Surviving the Mob - Dennis Griffin [99]
“I was called upon to listen to a number of audiotapes the government had acquired during their investigation. On them Mike discussed his involvement in the loanshark business. The prosecutor had me explain in layman’s terms what Mike meant when he used certain words and phrases. The defense objected to that testimony, but the judge allowed it. It wasn’t real exciting stuff, like doing murder. But I felt at the time those tapes and my explanation would lead to Mike’s downfall.
“I truly believe that a mobster and the truth cannot share the same space. With each word that came from my mouth, I could see Mike becoming more and more uncomfortable, especially when I dropped the bombshell of my knowledge of the deaths of Robert Arena and Thomas Maranga. I also gave testimony about another homicide—Todd Alvino—that sent the defense team reeling and shouting objections. They were upset because the Alvino killing was not part of the original indictment and it would spell even more trouble for Mike.
“With so much on the table, the judge immediately had the jury removed from the courtroom, so I could be questioned in more detail about the new homicide. After ten minutes, it was perfectly clear to everyone in the room that my knowledge and deep involvement in the Alvino thing was real. But the judge ended up ruling that the prejudicial effect of that testimony was too great and wouldn’t allow it in. But she said her decision didn’t mean it couldn’t be used in a future case. I believe in my heart that Mike thinks about that every day of his life. Knowing that someday him and me might be back in court again with me on the witness stand and him at the defense table.
“After hours of direct testimony, much of which was objected to by the defense, it was clear that my information had done a couple of very important things for the government. It established that the Gambino crime family was an organization—a corrupt organization. It had structure and a chain of command. It made money from the criminal activities of its members.
“It also exposed Mike’s involvement in many crimes, including shaking down drug dealers and shylocking. Many of those crimes I had been directly involved in and others I had knowledge of. And it left no doubt that most, if not all, of our criminal acts were for the sole purpose of trying to advance ourselves within the ranks of the Gambino crime family. The basis for the racketeering charges against Mike was set.
“As these things played out in the courtroom, I kept a cool head, knowing that this was only the direct testimony and things would start really heating up the next day when the defense tried to discredit me and my testimony.”
Andrew’s concerns were well-founded. When the defense got their chance at him, they attacked with a vengeance.
“Now it was the defense’s turn to try and get Mike out from under the damage my testimony had done,” Andrew recalls. “Mike’s chief lawyer was Diamuid White. But White didn’t cross-examine me; they had another guy do that. He started out the way I figured he would, pointing out to the jury my life of crime and all the despicable things I’d done over the years. How could anyone believe me today?
“And when he asked that question I said, ‘Yes. I lied, cheated, scammed, and plotted every day of my adult life, because that’s what organized crime is. It’s a never-ending lie that exploits every citizen with whom it comes in contact. So yes, I am guilty of it all. But I’m no longer that person.’
“And then I said something to the effect that if I was in court to lie, I’d be sitting at the defense table with him or one of his colleagues representing me. I told him that my record was an open book. I wasn’t proud of it. But at