The FBI stored a 2,400-page file on Sinatra, monitoring his actions for 40 years. They listed him as a “messenger” for the Mafia and documented ties to Sam Giancana (Chicago Outfit boss), Carlo Gambino, Willie Moretti, Joseph Fischetti (an Al Capone affiliate.)
Sinatra, who died at age 82 in 1998 after struggling a coronary heart assault, was by no means charged as a result of they by no means caught him in an precise crime, solely “suspicious actions” – however he was watched like a hawk.
They even had photographs of the singer with mob males in Cuba in 1947, when Fortunate Luciano moved there to renew management of his empire after a stint within the slammer.
Newspapers ran the photographs, however Sinatra denied all of it: “Any report that I fraternize with goons and racketeers is a vicious lie,” he mentioned, including that he simply occurred to “run into” sure individuals.
In actual fact, he knew the FBI was watching him and he as soon as despatched an affiliate to J. Edgar Hoover’s workplace to supply his providers as an informant. That approach, he figured, he may shield himself from the rumors he was concerned with the mob.