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Sinatra’s Vegas Club Under Investigation for Mob Ties

Aug. 31, 1963 - Frank Sinatra’s Cal-Neva Lodge on the north shore of Lake Tahoe is threatened with closure pending investigation of reports that the club hosted a top underworld figure last month. Sam (Momo) Giancana (left), 55, of Oak Park, Ill., reportedly visited the lodge the week of July 21-27. Giancana is a friend of Phyllis McGuire, one of the singing McGuire sisters featured at the resort during the week. Giancana has been under FBI investigation for his alleged membership in a 12-man crime commission which the FBI says controls major underworld activity in the U.S. He is also one of a dozen men listed in the Nevada Gaming Control’s “black book” as persona non grata at establishments which hold a state gaming license. Sinatra said today he had no knowledge of any investigations of Giancana. “I’ve been busy trying to put a show together,” the singer said. “Whoever’s investigating should be able to tell you about it. Talk to them, pal.” He called reports that he broke up a fight involving Giancana and another patron “a lot of bull.”

© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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