Frank Calabrese Sr. is a notorious mob hitman under indictment for 13 counts of murder. His case has become known as the "Family Secrets Trial", because his brother (Nicholas Cababrese), and son (Frank Calabrese Jr.) are among those testifying against him.
Frank Calabrese Sr became involved in the mob back in 1954. The first arrest record that Calabrese has on file stems from a conviction of auto theft.http://www.thelaborers.net/documents/lamantia.html
"Family Secrets" Trial
The so-called "Family Secrets" trial concluded in September. Upon its finish, there were a total of five convictions of the defendants. However, Frank Calabrese was not included among these five convictions. The Calabrese trial continues as Calabrese Sr. remains detained in the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
The witnesses on the side of the prosecution during the "Secrets" trial included: Calabrese's brother—Nick Calabrese—and Frank Calabrese, Jr. who is the son of Frank Calabrese Sr.
Federal Agents Raid Calabrese's House
In March, 2010 Federal agents raided the house of Calabrese Sr and seized many different items. Some of the items that were recovered during the raid included the following:
- Seven loaded handgunshttp://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/crime/20100324-frank-calabrese-assets-seized
- The guns were wrapped in items of clothing and towels
- Around 1,000 pieces of jewelryhttp://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/crime/20100324-frank-calabrese-assets-seized
- Much of the jewelry still in its original packaging and display boxes
- Included in the jewelry were loose diamonds
- Many of the items still had the original store price tags on them as well
- $728,481 in cashhttp://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/crime/20100324-frank-calabrese-assets-seized
- The money consisted of bundles of $500 and $1,000 bills
- The money was kept in around 15 manila envelopes
- Five audio recording deviceshttp://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/crime/20100324-frank-calabrese-assets-seized
- Each of these devices reportedly had suction cup-like fittings enabling recording of telephone calls
- Included alongside the recording devices were approximately 10 to 15 micro-cassette tapes
- One such cassette tape contained the name of an unidentified individual who the FBI reportedly have called in the court documents "known criminal confederate"
The warrant enabling Federal agents to search the house was executed on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. In official documents available from the courthouse, Federal agents apparently almost did not find the items listed above. It was not until an agent checked behind one of the Calabrese family photos that they discovered a large, hidden compartment behind. Just behind the paneling of the picture frame, Federal agents and United States Marshals found the hidden compartment.
An Image of Frank Calabrese Sr.
This image shows Frank Calabrese Sr. The image was captured on an unknown date in the past.
Frank Calabrese Sr. Booking Photo
This picture was taken by the FBI in Chicago on December 6, 1990 after Calabrese Sr had been arrested.
