Double Deal - True Stories of Criminals, Crimes and Lies
Lara Chicofsky and Nina Jobe will be your guides through the darkest streets of Boston. We created this podcast to shine a light on some of the lesser known characters and crimes in Boston and New England. Of course the more infamous will also be included. They've spent the past two years researching the Boston crime scene primarily focusing on the 1960s to 1990s. There are many podcasts and books available about organized crime in the Boston area, but theirs is a bit different. Lara spent mo…
Featured Episode
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37
May 16, 2022
The Hit Parade of 1966
There was a total of 15 gangland slayings in the Boston area and Providence, RI between April and December 1966. We profile the Boston murder victims, share our own theories and, as usual, our snarky remarks. *Note: Willie Marfeo's murder and Billie Aggie's disappearance will each have their own episodes. Episode – Hit Parade 1965 Episode – Frank Smith Episode – The Boys of Winter Hill Episode – The Hit Parade 1964 Episode – Dying to be Made – Joe Barboza Episode – They’re After Me Like a F*ckin
30
July 17, 2025
The Blackfriars Massacre
Lara and Nina delve into the infamous Blackfriars Massacre that occurred in Boston in June of 1978, exploring the profiles of the victims, the details of the crime scene, the investigation that followed, and the various theories surrounding the suspects involved. The girls discuss the complexities of the case, including the connections between the victims and organized crime, as well as the aftermath of the massacre. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Blackfriars Massacre 02:56 Profiling the Vic
24
June 3, 2025
Make It Or Break It - The Mafia Induction Ceremony of '77
Much attention has been given to the Mafia induction ceremony of 1989 in Medford, Massachusetts, but few remember the ceremony that took place on October 5, 1977 in Boston. Lara and Nina discuss the men that were made that day and the testimony about the induction ceremony itself. Links: La "Causa" Nostra - The Hill - Part 1 Family Feud - The Hill - Part 2 Jack's Justice - Part 1 - The First Round of Arrests Not Your Average Joe
36
Oct. 7, 2025
At Your Service - The Lancaster Street Garage
Lara and Nina discuss the Massachusetts State Police surveillance operation of the Lancaster Street Garage in Boston that began in the summer of 1980. Their goal was to collect evidence and make a case against Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill gang. Little did they know that two of their subjects where FBI informants who were enjoying the full protection of their handlers. The girls tell some stories about a few of the men who frequented the garage, and the Staties' day in court some 33 years la
Recent Episodes
42
Jan. 30, 2026
Red Kelley's Revenge - The Redux
Lara and Nina discuss Louis Manocchio's surrender to the authorities in the summer of 1979 after being on the lam for nearly a decade. In what was a complete shock to the prosecution Jack "Red" Kelley comes to the rescue in an unexpected turn of events. Related epsiodes: Gaslit 1 Gaslit 2 Where in the World is Louis Manocchio Jack’s Justice part 1, 2 and 3 The Summer of 69 Is it Safe to go in the Water? - The Loansharks are Back
41
Dec. 12, 2025
Jail Alai - Deadly Sport on and off the Court
Lara and Nina discuss the history of Jai Alai in the US, and how it was a perfect opportunity for organized crime groups who wanted to expand their gambling operations. The delve into H. Paul Rico's position in World Jai Alai, and the people who lost their lives either because of their direct involvement in Jai Alai or because of Boston area organized crime figures such as Whitey Bulger, Stevie Flemmi and Johnny Martorano.
40
Dec. 2, 2025
Rico's Return: Alcee Hastings' Demise
In this episode, Nina and Lara delve into the impeachment case brought against judge Alcee Hastings after FBI Special Agent H. Paul Rico cut his retirement short to go undercover as Frank Romano. The Romano brothers were associates of Tony Pro Provenzano who was rumored to be involved in the disappearance of Teamster boss, Jimmy Hoffa. Here about the sting operation the Feds hoped would bring down the judge, and how a few local guys including Raymond Partiarca were loosely connected to it all.
39
Nov. 11, 2025
The Hit Parade 1981 - Who's Crying Now?
Lara is still waging her Pizza War against Nina, but they're both serving up another slice of Mafia history in today's episode. There's a recap of the Raymond "Baby" Curcio hit and Nicky Palmigiano's testimony against Raymond Patriarca and Rudy Sciarra. The discussion moves onto the murder victims of 1981 including Ronnie and Debra Davis, Angelo Patrizzi, Georgie Pappas, an innocent cabbie named Allan Matloff, and tattoo artist Dennis Roche.
38
Oct. 29, 2025
Let's Make a Deal - Stolen Art and Bank Heists
Nina and Lara discuss art theft as a negotiating tool including the master of such deals, Myles Connor. The Rossettis including Mark, Stephen and Ralph and two of their heists are on the list of topics along with Richard Megna, Louis Royce and Richie "Nine Lives" Devlin. And Nina makes a confession!
37
Oct. 15, 2025
Heartache Tonight - The Hit Parade of 1980
Nina and Lara discuss the gangland slayings that took place in the Boston area in 1980. Sal Sperlinga, Stevie Hughes Jr., Louis Litif, Robert Lamonica and others are profiled. They also delve into the wrongful imprisonment of Fred Weichel, Whitey Bulgers involvement and Nina's obsession with beach pizza!
36
Oct. 7, 2025
At Your Service - The Lancaster Street Garage
Lara and Nina discuss the Massachusetts State Police surveillance operation of the Lancaster Street Garage in Boston that began in the summer of 1980. Their goal was to collect evidence and make a case against Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill gang. Little did they know that two of their subjects where FBI informants who were enjoying the full protection of their handlers. The girls tell some stories about a few of the men who frequented the garage, and the Staties' day in court some 33 years la
35
Sept. 16, 2025
The Hit Parade of 1979 - Tragedy
Lara and Nina delve into the homicides in Boston and the surrounding area during 1979, exploring various unsolved murders and the connections between some of the victims and organized crime. They discuss notable cases, including Joseph "Chris" D'Amelio and Anthony "Dapper" Corlito's slaying on the same street in the North End of Boston.
34
Sept. 3, 2025
Operation Lobster
Lara and Nina discuss Operation Lobster, a joint undercover FBI/Mass State Police operation targeting the Winter Hill Gang. They also delve into the background of infamous former FBI agent John Zip Connolly and his connections with notorious and illustrious figures like Whitey Bulger and Billy Bulger. And of course the truck hijacking case that resulted from the undercover work of Special Agent Nick "Doc" Gianturco. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Summer Topics 00:25 The Lobster and Loan Shark Ca
33
Aug. 19, 2025
Is it Safe to go in the Water? The Loan Sharks
The girls delve into loan sharking in Massachusetts in the 1970s, focusing on key figures like Jimmy Martorano and the various legal challenges they faced. They discuss the timeline of the arrests, the run up to Operation Lobster, the ongoing legal battles and the connection of some of the men to Lara's father, Richie. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement 01:02 Loan Sharking in Massachusetts 05:33 The Case Against Loan Sharks 11:20 Legal Troubles and Appeals 15:05 Wrap-Up and Futu
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