Aged Colombo Crime Bosses Complain Of Teeth Problems
The ruthless Colombo crime family is going toothless.
A second jailed boss is flapping his gums to a judge about dental problems.
After Brooklyn Federal Judge Brian Cogan promised he would try to help former acting boss Thomas "Tommy Shots" Gioeli get an appointment with the prison dentist, another complaint cropped up.
"We have a dental problem also," said lawyer Susan Kellman, who represents former acting boss Joel "Joe Waverly" Cacace.
"My client has no teeth on top, and one of his teeth on the bottom is missing," she said. "He can't go to trial with no teeth."
Cacace's sunken mouth was concealed on Friday behind a new bushy beard.
"I'll work on it," the judge said.
Cacace, 69, is charged with ordering the murder of off-duty NYPD cop Ralph Dols because he felt disrespected when his ex-wife married the police officer.
Although Cacace only recently broke his upper denture, Gioeli's dental problems have been dragging on for nearly two years.
By the time Gioeli's dentures were finally delivered to the jail recently, they no longer fit, said defense lawyer Carl Herman.
"His mouth configuration has changed, and I don't want him in front of a jury with no teeth," Herman added.
Kellman said medical appointments have been canceled in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park because everyone is on lockdown since the air conditioning conked out. This week the temperature in the facility rose to a stifling 108 degrees, she said.
Chief Judge Raymond Dearie told the Daily News he has been in regular contact with the MDC warden since June 4 about renting air conditioning units, but he was unaware of a lockdown.
Gioeli, 57, is also charged with several murders and both gangsters could face the death penalty.
Last week, 93-year-old Colombo underboss John "Sonny" Franzese joined them at the MDC after he was convicted of racketeering. Franzese has numerous health problems, but none involve his teeth - so far.
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