The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds [Paperback]

Robert Rudolph (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In November of 1986, the federal government brought to trial 21 members of the Lucchese crime family, regarded by law enforcement officials as the Mafia group in charge of activities in northern New Jersey. Held in the Newark court of Judge Harold Ackerman, the proceedings featured V. Grady O'Malley as chief prosecutor and Michael Critchley as coordinator of the defense. Each of the accused was represented by a different attorney. In August of 1988 all of the defendants were found not guilty. Why? Rudolph, a reporter for the Newark Star Ledger , suggests that too many defendants were tried at the same time; that the case went on so long that the jurors became restive; that the defense succeeded in discrediting many of the mobsters who had become informants; that the judge did not exercise proper control; that "Fat Jack" DiNorscio, who usurped his lawyer and called himself "a comedian, not a gangster," turned the trial into a circus. Rudolph is a journalistic stylist of the highest order: his sentences and paragraphs are short, punchy and highly readable. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The case described here involved 20 alleged members of the Lucchese crime family led by Newark, New Jersey mob boss Anthony Accetturo. After a lengthy two-year trial, despite seemingly persuasive evidence, all the accused were acquitted of all charges, a rare victory for organized crime and an embarrassing loss for the government. Prosecution witnesses confessed to more heinous crimes than were charged against the defendants, which may have influenced the jury. Journalist Rudolph provides an anecdotal account, focusing on many humorous trial incidents, such as the antics of "Fat Jack" DiNorscio who was allowed to represent himself and made a mockery of the court. Although somewhat superficial, this book is readable and entertaining. Recommended for Mafia buffs.
- Gregor A. Preston, Univ. of California Lib., Davis
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 438 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813521548
• ISBN-13: 978-0813521541
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A REAL MOB HIT, January 15, 2000

By 

tony g (Brooklyn) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds (Paperback)

Forget about "The Sopranos" - this is the real thing -- The New Jersey mob at its gritty and funny best. I've read a lot of "true" crime stories, but this one had me turning pages with all the anticipation of a suspense novel -- while laughing at the real-life antics of "The Boys." It's a treat to read.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars super stuff!, August 29, 2002

By 

MR S Hall (Middlesbrough, Cleveland United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds (Paperback)

Certainly worth the read, slow to start but when the story speeds up its pretty hard to put the book down.
In a nutshell, the Feds put together what they think is a watertight case against Lucchese capo Anthony Acceturo's New Jersey crew, but get more than they bargain for when the case reaches the courtroom, due in no small part to Martin Taccetta's attorney, one Michael Crithley.(Taccetta being Acceturo's protege and successor).
In a case that made history in the US, droning on for almost 2 years, the Feds roll out ex cons who have been planted in the Witness protection programm to put an end to thier one time partners in crime, only for Crithley to shoot them all down in flames, questioning the governments double standards in letting off convicted murderers and drug dealers,if they cut a deal with them,which sometimes might make you think that its the Feds on trial and not the Mob.
One of the main characters in an out of sorts thug called Jackie Dinorsico, who represents himself in the trial, and somehow stumbles his way through the trial,upsetting anyone that stands in his path.(the Judge and fellow defense attorneys included),and quite often humouring them.
Not your typical Mob read but definetly worth it, just to find out how 20+ mafia members and hangers on somehow managed to convince 12 weary srangers that it was the US government and not themselves were the bad guys after all.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spellbinding! Excellent account of a Lucchese victory!, November 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Boys from New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds (Paperback)

This book nicely illustrates the powerful ways in which the modern mafia operates. It is an accurate account of how such an omnipotent organization avoids confrontations with the Feds, as well as ultimate prosecution. It is a gratifying, realistic and at times humorous book. It makes us come to the realization that the world is not what many have idealized it to be. With power, anyone can be a leader. This book is a MUST READ for anyone interested in modern organized crime!