Herbert Blitzstein: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead. #IABot (v2.0beta14) (Eastmain)
mobster
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American organized crime figure (1934–1997)}}
{{Infobox criminal
{{Infobox criminal
| name = Herbert Blitzstein
| name = Herbert Blitzstein
Line 17: Line 18:
}}
}}


'''Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein''' (November 2, 1934 – January 6, 1997) was a [[loanshark]], bookmaker, [[racketeer]] and lieutenant to [[Anthony Spilotro|Tony "The Ant" Spilotro]] and the [[Chicago Outfit]] in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]].
'''Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein''' (November 2, 1934 – January 6, 1997) was an American [[mobster]] who was a [[loanshark]], bookmaker, [[racketeer]] and lieutenant to [[Anthony Spilotro|Tony "The Ant" Spilotro]] and the [[Chicago Outfit]] in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
Born in a Jewish family in [[Chicago]], Blitzstein started working the rackets in the late 1950s. Standing six feet tall and weighing three hundred pounds, he sported a goatee and moustache, dressed flamboyantly, and drove a 1973 Cadillac Eldorado. It was said he had a close physical resemblance to the Italian opera singer [[Luciano Pavarotti]]. Blitzstein lived at 6720 North Damen Avenue in [[Rogers Park, Chicago]], with his third wife, but spent a great deal of time at [[Phil Alderisio|Phil Alderisio's]] bar, The Tradewinds in The Patch. He had been a close associate of convicted mob bookmaker Henry Kushner. When Kushner was convicted of bookmaking by the FBI and sent to prison, Blitzstein took over his clientele along with mob bookmaker Boodie Cowan, who was later murdered, probably by [[Anthony Spilotro]].
Born in a Jewish family in [[Chicago]], Blitzstein started working the rackets in the late 1950s. Standing six feet tall and weighing three hundred pounds, he sported a goatee and moustache, dressed flamboyantly, and drove a 1973 [[Cadillac]] Eldorado. It was said he had a close physical resemblance to the Italian opera singer [[Luciano Pavarotti]].{{by whom|date=July 2021}} Blitzstein lived at 6720 North Damen Avenue in [[Rogers Park, Chicago]], with his third wife, but spent a great deal of time at [[Phil Alderisio|Phil Alderisio's]] bar, The Tradewinds in The Patch. He had been a close associate of convicted mob bookmaker Henry Kushner. When Kushner was convicted of bookmaking by the FBI and sent to prison, Blitzstein took over his clientele along with mob bookmaker Boodie Cowan, who was later murdered, probably by [[Anthony Spilotro]].


Blitzstein was later convicted of [[racketeering]]. When he was released from prison, he moved to Las Vegas to serve as muscle for Spilotro. Tony Spilotro, John Spilotro and Blitzstein ran the Gold Rush Ltd. jewelry store, located on West Sahara Avenue, which was a front for the Hole in the Wall Gang, so named because they punched holes through walls and ceilings to grab loot and run. Blitzstein also worked as a fence for stolen goods at the combination jewelry store and electronics factory.<ref name="May">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanmafia.com/Allan_May_8-23-99.html |title=Greed in the Desert: The Herbie Blitzstein Murder Trial |accessdate= |author=May, Allen |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=23 August 1998 |year= |month= |work= |publisher=AmericanMafia.com |pages= |language= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202154207/http://americanmafia.com/Allan_May_8-23-99.html |archivedate=2 February 2007 |quote= |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
Blitzstein was later convicted of [[racketeering]]. When he was released from prison, he moved to Las Vegas to serve as muscle for Tony Spilotro. Spilotro, his brother, John, and Blitzstein ran the Gold Rush Ltd. jewelry store, located on West Sahara Avenue, which was a front for the Hole in the Wall Gang, so named because they punched holes through walls and ceilings to grab loot and run. Blitzstein also worked as a fence for stolen goods at the combination jewelry store and electronics factory.<ref name="May">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanmafia.com/Allan_May_8-23-99.html |title=Greed in the Desert: The Herbie Blitzstein Murder Trial |author=May, Allen |date=23 August 1998 |publisher=AmericanMafia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202154207/http://americanmafia.com/Allan_May_8-23-99.html |archive-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang==
==The Hole in the Wall Gang==
His capo, Anthony Spilotro, in 1976, formed a burglary ring with his brother [[Michael Spilotro|Michael]] and Blitzstein, utilizing about eight associates as burglars. The crew became known as the Hole in the Wall Gang because of its penchant for gaining entry by drilling through the exterior walls and ceilings of the buildings they burglarized. Other gang members included Peanuts Pancsko, Butch Pancsko and Pops Pancsko, Frank DeLegge, Michael LaJoy, Joseph D'Argento, Gerald Tomasczek, Peter Basile of [[Wilmette, Illinois]], Carl Urbanotti of Chicago, Illinois, Ernest Lehnigg of [[Addison, Illinois]], Samuel Cusumano, Joseph Cusumano, Ernesto "Ernie" Davino, 34, Las Vegas, "Crazy Larry" Neumann, Wayne Matecki, Salvatore "Sonny" Romano, Leonardo "Leo" Guardino, 47, Las Vegas, Frank Cullotta, 43, Las Vegas, and former Las Vegas detective, Joseph Blasko, 45, Las Vegas, who acted as a lookout and who later worked as a bartender at the Crazy Horse Too, a gentleman's club, and died of a heart attack in 2002.[5]
His capo, Anthony Spilotro, in 1976, formed a burglary ring with his brother [[Michael Spilotro|Michael]] and Blitzstein, utilizing about eight associates as burglars. The crew became known as the Hole in the Wall Gang because of its penchant for gaining entry by drilling through the exterior walls and ceilings of the buildings they burglarized. Other gang members included Peanuts Pancsko, Butch Pancsko and Pops Pancsko, Frank DeLegge, Michael LaJoy, Joseph D'Argento, Gerald Tomasczek, Peter Basile of [[Wilmette, Illinois]], Carl Urbanotti of Chicago, Illinois, Ernest Lehnigg of [[Addison, Illinois]], Samuel Cusumano, Joseph Cusumano, Ernesto "Ernie" Davino of Las Vegas, "Crazy Larry" Neumann, Wayne Matecki, Salvatore "Sonny" Romano, Leonardo "Leo" Guardino of Las Vegas, Frank Cullotta of Las Vegas and former Las Vegas detective, Joseph Blasko of Las Vegas, who acted as a lookout and who later worked as a bartender at the Crazy Horse Too, a gentleman's club, and died of a heart attack in 2002.
Following the botched burglary at Bertha's Gifts & Home Furnishings<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-30-Sun-2006/living/6925787.html |title=Tourists Want to Know: Wise Guide |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 30, 2006 |accessdate=2012-11-13}}</ref> on July 4, 1981, Cullotta, Blasko, Guardino, Davino, Neumann, and Matecki were arrested and each charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted grand larceny and possession of burglary tools. They were locked into the Las Vegas police department's holding cell in downtown Las Vegas. The only members of Spilotro's gang not arrested for the July 4th burglary were Blitzstein, Michael Spilotro, Romano and Cusumano.
Following the botched burglary at Bertha's Gifts & Home Furnishings<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-30-Sun-2006/living/6925787.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060621100928/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Apr-30-Sun-2006/living/6925787.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 21, 2006 |title=Tourists Want to Know: Wise Guide |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 30, 2006 |access-date=2012-11-13}}</ref> on July 4, 1981, Cullotta, Blasko, Guardino, Davino, Neumann and Matecki were arrested and each charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted grand larceny and possession of burglary tools. They were locked into the Las Vegas police department's holding cell in downtown Las Vegas. The only members of Spilotro's gang not arrested for the July 4th burglary were Blitzstein, Michael Spilotro, Romano and Cusumano.
By this time, Spilotro's relationship with Rosenthal had collapsed, as Tony had had an affair with Rosenthal's wife, Geraldine McGee Rosenthal. Meanwhile, Cullotta had turned state's witness, testifying against Spilotro. But the testimony was insufficient, and Tony was acquitted.
By this time, Spilotro's relationship with [[Frank Rosenthal]] had ended since Spilotro had slept with Rosenthal's wife, [[Geri McGee|Geraldine McGee]]. Meanwhile, Cullotta had turned state's witness, testifying against Spilotro. But the testimony was insufficient and Spilotro was acquitted.


In 1967, according to FBI affidavits, "Fat Herbie" ordered the murder of associate loan shark and bookmaker Arthur "Boodie" Cowan for holding back a street tax. Although Herbie did not participate in the July 4 robbery, he was indicted with Tony Spilotro on federal racketeering charges. The charges were later dropped for insufficient evidence.<ref name="May"/>
In 1967, according to FBI affidavits, Blitzstein ordered the murder of associate loan shark and bookmaker Arthur "Boodie" Cowan for holding back a street tax. Although Blitzstein did not participate in the July 4 robbery, he was indicted with Tony Spilotro on federal racketeering charges. The charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.<ref name="May"/>


In 1976, Blitzstein was convicted of running an illegal gambling operation.<ref name="blackbook" />
In 1976, Blitzstein was convicted of running an illegal gambling operation.<ref name="blackbook" />


He was one of the few Hole in the Wall Gang members who was not arrested after a botched July 4 burglary at Bertha's Home Furnishings in 1981. Blitzstein is described by [[FBI]] agent [[William F. Roemer, Jr.|William Roemer]] in his book ''The Enforcer'' as one of the mobsters tested by the FBI in the early days of the Top Hoodlum Program. Herbert was a 183-cm, 135-kg (six-foot, three-hundred pound) man who drove a white 1973 [[Cadillac Eldorado]] and dressed impeccably.<ref name="May"/>
He was one of the few Hole in the Wall Gang members who was not arrested after a botched July 4 burglary at Bertha's Home Furnishings in 1981. Blitzstein is described by [[FBI]] agent [[William F. Roemer, Jr.|William Roemer]] in his book ''The Enforcer'' as one of the mobsters tested by the FBI in the early days of the Top Hoodlum Program.<ref name="May"/>


In 1987, Blitzstein was convicted on federal charges, including [[credit card fraud]], [[Conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]], and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38E1C2B9D4460&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Many found Blitzstein a likable guy | newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] | date=8 January 1997 | accessdate=28 October 2011 | author=Puit, Glenn}}</ref>
In 1987, Blitzstein was convicted on federal charges, including [[credit card fraud]], [[Conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]] and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38E1C2B9D4460&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Many found Blitzstein a likable guy | newspaper=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] | date=8 January 1997 | access-date=28 October 2011 | author=Puit, Glenn}}</ref>


While incarcerated in California, Blitzstein was taken off his heart medication by a prison medic and suffered a [[heart attack]] as a result. His case was part of a 1991 [[U.S. Congress|congressional]] investigation into medical abuse in prisons.<ref>{{cite news | title=Congress Reviews Charges of Medical Prison Abuse | newspaper=USA Today | date=17 July 1991 | author=White, Keith|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:USTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=128113DC0E75A130&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|accessdate=28 October 2011}}</ref>
While incarcerated in California, Blitzstein was taken off his heart medication by a prison medic and suffered a [[heart attack]] as a result. His case was part of a 1991 [[U.S. Congress|congressional]] investigation into medical abuse in prisons.<ref>{{cite news | title=Congress Reviews Charges of Medical Prison Abuse | newspaper=USA Today | date=17 July 1991 | author=White, Keith|url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:USTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=128113DC0E75A130&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA|access-date=28 October 2011}}</ref>


On 10 December 1991, Blitzstein was unanimously nominated by the [[Nevada Gaming Control Board]] for inclusion in its official [[Black Book (gambling)|Black Book]]. Former police officer and board member Steve DuCharme said that Blitzstein's life "reads like a crime novel," and that Blitzstein was responsible for some of the most "embarrassing" crimes in Las Vegas city history. Nevada Deputy [[District Attorney]] Charlotte Matanane called Blitzstein a "notorious and unsavory person" during the relevant board hearing, and accused him of associating with [[Frank Rosenthal]], among others.<ref name="blackbook">{{cite web | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38DFA74B71678&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Blitzstein nominated to state's Black Book | newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal | date=11 December 1991 | accessdate=28 October 2011 | author=Vogel, Ed}}</ref>
On December 10, 1991, Blitzstein was unanimously nominated by the [[Nevada Gaming Control Board]] for inclusion in its official [[Black Book (gambling)|Black Book]]. Former police officer and board member Steve DuCharme said that Blitzstein's life "reads like a crime novel," and that Blitzstein was responsible for some of the most "embarrassing" crimes in Las Vegas city history. Nevada Deputy [[District Attorney]] Charlotte Matanane called Blitzstein a "notorious and unsavory person" during the relevant board hearing and accused him of associating with Frank Rosenthal, among others.<ref name="blackbook">{{cite web | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38DFA74B71678&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Blitzstein nominated to state's Black Book | newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal | date=11 December 1991 | access-date=28 October 2011 | author=Vogel, Ed}}</ref>


==Death==
On 6 January 1997, Blitzstein was killed execution style in his Las Vegas home.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38E1C3A2CE557&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Reputed mobster slain | newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal | date=8 January 1997 | accessdate=28 October 2011 | author=Flanagan, Tanya}}</ref> He was shot by mob members from [[Buffalo crime family|Buffalo]] and [[Los Angeles crime family|Los Angeles]] who planned to take over his street rackets,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9A1A6F05A293&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=2 Buffalo Natives Indicted in Racketeering Case Tied to Mob | newspaper=The Buffalo News | date=19 April 1997 | accessdate=28 October 2011 | author=Herbeck, Dan | page=C1}}</ref> which included prostitution, insurance fraud and loansharking. Of the seven people arrested in the plot to kill Blitzstein, four pleaded guilty to lesser charges in order to receive reduced sentences. One died in prison awaiting trial, and two went to trial and were acquitted.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2001/Mar-27-Tue-2001/news/15734427.html |newspaper = Las Vegas Review-Journal|title=Sentencing closes case|date=27 March 2001|accessdate=28 October 2011|last=Thevenot|first=Carrie Geer}}</ref>
On January 6, 1997, Blitzstein was found dead in his Las Vegas home from a small caliber gunshot to the base of his skull, and some suspected that his death was an organized crime hit.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:LVRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0FD38E1C3A2CE557&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=Reputed mobster slain | newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal | date=8 January 1997 | access-date=28 October 2011 | author=Flanagan, Tanya}}</ref>

It was later revealed that in late 1996, the [[Los Angeles crime family]] along with the [[Buffalo crime family]] joined forces to take over a loan sharking and auto insurance fraud racket in Las Vegas controlled by Blitzstein.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas">{{Cite book|title=Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia|last=Giancana|first=Sam|author2=Burnstein, Scott M. |publisher=Penguin|year=2010|isbn=978-1101185575|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iov_BH0rzpcC&q=robert+panaro+joe+todaro+related&pg=PT111}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9A1A6F05A293&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D663DC0A81A15EA | title=2 Buffalo Natives Indicted in Racketeering Case Tied to Mob | newspaper=The Buffalo News | date=19 April 1997 | access-date=28 October 2011 | author=Herbeck, Dan | page=C1}}</ref> The L.A. Underboss [[Carmen Milano]] along with L.A. soldiers Stephen Cino and Louis Caruso and L.A associates Johnny Branco and Peter Caruso originally planned to rob and steal Blitzstein's jewelry.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> After stealing Blitzstein's jewelry the group planned to use Buffalo family soldier Robert Panaro as the fence.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> It was decided by Milano that Buffalo family boss Joseph Todaro Sr. would receive a piece of the Blitzstein rackets in Las Vegas.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> The job of robbing Blitzstein was given to Peter Caruso but Caruso changed the plan and decided to murder Blitzstein instead and take over his Las Vegas operations.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> Caruso hired L.A. associate Alfred Mauriello who in turn hired associates Antonio Davi and Richard Friedman to be the hitmen in the murder.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> Then Caruso arranged with Joe DeLuca who was one of Blitzstein's partners in an auto repair shop to get them access into Blitzstein's home.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> On January 6, 1997 Antonio Davi and Richard Friedman shot and killed Blitzstein in his own home.<ref name="LA-Buffalo-Vegas"/> During the trial it was revealed that L.A. associate John Branco had been wearing a wire for the FBI and helped two FBI agents infiltrate Milano's Las Vegas crew.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/may/18/informant-calls-blitzstein-defendant-buffalo-mob-m/|title=Informant calls Blitzstein defendant Buffalo mob member|publisher=Las Vegas Sun.com|date=May 18, 1999|access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref> Of the seven people arrested in the plot to kill Blitzstein, four pleaded guilty to lesser charges in order to receive reduced sentences. One died in prison awaiting trial and two went to trial and were acquitted.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2001/Mar-27-Tue-2001/news/15734427.html |newspaper = Las Vegas Review-Journal|title=Sentencing closes case|date=27 March 2001|access-date=12 December 2019|last=Thevenot|first=Carrie Geer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030902231823/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2001/Mar-27-Tue-2001/news/15734427.html/|archive-date=September 2, 2003}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
Blitzstein, portrayed in the film ''[[Casino (film)|Casino]]'' by [[Bret McCormick]] as Bernie Blue, was not murdered by the Las Vegas police during a bungled arrest as portrayed in the film.
Blitzstein, portrayed in the film ''[[Casino (film)|Casino]]'' by Bret McCormick as Bernie Blue, was not murdered by the Las Vegas police during a bungled arrest as portrayed in the film.
The shooting depicted in the movie "Casino" was that of another reputed associate of Anthony Spilotro named Frank Bluestein, not Blitzstein.
The shooting depicted in ''Casino'' was that of another reputed associate of Anthony Spilotro named Frank Bluestein, not Blitzstein.


Details of Blitzstein's murder, written by [[Cathy Scott]], were included in the 2012 book ''[[Masters of True Crime|Masters of True Crime: Chilling Stories of Murder and the Macabre]]'', an anthology of crime stories.<ref>[http://www.thebigthrill.org/2012/07/masters-of-true-crime-by-r-barri-flowers-editor/ "Masters of True Crime by R. Barri Flowers (Editor)"], ''The Big Thrill''</ref>
Details of Blitzstein's murder, written by [[Cathy Scott]], were included in the 2012 book ''[[Masters of True Crime|Masters of True Crime: Chilling Stories of Murder and the Macabre]]'', an anthology of crime stories.<ref>[http://www.thebigthrill.org/2012/07/masters-of-true-crime-by-r-barri-flowers-editor/ "Masters of True Crime by R. Barri Flowers (Editor)"], ''The Big Thrill''</ref>
Line 53: Line 57:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

*Giancana, Sam. Burnstein, Scott M. ''Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia.'' Penguin, 2010. {{ISBN|1101185570}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 58: Line 64:
*[[R. Barri Flowers|Flowers, R. Barri]], ''[[Masters of True Crime]]'', [[Prometheus Books]], 2012. {{ISBN|978-1616145675}}
*[[R. Barri Flowers|Flowers, R. Barri]], ''[[Masters of True Crime]]'', [[Prometheus Books]], 2012. {{ISBN|978-1616145675}}
*Milhorn, H. Thomas. ''Crime: Computer Viruses to Twin Towers''. Boca Raton, Florida: Universal Publishers, 2005. {{ISBN|1-58112-489-9}}
*Milhorn, H. Thomas. ''Crime: Computer Viruses to Twin Towers''. Boca Raton, Florida: Universal Publishers, 2005. {{ISBN|1-58112-489-9}}
*Roemer, Jr., William F. ''The Enforcer- Spilotro: The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas''. [[The Ballantine Publishing Group]], 1994. {{ISBN|0-8041-1310-6}}
*Roemer, Jr., William F. ''The Enforcer – Spilotro: The Chicago Mob's Man Over Las Vegas''. [[The Ballantine Publishing Group]], 1994. {{ISBN|0-8041-1310-6}}
*[[Cathy Scott|Scott, Cathy]], ''[[Death in the Desert]]''. 1stBooks, 2000 (2nd ed 2012). {{ISBN|1-58820-532-0}}
*[[Cathy Scott|Scott, Cathy]], ''[[Death in the Desert]]''. 1stBooks, 2000 (2nd ed 2012). {{ISBN|1-58820-532-0}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/1997/jan/07/505459885.html |title="Reputed mob figure found dead," |access-date=March 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001016133154/http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/1997/jan/07/505459885.html |archive-date=October 16, 2000 |dead-url=bot: unknown }} by [[Cathy Scott]], ''Las Vegas Sun'', January 7, 1997
*{{Cite web |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/1997/jan/07/505459885.html |title=Reputed mob figure found dead |access-date=March 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001016133154/http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/1997/jan/07/505459885.html |archive-date=October 16, 2000 |url-status=bot: unknown }} by [[Cathy Scott]], ''Las Vegas Sun'', January 7, 1997


{{Chicago Outfit}}
{{American Mafia}}
{{American Mafia}}


Line 69: Line 76:
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
[[Category:1997 deaths]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century American criminals]]
[[Category:American male criminals]]
[[Category:American people convicted of fraud]]
[[Category:American people convicted of fraud]]
⚫
[[Category:Jewish-American mobsters]]
[[Category:Chicago Outfit mobsters]]
[[Category:Chicago Outfit mobsters]]
[[Category:History of Clark County, Nevada]]
[[Category:History of Clark County, Nevada]]
[[Category:Murdered Jewish-American mobsters]]
[[Category:Murdered Jewish American gangsters]]
[[Category:People from Chicago]]
[[Category:Gangsters from Chicago]]
[[Category:People from the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:People from the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:People murdered in Nevada]]
[[Category:People murdered in Nevada]]
[[Category:People murdered by the Los Angeles crime family]]
[[Category:People murdered by the Los Angeles crime family]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Nevada]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Nevada]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jews]]

Latest revision as of 21:19, 18 August 2023

Herbert Blitzstein
Born(1934-11-02)November 2, 1934
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedJanuary 6, 1997(1997-01-06) (aged 62)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
Other namesFat Herbie
Occupation(s)Gangster, bootlegger, racketeer
Criminal chargeFraud, conspiracy
Penalty8-year sentence at Federal Center Institution, El Reno, Oklahoma

Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein (November 2, 1934 – January 6, 1997) was an American mobster who was a loanshark, bookmaker, racketeer and lieutenant to Tony "The Ant" Spilotro and the Chicago Outfit in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Biography[edit]

Born in a Jewish family in Chicago, Blitzstein started working the rackets in the late 1950s. Standing six feet tall and weighing three hundred pounds, he sported a goatee and moustache, dressed flamboyantly, and drove a 1973 Cadillac Eldorado. It was said he had a close physical resemblance to the Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.[by whom?] Blitzstein lived at 6720 North Damen Avenue in Rogers Park, Chicago, with his third wife, but spent a great deal of time at Phil Alderisio's bar, The Tradewinds in The Patch. He had been a close associate of convicted mob bookmaker Henry Kushner. When Kushner was convicted of bookmaking by the FBI and sent to prison, Blitzstein took over his clientele along with mob bookmaker Boodie Cowan, who was later murdered, probably by Anthony Spilotro.

Blitzstein was later convicted of racketeering. When he was released from prison, he moved to Las Vegas to serve as muscle for Tony Spilotro. Spilotro, his brother, John, and Blitzstein ran the Gold Rush Ltd. jewelry store, located on West Sahara Avenue, which was a front for the Hole in the Wall Gang, so named because they punched holes through walls and ceilings to grab loot and run. Blitzstein also worked as a fence for stolen goods at the combination jewelry store and electronics factory.[1]

The Hole in the Wall Gang[edit]

His capo, Anthony Spilotro, in 1976, formed a burglary ring with his brother Michael and Blitzstein, utilizing about eight associates as burglars. The crew became known as the Hole in the Wall Gang because of its penchant for gaining entry by drilling through the exterior walls and ceilings of the buildings they burglarized. Other gang members included Peanuts Pancsko, Butch Pancsko and Pops Pancsko, Frank DeLegge, Michael LaJoy, Joseph D'Argento, Gerald Tomasczek, Peter Basile of Wilmette, Illinois, Carl Urbanotti of Chicago, Illinois, Ernest Lehnigg of Addison, Illinois, Samuel Cusumano, Joseph Cusumano, Ernesto "Ernie" Davino of Las Vegas, "Crazy Larry" Neumann, Wayne Matecki, Salvatore "Sonny" Romano, Leonardo "Leo" Guardino of Las Vegas, Frank Cullotta of Las Vegas and former Las Vegas detective, Joseph Blasko of Las Vegas, who acted as a lookout and who later worked as a bartender at the Crazy Horse Too, a gentleman's club, and died of a heart attack in 2002. Following the botched burglary at Bertha's Gifts & Home Furnishings[2] on July 4, 1981, Cullotta, Blasko, Guardino, Davino, Neumann and Matecki were arrested and each charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted grand larceny and possession of burglary tools. They were locked into the Las Vegas police department's holding cell in downtown Las Vegas. The only members of Spilotro's gang not arrested for the July 4th burglary were Blitzstein, Michael Spilotro, Romano and Cusumano. By this time, Spilotro's relationship with Frank Rosenthal had ended since Spilotro had slept with Rosenthal's wife, Geraldine McGee. Meanwhile, Cullotta had turned state's witness, testifying against Spilotro. But the testimony was insufficient and Spilotro was acquitted.

In 1967, according to FBI affidavits, Blitzstein ordered the murder of associate loan shark and bookmaker Arthur "Boodie" Cowan for holding back a street tax. Although Blitzstein did not participate in the July 4 robbery, he was indicted with Tony Spilotro on federal racketeering charges. The charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.[1]

In 1976, Blitzstein was convicted of running an illegal gambling operation.[3]

He was one of the few Hole in the Wall Gang members who was not arrested after a botched July 4 burglary at Bertha's Home Furnishings in 1981. Blitzstein is described by FBI agent William Roemer in his book The Enforcer as one of the mobsters tested by the FBI in the early days of the Top Hoodlum Program.[1]

In 1987, Blitzstein was convicted on federal charges, including credit card fraud, conspiracy and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.[4]

While incarcerated in California, Blitzstein was taken off his heart medication by a prison medic and suffered a heart attack as a result. His case was part of a 1991 congressional investigation into medical abuse in prisons.[5]

On December 10, 1991, Blitzstein was unanimously nominated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for inclusion in its official Black Book. Former police officer and board member Steve DuCharme said that Blitzstein's life "reads like a crime novel," and that Blitzstein was responsible for some of the most "embarrassing" crimes in Las Vegas city history. Nevada Deputy District Attorney Charlotte Matanane called Blitzstein a "notorious and unsavory person" during the relevant board hearing and accused him of associating with Frank Rosenthal, among others.[3]

Death[edit]

On January 6, 1997, Blitzstein was found dead in his Las Vegas home from a small caliber gunshot to the base of his skull, and some suspected that his death was an organized crime hit.[6]

It was later revealed that in late 1996, the Los Angeles crime family along with the Buffalo crime family joined forces to take over a loan sharking and auto insurance fraud racket in Las Vegas controlled by Blitzstein.[7][8] The L.A. Underboss Carmen Milano along with L.A. soldiers Stephen Cino and Louis Caruso and L.A associates Johnny Branco and Peter Caruso originally planned to rob and steal Blitzstein's jewelry.[7] After stealing Blitzstein's jewelry the group planned to use Buffalo family soldier Robert Panaro as the fence.[7] It was decided by Milano that Buffalo family boss Joseph Todaro Sr. would receive a piece of the Blitzstein rackets in Las Vegas.[7] The job of robbing Blitzstein was given to Peter Caruso but Caruso changed the plan and decided to murder Blitzstein instead and take over his Las Vegas operations.[7] Caruso hired L.A. associate Alfred Mauriello who in turn hired associates Antonio Davi and Richard Friedman to be the hitmen in the murder.[7] Then Caruso arranged with Joe DeLuca who was one of Blitzstein's partners in an auto repair shop to get them access into Blitzstein's home.[7] On January 6, 1997 Antonio Davi and Richard Friedman shot and killed Blitzstein in his own home.[7] During the trial it was revealed that L.A. associate John Branco had been wearing a wire for the FBI and helped two FBI agents infiltrate Milano's Las Vegas crew.[9] Of the seven people arrested in the plot to kill Blitzstein, four pleaded guilty to lesser charges in order to receive reduced sentences. One died in prison awaiting trial and two went to trial and were acquitted.[10]

In popular culture[edit]

Blitzstein, portrayed in the film Casino by Bret McCormick as Bernie Blue, was not murdered by the Las Vegas police during a bungled arrest as portrayed in the film. The shooting depicted in Casino was that of another reputed associate of Anthony Spilotro named Frank Bluestein, not Blitzstein.

Details of Blitzstein's murder, written by Cathy Scott, were included in the 2012 book Masters of True Crime: Chilling Stories of Murder and the Macabre, an anthology of crime stories.[11]

He was played by Gregg Merrill in the 2008 TV-Movie Sex and Lies in Sin City. In a scene based on real events, he helps Rick Tabish (best known for being a suspect in the Ted Binion silver murder) beat up someone with a phone book.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c May, Allen (23 August 1998). "Greed in the Desert: The Herbie Blitzstein Murder Trial". AmericanMafia.com. Archived from the original on 2 February 2007.
  2. ^ "Tourists Want to Know: Wise Guide". Las Vegas Review-Journal. April 30, 2006. Archived from the original on June 21, 2006. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
  3. ^ a b Vogel, Ed (11 December 1991). "Blitzstein nominated to state's Black Book". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  4. ^ Puit, Glenn (8 January 1997). "Many found Blitzstein a likable guy". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  5. ^ White, Keith (17 July 1991). "Congress Reviews Charges of Medical Prison Abuse". USA Today. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  6. ^ Flanagan, Tanya (8 January 1997). "Reputed mobster slain". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Giancana, Sam; Burnstein, Scott M. (2010). Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia. Penguin. ISBN 978-1101185575.
  8. ^ Herbeck, Dan (19 April 1997). "2 Buffalo Natives Indicted in Racketeering Case Tied to Mob". The Buffalo News. p. C1. Retrieved 28 October 2011.
  9. ^ "Informant calls Blitzstein defendant Buffalo mob member". Las Vegas Sun.com. May 18, 1999. Retrieved March 1, 2020.
  10. ^ Thevenot, Carrie Geer (27 March 2001). "Sentencing closes case". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on September 2, 2003. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  11. ^ "Masters of True Crime by R. Barri Flowers (Editor)", The Big Thrill
  • Giancana, Sam. Burnstein, Scott M. Family Affair: Greed, Treachery, and Betrayal in the Chicago Mafia. Penguin, 2010. ISBN 1101185570

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Herbert_Blitzstein&oldid=1171065939"