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Who is Joey Merlino? Joey Merlino, also known as "Skinny Joey," is a name that resonates with both fear and intrigue. Born on March 13, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Merlino grew up in a family deeply entrenched in organized crime. His father, Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino, served as underboss in the Philadelphia crime family, setting the stage for Joey's future. From his early convictions to his rise as a mob boss, Merlino's life has been a whirlwind of crime, power struggles, and media attention. Despite multiple imprisonments, he remains a significant figure in the world of organized crime, even dabbling in legitimate business ventures and media projects.
Key Takeaways:
- Joey Merlino, a notorious figure in the Philadelphia mob scene, rose to power through family ties and strategic alliances, leaving a complex and multifaceted legacy.
- Despite legal battles and convictions, Joey Merlino attempted to lead a legitimate life post-prison, engaging in business ventures and philanthropic activities while facing ongoing FBI scrutiny.
Early Life and Family Background
Joey Merlino, a name synonymous with the Philadelphia mob scene, has a life story that reads like a crime novel. Let's dive into the early years and family ties that shaped his destiny.
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Joey Merlino was born on March 13, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His parents, Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino and Rita Giordano, were of Italian-American descent.
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His father, Salvatore "Chuckie" Merlino, was a prominent figure in the Philadelphia crime family. He served as underboss under the notorious boss Nicky Scarfo.
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Merlino's uncle, Lawrence "Yogi" Merlino, was also deeply involved in the mob. He was a capo under Scarfo during the 1980s.
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Growing up in a mob household, Merlino was destined for a life of crime. His family's connections and influence in the Philadelphia crime family set the stage for his future involvement in organized crime.
Early Criminal Activities
Joey Merlino's criminal career began at a young age, setting the tone for his future as a mob boss.
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At just 20 years old, Merlino picked up his first conviction for an Atlantic City stabbing incident. This early involvement in crime marked the beginning of a long and storied career.
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In 1990, Merlino was sentenced to four years for conspiring to steal $350,000 in an armored car robbery. This conviction was a significant milestone in his rise to prominence within the mob.
Rise to Power
Merlino's ascent to power within the Philadelphia crime family was marked by violence, betrayal, and strategic alliances.
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During his imprisonment, Merlino met Ralph Natale, a long-standing Philadelphia mob associate. Natale, nearing 60, recognized a golden opportunity in the young and charismatic Merlino.
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The pair began plotting to take over the Philadelphia family from incumbent boss John Stanfa. This marked the beginning of Merlino's rise to power.
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With Scarfo imprisoned and Stanfa in charge, Merlino and his associates sought to overthrow Stanfa. This new wave of South Philly mobsters, dubbed "Young Turks" by the media, believed Stanfa had no place on the Philadelphia throne.
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On January 29, 1992, Merlino's faction struck first with the killing of Felix Bocchino. This act of violence marked a turning point in the power struggle within the Philadelphia crime family.
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Stanfa, recognizing the tenuous situation, sought to appease Merlino and his best friend Michael Ciancaglini by inducting them into the family in September 1992. Becoming a "made" man at the age of 30 gave Merlino the prestige he needed to act even more boldly.
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The induction did not instill loyalty in Merlino. Instead, it gave him the authority to act more aggressively, leading to renewed violence in the city.
Legal Troubles and Convictions
Merlino's criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to a series of legal battles and convictions.
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Ralph Natale, who had been indicted for financing drug deals the year before, became bitter over Merlino cutting him off. In a shocking turn of events, Natale became the first American Mafia boss to become a government witness, testifying against Merlino and his associates.
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Merlino's ensuing trial was the result of a ten-year investigation featuring an extraordinary 943 pieces of evidence and 50 witnesses. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Merlino was acquitted of all three counts of murder.
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However, he was sentenced to 14 years for racketeering crimes. This conviction marked a significant blow to his power and influence within the Philadelphia crime family.
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Merlino was convicted of several RICO charges, including racketeering, illegal gambling, and extortion. His conviction marked a significant blow to his power and influence within the Philadelphia crime family.
Life in Prison
Even behind bars, Merlino's charisma and influence remained strong.
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During his imprisonment, Merlino was known for his charismatic personality and ability to navigate the complexities of prison life. He even formed alliances with other inmates, including terrorists, and managed to survive in a hostile environment.
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After serving 12 years, Joey Merlino was released from prison in 2011. He was sent to a Florida halfway house for six months followed by supervised release.
Post-Prison Ventures
Upon his release, Merlino attempted to lead a legitimate life, but his past continued to haunt him.
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Upon his release, Merlino moved to Boca Raton, Florida. He attempted to lead a legitimate life, opening a restaurant called Merlino’s Italian Restaurant in 2015, which closed in 2016.
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Merlino also started a cheesesteak business in South Philadelphia called Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks in early 2024. This venture marked his attempt to re-establish himself in the business world.
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In addition to his restaurant ventures, Merlino has been involved in various other business activities. He has been known to host charity events and provide support to indigent people in Philadelphia.
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Unlike many traditional mob bosses who shunned the limelight, Merlino has interacted regularly with the media and the public. He has been featured in various news articles and documentaries.
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Despite his criminal past, Merlino has been involved in several philanthropic activities. He has hosted charity events and provided support to various causes.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Media Presence
Merlino's life continues to be a subject of public interest and FBI scrutiny.
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Merlino's prominent public profile in Philadelphia has made him a prime target of FBI investigations. His alleged return to crime since his release has led to rumors of a future indictment in Philadelphia.
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The FBI and organized crime reporters believe Merlino continues to run the Philadelphia–South Jersey Mafia despite his claims of retirement from a life of crime. This ongoing scrutiny has kept Merlino in the public eye.
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In September 2023, Merlino started the sports betting podcast "The Skinny with Joey Merlino." He gives out football picks weekly, further solidifying his presence in the media landscape.
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In January 2023, Merlino reappeared in the news when he posed for a photograph with former U.S. president Donald Trump at a Trump-owned golf club. Both men made a "thumbs up" gesture, sparking controversy and public interest.
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On May 23, 2024, Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks suffered minor damage from a firebombing where several Molotov cocktails were found at the scene. This incident highlighted the ongoing threats and challenges faced by Merlino and his associates.
Personal Life and Health
Merlino's personal life has been marked by both family ties and health challenges.
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Merlino has been married to Deborah for over two decades. He has two daughters, Nicolette and Sophia, whose lives have been largely kept out of the public eye.
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Merlino is also known to enjoy rap music and has attended high-profile events like rapper Kurupt's 25th birthday party. This interest in music adds another layer to his complex personality.
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In 2016, Merlino was hospitalized in Florida for heart trouble. This health issue temporarily delayed his trial, but he continued to face legal challenges and public scrutiny.
Legal Battles and Government Misconduct
Merlino's legal battles have been marked by allegations of government misconduct and witness protection crimes.
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During his trial, Merlino faced allegations of witness protection crimes. The government's witnesses, including J. R. Rubeo, were criticized for their inconsistencies and personal failings.
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The government's evidence was tainted by FBI misconduct and dubious behavior by cooperating witnesses. This led to a mistrial declaration and reduced sentences for many defendants.
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Merlino and one other defendant refused plea bargains, opting to go to trial instead. This decision showcased his defiance and willingness to fight the charges against him.
Legacy and Impact
Joey Merlino's legacy is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both his criminal past and his attempts at a legitimate life.
- Joey Merlino's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He has been portrayed as both a ruthless mob boss and a charismatic figure who has interacted regularly with the media and public.
Joey Merlino's Enduring Legacy
Joey Merlino's life is a wild ride through the world of organized crime. From his early days in a mob family to his rise as a notorious mob boss, Merlino's story is full of twists and turns. Despite multiple convictions and prison stints, he remains a significant figure in the Philadelphia crime scene. His post-prison ventures, like opening restaurants and starting a podcast, show his knack for staying relevant. Even with ongoing FBI scrutiny and public controversies, Merlino's charisma and influence endure. Whether viewed as a ruthless criminal or a charismatic public figure, Joey Merlino's legacy is complex and fascinating. His life serves as a reminder of the enduring power and allure of organized crime, as well as the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances.
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