About this episode

The episode explores the life and influence of Jerry Catena within the Genovese crime family and organized crime in New Jersey.

Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins sits down with returning guest Scott Deitch for a detailed exploration of one of the more understated yet influential figures in organized crime—Jerry Catena. Scott Deitch, known for his deep research and engaging storytelling, brings insight from his books Cigar City Mafia, Garden State Gangland , and his upcoming release Jersey Boss . The conversation moves from Tampa’s mob history to the inner workings of the Genovese crime family, with a focus on Catena’s calculated rise through the ranks. 🔍 Episode Highlights Scott Deitch’s Mafia Journey Deitch outlines how he became one of the more respected voices in mafia history, driven by a fascination with overlooked mob figures and untold regional stories. Who Was Jerry Catena? A key but often underreported power broker, Catena rose during Prohibition-era influences and mentorship, eventually becoming a major figure within the Genovese hierarchy. Mob Influence in New Jersey & Tampa. The discussion connects Catena’s operations to broader organized crime networks stretching from Florida to the Northeast. Hollywood vs Reality. A look at how The Sopranos drew…

People in this episode

Host: Gary Jenkins

Guest: Scott Deitch

Topics covered

• organized crime
• mob history
• New Jersey
• Genovese crime family
• Jerry Catena
• Las Vegas gambling
• Prohibition

Keywords

• Jerry Catena
• Genovese crime family
• Scott Deitch
• organized crime
• mob history
• Las Vegas
• Prohibition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Genovese crime family

Books & works: Cigar City Mafia, Garden State Gangland, Jersey Boss, The Sopranos

More episodes of Gangland Wire

• Hoffa’s Connections: Mob, Unions, and Sylvia Pagano · June 1, 2026
• The Life of a NYPD Cop · May 25, 2026 · 45 min
• Louis “Streaky” Gatto: New Jersey and the Genovese Mob · May 22, 2026 · 20 min
• Boston’s Mafia Rackets, IRS Wars, and Mob Secrets · May 11, 2026 · 29 min
• Carmine Galante Bonus · May 1, 2026 · 15 min
• Carmine Galante: The Real Story? · April 27, 2026

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