Anthony Romanello has been a known figure in New York’s organized crime scene for decades. A captain in the notorious Genovese crime family, Romanello operated primarily in Queens, maintaining control over illegal operations and racketeering. Unlike many crime figures, his early life remains largely undocumented, with limited details about his upbringing or how he got involved with the Genovese family.
Romanello took over the crew of Anthony “Tough Tony” Federici, further cementing his influence within the organization. His rise was marked by his ability to enforce the family’s control while maintaining a low profile, a common strategy among high-ranking mobsters in the Genovese family.
Throughout his criminal career, Anthony Romanello was implicated in various illegal activities, including extortion, illegal gambling, and obstruction of justice. Over the years, he faced multiple legal battles, but like many organized crime figures, he managed to avoid long-term imprisonment—until recently.
Romanello was charged with obstruction of justice and extortion in 2006, related to threats against a local bakery. Despite the severity of the charges, he managed to escape significant jail time, receiving a sentence of two years’ probation. This leniency was not uncommon, as organized crime members often relied on intimidation and legal technicalities to avoid harsh penalties.
In 2010, Romanello faced new charges related to extortion and racketeering. These charges stemmed from his role in illegal business dealings, but due to the complexities of proving such cases against high-ranking mobsters, he once again avoided a lengthy sentence.
One of the most notable legal battles for Romanello occurred in 2012 when he pleaded guilty to illegal gambling. The case took an unexpected turn when a key witness, a cooperating informant, died before he could testify. As a result, Romanello received a relatively short sentence of 10 to 16 months in prison. Later that year, he was acquitted of additional criminal charges due to the unreliability of two undercover informants.
By 2023, Romanello’s criminal past caught up with him in a major way. At the age of 86, he was convicted of extortionate collection of credit and conspiracy. The case revolved around a violent altercation involving restaurateur Shuqeri “Bruno” Selimaj. Romanello was caught on surveillance footage assaulting Selimaj over an $86,000 gambling debt that Selimaj’s relatives had failed to pay. This case was significant, as federal authorities presented strong evidence linking Romanello to the crime, making it difficult for him to evade justice this time.
Following his conviction, Romanello faced up to 40 years in prison. Given his advanced age, his defense team argued for leniency, but the severity of the crime weighed heavily in sentencing considerations.
In April 2024, Anthony Romanello was sentenced to two years in federal prison. Federal prosecutors had sought a longer sentence due to his extensive criminal history and his involvement in violent extortion activities. However, considering his age and deteriorating health, the court decided on a two-year sentence instead of a more severe punishment.
This sentencing marked the latest in a long line of legal troubles for Romanello and signaled a decline in his once-powerful position within the Genovese crime family. While he managed to avoid prison for most of his life, his later years were overshadowed by legal troubles that finally led to significant consequences.
Romanello’s story is emblematic of the old-school mafia figures who maintained a low profile while controlling extensive criminal operations. Unlike some of his more notorious counterparts, he rarely sought public attention and was known for enforcing discipline within his crew. However, as law enforcement agencies intensified their focus on organized crime, even seasoned mobsters like Romanello found it increasingly difficult to avoid prosecution.
The mafia landscape has changed significantly since the peak of organized crime in the mid-to-late 20th century. Law enforcement efforts, technological advancements, and a shift in criminal enterprises have weakened the power of traditional crime families. The conviction of figures like Anthony Romanello is a testament to this shift, as even long-established crime leaders are now facing serious legal consequences.
Anthony Romanello’s criminal career, spanning decades, reflects the persistence of organized crime figures in New York. Despite his efforts to evade law enforcement, his recent conviction and imprisonment highlight the eventual downfall that many mobsters face. As the Genovese crime family and other organized crime groups continue to evolve, Romanello’s story serves as a reminder that even the most seasoned criminals are not beyond the reach of justice.
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