Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia.

The Mafia Cops: NYPD Corruption and Murder with Michael Connell. In this explosive episode of Gangland Wire, I uncover the shocking true story of two NYPD detectives who became hitmen for the Mafia. Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa weren’t just dirty cops—they were fully embedded in the Lucchese crime family, leaking intelligence, setting up murders, and betraying the very system they swore to uphold. Joining me is Michael Connell, author of a gripping account of their crimes. We break down how these officers, once respected members of law enforcement, used their badges to serve the mob. Eppolito’s deep family ties to organized crime and Caracappa’s access to high-level police intelligence made them the perfect duo for Gaspipe Casso and the Lucchese family. Their corruption ran so deep that they not only provided inside information but also carried out Mafia-ordered executions—including the tragic killing of an innocent man due to a case of mistaken identity.

We discuss how their downfall unfolded, from a shocking whistleblower to the relentless detective work that finally exposed them. We dive into the role of Betty Heidel, a grieving mother determined to find justice for her murdered son, and Detective Tommy Dades, who helped piece together the case that brought Eppolito and Caracappa to justice. This story concerns power, betrayal, and the dark intersection between law enforcement and organized crime. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of NYPD's most astonishing corruption cases.

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Transcript

[0:00] Well, hey, all you wiretappers out there. Good to be back here in Studio Gangland Wire. I have an author today, some stories about the mafia cops, the mob cops in New York City, Caracapa and Eppolito. Those two guys were bad dudes. So I have Michael Connell. Welcome, Michael. Hey, it's great to be here. Thanks. Thanks. Great to see you again. Yeah, you too. Yeah, you've been on the show before, haven't you? I have, yes. For my previous book, I guess that we were here together three or so years ago. Was it that long? Was it Abrellis? Was it Abrellis' book? It was Abrellis, right, exactly. Yeah, that guy's a character. Abrellis, also known as Kid Twist, who went out the window of a hotel in Coney Island.

[0:48] Nobody knows exactly how he went out, but one thing's for sure, it wasn't voluntary. The canary could sing, but he couldn't fly, right? Exactly. So, guys, I know you all know me, but I'm retired intelligence unit detective Gary Jenkins, Kansas City Police Department. Got this show, Gangland Wire, and we deal with the mafia almost every week. So this story is blood and the bads, the mafia, two killer cops, and a scandal that shocked the nation. I know you know some of y'all will know this story about Steve Caraappa and Lou Eppilito I want to tell you what Joe Pistone who everybody knows is Donnie Brasco, said about this book "Cannell pulls back the veil to refill law enforcement's most lurid chapter an entwined tale of decorated detectives on the mafia payroll a true account of police depravity unearthed...