Capo took fall — now he’s suing
AN ELDERLY Bonanno crime family capo is in critical condition because jail officials and prosecutors refused to give him a wheelchair, leading him to injure himself in falls, a new lawsuit charges.
Nicholas (Nicky Cigars) Santora claims in the suit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, that correction officers knew he was “an imminent fall risk” — but neglected the wheelchair.
The 74-year-old Santora “was denied proper medical care and services and caused to sustain traumatic and permanent head injuries,” the suit reads.
On at least five occasions, Santora needed stitches or staples in his head after a spill behind bars, the papers say.
He was released on bail last month — but had to be hospitalized the next day.
“His condition was weakened and disorientated, and he fell to the ground, striking his head and face on the floor,” the suit says.
Prosecutors said Santora was the capo of a squad of Bonanno “bad boys” who ran gambling, loan-sharking and drug operations. The case ended in a mistrial in May.
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. vowed to pursue a retrial, and a hearing is scheduled for April 10.
The City Law Department is looking into the allegations, a spokesman said.