#19: The Cerrito Crime Family of San Jose, CA (Part 1): The Eras of Onofrio Sciortino & Joseph X. Cerrito

The Gangland History Podcast: An Organized Crime & Mafia History Podcast

In this episode, we cover the Cerrito Crime Family of the American Cosa Nostra who operated in and around San Jose, California, and who were a significant entity controlling organized crime in the San Jose area for many decades beginning around the 1940’s and were in existence until at least the 1990’s or early 2000’s.

My research will show that this particular LCN family was likely the most risk-averse and least-aggressive family of all 20+ families across the country during the Mafia's hey-dey, but I'll let you decide.

We discuss:

• Their official founding in the 1940's
• The first alleged Boss, Onofrio Sciortino
• The ascension of the family's namesake, Joseph X. Cerrito
• Cerrito's history as a used car salesman
• Cerrito's presence in 1957 at Apalachin
• Cerrito's ascension to Boss in 1959
• Drama within the Cerrito family in the 1960's
• A failed plot to murder a Nevada casino operator
• The lack of respect nationally
• The LIFE Magazine lawsuit and national implications
• Joe Cerrito's waning years and death in 1978

Included prominently in this article are the family's long-time Underboss, Emanuel “Manny” Figlia, Angelo Marino, Alex Camarata, Pete Misuraca, as well as many other colorful characters and cameos from important Cosa Nostra figures throughout the country.

Read more: https://membersonlypodcast.com/cerrito-crime-family-part-one/