I’m just gonna start by saying that Scott is a fantastic writer. I love his books, and really like his site. He provides great information on Detroits past. So in no way am I bashing him. I consider him to be the best crime writer in Michigan.

Now, that being said I feel like some of these articles about current mafia affairs in Detroit are a little off. I get it, he’s trying to sell and entice you on the modern day Mafia.

I’m from Detroit area and I can tell you these guys are almost completely legit. Besides a little drug pushing and gambling. They all own businesses or have legit 9-5 jobs. At least on paper.

D’anna brothers own a construction and real estate company that Mimmo’s kid is the front man for. Joe pushes drug on the upper Eastside. From talking to him, he is the real deal old school gangster. Very intimidating guy to be around.

Lapiana is super rich after selling his company. Lives in a huge home off of Lone Pine rd in Bloomfield hills. The only time I’ve ever seen him in person was at the Caucus club downtown for a meeting, (no, not a mob related one) lol.

Specs Tocco looks like he is not doing well. He used to hang at the Stage Deli in West Bloomfield and Churchills Cigar in Birmingham down the street from Tony Lops restaurant. But I haven’t seen him at either in quite awhile. I know his health has been declining.

Jack Tocco Jr. Owns a string of companies. I know his big one is linens.

Jack Giacalone is a hermit. He never really leaves his house anymore. I used to see him at Stage deli every Tuesday. His sons runs a weed dispensery in Farmington Hills.

Vince Giacalone owns a chain of pizza places.

The Rugerio brothers own the Roman village and Antonios chain in Metro Detroit.

Big Paulie Corrado works s Union job at one of the Big 3. He’s had multiple restaurants. All of which have failed. The most recent was Dominics in Harrison Township.

Anthony Tocco Jr. Tawncy’s son owns Carmela foods.

Rugirello brothers who are now deceased owned a game ranch in Dexter, an extermination company. I know there nephew runs Villanova Construction.

These guys are all over the place. They’ve since shuttered all their Clubs and hang outs. The only one I believe that’s still a spot for them is Cafe Italia on Hayes rd. Mimmo can be seen there when he’s not at his restaurant Aurelio’s.

Luciano’s used to be a hotspot for them. I try to go there once a week. I have not seen any of them there in quite awhile. Even Mackey doesn’t hold court there anymore.

I feel like Detroit is losing its structure and is just a bunch of old timers coasting on past reputations. There are not many of them left and I have not really seen any younger guys getting into that life. Most of there kids are college graduates/business owners.