John Gotti, the notorious Gambino family crime boss, was once thought untouchable in New York’s Mafia circles. Famous for his tailored suits and swagger, Gotti managed to avoid convictions several times, earning him the nickname ‘Teflon Don.’
Despite legal battles, Gotti led organized crime in New York throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. However, his luck changed when he was eventually convicted in 1992, a moment brought to light with the help of his former underboss, Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano.
In a new Fox Nation special titled “Gotti’s Guy,” viewers can explore more about Gotti’s dramatic rise and fall. Lewis Kasman, who was close to Gotti and known as his ‘adopted son,’ offers an insider’s perspective. Speaking with Fox News senior correspondent Eric Shawn, Kasman reflects on his connections to the Gambino crime family.
‘I was young, so… I loved it. I loved it all. I loved the power,’ Kasman said.
He fondly recalls the influence he wielded and his unrestricted access to Gotti. During a notable trial in 1990, Gotti escaped conviction over allegations related to the shooting of a carpenters’ union official. Kasman recounts this case as the beginning of Gotti’s ‘Teflon Don’ legend.
Despite being charged with numerous crimes, including murder, racketeering, and conspiracy, Gotti frequently managed to elude conviction. That changed after Gravano’s cooperation with prosecutors in 1992 led to Gotti’s life sentence without parole. John Gotti passed away in prison in 2002.
Throughout their association, Kasman never questioned his moral or ethical standing, even as he witnessed the violence and crimes surrounding Gotti.
‘Some might say I’m crazy or wrong,’ Kasman reflected, ‘but I did not [have any fears]… I knew what he was capable of, but I wasn’t in fear of him.’
‘Gotti’s Guy’ will be available to stream on Fox Nation starting June 2. This special offers a detailed look into Gotti’s life and his lasting impact on the mob world.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik and Taylor Penley contributed to this report.