From 1922 to 1931, Pete and Sam Carlino controlled the flow of Prohibition alcohol from southern Colorado to Denver before their empire suffered a gruesome, bloody demise. The brothers battled their own kin in the Danna family to secure southern Colorado’s bootleg liquor territory. Dozens perished in their rise to power. Eventually, mafia boss Nicola Gentile intervened to settle a dispute involving the brothers’ associates. Pete Carlino’s grandson, author Sam Carlino, uncovers intimate photos and new revelations, including confirmation that Pete Carlino met with Salvatore Maranzano in New York and that the death of both men on September 10, 1931, may not have been a coincidence.
Grandson of Pete Carlino, Sam Carlino shares intimate insight into the Carlino brothers’ ten-year battle for control of Colorado’s bootleg territories. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Sam has been working since the age of twelve. His father, Sam Sr., instilled a strong work ethic, love of family and country and the importance of following through on every task at hand. Sam has been a journeyman butcher, restaurant owner, realtor, TV food show producer and host and Mafia historian.