Ex-Nassau County Detective Accused of Collaborating with Bonanno Crime Family in Long Island Gang Conflict

Ex-Nassau County Detective Accused of Collaborating with Bonanno Crime Family in Long Island Gang Conflict

A former Nassau County police detective has been implicated in fueling a gang war on Long Island as he allegedly worked as a soldier for the Bonanno crime family. Court proceedings this week revealed how ex-Detective Hector Rosario chose loyalty to organized crime over his oath to serve and protect the public.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn have laid out a case where Rosario conspired to target members of the rival Genovese family amidst escalating tensions that erupted after an unusual arrangement to share profits from a gelato shop’s gambling operation. This feud came to light during the trial that started on Tuesday.

The Anatomy of a Mob War

The court heard that Rosario, alongside other gang members, executed a fake police raid on a covert casino supervised by the Genovese family. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Karamigios outlined how Rosario and his accomplices impersonated police officers, destroyed gambling equipment, and sent a clear message to their competitors.

Across decades, the Bonanno and Genovese families have maintained a cautious separation, rarely crossing paths in their illicit endeavors. According to an experienced mob investigator, interactions between these two factions were minimal until this recent outbreak of hostility.

“There were no beefs and no sit-downs,” the investigator explained. “Back then, ‘The Chin,’ (Vincent Gigante), the Genovese family boss, did not respect Bonanno head Joe Messina.”

This trial, anticipated to span two weeks, has opened a window into the ongoing and heavily organized crime culture in New York, with jurors introduced to notable figures within the mob world.

Key Figures and Illegal Operations

Testimonies have begun to paint a vivid picture of the murky underbelly of Long Island’s gambling scene. Witnesses highlighted numerous gambling operations, which culminated in a significant crackdown in 2022, resulting in the arrests of eight alleged mobsters, including Rosario. The former detective purportedly received a monthly payout of $1,500 for his illicit loyalties.

Karamigios emphasized the gravity of Rosario’s betrayal, suggesting he prioritized the interests of organized crime above the community he was supposed to protect. Testimony revealed that Rosario’s activities as a Bonanno operative began around 2012, highlighting his duplicitous involvement in organized crime.

The Unraveling Pact

During the trial, Damiano Zummo, a former soldier for the Bonanno family, testified about a profit-sharing agreement between the Bonanno and Genovese families. This illicit partnership revolved around Gran Caffe, a gelato shop in Lynbrook that functioned as an underground casino. Zummo revealed that after a Genovese associate was imprisoned, Bonanno members took over, securing a 25 percent share of profits.

However, tensions rose when a notorious gambler favored a different establishment, Sal’s Shoe Repairs, operated by a Genovese mobster. This shift led to a significant financial loss for the Bonanno family, prompting a plan for intimidation carried out by Rosario under the direction of mob figures.

“Russo came up with the idea of a fake raid and I was all for it,” Zummo testified, revealing the coordinated schemes that followed.

Prosecutors outlined the dynamics of Rosario’s attempted operations, which included an aborted raid on a coffee shop casino linked to the Gambino family. This operation, however, was unsuccessful due to logistical difficulties.

Law Enforcement Database Abuse

Prosecutors also presented evidence that Rosario misused his position to access sensitive law enforcement databases. This misuse allowed him to provide the Bonanno family critical information on rival mobsters.

Testimony from Zummo revealed that Rosario was compensated for his clandestine services, actively participating in organized crime while betraying his badge. As the prosecution continued to build its case, witnesses asserted that Rosario had even warned criminal associates to avoid electronic communications, indicating that he was aware of ongoing investigations.

The Defense’s Standpoint

In his defense, attorney Lou Freeman contended that Rosario’s statements to authorities regarding a marijuana grow house were unrelated to the current investigation, aiming to discredit the testimonies of convicted mobsters. Freeman highlighted that these testimonies came from individuals entangled in serious crimes, all who had their own motives for testifying against Rosario.

“Each of these witnesses were in organized crime,” Freeman stressed during his opening remarks.

Additionally, Freeman argued that former associates like Sal Russo leveraged their relationship with Rosario in hopes of mitigating their own legal predicaments. His assertion unfurled an intricate tapestry of betrayal and self-preservation ingrained in organized crime.

The Road Ahead

The unfolding trial continues to draw attention, as the feds prepare to call three cooperating witnesses. The investigations have unearthed a detailed network that exposes the lives intertwined with long-standing mafia factions.

As proceedings advance, key questions about loyalty and morality within law enforcement will emerge. The implications of the trial stretch beyond the courtroom as New Yorkers reflect on the intersection of crime and authority in their city.

The next court session will resume soon, potentially revealing more shocking details about Rosario’s dealings and the persistent grip of organized crime in Long Island.