Rfk, Marilyn Monroe, and the Fbi Mob Wiretaps: Fact-Checking the Ex-Capo’s Shocking Claims
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Did Robert F. Kennedy intentionally target the Colombo family over Marilyn Monroe?
Historical evidence does not support the claim that Kennedy used DOJ wiretaps primarily to recover personal tapes. While underworld rumors and sensational biographies claimed Monroe or private investigators recorded conversations with the Kennedys, RFK’s nationwide anti-racketeering drive began in 1961 as a systematic campaign against figures like Jimmy Hoffa, Sam Giancana, and Carlos Marcello.
Who shot Joe Colombo at the 1971 Columbus Circle rally?
A twenty-four-year-old Black man named Jerome Johnson fired the shots that permanently incapacitated Joe Colombo. Johnson was immediately shot and killed by an unidentified gunman in the surrounding crowd. Law enforcement officially determined Johnson acted alone, though historians and mob figures have long debated whether he was hired by rival mobster Joe Gallo or internal Colombo conspirators.
How did Gregory Scarpa stay out of prison while committing murders?
Scarpa maintained a corrupt, mutually beneficial relationship with his FBI supervisory special agent, Lindley DeVecchio. Scarpa passed critical intelligence regarding Commission politics and internal family disputes, while DeVecchio provided confidential informant files and operational warnings. DeVecchio was later indicted for complicity in several Scarpa murders, though the state charges were dismissed in 2007 due to compromised witness testimony.
Does the Colombo crime family still exist today?
Yes. While severely diminished compared to its 20th-century peak, the Colombo crime family remains an active criminal enterprise monitored by the FBI. Law enforcement estimates the family retains dozens of inducted members and hundreds of criminal associates involved in sports betting, white-collar fraud, labor racketeering, and extortion across the New York metropolitan area.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
