Former officer releases history of New Kensington, PA, mob crime

[left-of-center2012]

Dennis Marsili, an author and retired New Kensington police officer, wrote“Little Chicago: A History of Organized Crime in New Kensington, PA.” The book centers on the organized crime family in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s that law enforcement officials said was headed by the late brothers Sam and Gabriel “Kelly” Mannerino.

A native of Vandergrift, Marsili, 53, said he grew up only 2 miles from the home Kelly Mannerino built in Allegheny Township and heard stories about the brothers. “Then, working as a police officer in New Kensington and hearing stories from people who lauded what the Mannerinos did for the town, that coupled with my interest in law enforcement made me think, ‘What a great topic for a book,’ ” Marsili said. “I knew that people would be very interested in reading it, too.”

He said he was looking for answers to questions he formed growing up and then over his 24 years as a New Kensington police officer.

Questions such as: How did organized crime in New Kensington get started? Why did it last so long? Why didn’t federal authorities simply arrest everyone involved?

https://archive.triblive.com/news/former-officer-to-release-history-of-new-ken-crime/

[The Magistrate]

1. Sounds Like An Ace Atkins Tome, Sir

Or something from the 'Continental Op' ouvre of Mr. Hammett....

[left-of-center2012]

2. I don't know

It's a history of when the mob ran New Kensington, PA

I went to high school there during that time and lived there a total of about 15 years..

[The Magistrate]

3. Not Impuning The Accuracy, Sir

Mr. Hammett's 'Continental Op' stories did at times focus on organized crime and corruption in smaller cities. Having actually been a Pinkerton, he had a better than usual idea of just what went on behind the facades such venues put up.

Mr. Atkins has done several things that amount to historical novels of small city or small time crime, that are quite well researched.

[left-of-center2012]

4. Sounds interesting

I do like crime novels and movies.
I'll look into it.

Thanks for the info.