Bio on Kansas City associate Michael Albanese
Michael Albanese is an inactive associate of the Kansas City family.
Born September 25^(th) 1972 in Manhattan to Gandolfo Joseph Albanese and Jeanine Gamble. Father’s family from Polizzi Generosa comune of Palermo, mother non-Italian from Missouri.
The family initially lived in the Bronx (Riverdale) but later moved to Gravesend in Brooklyn.
Gandolfo J. Albanese, an apparent LCN affiliate, was incarcerated on drug charges in the mid-to-late 1970s. Following release, the family separated with Michael and his mother moving to Kansas in or around 1981.
They resided in the East Argentine neighbourhood of Kansas City, located on the Kansas state side.
Albanese was involved in various crimes by the end of high school, with juvenile record including convictions for vehicle thefts and burglary.
Close friends at this time included marijuana trafficker Roland Vaca as well as Kansas City associates Dominic Messina and Joseph “Joe Pete” Simone.
Through these connections, Albanese attended a party celebrating the prison release of probable Kansas City member James Duardi in June 1989.
Around December 1990, took part in the theft and later sale of a Camaro IROC-Z from a car dealership in Johnson County, Kansas.
Arrested around a week after selling the vehicle and incarcerated at Johnson County Jail. While in custody, approached for interview by FBI Special Agents Tarwater and Scott regarding activities of Joe Pete Simone.
Refused offers to cooperate and pled guilty to felony auto theft charges in July 1991. Received 1-to-4-year sentence and released on probation after 4-month incarceration at KDOC El Dorado CF in Butler County.
After release, employed in flooring business and moved to 2302 Minnie Street, Kansas City (MO).
Believed by this time to be active with a group reporting to James Duardi.
On November 19^(th) 1993, Albanese stabbed Jay Hudson to death during a physical altercation resulting from a traffic collision in Westport.
He fled from the scene but turned himself the next morning and was released on a 50,000-dollar bond, on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
While out on bond, assaulted Todd Eck with a beer bottle at The Fallout Tavern on July 30^(th) 1994 during what may have been a romantic dispute. Given separate bond of 75,000 dollars and case later dismissed.
Convicted at trial in December 1994 for the Hudson case, on voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action charges. Released on 100,000-dollar bond to await sentencing.
Received 45-year sentence in March 1995, on basis of prior and persistent offender laws. Remained free on appeal.
The FBI identified Albanese as a participant in narcotics activities during this time, primarily connected to the Young Italians group and marijuana trafficker Roland Vaca.
A crew of varied Kansas City associates and affiliates tied to made member William Cammisano Jr., among those involved included Cammisano relative Anthony “Tony Mike” Nigro, Joseph Balano, Nicholas LanFranca as well as Occhipinto brothers Leonard and Michael.
Albanese would facilitate interactions between the Young Italians and South American traffickers active on the Kansas side of the city.
Others connected to these drug deals were Duardi associates Joseph Riley (maître d at Italian Gardens) and federal informant Joseph Bartels.
An operational chart depicting the Kansas City hierarchy around this time was prepared by Roose and is available here.
On February 13^(th) 1996, Albanese’s conviction in the Hudson case was overturned as a result of the jury not being instructed on self-defence.
Around March 1996, Joe Riley, Nick LanFranca and Joe Bartels began discussing possible drug dealers that could be targeted in rip-offs.
Riley related that these plans were sanctioned by James Duardi and would involve other unnamed associates, likely including Albanese given previous narcotics activities.
It is unclear if any drug rip-offs ever took place as a result of Bartels’ involvement and the FBI being aware of the plans.
Phone wiretaps on Riley’s home and telecommunications business at 6445 Metcalf Avenue recorded increased contact between Albanese and Riley throughout late 1996.
In mid-January 1997, Riley contacted Bartels regarding a cocaine deal with a fictional supplier. After being informed of the conversation, the FBI approved a transaction that would act as a sting operation.
On January 23^(rd), Bartels confirmed a 70,000-dollar cocaine deal with Riley with Albanese contacted several times that same day in relation to the purchase.
Bartels departed Kansas City for several days as part of the sting operation, returning to Missouri on January 29^(th) with the deal organised for the next day.
KC Police Department surveillance on January 30^(th) placed Riley with Albanese and Nick LanFranca at The Diner restaurant located at 301 Grand Boulevard.
Continued KCPD surveillance observed Riley contacting Bartels via a payphone at a drugstore, with Albanese listening to the conversation.
Before proceeding to Motel 6 (I-29 & Barry Road) for the drug deal, Riley dropped off Albanese at a nearby McDonalds.
Riley met with Bartels and after being shown the cocaine, reconfirmed the purchase before leaving to pick up Albanese. After spending time at a bar, they drove to Nick LanFranca’s home and collected him.
After a brief stop at an Applebee’s, the group continued to Motel 6. In the parking lot, Riley exited the vehicle and Albanese moved into the driver’s seat to reposition the vehicle.
Riley entered Bartels’ room after a greeting and then shot him in the chest, attempting to shoot Bartels in the head during the ensuing struggle.
Federal agents in the adjoining motel room then stormed in and shot Riley to death, with Albanese and LanFranca arrested in the parking lot.
LanFranca charged with federal VOSR case from previous drug conviction and returned to USP Leavenworth in late February 1997.
Both indicted in July 1997 on drug conspiracy charges. LanFranca turned CW in August.
Albanese was represented by attorney Salvatore Mirabile, godson of Kansas City boss Anthony T. Civella.
Trial for felony murder charges re. Riley shooting began on December 1^(st) 1997, with second degree murder verdict delivered 3 days later. Received life sentence that following January.
Convicted at trial in March 1998 for federal drug charges, received 30-year sentence.
Incarcerated at MODOC Crossroads CC and later at Western Missouri CC. Named as unindicted co-conspirator in marijuana operation run by Roland Vaca in February 2000.
CW Nick LanFranca died in July 2012.
Granted parole hearing in August 2020 and released from Western Reception DCC on August 8^(th) 2022.
No evidence has since emerged connecting Albanese to possible Kansas City remnants.