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Gangland Wire

Underboss: The Untold Story of Carl DeLuna in the Mob

Gangland Wire

Gary Jenkins: Mafia Detective

History, True Crime, Society & Culture, Documentary

4.6645 Ratings

🗓️ 29 April 2024

⏱️ 41 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Retired Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins brings you the best in mob history with his unique perception of the mafia. Today, we delve into the intriguing saga of Carl “Tuffy” DeLuna, a notable figure in the Kansas City organized crime milieu. Known as a formidable Underboss with ties to the Civella family, Carl DeLuna commanded respect and fear for his powerful and ruthless demeanor. Though born in Brooklyn, he made his mark in Kansas City, engaging in various criminal activities ranging from armed robberies to overseeing a highly profitable skim operation that yielded substantial profits for the mob. DeLuna’s ascent to prominence involved close ties to influential mobsters such as Nick Civella, and he played a key role in crucial decisions affecting the mob’s operations. Tuffy’s presence was integral to the mob’s functioning, from enforcing discipline to managing sportsbook operations and ensuring the smooth running of illegal enterprises. His counsel was sought in pivotal discussions and actions, underscoring his role as a trusted advisor and enforcer. The dynamic between Tuffy DeLuna and Nick Civella sheds light on their relationship and how Tuffy’s advice influenced critical decisions. His involvement in maintaining discipline and resolving internal conflicts within the mob highlighted his importance as Nick Civella’s right-hand man. Tuffy’s ability to manage various aspects of organized crime made him a valuable asset to the underworld. Tuffy’s narrative also explores his clash with the Spero brothers and the ensuing violent confrontations that shook the Kansas City mob scene. The complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles exemplified the volatile nature of organized crime and the deadly consequences those involved face. Tuffy’s role in orchestrating and executing violent acts to retain control over the criminal empire showcased his unwavering commitment to the Civella Family’s interests. When the Government finally arrested and convicted DeLuna, it marked the end of an era for the Kansas City mob. His enduring legacy as a powerful and influential figure in organized crime speaks to the intricate world of mob operations and the individuals who navigated its perilous waters. The compelling narrative of Carl “Tuffy” DeLuna’s life provides insight into the complex workings of organized crime, highlighting the power struggles, alliances, and betrayals that shaped the criminal underworld in Kansas City. Tuffy’s legacy as a formidable figure in the mob world and his lasting impact on the Kansas City crime scene solidify his place in the annals of organized crime history. Support the Podcast Subscribe to get new gangster stories every week. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent Brothers against Brothers, the documentary, click here.  To rent Gangland Wire, the documentary, click here To buy my Kindle book, Leaving Vegas: The True Story of How FBI Wiretaps Ended Mob Domination of Las Vegas Casinos.

Transcript

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0:00.0

Hey guys, welcome to the studio Gangland Wire back here in cold old Kansas City. But I've got a story

0:08.9

for you today. I've been kind of remiss in a way not really paying that much attention to Kansas

0:14.4

City. I need to start doing these. I had somebody on YouTube. He said, why don't you do some

0:19.3

short bios of all your Kansas City, your guys and so I'm I'm starting to do that this is be the first

0:26.3

one I don't know be the first one up but anyhow Carl Angelo Tuffy Deluna he was such an

0:31.1

interesting guy and he figured so big he was the Arde Piscano character in the movie

0:35.9

and Scorsese movie Casino. He was famous for

0:39.6

keeping the notes and the whole nine yards. So, and he has a great name, Tuffy. He's born in

0:45.0

1927, give you an idea of how old he was. He was an organized crime figure who was really once

0:52.7

a really powerful underboss here in Kansas City and recognized

0:56.8

really nationwide because of his connection to Nick Sabella.

1:00.7

And it was also the brother-in-law to Kansas City crime boss Anthony Tony Ripe Sobella, his sister

1:06.7

Molly had married Tony Ripe.

1:09.6

And Tony Ripe Sovella was the nephew, Nick

1:12.7

Zavella and the son of Carl Corksavella. So had those blood ties, you know, Nick

1:17.4

Zabella and the Civella is they kept things close. If you weren't in this inner group

1:22.3

that they took in and knew a lot about, you were, you know know you were not going to get anything going with them

1:29.5

and so and tough he he had a native intelligence he was a bright guy he could it could be personable

1:37.5

he had a you know could do things with a velvet glove but he had a mailed or an iron fist

1:43.1

on the inside of that velvet glove.

1:46.2

You know, Nick was a monotitude if Bob Brown breaks down on Lestie.

1:51.8

Lesby and Bob Brown both got a criminal suit for Brack.

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