Captain of Genovese Crime Family admits leading racketeering conspiracy

NEW YORK — A high-ranking member of the Genovese Crime Family pleaded guilty Thursday in Manhattan federal court to racketeering. This guilty plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, New York City Police Department and the New York State Police.

Daniel Pagano, 61, admitted to being the leader in a racketeering conspiracy that spanned nearly five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 10, 2015.

The Genovese Crime Family is part of a nationwide criminal organization known by various names, including the “Mafia” and “La Cosa Nostra,” which operates through entities known as “Families.” The Genovese Crime Family operates through groups of individuals known as “crews” and “regimes,” most of which are based in New York City. Each crew has as its leader a person known as a “Caporegime,” “Capo,” “Captain,” or “Skipper,” who is responsible for supervising the criminal activities of his crew and providing “Soldiers” and associates with support and protection.

In return, the leader typically receives a share of the illegal earnings of each of his crew’s associates, which is sometimes referred to as an “attribute.” Daniel Pagano is a captain in the Genovese Crime Family.

From 2009 through August 2014, Pagano, along with other members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family, committed a wide array of crimes, including operating an illegal gambling business. Pagano, a captain, exercised a leadership role within the group by, among other things, settling disputes between associates.

Pagano of Rockland County, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara thanked HSI, the FBI, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.