Crime & Entertainment

Anthony Raimondi was born into a world that most people have never dared to venture or experience-the world of organized crime. Both of his grandfathers were members of The Black Hand, and his father was a made member of the mafia of New York. On today's podcast, Anthony tells us about growing up around guys like Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Frank Costello, and many other mafia heavyweights. We hear first-hand how rampant corruption, payoffs, bribes, treachery and even assassinations in the Vatican are all part of everyday life. So, strap in and take a listen to Anthony Raimondi here on Crime & Entertainment.

Today on Crime & Entertainment, we are delighted to have accomplished actor, Dan Grimaldi. Most of our fans will recognize him from his role on the HBO television series, The Sopranos, where he played both twins Philly (RIP) and Patsy Parisi. In addition to his role on The Sopranos, he has also had some film credits. His most notable role includes the mother-fixated pyromaniac, Donny Kohler, in the 1980 slasher film, Don't Go in the House. He has also had several guest TV appearances on popular shows such as Law & Order and Blue Bloods. Grimaldi appeared as an executive in the 2000 film, The Yards, and he also voices Frank from the bestselling computer game, "Mafia". Grimaldi earned a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Fordham University, a Master's degree in Operations Research from New York University, and a Ph.D. in Data Processing from the City University of New York. We discuss all of his accomplishments and more on today's episode of Crime and Entertainment. 

Today on Crime & Entertainment we have Miami's own Dave Iacovetti. Dave grew up in a Mob Family, his dad, Fat Dave Iacovetti was a captain in the Gambino"s who ran the rackets in Florida. At a early age Dave had brush with the law himself, but he quickly realized that he was destined for something different. Growing up in Miami led him into being an extra in the movie Scarface and that lit a fire in Dave. He then dove into the Film & Entertainment industry head first. Dave was the CEO of Club TV, He's an author, and he had roles in Silent Partners, & The Mob King where he worked with former Crime & Entertainment guest Ciro Dapagio.  Tune in to this fantastic interview with Miami's own Dave Iacovetti.

Today on Crime & Entertainment, we sit down with a truly remarkable guest, Michelle Black. Her husband, Bryan Black, was the combat medic on ODA 3212, a Special Forces "Green Beret" team deployed to Niger, Africa. Unfortunately, this was the last mission for her husband, because he and 3 others lost their lives as tragedy struck. Green Beret Staff Sgt. Bryan Black was killed in action during an ISIS terrorist ambush in Niger in 2017. Following this awful event, Michelle vowed to herself and her two young sons to do whatever it took to find out the truth of what really happened on that horrible day. After interviewing the survivors of a deadly ambush, it became clear to Michelle that the deaths of her husband and several soldiers were avoidable – major mistakes were made. This Gold Star widow went on a quest to learn the truth about her husband’s death, but military officials refused to provide details. As a result, Michelle wrote a book titled, "Sacrifice: A Gold Star Widow’s Fight for the Truth" in an effort to bring attention to the inconsistent lies of the military and the challenge of learning the awful truth. Losing our brave American soldiers is a devastating, costly consequence of war. However, when those deaths are clouded in controversy and mistruths, it makes the tragedy even more difficult to comprehend. Michelle stopped at nothing to explore and investigate the details involving her husband's death. Listen to her compelling, heartbreaking but inspiring story here on Crime & Entertainment. 

Today on Crime & Entertainment we have former Chicago mob associate Charles (Chuckie) Miceli.
Charles was brought up in close contact with many organized crime figures of Chicago which were known as The Outfit. Though he did work for Law Enforcement for a short stint he had a close relationship with Outfit guys especially with Joey (The Clown) Lombardo. Joey wound up dying in a prison at the Supermax prison in Florence, Colorado after was found guilty of killing his former business partner Danny Seifert in, 1974. Joey was given life in prison by then Judge, James Zagel.
Miceli whom has provided documents to back up his claims to Crime & Entertainment to prove he petitioned judge Zagel to be able to take the stand at the Family Secrets trial, claiming he then 8 years of age witnessed Seifert’s slaying by a active cop that was tied into The Outfit. However, Judge Zagel had his testimony buried due to the fact that then-incarcerated Miceli had no credibility. Charles did in fact at age 56, serve a decade in a Florida state prison for defrauding investors involving a nightclub. Buckle up for a great show here on Crime & Entertainment.

Today on Crime & Entertainment, we have Lou Valoze. Lou is a retired ATF Special Agent with 24 years of law enforcement experience. His stories of infiltrating the toughest gangs in America will have you on the edge of your seat. Lou opens up on this episode and shares some of his unbelievable experiences during his time working undercover. Lou also wrote about these experiences in a book called Store Front Sting, which is available in our show notes below. The book explains the details of one of the most successful long-term undercover operations that many people are not aware took place within our law enforcement system. So, strap in and listen to this episode of Crime & Entertainment to hear more about Lou Valoze's story. 

Today, Crime & Entertainment sits down with one of the greatest character actors of all time, Mr. Larry Hankin. Larry is an American character actor, performer, director, comedian and producer. He is known for his major film roles as Charley Butts in Escape from Alcatraz, Ace in Running Scared, and Carl Alphonse in Billy Madison. He is also well known for his roles in Home Alone, Death Warrant, and El Camino. He has also appeared in several popular TV series. His roles include Mr. Heckles in Friends, Junkyard Joe in Breaking Bad, and Tom Pepper in Seinfeld. Larry sits down with Crime & Entertainment and discusses his early years in the business. He also discusses standup comedy and shares some memorable movie making stories including working alongside Hollywood legend, Clint Eastwood. Strap in and listen as we get some insight on Hollywood life from one of the best character actors of all times!

Today, on Crime & Entertainment, we talk with former adult film star, Jasmin St. Claire. Jasmin made waves in the porn industry in the mid 90's when she recorded the world's biggest Gang Bang. She quickly dethroned then porn queen, Jenna Jameson, as the top draw in the porn industry making over two dozen films. While her career in the adult film industry was brief, it was certainly memorable. Later, her work in the adult film industry earned her an induction into the AVN Hall of Fame. Jasmin was also memorable for her appearances on Jerry Springer & Howard Stern where she made a huge impact throughout her career. She later ventured into pro-wrestling and joined the upstart promotion XPW ran by Rob Black. Later on, she joined rival production ECW ran by Paul Heyman.
Jasmin continued her career by landing roles in mainstream films such as "Communication Breakdown", "National Lampoon Dorm Daze 2" and "Hooked." These days, Jasmin has her own podcast, "Krazy Train." You may find the link for her podcast below in our show notes. Folks, buckle up for this wild ride of porn stars, power bombs & podcasts with the Infamous Jasmin St. Claire!

Follow Jasmin's podcast Krazy Train at the link below
https://krazytrainpodcast.com/

Today on Crime & Entertainment, we talk with author, Brian Whitney. Brian is an accomplished author with several great books on his resume. His latest book is scheduled to come out this week. This new book is based on a man named, Slava Pastuk. Slava is a former VICE network reporter turned international drug smuggler. In 2019, he was sentenced to nine years for recruiting friends into a scheme to smuggle cocaine from the U.S. into Australia. Brian's new book, "Bad Trips: How I Went from Vice Reporter to International Drug Smuggler," is an account of the precarious, dog-eat-dog atmosphere of the VICE network. This company built its reputation on being provocative and leading young, naïve, and ambitious reporters into taking crazy risks. Was Slava a product of a drug-obsessed work environment that encouraged reporters to go over the top for their stories? Or was he a manipulator who pushed vulnerable young men into a life of crime? 

 So, strap in and listen as we discuss Brian's account of Slava's experiences. 

We will also discuss some of Brian's other books such as "Raw Deal: The Untold Story of the NYPD Cannibal Cop" as well as "The Son of Sam and Me: The Truth About Why I Wasn't Shot by David Berkowitz." 

Today on Crime and Entertainment, we share quite a tale. It is a mix of "Gone in Sixty Seconds" and "Catch Me if you Can." Our story is about Kasse Blaize whose real name is Rafael Pate. After an unexpected situation left him with a warrant out for his arrest, Kase's life began a path that resembles something out of a movie. When his plans to enlist in the US military were derailed, he began stealing cars which ultimately led to his incarceration. His incarceration was the beginning of quite a wild ride when he had his first successful prison escape which would NOT BE HIS LAST! As we unfold his life story, we discuss how he eventually spent over 15 years on the run. While on the run, he managed to escape to Canada and graduate college. Then, he would later sneak back into the USA, open multiple businesses, and become acquainted with several well-known individuals who had no idea of his past or his actual legal name. Please enjoy this wild and crazy autobiography of Rafael Pate!