Ep 17. Youngstown: Mob Hits and Misses

In season 3, episode 17 of City Confidential, viewers are taken to the gritty city of Youngstown, Ohio, where the mob ruled supreme for decades. Titled "Mob Hits and Misses," this episode delves deep into the criminal underworld of the city and the various power struggles that took place between rival factions, ultimately leading to the downfall of the mob's stronghold in the area.

Narrated by Paul Winfield, the episode takes a no-holds-barred approach in examining the sordid history of organized crime in Youngstown. The city was known for its high concentration of steel mills, which attracted a large immigrant population in the early 20th century. Mob bosses quickly capitalized on this, using the mills as a front for their illegal operations, including gambling, extortion, and murder.

The episode begins by introducing some of the most notorious figures in Youngstown's history, including Charlie "The Crab" Carabbia and Lenny Strollo. Both men rose up through the ranks of the mob in the 1970s and '80s, becoming powerful players in the city's criminal organization. However, their feud would ultimately lead to their downfall, as federal agents began to crack down on organized crime in the area.

One of the most shocking aspects of the episode is the extent of the mob's influence in Youngstown. Viewers learn that the mob controlled everything from the local police force to city hall, making it nearly impossible for law enforcement to bring them to justice. The mob's power was so great, in fact, that they were able to orchestrate the murder of a federal judge who was investigating their criminal activities.

The episode also features interviews with many people who were directly involved in the mob's operations, including former hitman Joe "Mad Dog" Iannuzzi. Iannuzzi speaks candidly about his life as a hired killer for the mob, recounting some of the grisly murders he carried out on their behalf.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a sense of the fear and paranoia that permeated Youngstown during the height of the mob's reign. Residents were afraid to speak out against the criminals for fear of retribution, and many lived in constant fear for their lives.

Ultimately, the episode reveals how the mob's power in Youngstown was gradually dismantled over time. One key factor was the involvement of federal agents, who worked tirelessly to build cases against the mob bosses and their associates. Another was the decline of the steel industry, which led to a reduced need for the mob's services.

Overall, "Youngstown: Mob Hits and Misses" is a gripping look at one of the darker chapters in America's history. Through interviews with insiders and eyewitnesses, the episode paints a vivid picture of an era when the rule of law was often trumped by the rule of the mob.