Renee brings Cherry a gift of earrings from “Rich Rocks,” a company that makes fake jewelry and Renee loves it. At this point we are only 3 episodes into the show. The subject of Jail Mail Inc comes up first. Renee explains that she has spent 25 years dealing with her loved ones being in jail. Her father has currently been in prison for 11.5 years and Junior is in and out, and due to go back. She plans to have Jail Mail Inc up and running by the end of the first season. Her website will send cards to inmates for you to loved ones, once you register. This is not about the money for Renee, in fact it’s very personal. She has written 8 to 10 thousand letters to inmates over the past 25 years. It’s all about supporting loved ones who look forward to their “mail call” and listen for their names. She knows first hand how important her own letters have been to her loved ones.

Part 2: AJ Pagan is the topic of this segment. When they went to Florida in April, AJ told Renee that she didn’t need sunglasses because she wouldn’t be recognized. No sooner they step off the elevator and take three steps they here “OMG, OMG! Are you AJ from Mob Wives?” The young girls recognize him and he is taken aback by it, but he is a very well grounded young man. He was never star struck as a child and Renee has always worked with famous people, but it has never affected him.

What was AJ’s reaction to Junior’s (Hector Pagan) Mob Bust. AJ seems very strong, but Renee always wants to know how he is feeling and keeps trying to get him to open up. AJ doesn’t react, he has to be strong, and he didn’t have a normal childhood. His father went away when he was four or five and he has known prison visits all his life. His father, Junior, has been in prison 6.5 years of his life. AJ credits Renee with teaching him how to be strong and she feels maybe she hasn’t given herself enough credit for being a good role model to him.

What are the misconceptions of prison life? Renee says that people should understand that everybody is a human being regardless of what they did. She doesn’t fault the government for doing their job and has no ill will towards prisoners, who were doing their jobs, maybe not the right jobs. But everyone is human, everyone has a heart. So stick together and support your loved ones.

Part 3: How did all the women meet? Renee credits her sister, Jenn Graziano, of JustJenn Productions, who is the Executive Producer and Creator of the show with it’s success and bringing together all the women. Renee has known Carla since she was 16 and met her when Carla was dating a friend of hers. Karen and Renee were friends since early childhood because of their fathers, but lost communication when Sammy turned informant and Renee was told never to speak to Karen again. Renee says she met Drita about 15 years ago. Karen and Drita are both long time best friends of Jenn and Renee is friends with Carla and that is how they all got together.

The Mob Bust was reported to be the largest in US History says Renee, and there ended up being 135 mobsters arrested. She describes Junior (Hector Pagan) as her ex-husband, her best friend, the person she likes fighting with the most, the one who protects her, the person she loved most. When the phone rang at 5am, she knew immediately what to do. She yells up to AJ to get dressed because they have to go to court. She refers to herself as pathetic because she continues to allow her ex-husband’s problems to become hers, but the reality is he is still her son’s father, and they are still there for each other. She claims she is not still in love with Junior, she loves him to death, but there is nothing romantic between them. But, they have never really severed all ties and moved on. Renee feels she needs to let go in order to have a healthy relationship with someone new.

Part 4: The popularity of the show! An estimated 2.2 people watched the show the first two weeks it aired. Why is that? Renee says the girl fight must be responsible and laughs. Cherry wants to know if it’s all “real.” Renee answers, the only thing fake about her is her nose. She gives 100%, there is no acting involved. So what does the future hold for Renee? Renee says she would love to “act.” because she has always been a drama queen. After the series ends she will go where God takes her. She is focused on Jail Mail Inc right now. She would also like to write a book. She is open to ideas. She is happy right now and the show is helping her find her identity.

How does her family feel about the show? Renee explains that her father, Anthony "T G" Graziano doesn’t speak to her now because of the show. After she made the decision to do the show he told her “you made your bed, sleep in it.” He told her he loves her and he would always love and protect her, but they could no longer talk to each other. He is not comfortable with her speaking so freely about her life. She respects that and her father. But, She says she needs to live her own life; her father lived his and he has her mother, they will be married 50 years, they’re good. This is about Renee, and not in a selfish way, Renee needs to know who she is. Her mother loves her.

What has she learned about herself from the show? Renee’s list is impressive, she learned: to stop whining, to depend on herself, not wait for a man to do things for her, she’s a better mother because she is giving AJ a better direction in life, she needs to diet because the cameras are abusing her by adding weight, she has learned to live and let live and not to take things so personally.

Part 5: How do the other women treat her? Renee replies that her sister, Jenn, treats them all the same, she does not get any kind of special treatment just because they are sisters. Jenn is a businesswoman and there is no playing around. In fact, she says that Jenn treats her much the same way AJ does, by telling her off when she needs it. The other women consider her to be emotional, overly sensitive and a drama queen. Renee says she didn’t choose to be a drama queen because she likes it---it’s due to the “life” and how she was raised. She said that Karen showing up at her door after the Mob Bust was “out of left field” and unexpected…just like when she showed up at Carla’s party.

How does Staten Island feel about Renee? What does she encounter at the supermarket, for example. She says she has been stopped everywhere she goes and so far, outside of two people, it’s been all positive. Renee doesn’t care if you love the show or hate it, as long as you watch it, she is good with it.

Does AJ have to deal with Renee “haters”? So far no, says Renee, but she prays it never happens because her son is off limits. She is not saying she is threatening, but he is an innocent child, he shouldn’t have to defend his mother. He lives his own life and if anyone decides to attack him in any way, they will be answering to her and his daddy too. There is no playing around when it comes to AJ.

Part 6:  Does AJ have groupies? If he does, he hasn’t told Renee, but there are a lot of young girls following him and he gets recognized everywhere. Renee says he is so, so humble and she goes to him with everything she can. He is in public school now, but he was in a private school. Here’s a little story Renee enjoyed telling and I enjoyed hearing…for me, best part of the interview! AJ went to Catholic school and he hadn’t made his Confirmation yet. So the priest called him “pagan” instead of Pagan. AJ corrected him, and said it’s “Pagan.” The priest says it’s “pagan” until you make your Confirmation. (Uh oh!) Well, Renee paid the priest a little visit. She knocks on his door and yells, “No, it’s GRAZIANO! Got that!?!   I’m not playing with my son.” She tells him not to call him “pagan” because AJ believes in God and that a foul thing to do. The priest said he hadn’t meant anything except that AJ hadn’t made Confirmation. She answered, not making Confirmation is one thing, but calling “pagan” in front of everybody at school? And then she removed him from the school (and converted me into her fan). She said nothing bothers AJ, but this bothered him. Renee tells the story better than I do, you must have a listen!

Her advice for women with men in the mob? She sings, “Stand By Your Man.” that’s her advice. If you love, him stick it out. If you have children who want their father in their life, stick it out. But if you don’t love the guy set him free and move on and set yourself free too.

There are a few more little tidbits here are there, in the interview. Renee does a great job and I am so glad I finally had the time to watch it. This week I am on “Team Renee!”

Picture and video credit: Cherryontopdotcom, 105.1 Radio Station
Link to parts 2 - 6  Part 2 of 6 Renee and Cherry  on youtube.com

Mob Wives: Recap Ep 107 Total Chaos

All hell breaks loose!

At Renee’s house the fighting continues! Renee claims she set up this dinner so they could discuss their issues calmly, but it’s anything but calm. Carla tells Renee she doesn’t want her boyfriend’s name coming out of her mouth any more. Then things get very physical, the lighting is dark and it’s hard to tell what is going on and who is hitting who. Karen describes it as “all madness broke out.” Renee continues to complain that AJ saw the texts and heard the boyfriend say foul things on the speakerphone. Karen thinks Drita looks like she is going to go after Renee so Karen steps in to protect Renee.

Drita has a revelation, “this is Carla and Renee’s fight” so maybe she shouldn’t get so involved. Karen yells at Renee to sit down. Renee believes Carla is screaming at her because she doesn’t want to hear the truth. Then Renee has a “light bulb moment” and says she never raises her hands to anyone, and is upset with herself. She can’t believe all of this fighting was over a guy! Renee says she was seriously concerned for Carla and she thinks she deserves the best. Carla feels Renee is wrong to make so much out of it, because Carla is the one who knows him. Carla feels she knows what kind of person he is and how she feels about him.

Karen takes it upon herself to explain Renee’s position. Renee keeps yelling so Karen yells at Renee to “SHUT UP!” Karen explains that Renee was trying to tell Carla, as a friend, her opinion and how she feels. That’s what a true friend does. Karen tells Renee to stop, because now it’s done. Renee is angry, but realizes she has to let it go.

Drita is annoyed because Renee has no business talking to Karen about her and Lee. Then Karen brings up the Lee situation and says it’s not about Lee it’s about her and Drita. Drita really wants this to be the last time they talk about this. Karen explains how she felt betrayed by Drita. Drita doesn’t see it as being disloyal because Lee and Karen were broken up; it’s not like she stole him away from her. Karen had already moved on with someone else and had a baby, so Drita felt it was over. Carla agrees with Drita. She says this happened over 13 years ago; Karen left with a kid and another man so why does she need Drita to apologize? Drita wants to know what Karen wants her to do about it now, because she can’t turn back time and change anything. Karen just wants her to admit what she did, it’s about loyalty and trust. She wants her to acknowledge she did something wrong.

Renee steps in to make it clearer for Drita. She says that Drita should tell her that she is sorry, you were my friend and I hurt you. Karen starts to cry and is upset. She tells Drita that she was hurt because they were good friends and she didn’t call her to tell her she was dating Lee. Drita feels bad to see Karen hurt and crying and says she is sorry, she would never hurt Karen on purpose or let anyone else hurt her. They hug. I think I speak for “everyone” when I say, I really hope this is the last we hear of Karen, Lee and Drita’s storyline. They have sucked all the drama out of it and given Karen another chapter to add to her book.

Renee says she is done with Carla’s boyfriend. She said what she needed to say and now it’s up to Carla. Really Renee? That’s good news for viewers, but is Carla’s boyfriend done? In yesterday’s blog, Carla’s Boyfriend “Speaks Out” Via Lisa Falsone?, a third party had posted “his” side of the story on Carla’s Facebook Fan Page, indicating he wanted the truth to come out. Check out that blog for all the details, it’s very interesting.

They all make up and have a glass of wine! They “fight hard but they love harder.” They toast to new beginnings and drink to family. I’ve got to hand it to these four women. After a screaming, knock down, hair pulling, fist fighting, down on the floor, shoes off brawl, they are able to toast to the future, even before you can say, “marinara sauce.” Come to think of it, what happened to dinner?

The next day at Carla’s house, Drita drops by. They both complain about how exhausted they are from the brawl the night before, and these are the “gymnasts!”. They didn’t even get a chance to eat. Oh well, more for Junior and AJ. Carla hates it when Renee gets in her face. Drita couldn’t believe that Karen had been carrying on and on for a simple “I’m sorry.” Still, she hated to see her hurting. They both have a nice little laugh over it.

Renee and Karen meet for lunch. Karen feels they all got their issues out. Renee adds, she doesn’t want Carla’s boyfriend to touch her. Then she reveals that Junior has been staying with her and spending time with AJ before he goes to prison, it’s nothing romantic. Karen tells Renee she needs to be careful with Junior in the house, they aren’t good for each other. Renee tells her she needs to date, but she is looking for the right man. Karen suggests she try online dating and look for a normal guy who hasn’t been in prison. I think Renee is still too attached to Junior to go looking for anyone, even after all these years, and I can’t even imagine who her “Mr. Right” might be.

Carla meets her friends Etta and Eleanor for dinner at Cebu Restaurant. They all used to work on Wall Street. Carla was a sales assistant at a stock firm and met Joe Ferragamo there. Interesting, no? Then one day he got fired and so did she! When they got married everyone thought they were the ideal couple, and perfect family. Now he is getting out of prison in two weeks after being locked up for 6 years. Carla is concerned that Joe may be in shock, he has no wife, no house, no family, no job. I guess Carla doesn’t subscribe to the “stand by your man” mob wife mentality? She’s been dating over a year so far as we know. I wonder when the marriage was “over” for her and why she hasn’t make it official?

At Renee’s house, Drita shows up and starts to help Renee with the online dating that Karen suggested. Drita helps her to fill out the questionnaire on the dating site. She wants a man with a good sense of humor and strong enough to withstand her drama. Can such a man even exist, I wonder? Then Renee says she is a “loser.” What can she say her hobbies are? She writes to men in prison and goes there for visits? She is not happy with the response to her profile. No sooner the profile is up and an “Antonio” contacts her in an instant message (IM). He wants to talk on the phone. He is too eager. Renee found it stressful and didn’t like it. She tells Drita to shut down the computer.

Karen goes to the airport to pick up her daughter Karina for a visit. The two really seem to have missed each other and were so happy to see each other. Karen remarks that Karina has grown and developed and says, “my baby is home.” I really think Karen and her daughter have a good mother-daughter relationship. It’s one of the few bright spots of the show.

Karen shares her memories of Staten Island with Karina

Back at Drita’s house, the sexy pictures for Lee arrive. She goes through them all and loves them. She did this to keep the “spark” alive in their marriage. She asks Giselle which picture she likes and Giselle answers, “ I like you naked.” Drita laughs, and tells her she isn’t naked, she is wearing a bathing suit. Of course, she wasn’t far from naked either. She mails them right out to Lee.

Carla and Drita go to lunch. Carla tells Drita that Joe will be coming home in a couple of weeks, after being away for 6 years. Joe has to go to a halfway house. Drita tells her that it’s in a bad area, they fire gunshots there in the afternoon. Drita has a fleeting thought about Lee getting out and how happy she would feel, but Carla and Joe won’t be together.

At Carla’s house there is a big dinner. Drita and Karen come over with their kids. Karen laments that the kids get cheated out of a relationship with their fathers in this lifestyle, because they are always away in jail. Jojo, Carla’s son, get spiteful and misbehaves. There are only girls at the dinner party. Carla feels that when Joe gets out of prison he will help Jojo behave better, that’s what she is looking forward to. I think she is looking for a babysitter so she can party and date, but that’s just my take on it.

Renee’s friend Nikole comes by for a visit and they discuss the online dating. Renee says she thinks they are all psychos. She isn’t happy with the results she is getting. She thinks this would be the perfect time for her to start dating because AJ will be going to college and Junior will be going to prison. Renee doesn’t trust men let alone strangers. A minute later, she deletes her account.

Carla receives a phone call from Joe. He has 10 minutes to talk. He is coming home in two weeks and has to stay at the halfway house for a month. She wants to prepare a bag of clothes for him with underwear, socks, T-shirts, in a duffle bag. She says she will always help him.

Renee pops into the therapist office. Dating is a major concern, she hasn’t had a healthy relationship in years. She wants the opposite (meaning no disrespect) of what she has had. She wants a normal life, a guy with a regular job who comes home for dinner. The therapist says, “You exude what you attract.” (Shouldn’t it be you attract what you exude?) In order for her to have a normal life she needs to live a normal life. She tells Renee, either you are totally sick of the life style, so much so that you change it, or you are not. She doesn’t think Renee has gotten to that point yet. And, I don’t think she has gotten there yet either.

At Drita’s house there is a phone call from the NYS Correctional Facility from Lee. Lee got the pictures from Drita and he liked them. She enjoys conversations with Lee, that‘s all they have. He tells her the pictures are really nice. They discuss her breast size. She tells him they got bigger after she had the kids and then she got them done. The picture he liked best was the one of her in the bathing suit, wearing the fur jacket. She asks herself why she wants to make him happy when she isn’t. She tells him that he did three things right in his life, marry her and create his two girls. She wants her family to stay together.

I have to add my two cents now. I am so glad Karen and Drita made up, finally! I’m not sure the Renee, Carla and boyfriend issue is totally resolved because from the developments reported in yesterday’s blog, it seems the boyfriend is not happy with how he has been portrayed. Also, if we have learned anything at all from watching the show, it’s that Renee never let’s anything go.

The online dating is a waste of time for Renee. She isn’t about to settle down with a “normal” guy because she will never be done with the mob “lifestyle.” She is still going to restaurants and saying out loud, for everyone to hear, “I’m Anthony Graziano’s daughter!” She is still bailing out Junior. She is starting “Jail Mail Inc.” She is hanging out with “Mob Wives.” She quotes the “rules” of the mob on a daily basis: it’s all about loyalty and respect. It’s so ingrained in her that she can never do what the therapist said, and walk away from it. And frankly, I don’t think she wants to. She is very happy with her “Mob Princess” title and wears her crown with pride. I think she would go back to Junior in a heartbeat, but it’s really Junior who is avoiding a reconciliation.

As for Joe Ferragamo and Carla dearest, I have a few words to say. You knew I would! After the first show, where Carla says she doesn’t consider “stock fraud” a crime, I did a little research on Mr. Ferragamo. You can read his detailed “resume” on our second “most popular” blog list on your right. He was quite good at stock fraud, and it wasn’t a one time deal. It turns out that Carla was a sales assistant at a stock firm, which is where she met Joe. I was wondering how they met. She had to tell him that “he was doing ‘it’ all wrong.” Then she confesses that he got fired and she did too, right after him. This was an “Ah, ha moment for me!” What can anyone make of that? I’ll tell you what it sounds like to me. It sounds like he was doing something illegal with the stock and Carla was well aware of it and maybe participated in it, for them both to get fired. Carla is not so innocent as she would like us to believe. So, for old times sake, she is going to pack him a bag for the halfway house filled with socks and underwear. He seems fine with that. I’ll add that, from the pictures, Joe appears to be a very good looking man. However, I reserve judgment until I see what he looks like now, because six years in prison can really age a person.

That’s all I am going to say for now. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs keeping you up to date on current news as well as background history. We when know about it, you’ll know about it! Have a good week!

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Mob Wives: Debra Gravano, Karen’s Mother

Typically, mob wives didn’t play a very active role in the mob business. Their role was to keep the house nice and take care of the kids. They cooked and cleaned. They weren’t involved in the crimes, they weren’t told anything about mob business, they didn’t ask where the money came from. But, all that seems to be changing in recent years. Just on “Mob Wives” alone, we have a few women, actually daughters of mobsters, who have participated and gotten into their own share of trouble with various criminal activities. Jenn, the executive producer, was involved in Hector Pagan’s marijuana distribution ring, Lana, her older sister, was involved in her husband’s tax fraud, and Karen played a part in her father’s Ecstasy ring in Arizona.

However, there is one wife who eventually got tangled up in her husband’s business, Debra Gravano. The Ecstasy ring in Arizona seems to have been a family affair, with all four of the Gravanos involved to one degree or another. I got curious as to what was Debra’s role in all this. This is a woman who married one of the most infamous gangsters in recent mob history, Sammy Gravano. A woman, who after learning her husband played a role in the murder and dismemberment of her own brother, Nicholas Scibetta, still went and joined her husband in Arizona and became part of his drug distribution ring. I am almost at a loss for words to go on, but go on I shall.

The first time law enforcement heard about the Arizona drug ring operated by Gravano, was in 1999. They soon learned that Debra, his wife, was working with her son Gerard at “Marathon” Construction Company (the same name Sammy used for his company in NY). The police wire taps captured many conversations. One conversation was between Gerard and Sammy. Gerard tells Sammy that his mother wants to know if it’s okay to lend Papa $70 for gas receipts. Sammy says yes, tell her to bring it to work tomorrow. Translation: Debra Gravano was to take $70,000 from the home safe and loan it to Papa to buy drugs. The next morning Debra arrives with the money at the construction company. Then there were three follow up calls between Debra and Sammy.

Sammy calls Debra and, in an angry accusatory tone, tells her the money was short by $5,000. She insists it was all there, she counted the $70,000 herself.  Sammy calls a second time, still aggravated about the shortage because this was the second time a delivery was short, and he thinks Debra is the one who is taking the money. In the third call, Sammy admits to Debra that the money was all there, he had just miscounted it.

The police eventually got enough evidence to arrest the whole Gravano family, and many others involved in the ring. They were indicted in early 2000. Debra plead guilty to “one count of illegally conducting an enterprise” and received 5 years probation. She was allegedly active in the smuggling of the ecstasy and the money she was holding was used to buy more ecstasy. This operation took one million dollars out of Arizona’s economy to purchase illegal drugs and then there were the expenses of the consequences in loss of health, danger to public safety, welfare expenses and harming those who used the drugs, all additional expenses the state had to bear.

On November 18, 2003, the Attorney General for the State of Arizona, ordered Debra and Sammy Gravano to pay the sum of $805,713.41 to the State of Arizona, as reimbursement for monies spent to investigate and prosecute the activities of their drug ring.

I have to wonder how much, if anything, they paid back on that judgment.

Mob Wives: Hector Pagan aka Junior

Hector “Junior” Pagan

Hector Pagan, better know as “Junior,” was married to Renee Graziano and is the father of her son, AJ or Anthony John. He has had his share of run ins with the law over the years. Back in the early 2000s he was involved in a large marijuana distribution ring along with sister-in-law, Jenn Graziano. Then, in early January of this year, he was picked up, along with over 40 other mobsters, and indicted on illegal gambling charges.

However, back on December 13, 2006, during an investigation leading to the arrest of a dozen mobsters, Pagan reportedly almost ended up being a victim of a "rubout."   A Staten Island crew of the Colombo crime family, run by Michael and Anthony Souza, were arrested for allegedly planning the murder of Hector Pagan, a Bonanno family associate at the time.   Hector allegedly disrespected Michael Sousa over a financial dispute.

Federal agents taped telephone conversations in August and September 2006, in which Michael Sousa told Pagan, "I am going to smash your f-ing head in," according to the indictment. Also, during the conversation, Michael allegedly brags about how much he enjoys violence. He was quoted as saying, "I beat people up with chairs, barstools, I cut a guy's eye out of his head with a wine glass.” The threat of physical harm was established.

In a document, United States vs. Sousa, dated March 19, 2008, it was revealed that Sousa discussed the murder of Pagan with a cooperating witness. On December 7^th, 2006, the cooperating witness agreed to record a conversation with Sousa, about the planned surprise attack that would supposedly end in murder, in which Sousa stated that he planned to use a silencer on Pagan. Sousa then went under the dashboard of his car to show the witness the homemade silencer he intended to use.The indictment was the end of an eight month long DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) investigation for crimes committed between January 2004 and August 2006. Charges against the crew included racketeering, robbery, assault, weapon possession, loan sharking, gambling and drug dealing.

Mob Wives: Recap Ep 104 Do You Know Who I Am



It’s the day after the mob bust and Renee is talking to her friend about Junior being out on bail. The lawyer says it’s just gambling charges this time, so he’ll probably only get 18 months. Renee also tells her that AJ was devastated. Then Renee announces she is having a psychic party, which are very popular in Staten Island, because she wants to know what will happen next. Don’t we all?

Drita chats with Carla and says she hasn’t seen Renee since the party. Carla advises her to text Renee and talk it out. Drita texts: “Sorry about what happened--dinner?” Renee is still mad at Drita, first for being disrespectful at the party and second, because she didn’t come over the day of the mob bust.

Karen pays Drita a visit. They talk about Renee and Karen’s visit to see her after the news of the mob bust came out. Karen and Renee have made up, but Drita is now on the outs. Karen asks if she knows about the psychic party Renee is throwing. Drita says she didn’t know about it, but Renee will probably tell her at dinner when they make up.

Karen ends up at Renee’s house and Renee takes out some wine. The two of them talk about Drita. Renee is pissed off and Karen makes it worse by repeated something that Drita said at Carla’s party: “She said she wants to ring your dumb tw-- neck!” Renee can’t believe it, she never heard her say that. All she heard was “Get the F-bomb out of here!” Now, after hearing that, Renee decides she is NOT going to dinner with Drita and she calls a leaves a voice mail cancelling dinner because she can’t get over not being respected. Then Renee escalates the drama for Karen’s benefit, she yells she is “tired of hearing how tough Drita and Lee are” and then adds, her soon-to-be famous line, “You want to play Mafia Wars? I win, B*tch!”

Carla is at home with her kids. She has been raising them alone for 6 years. Joey Ferragamo went away when they were 2 and a half. Her son is very disrespectful and it’s obvious Carla doesn’t know how to handle him at all. Joey calls from prison and she tells him about how bad and disrespectful his son is being, but she doesn’t have to finish because, while Joey is on the phone, he can hear his son for himself. Joey decides to give his son a lecture over the phone about respecting his mother. His son isn’t even listening. It’s a farce. But, Joey will be getting out soon, and Carla thinks that will make all the difference with his son…I don’t. I get the feeling this was all staged and little “Joseph” was told to “act” up just for the sake of creating a television scene full of drama for Carla. Carmen, her daughter, was right there and didn’t say a word, but Joseph Jr. was bad mouthing his mother left and right. What are the odds that the cameras were there rolling just when Joey Ferragamo calls AND his son is having a field day “disrespecting” his mother? Coincidence???

Drita is getting ready for dinner with Renee. She decides to play her voice mail messages and, she hears the one from Renee, cancelling dinner at the last minute. Drita is already dressed to go out, so of course she calls Carla, who drops everything as usual, to head out to meet Drita. Carla can’t believe Renee cancelled. Neither of them know what is wrong with Renee, but Carla is mad that Renee cancelled because she wants this issue between Drita and Renee resolved. I keep asking myself why doesn’t Carla mind her own business and let them figure it out? Seems to me she would be better off spending her time disciplining her son. Funny thing, she never mentions Joey’s call from prison to anyone too.

Renee sees her therapist. She tells her every time she sees Junior she gets sucked back into the lifestyle she is desperate to leave. The therapist says she can’t or won’t say “no” to Junior. For some reason she can’t or won’t break free of Junior, even after the divorce. She tells Renee she needs not to be influenced or co-dependent on him. Renee says she wants a normal life, not the mob life, but she doesn’t do anything to break the cycle. I think she still cares for Junior and not just because he is the father of her son, AJ.

Drita and Carla meet up at the Nail/Spa. Carla tells Drita she is going to Renee’s psychic party and wants Drita to come. Neither of them know what Renee’s problem is. Carla still wants it resolved and over with. Then they have a good laugh over the fact that since Renee made up with Karen, she is now mad at Drita, and that Carla will be next.

Finally, it’s time for the psychic party at Renee’s. It’s kind of a big let down. Drita has not been invited because Renee wants positive energy there. The psychic does some very quick, boring readings. She tells AJ that he is wise for his years, probably because of his lifestyle, and she sees the judge coming down hard on Junior. Karen tells the psychic she is back in Staten Island trying to make amends with everyone and the psychic tells her “battles are coming.” Renee wants her reading done in front of everyone. The psychic tells Renee this is an “opportunity to look over old relationships, see who stays and who goes.” She mentions a Scorpio, Junior is a Scorpio. Renee needs a clean break from Junior. The psychic also says she needs to see “who her friends (girlfriends) are and who they aren’t.” She mentions an Aquarius, Drita is Aquarius. She says “Aquarius people like to hide in a crowd and needs to be dealt with one on one.” Renee now decides she needs to meet with Drita. As for the predictions, they were lame. I think letting go of Junior is convenient because he should be heading back to prison soon. As far as meeting Drita, one on one, this is a very nice set up, for an upcoming scene, to fill air time. I didn’t see that one coming…NOT!

Back at Carla’s house the kids are at it again. Carla’s mother was there too, she happens to live around the corner. Somehow I pictured Carla’s mother differently in my mind, as an older, classy woman. Instead, she looked like a mean old lady. Carla’s says her father went to jail when she was in her 20’s. Her mother never hid it from her and now she is questioning whether she should have hid it from her kids. Her mother says yes, she was right to do that, they were too young and after all their father isn’t a bad person--“big deal” (as far as the crimes he committed). Carla decides that Joe is the one that should tell them about his being in prison, she doesn’t want them hearing it from someone else. Finally, she has figured out what I have been saying all along. Can I just mention here that Carla admitted to her father being in jail when she was very young (maybe 7), now she admits he also went to jail while she was in her twenties, BUT she never admits he was working for the mob, like his brother Bruno. People don’t go to jail for nothing.

Renee and Drita meet for dinner so Renee can confront Drita about disrespect. They discuss how they both have bad tempers (that wins the award for understatement of the year). Renee says she did not like being threatened and Drita counters with, “BUT I never did anything.” They are both strong willed and will not back down in a fight. Then, as you would expect, Drita feels she needs to apologize again. Drita insightfully says, that she thinks the stress from their lifestyle causes them to take it out on each other.

Renee and Karen go out for drinks and a jerk comes over to Karen telling her he wants to show her some sexual pictures. Renee gets irritated and tells him to apologize. “Do you know who I am?” says Renee. The jerk couldn’t care less. That riles her up and she calls Junior and orders him to get down to the Z1 Lounge right now, or he will need to bail her out. Renee waits outside for Junior, but Karen tells her that Junior could be arrested if he gets into trouble while out on bail. Renee gets nervous and realizes she did the wrong thing calling Junior. Too bad Karen couldn’t tell her that while she was making the call. He gets there in his expensive white car. He starts looking for the jerk. Renee tries to get Junior to leave, but now that he is there and angry, he not going anywhere. So Renee stops trying to get him to leave and gives him a description of the jerk and tells him where he is. Nice going, Renee. Junior goes up to him and wants to know “what’s the problem with him and his ex-wife?’ The audio of the film stops and cameras back off while Junior “chats” with Jerk. After a couple of minutes with Junior, the jerk comes out and apologizes very nicely to Renee. Junior drives off after Renee slaps a big wet kiss on him.

“Loyalty, love, respect, honesty, trust“….that’s what the lifestyle is all about for Renee.

Well, my skeptical, cynicism is in full bloom. Who thinks this was a legitimate jerk who just happened to be at the Z1 lounge? My hand is not going up. I think he was a bad “actor,” a friend, relative or whatever, sent in there to create this scene. More scripted manipulation, if you ask me. The women no sooner sit down to chat when the jerk catches Karen’s eye and walks right over. I barely heard him say anything before Renee went ballistic. Why wasn’t there a bouncer, a bartender or a manager on the spot immediately to handle the situation. Renee yells loud enough so that everyone had to be aware of the problem. For that matter, why didn’t one of the camera people or film crew get involved? No one stopped her from calling Junior or stopped taping the scene. Surely someone (film crew, restaurant employees and patrons at the lounge) could have helped these poor damsels in distress?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode, feel free to leave a comment!

　

Mob Wives: Recap Ep 103 Mob Bust

Before the recap, a little background on the news. On January 20, 2011, the biggest FBI mob bust in the history of New York took place, with over 100 suspected mobsters (reports go as high as 127) arrested for a variety of Federal charges which include illegal gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. The suspects include members from all five New York families and one New Jersey Family. Many high ranking mafia men were involved. Of course, the main significance for VH1’s Mob Wives is that Hector “Junior” Pagan, Renee Graziano’s ex-husband, was among those arrested. If you have never read an indictment, here is Count 57, page 116, of the indictment located at the following link http://www.justice.gov/opa/documents/1-20-2011-russo.pdf  which reads as follows:

COUNT FIFTY-SEVEN

(Illegal Gambling – Sports Betting)

250. In or about September 2010, within the Eastern District of New York and elsewhere, the defendants JOSEPH SAVARESE and HECTOR PAGAN, also known as “Junior,” together with others, did knowingly and intentionally conduct, finance, manage, supervise, direct and own all or part of an illegal gambling business, to wit: a gambling business involving bookmaking, which operated in violation of the laws of New York State, to wit: New York Penal Law Sections 225.05 and 20.00, which involved five or more persons who conducted, financed, managed, supervised, directed and owned all or part of such business and which remained in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days and had a gross revenue of at least $2,000 in any single day.

So now you have seen the official reason why Renee is hysterical about the “Mob Bust.” Now on to the episode three’s recap!
　
Drita visit’s the Secret Gardens Spa with her friend, Michelle, for a pedicure. She is ranting about Lee, she talks about her past, at age 24, when she lost everything the day he was taken to prison. She has moved 11 times in 13 years, like a gypsy. And now he tells her he may be in prison another 2 or 3 years like it’s nothing! She says is so used to being along that maybe she wants to be alone now. I would agree with her, and maybe if the show remains successful, she can go it alone.

Back at Karen’s apartment, Karen is talking to her writing coach, Carmela, who gives her two assignments. First, she has to write about her feelings in a journal and second she needs to visit her old home, her father’s old office, and try to recapture her feelings from the past. Karen tells Carmela that being in that lifestyle taught her that being bad equals respect. So, after her father became an informant, she became gangster and got involved with his ecstasy trafficking ring in Arizona. She dodged a “bullet” that time because she only got probation.

Renee is stressed out so she decides to go fur shopping. She is mad at “Junior” for not doing his share of the parenting. She mentions her first fur, a white fox, that she got when she was seven years old. She tries on several furs, one of which costs $5,995. She doesn’t bat an eye at the price. She leaves the store with a new fur…furs make her feel “womanly.” Personally, I never knew a woman who was able to buy herself a fur coat because she was frustrated, especially a struggling, single mom. Remember what Jenn said at the start of the series? Jenn Graziano : “I want everyone to know that these women are just like anyone else, like any other single mom out there. The show to me is really about the struggles, trials and tribulations these women go through and hopefully conquer throughout the season.” Maybe they should leave fur shopping out?

Karen goes to visit Sammy “The Bull’s” office in Brooklyn. She needs to put herself back in that mind frame. Seeing her father’s old construction office brings her back to 1985 all over again. She reveals half the men who worked there are dead or in prison. Karen’s old house is in Staten Island. She tells a story of how she was trying to sneak out one night, from the bathroom window, and her father was there ready to shoot her in the head, thinking someone was breaking in. Sammy bought the house purposely near a highway so the Feds could not do any type of surveillance near the property. Good thinking!

Renee is at her house peeling an orange. She says she separated from “Junior” when AJ was four and divorced when he was six. She tells AJ his father wasn’t there for him. Renee seems more upset about it than AJ does. She is going on and on about it. She feels AJ is hiding his feelings and anything that hurts him, kills her. He tells his mother he is sixteen and has it under control. She wants to protect him. AJ seems to reluctantly give his mom a hug to “shut her up;” my kids do that too.

Aleeya and Drita are making a scrapbook for Lee. Aleeya thinks her father may be coming home soon. Drita doesn’t have the heart to tell her it may be years before he is released. They talk about going to visit Lee at prison. Aleeya says she doesn’t want to drive the six hours, but Drita thinks it’s just an excuse because it upsets her to go there. Aleeya sheds a few tears which causes Drita to shed a few too. Seeing that her daughter is hurt is more than she can bare. I didn’t think the prison visit was a good idea myself. In my opinion, Drita needs to tell her daughter the truth, especially with the show airing details of their personal lives. I would want my kids to hear things from me, not friends, neighbors, the internet or television.

MOB BUST! The largest single mob bust in the history of the FBI takes place. More than 100 organized crime members are arrested. Renee yells at AJ to turn on the news. Renee learns of it when her phone rang at 5:30 am and Junior’s girlfriend tells her about his arrest and how the FBI ransacked the house. Renee starts asking the girlfriend questions, she needs the information to pass on to the lawyer. Renee is afraid Junior will not be able to get out because he was still on probation. Renee is emotional and freaking out. She doesn’t know what to do so she calls her dear friend, Carla. She tells Carla what happened and how no one had a heads up about it. Renee expects Carla to come over. Carla tells her to call the lawyer and that she is going to the gym. Renee is disappointed to say the least.

Drita talks to Renee, she is concerned and wants to see if Renee is okay. But, Drita is not concerned enough to go running over there to support her. Instead she answers her door and Carla is there. Carla left the gym and went straight to Drita’s. Somehow my skepticism radar is up, especially by what happens next.

Renee’s doorbell rings. OMG it’s Karen Gravano! She came to see Renee after hearing about Junior’s arrest. She wants to put what was said at the party aside for now. This is about being there for Renee, mother to mother. Renee is shocked, but softens up towards Karen. Of all her friends, Karen is the one who showed up. Renee thanks her for coming. I was surprised too. I am getting the feeling that Carla and Drita were told to stay home and Karen was told to show up for dramatic effect. As Renee says, it’s all about loyalty and if it was her, she would have been at their houses immediately.

Drita and Carla talk about going over to Renee’s, so they call. Renee says she is mentally exhausted, but she is actually mad at both of them for not going to see her when they heard the news. She tells them Karen was just there to show her “complete support.” Every Italian knows that was a “guilt bomb” she dropped right there! It must have gotten Drita thinking that they should have been the ones to be there supporting Renee all morning. Gee ya think? Drita gets the prize for picking up on Renee’s passive-aggressive dig.

Karen calls her brother Gerard to ask about her daughter, Karina. She has started writing her book and wants to bounce a few ideas off him. So far, from what she read aloud, I have to give her kudos because what she has written sounds pretty good. She says that between visiting her old haunts and the FBI bust, she feels like she is back in 1990. I almost feel sorry for her at times, but the feeling passes in a few seconds.

Renee laments that her friends aren’t there for her, AJ is not there for her, Junior is not there either, so she heads over to her therapist to talk and cry. She cries because AJ’s world is shattered again and she crumbles. At first she wanted AJ to follow in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps in the mob, but now she is thinking about leaving this lifestyle. She feels like a lost child who never grew up and has no identity. “You were told who you are.” She explains she was playing the role of a mafia princess who could never be touched.

Basically, the episode was uneventful except for the FBI bust. They showed footage of the news of the day. I think they owe the FBI a few dollars for unexpectedly spicing up their series with a real, newsworthy, mafia story and adding a little excitement. If you are interested, and haven’t seen the news footage, you can find it online. That’s my take on things! I’d be interested to know yours.

P.S. I hear, from Jenn herself, that she has just finished editing episode six and it’s going to be a good one. I hope so, the last two didn’t really get me excited.

Mob Wives: All In The Families

It’s very hard to keep up with the two sets of families represented on VH1’s Mob Wives show. The first set of families are the housewives themselves: the Gravanos, the Grazianos, the Facciolos, and the D’avanzos, The second set of families are the Mafia families that their husbands and fathers allegedly belong(ed) to. There are five Mafia families that have been “working” in New York City since the 1930’s. They are the Lucchese, Gambino, Bonanno, Colombo and Genevese crime families. I can never remember which mobster is allegedly associated with which crime family. So, to help keep it all straight in my mind, and maybe yours, I am creating a “cheat sheet” I can refer to from time to time to refresh my memory.

Lee D’avanzo is a bank burglar or robber, depending on the source of your information. He is alleged to be the head of the “New Springville Boys,” a burglary crew that is allegedly a “farm team” for both the Bonanno and Colombo crime families. He is currently in prison and his release date is up in the air. Just ask Drita, she’ll drop a few F-Bombs about it.

Anthony Graziano is alleged to be the current consigliere of the Bonanno crime family. He allegedly operated a pension fund scam that netted over 11.7 million dollars from its elderly victims. He also allegedly ran the largest drug trafficking operation in Florida. In 2002 he was imprisoned on federal racketeering charges and murder charges. He is in prison with a release date said to be in January, 2012. I wonder what he is going to say about the show then, if it’s still on the air.

Hector Pagan is the ex-husband of Renee. In the past he was an alleged associate of the Bonanno crime family. Currently, he is allegedly an associate of the Colombo crime family. This is according to the documents of the arrests and indictments made on January 20, 2011, when approximately 120 members of the Mafia from crime families in NY and NJ (including Hector), were taken down by the FBI. I think we might see Renee getting very dramatic over this on episode three, if the previews are correct.

Bruno Facciolo, Carla’s uncle, was allegedly a soldier in the Lucchese crime family, while Louis Facciolo, Bruno’s brother, was allegedly an associate of the Gambino crime family. Both brothers are dead now and Carla doesn’t seem anxious to talk about them.

Joesph Ferragamo, Carla’s soon to be ex-husband, was recently released from prison for his involvement in a mulitmillion dollar stock fraud scam, and is alleged to have ties with the Colombo and Lucchese crime families. Carla seems to deny her husband has mob connections by the sly, evasive way she answers her questions, but the truth always comes out.

Sammy “The Bull” Gravano was the former underboss of the Gambino crime family. This is the one mobster who owns his connection.

Now, I want to say that it’s all clearer to me, but it looks even more confusing on paper. Four of the five New York mafia families are represented in this small group of women; the Lucchese, Gambino, Bonanno and Colombo crime families. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me, and isn’t it nice that they all seem to get along?