pornography industry when you were active in organized Fratianno: Well, it's very, very big. I'd say, 95 percent of the families are involved in one way or Interviewer: Okay, does organized crime reap a lot of The Attorney General's Commission on Pornography concludes that organized crime in its traditional LCN forms and in other forms exerts substantial influence and control over the obscenity industry. Though a number of significant producers and distributors are not members of LCN families, all major producers and distributors of obscene material are highly organized and carry out illegal sophistication.1173 activities with a great deal of This influence and control has increased since the report of the 1970 Commission on Obscenity and Pornography and is particularly evident in the distribution of pornographic materials.1174 Organized crime elements have found that the large financial gains to be reaped from pornography far outweigh the risks associated with the trade. 1172 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Interview with Jimmy Fratianno, by Senior Investigator Edward H. Chapman, Attorney General's Commission on Pornography, p. 115-16. 1173 See, Investigative Report on Organized Crime and Pornography Submitted to the Attorney General of California; State of California, Department of Justice, Organized Crime in California (1984). 1174 See, The discussion of the production and distribution of sexually explicit materials for further information. In addition to the myriad of other harms and anti-social 1175 effects brought about by obscenity there is a link between traditional organized crime group involvement in the obscenity criminal activity. Physical other forms of sexual abuse business and many other types of violence, injury, prostitution and are so interlinked in many cases as to be almost inseparable except according to statutory definitions. Among the crimes known to be interlinked with the pornography industry are: (1) Murder One of the largest pornographers in the United States during the 1970's was Michael George Thevis who headed Peachtree News in Atlanta, Georgia, and 106 other corporations.1176 In October, 1979 Thevis was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations including murder, arson, and extortion.1177 A leading figure in the national distribution of the film "Deep Throat", Robert DeSalvo, has been missing since January, 1175 See, The sections discussing social and behavioral science research, harms and victimization for a more complete explanation. New York Hearing, Vol. I, William Kelly, p. 76. 1976 and is presumed to have been murdered.1178 DeSalvo provided evidence on behalf of the United States in the Peraino trial arising from the "Deep Throat" film distribution.1179 During the late 1970s a number of persons involved in the pornography business were murdered in what were believed by law enforcement agents to be pornography turf wars.1180 The son of Joseph Periano, one of the producers of "Deep Throat" along with an innocent woman, was murdered "gangland style".1181 Immediately prior to this Commission's hearing in Chicago, Illinois, in July, 1985, Patsy Ricciardi owner of the Admiral Theater there, was found murdered. Chicago Police believe his murder was related to his dealings in the pornography business.1182 (2) Physical violence damage to property The damage and injuries range from those sustained by performers1183 forced to engage in physically harmful acts which can often result in 1178 New York Hearing, Vol. I, William Kelly, p. 75. 1179 Id.; Cong. Rec. S433 (daily ed. Jan. 30, 1984) (Statement of Sen. Jesse Helms). 1180 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Thomas Bohling, p. 180-87; New York Hearing, William Johnson, Vol. II. 1181 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Christopher J. Mega, p. 162.; Cong. Rec. S433 (daily ed. Jan. 30, 1984) (statement of Sen. Jesse Helms). 1182 New York Hearing, Vol. II, Thomas Bohling, p. 182-83. 1183 See, Chapter 2 in this Part for a more complete discussion about performers. permanent injury, 1184 to damage to property, 1185 "Over the years A veteran FBI agent told the Commission there has been heavy violence associated with the pornography industry. Some of the current well-known names in the industry have reported threats against them or physical brutality."1188 " A bookstore operator, associated with members of organized crime families, described the "discipline" within the pornography industry for those who choose to disobey rules regarding pricing, territory and other matters.1189 He said, Bonjay a year and half ago, took one of the guys held him by his arms against the wall in the alley, and it's common knowledge, the car ran into him, with the front bumper up against the wall and up 1184 Los Angeles Hearing, Caryl and Brian Cid, p. 127-53; New York Hearing, Vol. I, Linda Marchiano, p. 51; Washington, D.C., Hearing, Vol. I, Valerie Heller, p. 217-41; Washington, D.C., Hearing, Vol. II, Charles Sullivan, p. 65-77; See also, The discussion of performers and harms attributable to their work. 1185 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Bookstore Operator, p. 152. 1187 1188 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Thomas Bohling, p. 179. 1189 New York Hearing, Vol. I, Bookstore Operator, p. 131; The FBI reported such a territorial dispute in 1981 involving pornography stores in New England. The dispute arose between Joseph Palladino, an operative of New England LCN Boss Gennaro Anginlo, and Carlo Mastrototaro, who had been authorized by the New York LCN family to open a competing business in Worcester, Massachusetts. Letter to Attorney General's Commission on Pornography from Federal Bureau of Investigation, March 24, 1986. |