Double Deal - True Stories of Criminals, Crimes and Lies

Double Deal - True Stories of Criminals, Crimes and Lies

My name is Lara Chicofsky, and my cohost is Nina Jobe. We created this podcast to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters and crimes in Boston and New England. We've spent the past two years researching the Boston crime scene primarily focusing on the 1960s. There are many podcasts and books available about organized crime in the Boston area, but ours is a bit different. I spent most of my life in my father’s world. Eavesdropping when I was a kid, listening intently when he was at the end of his life. I often took what he said with a grain of salt. He was, after all, a conman, an expert liar and an Academy Award worthy actor, but there was always a sliver of truth in his stories.

Episodes

July 24, 2025 22 mins

Thanks to technical difficulties and Nina being on strike in protest of said tech issues, Lara is flying solo today. She talks about the gangland slayings of 1978 in the Boston area and Rhode Island. Some of the men profiled in this episode are Joseph "Joe Onions" Scanlon, Joseph DiFronzo, Joseph Patrizzi and George Basmajian.

Mark as Played

Lara and Nina delve into the infamous Blackfriars Massacre that occurred in Boston in June of 1978, exploring the profiles of the victims, the details of the crime scene, the investigation that followed, and the various theories surrounding the suspects involved. The girls discuss the complexities of the case, including the connections between the victims and organized crime, as well as the aftermath of the massacre.

Chapters

00:00 I...

Mark as Played

Nina and Lara wrap up this three part series about the men who were killed in gangland slayings in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in 1977. The last 6 men who lost their lives were linked together not just geography and association but also by an international drug smuggling ring.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the 1977 Drug Smuggling Case

02:04 The Discovery of the Ghost Ship

04:47 The Murders of Ralph Imperatore and Billy Lavin

07:43 T...

Mark as Played

The girls delve into two of the mob related homicide cases of 1977, focusing on the lives and deaths of Mike Ross and Dennis Lytwyn aka Danny Raimondi. They explore the circumstances surrounding Ross' murder, his connections to organized crime, and the man who killed him. They wrap up with Lytwyn's story, the events that leading up to his death and the outcome of his murder trial.

Mark as Played

Lara and Nina delve into the gangland slayings in Massachusetts in 1977, focusing on former Alcatraz inmate, Louis Arquilla, and others including Robert McFarland and Jackie DiFronzo.

Mark as Played

In this episode, Lara and Nina delve into the 1977 gambling charges against several mob figures, including Larry Zannino, Abe Sarkis and Melvin Berger. They discuss the background of these individuals, the events leading up to the charges, the court proceedings, and the eventual sentencing. The conversation also touches on the life of Dominic Isabella, a figure in Boston organized crime, and how he was connected to Lara's father, R...

Mark as Played

In this episode Lara and Nina discuss the Danvers Armory heist of 1976, where the weapons ended up, the attacks carried out by the IRA with some of the stolen M60s, their theories and more!

Mark as Played

Much attention has been given to the Mafia induction ceremony of 1989 in Medford, Massachusetts, but few remember the ceremony that took place on October 5, 1977 in Boston. Lara and Nina discuss the men that were made that day and the testimony about the induction ceremony itself.

Links:

La "Causa" Nostra - The Hill - Part 1

Family Feud - The Hill - Part 2

Jack's Justice - Part 1 - The First Round of Arrests

Not Your Average Joe

Mark as Played

Lara and Nina delve answer questions about Sonny Mercurio and Little Joe Napolitano. They introduce Joe Puzzangara, discuss informants, connections between various Mafia figures., their counterfeiting operations and the massage parlor case that was the first RICO case in Massachusetts.

Joseph Puzzangara family tree

Russell Nicholson episodes 13 and 25

Chapters

00:00 Mailbag Questions and Informants

04:03 The Story of Joe Puzzangara

09:57...

Mark as Played
May 20, 2025 24 mins

This episode was inspired by a listener's email. Nina and Lara discuss Big Joe, Mickey and Little Joe Napolitano and their adventures in Maine including morphine, a still and a counterfeiting ring.

00:00Introduction to Organized Crime in Maine

01:55Intel Laundering: The Dark Side of Information

04:40The Napolitano Family

07:30Mickey Napolitano's Criminal Ventures

10:12Little Joe Napolitano's Counterfeiting Operations

13:09The Downfall ...

Mark as Played
May 13, 2025 13 mins

In this episode, Lara and Nina revisit Nicky Bianco's early years including his time as a member of the Colombo Family and his return to Rhode Island, early legal troubles including income tax evasion, and his post prison career as a paralegal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week

02:02 Nicky D'Anco's Background and Rise

06:49 Nicky's Leadership and Legal Troubles

12:43 Nicky's Post-Prison Life and Legal Issues

Mark as Played
May 6, 2025 36 mins

Nina and Lara delve into the mob slayings of 1976 in Massachusetts and RI. The hosts explore key figures, events, and the implications of these crimes, including the tragic story of Richie Castucci. They highlight the intertwining lives of mobsters, law enforcement, and the consequences of greed and betrayal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:07 Exploring the Winter Hill Murders

05:04 The Power of the Lam

08:24 The Dea...

Mark as Played
April 24, 2025 18 mins

In this episode, Lara and Nina wrap up the Bonded Vault series, discussing the fates of various characters involved in the heist and subsequent events. They delve into the lives of Jacob Tarzian, Robert Dussault, Joe Danese, John Ouimette, Ralph Byrnes, and Charles Flynn, highlighting their criminal activities, legal troubles, and the impact of their choices.

Mark as Played

In this episode, the hosts delve into the Bonded Vault heist trial, exploring more details of the robbery, the various players involved, and the courtroom dynamics that unfolded over the course of the trial. They discuss witness testimonies, the role of organized crime, and the eventual verdicts that led to life sentences for the convicted individuals. The conversation highlights the drama and intrigue surrounding one of the larges...

Mark as Played

The Bonded Vault Heist: Revenge by Robbery 2.0

In this episode, the hosts discuss unresolved technical and logistical issues before diving into a listener comment about notorious criminals Anthony "Ponytail" Parillo and Dennis Roach. They explore the 1975 Bonded Vault heist in Providence, including key players like Robert 'the Deuce' Dussault, Chucky Flynn, and Jerry Tillinghast. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, Raymond ...

Mark as Played

Unraveling the Bonded Vault Heist: Background Stories and Intriguing Connections

In this episode, the hosts discuss their nonstop technical difficulties before diving into listener questions about the Medford Mafia Induction Ceremony. The episode focuses on the backstories and criminal backgrounds of the heist participants, including Robert 'The Deuce' Dussault, Charles 'Chucky' Flynn, John and Walter Ouimette, Jerry Tillinghast, Jo...

Mark as Played

In their first full episode in two years, the hosts dive into a detailed recount of mob-related events and murders from 1975. The episode covers various crimes, including the deaths of Ben Tilley, Carmen "Gags" Gagliardi, Dickie Callei, Buffy Baccari, Eddie "Bulldog" Connors, and Tommy King. It also touches on notable incidents like the release of Raymond Patriarca, the failed car bombing of Mike Manfredi, and a house arson involvi...

Mark as Played

In this episode, the hosts return after a two-year hiatus and discuss the evolution of their podcast from its inception. They reminisce about their history, including how they met through Twitter in 2010, and the events that led them to start the podcast. The episode outlines their plans for the new season, including shorter, more relaxed episodes and incorporating a new mailbag segment. The hosts share their plans to cover organiz...

Mark as Played
March 6, 2023 22 mins

Over 130 murders were committed in Boston in 1974 with one day in mid January seeing three slayings in less than 16 hours. The year didn’t end much differently with two men being shot five minutes apart. We're highlighting many of those hits and a few others outside of the state, including Joe Schiavone in Rhode Island.

Next week's episode will be dedicated to the Lady of the Dunes, and the following week will be The Hit Parade of 1...

Mark as Played
January 30, 2023 28 mins

We're back this with our favorite topic: bank robberies, armored truck heists and colorful characters! There are a few familiar names from last season, some new ones, and we journey a little bit outside of Massachusetts.

Linked episodes:

Prison Break!

Joe Meet Joe

The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight

Hit Parade: 1970-1973

For a transcript of this episode visit our website. Follow us on Twitter for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. You...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Megyn Kelly Show

    The Megyn Kelly Show is your home for open, honest and provocative conversations with the most interesting and important political, legal and cultural figures today. No BS. No agenda. And no fear.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.