Michael Franzese: From Mafia Boss to Bestselling Author
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cdteliot
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Michael Franzese, a former high-ranking member of the Colombo crime family, gained notoriety as one of the most powerful mafia bosses in the 1980s before dramatically walking away from organized crime. According to Fortune Magazine, Franzese was once ranked 18th on their list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses," earning millions weekly through various illegal schemes.
Michael Franzese's Early Life
dailytelegraph.com.a...
Michael Franzese was born on May 27, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, into a family deeply entrenched in organized crime
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. His father, John "Sonny" Franzese, was a notorious underboss of the Colombo crime family3
. Despite initially pursuing a pre-med program at Hofstra University, Franzese's life took a dramatic turn when his father was imprisoned2
. He dropped out of college to support his family and became involved in the family's criminal activities1
. By the age of 24, Franzese was inducted as a "made man" into the Colombo crime family, marking the beginning of his rapid rise through the ranks of organized crime2
. This early exposure to the mafia world set the stage for Franzese's eventual prominence as a high-ranking mobster before his remarkable transformation later in life.3 sources
The Gasoline Bootlegging Scheme
en.wikipedia.org
Michael Franzese's criminal activities reached their peak with his involvement in a sophisticated gasoline tax fraud scheme in the 1980s. This operation, which Franzese himself engineered alongside a partner, defrauded the government of taxes on every gallon of gasoline sold
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. At its height, the scheme was selling half a billion gallons of gas per month, generating profits of $7-10 million per week2
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. Franzese's operation involved 350 gas stations and 18 companies licensed to collect taxes, using political connections to obtain these hard-to-get licenses2
. The scheme's success led to Franzese's promotion to captain in the Colombo crime family in 19801
. However, his criminal activities eventually caught up with him. In 1985, Franzese was indicted on federal racketeering charges and state racketeering charges in Florida4
. He ultimately pleaded guilty in 1986, accepting a 10-year prison sentence and agreeing to pay $14.75 million in fines and restitution4
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From Crime to Bestsellers
audible.com
Michael Franzese has leveraged his extraordinary experiences as a former mafia underboss to become a prolific author, sharing his hard-won insights from a life of crime. His books offer a unique insider's perspective on the inner workings of mafia families and the personal toll of criminal activities. Franzese's writing often draws from his father's 50-year prison sentence for bank robbery and his own encounters with law enforcement, including multiple grand jury appearances as both a defendant and witness.
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His works, such as "Blood Covenant" and "Quitting the Mob," detail the author's transformation from leading an evil life in organized crime to finding redemption.3
These accounts provide readers with a raw, unfiltered look at the consequences of illegal activities and the challenges of leaving the criminal world behind. Franzese's books not only serve as cautionary tales but also offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of organized crime, drawn from months of investigations and his personal experiences within the Colombo crime family.4
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Michael Franzese's Books: Published Works and Reader Feedback
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**AUTOGRAPHED** Blood Covenant: The Story of the "Mafia Prince" Who Publicly Quit the Mob and Lived
$35.00
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**AUTOGRAPHED** Mafia Democracy: How Our Republic Became a Mob Racket
$35.00
**AUTOGRAPHED** Blood Covenant: The Story of the "Mafia Prince" Who Publicly Quit the Mob and Lived
$35.00
- Insider perspective
- Redemption story
- Historical insight
- Limited critical reviews
- Unique Perspective
- Well-Researched
- Non-Partisan Critique
- Controversial Topic
- Complex Subject Matter
Life After the Mob: Franzese's Entrepreneurial Ventures
After leaving the mafia, Michael Franzese leveraged his business acumen to pursue legitimate entrepreneurial ventures. He became a best-selling author, writing books like "Blood Covenant" and "I'll Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse," which offer insights into his past life and business tips from his experiences
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. Franzese also established himself as a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing his story of transformation at various events and institutions2
. In a symbolic move reflecting his journey, Franzese ventured into the wine industry, creating Franzese Wines. This endeavor holds special significance for him, as wine represents transformation in art, literature, and cultural activities, and is connected to his faith1
. Through these ventures, Franzese has successfully transitioned from his criminal past to become a respected entrepreneur and motivational figure.2 sources
Closing Thoughts on Michael Franzese's Life
mafiabookreviews.com
Michael Franzese's incredible life journey from mob underboss to motivational speaker offers profound life lessons and a cautionary tale about the consequences of a life of crime. His story, which includes time in federal prison and involvement in illegal businesses as part of the Colombo crime family, has been the subject of numerous books and in-depth investigations. Franzese's transformation came after he walked away from mob life, a decision that could have cost him his life. Today, he uses his experiences to educate business owners and the general public about the dangers of criminal activities. His fascinating books, which recount his life story and time in prison, have resonated with readers worldwide. Franzese's ability to survive multiple indictments, grand jury appearances, and a Mafia death sentence speaks to the complexity of his past and the weight his testimony carries
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. His journey from the highest echelons of organized crime to a respected public figure counts as one of the most remarkable transformations in recent history.2 sources
Related
What life lessons did Michael Franzese learn from his time in solitary confinement
How did Michael Franzese's faith influence his decision to leave the mob
What challenges did Michael Franzese face when he decided to quit the mob
How did Michael Franzese's upbringing in a crime family shape his life choices
What are some key takeaways from Michael Franzese's books
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