John Gotti Arrives

In this reboot of an old podcast, I talk with my friend David Layman who was a guard at the federal prison at Marion. He describes the day Gotti arrived at the Reception and Diagnostic Unit. David said men gathered around looking and watching like a movie star was being processed. He heard people yelling how much they loved Gotti, how they would do anything for him, and other expressions of admiration for the former mob boss. David tells about the day-to-day life of the famous mob boss inside the walls of Marion. Learn more about his relationship with the feared prison gang, the Aryan Brotherhood. David noticed Gotti sat with the leaders of the AB at meals. He observed that during this time the Aryan Brotherhood engaged in business-like conversations with Gotti. He claimed that after meeting Gotti, the feared prison gang changed some tactics and did not rise to minor slights or signs of disrespect from other prisoners. They maintained a more business-like demeanor.   

Gotti takes a beat-down

David was the second guard to arrive on the scene when Walter Johnson was beating Gotti down. We get an insider’s version of both the events leading up to the beating and the aftermath. Gotti will die in prison and Walter Johnson will be released. Johnson does not stay out long until he is convicted of killing a Washington DC police officer.

Show notes by Gary Jenkins

 

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