Death of mobster Joey Cusumano signals end of Chicago era in Las Vegas

In the shadowy corners of Las Vegas, where neon lights flicker like the secrets of its past, the death of Joey Cusumano marks the close of a chapter steeped in intrigue and danger. At 90, he leaves behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of the city he helped shape, a legacy that now fades into history. Mobster Joey Cusumano, nicknamed "Joey London," recently died at age 90 in Las Vegas, potentially marking the definitive end of the Chicago mob era in the city he called home for decades.

Cusumano's passing is more than just the end of a life; it's a symbolic closing of the curtain on a tumultuous period when organized crime held significant sway over the glittering facade of Sin City. His story is a vivid reminder of the perilous world he inhabited, a life marked by survival against incredible odds, bearing the physical scars of assassin bullets that remained lodged in his body until his final days. For many, his departure signals a poignant moment, reflecting on how much Las Vegas has transformed from its mob-influenced origins to the corporate entertainment hub it is today.

A Life in the Shadows

Joseph Vincent Cusumano arrived in Las Vegas in the 1960s, carrying credentials from an East Coast crime family, specifically the Genovese family. He quickly integrated himself into the powerful Chicago Outfit, which at the time exerted considerable control over numerous hotels and casinos along the Strip. Mobologist John Binder, author of "The Chicago Outfit," recalled Cusumano's early role, stating, "He goes out to Vegas as a representative of the Genovese family at Caesars Palace, which I believe they had an interest in." This connection established Cusumano as a key player in the intricate web of mob operations that defined Las Vegas for decades.

His tenure in Las Vegas was far from quiet. Cusumano navigated years filled with betrayal, violence, and the constant threat of retribution. He witnessed firsthand the brutal realities of his chosen path, including the shocking murder of his mentor, Tony Spilotro, in 1986. Spilotro, a notorious enforcer for the Chicago Outfit, was found buried in an Indiana cornfield, a grim testament to the ultimate price of life in the mob. Just a year later, in 1987, Cusumano himself narrowly survived a gangland hit, further cementing his reputation as a man who defied death.

The Outfit's Vegas Empire

The Las Vegas that Cusumano knew was a far cry from the meticulously managed corporate resorts of today. In its heyday, the Chicago Outfit, under figures like Sam Giancana, Anthony Accardo, and Joseph Aiuppa, exerted immense influence, often through proxies like Frank Rosenthal and Meyer Lansky. They controlled significant portions of the city's lucrative casino industry, particularly through hidden interests in establishments like the Stardust, Tropicana, and Fremont Street casinos. This era saw vast sums of money, estimated at over $2 million, systematically skimmed from these casinos, funneled back to Chicago, and distributed among the Outfit's leadership, including Jackie Cerone, Gus Alex, and Frank Balistrieri.

The mob's grip on Las Vegas was not just about skimming; it was about power and control. They leveraged connections, including those within the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, whose pension funds were often used to finance casino construction, further entrenching their influence. This intricate system allowed organized crime to flourish, shaping the city's development and its notorious reputation. The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a comprehensive look into this complex history, detailing the figures and operations that defined the era.

The Decline and Transition

The 1980s marked a turning point for the mob in Las Vegas. Federal authorities launched a concerted effort to dismantle organized crime's hold on the city. A series of federal indictments targeted key figures, including Outfit bosses and their associates, leading to convictions that severely weakened their operations. The pressure from law enforcement, combined with increasing corporate interest in the casino industry, began to erode the mob's power. Figures like Allen Dorfman, who managed the Teamsters' Central States Pension Fund, became central to these investigations, highlighting the financial conduits that fueled the Outfit's empire.

As the mob's influence waned, Las Vegas began its transformation into a more regulated, corporate-owned destination. The glitz remained, but the shadowy figures operating behind the scenes were gradually replaced by boardrooms and publicly traded companies. This shift, while bringing greater transparency and stability, also marked the end of a colorful, albeit dangerous, chapter in American history. The FBI's historical overview of organized crime details the extensive efforts made to combat these networks across the nation.

A Legacy and a Lesson

Joey Cusumano's death at 90 serves as a powerful reminder of a bygone era, a time when the lines between legitimate business and illicit enterprise were often blurred in the desert oasis. For those of us in communities like Chicago, understanding this complex history is crucial. The allure of quick money and illicit power often leads to instability and brokenness, a stark contrast to the enduring strength found in communities built on integrity, hard work, and the steadfast foundation of committed families. While the mob era might seem like a distant, romanticized past, its lessons about the societal costs of unchecked ambition and fleeting loyalties remain relevant.

Today, Las Vegas, as detailed by the City of Las Vegas official history, continues to evolve, striving for a future built on diverse entertainment, innovation, and community well-being. Institutions like the UNLV Gaming Research Collection document this evolution, preserving the academic and historical record of the city's unique trajectory. The stories of figures like Cusumano, while part of a dark chapter, offer insights into the forces that shaped our nation's cities and the constant pursuit of a more just and stable society.

The passing of "Joey London" invites reflection on the values that truly build lasting communities. While the narrative of mobsters often focuses on power and survival, the true strength of a society lies in its commitment to ethical principles, strong family units, and genuine faith that fosters compassion and stability. The Chicago History Museum reminds us that our cities are ever-changing tapestries, woven with threads of both light and shadow, constantly striving towards a brighter, more principled future. As the lights of Las Vegas continue to shine brightly, they now illuminate a new era, one that has moved beyond the shadows of mob influence, yet remains forever marked by the stories of those like Joey Cusumano, serving as a quiet testament to the profound shifts in American life and values.

The transformation of Las Vegas from a mob-controlled playground to a global entertainment corporation is a testament to the enduring power of law and order, and the desire for communities to thrive on legitimate enterprise. The U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nevada, has played a crucial role in this transition, ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law. This ongoing commitment helps ensure that the American dream, built on hard work and honest opportunity, remains accessible to all, far removed from the clandestine dealings of a bygone era.