Detroit’s Low-Key Mob: Surviving Through Silence and Strategy

The Detroit Partnership, a lesser-known organized crime family, has maintained a low profile and avoided violent confrontations for over two decades. The last significant incident occurred on August 10, 2002, when mob associate Gerard “Jerry the Blade” Bianchette was fatally shot at a construction site in Macomb County. Authorities believe the murder was linked to a drug deal gone wrong. Unlike other crime families in the United States, the Detroit mob operates with a unique ethos, prioritizing business stability over bloodshed.

The Detroit Partnership, comprising approximately 70-80 members, seldom resorts to violence to resolve disputes. According to former federal prosecutor Keith Corbett, this restraint stems from a belief that violence is detrimental to business operations. The mob’s ability to remain under the radar contrasts sharply with other cities where gangsters often seek media attention. Corbett noted that many members have successfully concealed their identities, making it difficult for law enforcement to penetrate the organization.

Historically, the Detroit Partnership thrived during Prohibition, leveraging its proximity to Canada to smuggle alcohol. The organization has been dominated by two families, the Tocco and Giacalone families, since the early 20th century. William “Black Bill” Tocco founded the group in 1931, establishing control over the criminal landscape after the decline of the Purple Gang. As law enforcement has dismantled various crime families across the nation, the Detroit mob has proven resilient.

The disappearance of Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa in 1975 thrust the Detroit Partnership into the national spotlight, revealing their existence to the broader public. The circumstances surrounding Hoffa’s disappearance remain a mystery, but subsequent investigations brought some scrutiny to the organization. Nevertheless, the heat subsided, allowing the Partnership to continue its operations relatively undisturbed, with only minor arrests reported over the years.

The Detroit mob is characterized by its familial structure, with many members related by blood or marriage. This interconnectedness has created a culture of loyalty that complicates law enforcement efforts to infiltrate the group. According to retired FBI agent Mike Carone, the familial ties within the organization make it nearly impossible for outsiders to gain access. Only one member, Nove Tocco, has ever testified against the Partnership.

While mobsters in Detroit typically avoid violent retribution, it does not mean that they are entirely devoid of criminal activity. The last significant wave of violence occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a few high-profile killings linked to internal disputes. Following the murder of John “John John” Jarjosa, Jr. in 2001 and Bianchette’s death the following year, the organization has maintained a remarkably calm demeanor.

The story of the Detroit Partnership reflects the broader narrative of organized crime in America. From smuggling alcohol during Prohibition to maintaining a presence in Las Vegas, Detroit’s mobsters have adapted to changing circumstances. Although their power has waned compared to previous decades, the organization remains intact. Corbett emphasizes that the Partnership was designed for longevity, stating, “I don’t think we’ll be talking about the eradication of the mafia in Detroit for quite a while.” With its focus on family ties and business acumen, the Detroit Partnership continues to navigate the complexities of organized crime in a changing world.