Ep 7. Providence, RI: the Mayor and the Mob.

In season 10, episode 7 of City Confidential, viewers are taken to Providence, Rhode Island, where the line between politics and organized crime becomes blurred. The episode, titled "Providence, RI: The Mayor and the Mob," follows the rise and fall of Buddy Cianci, the charismatic mayor of Providence who was known for his tough talk and tireless work ethic.

Cianci first became mayor of Providence in 1974, but his reign was cut short when he was forced to resign in 1984. However, he made a comeback in 1991 and was reelected as the city's mayor. Despite his efforts to clean up the city, rumors of corruption and ties to the mob persisted.

The episode delves into Cianci's relationship with Raymond Loreda Salvatore Patriarca, the head of the notorious New England crime family. Patriarca had a powerful grip on Providence and was known for using violence and intimidation to control the city's criminal underworld. Cianci, who had grown up in the city and had personal ties to some of the mobsters, found himself caught between his duty to uphold the law and his loyalty to his friends.

As the episode unfolds, viewers see how Cianci's ambition and desire for power led him down a dangerous path. He was accused of accepting bribes and using his position as mayor to further the interests of the mob. The FBI launched an investigation into his activities and eventually caught him on tape discussing a mob hit. Cianci was arrested and ultimately convicted of racketeering conspiracy.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from various people who knew Cianci, including his former colleagues, journalists who covered his career, and even a former mobster who worked with him. They provide insights into Cianci's personality, his love for Providence, and his complicated relationship with the mob.

Overall, "Providence, RI: The Mayor and the Mob" is a compelling look at the intersection of politics and organized crime. It shows how one man's rise to power ultimately led to his downfall and the unraveling of a network of corruption that had plagued a city for years.