Joseph LoPiccolo (organized crime)

Joseph "Baldie" LoPiccolo (1918–1999) was an American criminal and member of the New York Gambino crime family and a capo under Santo Trafficante, Jr.'s criminal organization. His specialty was narcotics trafficking.

For other people named Joseph LoPiccolo, see Joseph LoPiccolo (disambiguation).

Early years

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 28, 1918, LoPiccolo was the son of Felipo and Margherita LoPiccolo. He had two brothers, Anthony and Frank, and two sisters, Loretta and Carmella.

Drug trade

LoPiccolo moved to New York City and joined the Gambino family. As a made man, he was involved in narcotics, illegal gambling, loansharking, and the vending machine business. During the 1940s and 1950s, LoPiccolo established a narcotics distribution system throughout Florida, becoming one of the largest drug traffickers during the post-World War II period.

In August 1958, LoPiccolo was convicted of violating federal narcotics laws and sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. He served his sentence either at the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Release and demise

After his release from prison, LoPiccolo returned to criminal activity.

Joseph LoPiccolo died in 1999.

References
  • The Editors of Newsday, The Heroin Trail. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975. ISBN 0-03-013841-8
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