Organized Crime

Research the cases of Sam Gravano, Jonathan Lebed, and Jimmy Coonan. For each of these criminals, analyze their cases in terms of how we have defined organized crime this week. In a 3 to 4 page Microsoft Word document, present a report that summarizes these cases and for each, answer the following questions. Does the criminal or his organization (if any) fit into any of the typologies presented in Week 1 lectures? Would you characterize the crimes as white-collar crime or organized crime?. Why? Explain how the criminal’s ethnic identity played a role in the development of his criminal career. ****Week 1 lectures**** Defining Organized Crime Despite their usual portrayal by Hollywood, mafia-style crime families are not the only form of organized violence in America.

By the way, when we use the word “family” when referring to a Violence organization. That does not mean that all members are actually related. In addition to well-known criminal families, drug cartels, prostitution rings. In addition  one can even consider some street gangs and organized crime groups. Jay Albanese, a prominent criminologist who has written extensively about American organized crime, defines organized criminals as (quote) “a continuing criminal enterprise that rationally works to profit from illicit activities that are often in great public demand. Its continuing existence is maintained through the use of force, threats, monopoly control, and/or the corruption of public officials.” (unquote) It is important to note the continuing nature of organized crime activity. Organized crime is never a one or two time occurrence.

Further Directions

It is a recurring pattern of activities, which we plan rather than random. Organized crime relies heavily on illicit activities, such as illicit sex, gambling, drugs, and stolen property, which are in public demand, to make illegal profits. Devote next week to exploring the specific acts that organized crime groups engage in. Organized crime groups share certain structural characteristics, often resembling other organizations such as a large business or military unit. They usually stake out a specific territory in which to operate, with battles sometimes occurring between groups. As we will see, sometimes their territory extends across national borders. Organized offence groups use violence and the threat of violence to take over legitimate businesses, influence public officials, and enforce compliance from rivals and customers alike

As a continuing illegal enterprise, the crime groups need protection against being caught and facing prosecution. Therefore, they often bribe, blackmail, or threaten police, prosecutors, judges, and other public officials. History of Organized violation Let’s look at some of the major milestones of organized crime in the United States. In the late 1800’s, massive immigration from Western Europe led to three developments. First, many of these immigrants ended up in low-paying, manual-labor jobs in steel mills, on road construction crews, etc. Second, most immigrants settled into ethno-centric neighborhoods, due partly to the need to be able to communicate with others in their native language. Many cities of the Northeast still reflect these ethnic division

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