For many years, John Gotti seemed untouchable. As the formidable boss of the Gambino crime family, he was known for his stylish suits, bravado, and knack for evading convictions. Despite law enforcement efforts, he reigned over New York’s Mafia scene.
Gotti earned the moniker ‘Teflon Don’ after repeatedly escaping legal charges. However, his luck eventually ran out. Now, his close associate offers insights into Gotti’s story in the special ‘Gotti’s Guy’ on Fox Nation.
A photo captures a smiling Gotti with one of his lawyers during a 1990 assault trial in New York City. Lewis Kasman, who referred to himself as Gotti’s ‘adopted son,’ spoke with Fox News’ Eric Shawn about his experiences with the Gambino family.
“I was young, so… I loved it. I loved it all. I loved the power,” Kasman admitted. “That was prestigious — to have the boss’s ear, and I had unfettered access,” he added.
Kasman recalled a specific instance from 1990, where Gotti was acquitted of charges tied to ordering a shooting of John F. O’Connor, a carpenters’ union official. “I remember like yesterday,” Kasman mentioned. “That was the start of the Teflon Don. It started from that day on.”
Gotti seized control of the Gambino family by orchestrating Paul Castellano’s murder in 1985. His criminal influence lasted through the 1980s into the early 1990s. Despite facing numerous charges like murder and racketeering, he often managed to walk free.
But in 1992, Gotti was found guilty of multiple offenses, including murder and racketeering. This conviction came after Sammy ‘The Bull’ Gravano cooperated with prosecutors, which led to Gotti’s sentencing to life imprisonment without parole. He died in prison in 2002.
Discussing his ties to Gotti, Kasman expressed no moral concerns about their relationship. He stated, “Some might say I’m crazy, or some may say I am wrong, but no, I did not [feel any fears]…”
“There’s only one or two people out of their life that John either ordered or was responsible for killing. Otherwise, he killed within his own. Now, you might say to me, ‘Lewis, but he still killed,’ yes, but within the realm of the mafia. Listen, I did not lie to myself. I knew who he was, and I knew what he was capable of, but I wasn’t in fear of him.”
‘Gotti’s Guy’ will be available for streaming on Fox Nation starting June 2.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report. Taylor Penley is an associate editor with Fox News.