We have an incredible story to share in today's episode. It revolves around three burglars, Jerry Scalise, Art Rachel, and Bobby Palia, who were connected to the Chicago outfit. These individuals were planning to break into the home of the deceased leader of the vicious Chinatown crew, Angelo "the Hook" La Pietra. However, this case is even more intriguing because La Pietra was already deceased, yet his widow still resides there.
At the same time, the FBI was investigating these criminals. As a former cop, I can tell you that catching criminals in the act is an exhilarating experience. In 2010, the FBI had been closely monitoring Scalise, Rachel, and Palia, who were known to be highly skilled thieves. The FBI obtained audio intercepts of their conversations, further stirring their interest.
Interestingly, these intercepted conversations hinted at the possibility of solving the infamous Marlboro Diamond Theft that had taken place in 1980. Scalise and Rachel, the leaders of the group, were involved in this diamond theft in London, where the Marlboro Diamond, worth millions of dollars, was stolen and never recovered.
The FBI also overheard the burglars discussing their plan to break into La Pietra's house. They even mentioned using toothpaste to hide any holes they would drill. The FBI's primary interest, however, was gathering information about the whereabouts of the stolen Marlboro Diamond.
As it turns out, the decision to target La Pietra's house was fueled by the discovery that a high-ranking mob member, Nick Calabrese, possessed considerable cash and diamonds. This inspired the thieves to target La Pietra's widow, believing valuable items would be inside the house.
This wasn't just a typical burglary but a full-blown home invasion. The FBI had been diligently tailing these criminals and collecting evidence against them. Finally, in early April 2010, the FBI made their move and apprehended Scalise, Palia, and Rachel outside La Pietra's home.
The burglars were caught red-handed with various tools such as drills, blades, a ladder, tool bags, black tape, and flashlights. They seemed to have all the necessary items for their intended robbery. The presence of glass cleaner could have been an attempt to remove fingerprints, while the black tape was likely intended to restrain both the widow and the housekeeper.
Deciding when to intervene in a crime is always challenging for law enforcement. In this case, with evidence of the criminals' plans and witnessing their movement towards the target location, the FBI decided it was time to take them into custody.
Scalise, Palia, and Rachel were all charged with attempted burglary and a gun possession charge. They received equal sentences for their involvement in the crime.
Catching criminals in the act is a thrilling experience for law enforcement, especially when it involves dismantling an entire crew. We appreciate your support and remind you to be cautious of motorcycles on the road. If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD, we recommend reaching out to the VA for assistance.



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