Description:

Carmine "The Snake" Persico ALS: "We are in the Supreme Court!"

2pp, measuring 8.5" x 13.75", Butner, North Carolina, postmarked October 26, 2017. Signed "Carmine" and addressed to Jay Cooley. A chipper-sounding Persico writes about future endeavors, his grandchildren visiting, and the Supreme Court hearing his case. He writes in part:

"…Yes Matt is trying to start a new Italian American organization! And he may try to kick it off with some kind of a show with Big Name Stars! And some sports figures but that’s in the future! I told him to make sure he finds a place for you, on this new team…As for me I am feeling just fine the cold weather is coming in now and I love it I can't stand the hot summer here I love the cold weather?! My wife and two grandchildren are coming down to visit me this weekend! I love when they are here but its sad to have to see them leave the visits always seem to go so fast. Jay! We are in the Supreme Court in Washington! And should hear something around the 27 or 28 of this month! You know if its good news you will be one of the first people I'll have Matt call. I will never forget the help and the friendship you have shown me…." Accompanied by the original envelope, postmarked from the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner, North Carolina. The letter has flattened mail folds and is boldly signed. Expected wear and soiling to the envelope.

Carmine J. Persico Jr. (1933-2019) was the boss of the New York Colombo crime family from 1973 until his death. He had multiple nicknames, including "Junior", "The Snake", and "Immortal." He was arrested numerous times on charges of hijacking, loan sharking, conspiracy, and racketeering, but he would gain a life sentence and $240,000 fine in 1987 for his involvement in the Commission Mafia plot. Despite being incarcerated, Persico was still the official boss of the Colombo crime family and ran numerous jobs from prison.

Jim Cooley was a former MMA fighter and began a podcast called "The Life" in 2017 about the Mafia. He considers himself to be close friends with Carmine Persico, who allegedly gave him the idea for the podcast. On his first episode, Cooley's featured guest was Mathew Mari. Mari has been a criminal defense lawyer since 1976, defending everyone from Tommy "Karate" Pitera to Persico. He is considered to be an expert on organized crime and is likely the "Matt" Persico mentions in his letter.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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