Bonanno big gets 14 years for extortion
A Brooklyn federal judge whacked an acting Bonanno family capo with a 14-year prison term Wednesday for running a $3 million loansharking business.
Ronald Giallanzo remained composed and respectful as Chief U.S. District Judge Dora Irizarry imposed the lengthy term before the defendant’s weepy family. “I want to take this opportunity to apologize to those directly affected and indirectly affected,” said Giallanzo. “No excuse for my behavior — I can blame no one but myself for being here today.”
According to prosecutors, Giallanzo (inset) headed a Bonanno family crew operating between 1998 and 2017 in Howard Beach, Queens — even overseeing the operations while behind bars for nearly eight years. He returned to the illegal business once released from prison in 2013.
“If I would have just walked away, I would have been home with my family right now,” he said.
As part of his deal, the gangster known as Ronnie G and his wife Elizabeth Giallanzo, 48, agreed to sell their mobfinanced $2.9 million mansion with its wine cellar, pool and personal gym.
The defendant also agreed to forfeit $1.25 million in illgotten gains as part of the deal, and to make $268,000 in restitution to his victims.
According to authorities, Giallanzo was a hands-on member of the extortion operation who even assaulted one late-paying client in May 2013 and then beat the man until he soiled his pants.
“Where’s the f---ing money?” screamed Giallanzo, who was just one month out of prison.