Invitation to Las Vegas

Excerpted from CULLOTTA – The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness.  

When Frank was paroled from prison in 1974 his friends threw a coming out party for him in Chicago. Tony Spilotro came in from Las Vegas to help celebrate his long-time pal’s return to freedom. During the festivities Tony invited Frank to join him in Sin City. Planning on going straight, Frank declined the offer.

However, in 1979, things were much different in Frank’s life. There was a lot of heat on him in Chicago. The cops were always either wanting to arrest him or demanding money. The Outfit had their hand out all the time. Everybody wanted a piece of his action. For Frank it was a choice of paying off, getting arrested, or taking a bullet in the head.

 This time when Tony called Frank was more than receptive. “Frankie, I’ve got a lot going and I need you out here real bad,” Tony said.Frank didn’t hesitate. “I’m on my way,” he told his friend.  

Tags: CULLOTTA, joe aiuppa, las vegas, lefty rosenthal, organized crime, tony accardo, tony spilotro, true crime