Shownotes
This episode focuses on Steve DiSalvo's criminal endeavors, including a business deal with an undercover FBI agent that would ultimately land many, including Frank Balistrieri, in prison.
DiSalvo is considered to be the right-hand man to Frank Balistrieri. Although it is not clear how DiSalvo was initially affiliated with the Milwaukee Mafia given that he had no immediate family in the mafia, he became very active in the criminal organization. By 1959, when the FBI took an active interest in Milwaukee’s criminal underworld, Steve DiSalvo was highly sought after.
DiSalvo's closest associates were Frank Stelloh, Buster Balestrere and Joseph Gurera, all considered to be enforcers or "the muscle" for the mob. Balestrere and Gurera had been “imported” from Kansas City, where they had been known hitmen.
Most of the topics covered in this episode will be covered in more depth in future episodes.
