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Former Mob Boss and Prison Inmate Turns to Faith

Michael Franzese

Former Mob Boss and Prison Inmate Turns to Faith

Michael Franzese grew up as the son of the notorious Underboss of New York’s violent and feared Colombo crime family. He was “one of the biggest money earners the Mob had seen since Al Capone” and one of the youngest individuals on Fortune magazine’s list of The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses, ranking 18th, just five behind John Gotti.

At his most affluent, Franzese generated an estimated $5 to $8 million per week from legal and illegal businesses. It was a life filled with power, luxury and deadly violence.

His unique story is a modern-day Damascus Road experience, from his early days in the Mafia and rise to power to God’s leading him to do the unthinkable: quit and follow Jesus. Nobody of his rank had ever just walked away, and lived, until now. 

His testimony comes from a passion to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives against intimidating odds. At speaking events, he candidly explains how he survived dozens of grand jury appearances, three major racketeering indictments, five criminal trials, seven years in prison and a Mafia death sentence.

Franzese’s compelling story of transformation is featured in his autobiography, Blood Covenant. He has appeared widely in the media, including Life magazine, Vanity FairSports IllustratedGQThe Today Show, Fox News, Fortune magazine, 48 Hours, NBC Nightly News and many others.

Admission is free.
Sponsored By
Department of Criminal Justice and Office of Campus Ministry

Contact

Helen Lim
805-493-3550

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