After some of his escapades, he was apprehended and imprisoned for an indefinite period of time in the Juvenile Justice System. . . .Charlie's brother Manny, 2 years younger than he, seemed to be more or less introverted. He always had his nose in a book . . . . Because we were so close, Charlie divulged the dark side of his brother Manny's life and his subsequent alliance with the combination (mob). The year was 1930, and besides the Manhattan Mob, there also existed a Brownsville Mob. Both factions were at loggerheads for domination. Manny had become a lieutenant to the Delmont Brothers who ruled all the laundries. The Brownsville faction disputed that distinction and as a result, internecine war ensued. Casualties developed on both sides. Before the higher ups could intercede and make peace, vengeance was on the minds of the Brownsville Gang.
Manny had risen in rank, and was considered a cut above the soldiers, and rated a bodyguard as well. His bodyguard, a fellow by the name of Newty, an unbelievably skinny individual 5 feet 4 inches tall, but a vicious character, unknown to Manny was in cahoots with the Brownsville Gang, lured Manny on a bogus trip for a meeting with a supposed turncoat on the other side. He was led to the meeting on Suffolk Street, in front of a monument business. Newty told him the snitch would come momentarily. Instead of the snitch, a speeding car came speeding down with machine guns blazing, and Manny was mowed down and died on the spot. . . .
Natie, who was serving time in Sing Sing, was permitted to attend Manny's funeral. He arrived shackled, in the custody of 2 sheriff officers. They unshackled him, and he seated himself next to me, kissed me on the cheek and held my hand. Suddenly, 3 detectives from the Clinton Street Station, barged in on the pretence of questioning Natie. He became very angry and if I hadn't held him back, Natie was ready to attack them. Fortunately, the sheriff's men intervened.
. . .Natie was soon released from Sing Sing on parole. It didn't take long for Natie to revert to his criminal ways. He had gained a reputation in Sing Sing and was soon the leader of the gang. This was the era of Lucky Luciano, and Natie was considered one of the boys.