40 Facts About Frank Cullotta

Early Life and Family Background

Frank Cullotta's journey into the world of organized crime began early in life, influenced by his family's criminal background and his environment in Chicago.

1. Birth and Early Life: Frank John Cullotta was born on December 14, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Josephine Montedore and Joseph Raymond Cullotta. His father was also involved in criminal activities, although not with the Chicago Outfit.
2. Family Influence: Growing up in a family with a criminal background likely influenced Cullotta's early life choices. His father's involvement in crime could have been a significant factor in shaping his future.
3. Education: Cullotta dropped out of Steinmetz High School in the ninth grade, which marked the beginning of his formal involvement in criminal activities.

Rise in the Criminal World

Cullotta's criminal career took off as he teamed up with his childhood friend Tony Spilotro, leading to a series of notorious crimes.

4. Criminal Career: Cullotta started his criminal career alongside his boyhood friend Tony Spilotro, engaging in theft, burglary, and murder. This partnership would last for many years and lead to several notorious crimes.
5. Early Crimes: In 1962, Cullotta indirectly participated in the killings of William McCarthy and James Miraglia. McCarthy's head was placed in a vise and his throat slashed, while Miraglia was strangled.
6. Conviction and Incarceration: In 1968, Cullotta was convicted of burglary and sentenced to eight years in prison. He was paroled in 1972 but transferred to the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute to serve the federal portion of his sentence. After six months, he was transferred to a halfway house and released in 1974.

Las Vegas and the Hole in the Wall Gang

Cullotta's move to Las Vegas marked a significant shift in his criminal activities, as he became involved in the Outfit's casino-skimming operations and the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang.

7. Move to Las Vegas: In early 1979, Cullotta moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to join Spilotro, who had already been there since 1971. This move marked a significant shift in Cullotta's criminal activities, as he became involved in the Outfit's casino-skimming operations.
8. Hole in the Wall Gang: Cullotta became a member of the Hole in the Wall Gang, a group of experienced thieves and safecrackers operating in Las Vegas. The gang was known for its sophisticated burglaries and was a key part of the Outfit's operations in the city.
9. Tony Spilotro: Tony Spilotro was a close friend and partner of Cullotta's. Spilotro was ambitious and sought to rise through the ranks of the Outfit, often using ruthless methods to achieve his goals.
10. Spilotro's Ambition: Spilotro once told Cullotta, “One day I’ll be boss of the Outfit.” This ambition drove Spilotro to commit numerous crimes, including murder, to gain recognition and power within the organization.
11. Cullotta's Role: While Spilotro was focused on rising through the ranks, Cullotta continued to engage in various criminal activities, including burglary and extortion. He was known for his skill as a thief and his ability to evade detection.

Arrest and Cooperation with Law Enforcement

Cullotta's arrest in 1982 led to a significant turning point in his life, as he decided to cooperate with law enforcement and become a government witness.

12. Arrest and Cooperation: In 1982, Cullotta was arrested for his involvement in a stolen property case. This arrest led to his decision to cooperate with law enforcement, which marked a significant turning point in his life.
13. Government Witness: After his arrest, Cullotta became a government witness, providing crucial information about the Outfit's activities in Las Vegas. This cooperation allowed him to enter the Witness Protection Program and start a new life.
14. Witness Protection Program: Cullotta and his wife entered the Witness Protection Program, relocating to Fort Worth, Texas, and later to Biloxi, Mississippi. This move protected him from potential retaliation by his former associates.

Life After Crime

After cooperating with law enforcement, Cullotta reinvented himself, becoming a consultant for the film "Casino" and running a popular mob tour in Las Vegas.

15. Consultant for Casino: Cullotta's cooperation with law enforcement also led to his involvement in the film "Casino." He served as a consultant for the movie and even played a brief role as a hitman. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, was based on Nicholas Pileggi's book of the same name.
16. Book Contributions: Cullotta was a significant source of information for Nicholas Pileggi's book "Casino." His insights into the Outfit's operations in Las Vegas were instrumental in piecing together the story of Tony Spilotro and other mobsters.
17. Tour Guide: After his reformation, Cullotta started running his own Las Vegas mob tour. The tour, which included stops at famous mob locations and a champagne toast, provided a unique perspective on the city's organized crime history.
18. Public Appearances: Despite his criminal past, Cullotta became comfortable in the public eye. He gave numerous interviews and appeared in documentaries, often sharing his stories about the mob.
19. YouTube Channel: Cullotta also had a popular YouTube channel called "Coffee With Cullotta," where he shared firsthand stories of the mob. This platform allowed him to connect with a wider audience and share his experiences.
20. Books and Collaborations: Cullotta collaborated on three books about his life, including "Hole in the Wall Gang," which detailed his involvement in the burglary ring. He was also working on a cookbook at the time of his death.

Public Perception and Legacy

Cullotta's transformation from a notorious gangster to a beloved public figure in Las Vegas showcased his ability to change and contribute positively to society.

21. Reputation as a Tour Guide: Cullotta's tours were highly rated, with many reviewers praising his authenticity and storytelling skills. He became a beloved figure in Las Vegas, known for his unique perspective on organized crime.
22. Comparison to Military Service: When asked about his experiences, Cullotta often compared them to military service. He felt that he was simply carrying out orders, much like a soldier following orders in combat.
23. Reflection on Past Crimes: Despite his involvement in numerous crimes, Cullotta reflected on his past with a sense of detachment. He believed that dwelling on these events would drive him to madness, so he chose to focus on his new life.
24. Legacy in Las Vegas: Cullotta left an imprint on Las Vegas, transforming from a notorious gangster to a beloved character. His tours and public appearances humanized him, showing that even those with a dark past could change and contribute positively to society.
25. Relationship with Dennis Griffin: Cullotta met author and organized crime aficionado Dennis Griffin in 2004. The two collaborated on a biography and two more books about Cullotta’s gangster life. Griffin described their relationship as evolving from a business arrangement to a close friendship.
26. Impact on Law Enforcement: Cullotta's cooperation with law enforcement provided significant information for RICO investigations. He testified in various courts, including Congress, helping to open many eyes to the inner workings of organized crime.
27. Government Benefits: The government benefited greatly from Cullotta’s deal, which granted him immunity from prosecution. This cooperation allowed him to live out his last years in peace, free from the threats of his former associates.
28. Personal Life After Reformation: After his reformation, Cullotta lived a relatively quiet life. He operated a limousine service in San Diego before re-emerging in Las Vegas, where he continued to share his story and run his tours.
29. Reception by Mob Lawyer Oscar Goodman: Despite his efforts to reinvent himself, Cullotta faced ridicule from some of his former associates, including mob lawyer Oscar Goodman. However, Cullotta did not hide and instead used these interactions to further his public persona.
30. Documentaries and Videos: Cullotta appeared in numerous documentaries and videos about his life and crimes. This media presence helped him monetize his story, turning it into a cottage industry.
31. Cookbook Project: At the time of his death, Cullotta was working on a cookbook titled "Frank Cullotta’s Greatest (Kitchen) Hits." This project reflected his ability to adapt and find new ways to engage with his audience.
32. Personal Philosophy: Cullotta believed that dwelling on past crimes would lead to madness. He preferred to focus on his new life, using his experiences to educate and entertain others.
33. Public Perception: Despite his criminal past, Cullotta was seen as a fascinating figure by many. His ability to share his stories without glorifying them made him a unique and compelling public speaker.
34. Authenticity in Tours: Cullotta’s tours were praised for their authenticity. He shared both the losses and the gains of his life, providing a balanced perspective on organized crime.
35. Impact on Organized Crime History: Cullotta’s contributions to organized crime history were significant. His cooperation with law enforcement and his public appearances helped to shed light on the inner workings of the mob.
36. Comparison to Other Ex-Mobsters: While there were other ex-mobsters like Michael Franzese, who became motivational speakers, Cullotta was unique in his ability to capitalize on his story and share it with a wide audience.
37. Public Reaction to Tours: The public reaction to Cullotta’s tours was overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers praised his storytelling skills and the unique perspective he offered on organized crime.
38. Government Agent’s Perspective: Retired FBI agent Dennis Arnoldy noted that Cullotta’s tours were a reiteration of his life and how it impacted Las Vegas. He also emphasized that law enforcement had won the war against organized crime, and Cullotta was the first to acknowledge this.
39. Legacy as a Witness: Cullotta’s legacy as a witness was significant. He provided crucial information that helped in RICO investigations and testified in various courts, including Congress.
40. Death and Legacy: Frank Cullotta passed away peacefully on August 20, 2020, at the age of 81, due to complications related to COVID-19. His legacy continues to be felt in Las Vegas, where he is remembered as a reformed gangster who turned his life around and shared his story with the world.

Frank Cullotta's Legacy

Frank Cullotta's life was a wild ride from crime to redemption. Born in Chicago, he quickly got involved in the criminal world, eventually becoming a key player in the Chicago Outfit and the Hole in the Wall Gang. His partnership with Tony Spilotro led to numerous high-profile crimes in Las Vegas. After his arrest in 1982, Cullotta chose to cooperate with law enforcement, becoming a valuable government witness. This decision allowed him to enter the Witness Protection Program and start anew. Later, he shared his experiences through books, tours, and even a YouTube channel. Despite his dark past, Cullotta's transformation into a storyteller and educator left a lasting impact. His legacy serves as a reminder that even those with a troubled past can change and contribute positively to society. Frank Cullotta passed away in 2020, but his story continues to fascinate and educate.