Second story gang

The “Second Story Gang” (often referred to in FBI files as the Magaddino Burglary Ring) was a specialized crew operating under the Buffalo crime family during the 1960s. Their name came from their expertise in high-end burglaries, often involving entering the second story of residences to bypass security.

  • Leadership: The ring was primarily controlled by John C. Sacco, with key figures including Russell DeCicco, Gregory Parness, and Louis Mavrakis.
  • The Hanley Art Theft: Their most notorious job was the 1969 burglary of the home of T. Edward Hanley, a wealthy art collector. The gang stole over a million dollars worth of rare books and masterworks (including pieces by Picasso and Renoir).
  • The Fallout: The investigation into this gang became a major turning point for the Buffalo Mafia. A low-level member named Pasquale “Paddy” Calabrese turned informant after being abandoned by his bosses, leading to the conviction of underboss Frederico “The Wolf” Randaccio and capo Pat Natarelli.

Stanley Seneca

Stanley Seneca was a known associate within the Western New York criminal landscape during the mid-to-late 20th century, particularly linked to the Buffalo/Magaddino spheres of influence.

  • Criminal Profile: In the context of the Buffalo crime family, Seneca is often identified as a “soldier” or a high-level associate involved in the various racketeering and burglary operations managed by the Pieri and Frangiamore factions.
  • Connection to the Pieris: Much like Salvatore Pieri (whose records you provided), Seneca operated during a period where the Buffalo family was shifting from violent street robberies to high-stakes theft and organized gambling. His name frequently appears in historical accounts of the “Little Apalachin” era, where local law enforcement intensified pressure on Buffalo’s organized crime figures.

Summary Table: Buffalo Crime Family Dynamics (1960s-70s)

Group/EntityKey ActivityLeadership Connection
Second Story GangHigh-end burglary, Art theftFrederico Randaccio / John Sacco
Pieri FactionNarcotics, Gambling, Jury TamperingSalvatore “Sam” Pieri
Stanley SenecaAssociate / RacketeeringBuffalo Crime Family (Magaddino/Pieri)

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