Hey friends and fans – – I have big news! A promotional campaign over Easter weekend resulted in over 1600 copies of the Kindle version of Thievery: Catholic Church EXPOSED! being ordered from Amazon. It’s like a dream come true.http://www.LesCochran.com
Even Bigger News
This campaign brought sales of Thievery to the #1 Best Seller position in three categories:
#1 in Biographies and Memoirs of Criminals
#1 in Religious Studies – Ethics
#1 in Roman Catholicism
And Even More
Achieving the #1 rankings in the above categories is great. Thievery also scored high rankings in other categories.
#38 in Biographies of White-Collar Crime
#44 in Catholicism Self Help
Truthfully
Since Thievery is based on facts, I must truthfully share facts with you about Amazon ratings. They change from hour to hour, day to day. So, although those high rankings were achieved during the promotional campaign, they will change as other books compete for the same rankings.
Friends and Fans
Achievement of such high rankings is exciting news to me and I’m just thankful that I can share it with my friends and fans. Your assistance in helping me keep Thievery at the top will be most appreciated. Here are a few ways you can help.
On January 10th, my latest book – THIEVERY: Catholic Church EXPOSED! stole attention.
#46 Amazon Kindle
The Kindle edition of THIEVERY ranked #46 on Amazon’s Best Seller’s category — Religious Studies-Ethics. Amazon Link.
#50 Amazon Paperback
The paperback edition came in #50 on Amazon’s Best Seller’s category — Clergy. Amazon Link
THIEVERY is based on my analysis of 97 (non-sex abuse) cases of $100,000 or more of theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
Thievery is Escalating at Epidemic Proportions
Like the sex abuse scandal, the bishops were slow to address what is now the Church’s second greatest scandal. THIEVERY documents case after case, where priests and lay workers used thousands of parishioner donations for their own pleasures.
Research projects that as much as $1.2 billion was stolen from the U.S. Catholic Church in 2018 and another $1.3 billion was pilfered in 2019. The number of cases and the amount of dollars has spiraled over the last decade, with an ongoing $5 million case of alleged embezzlement by a priest still in the Michigan courts.
Time to Change
Concerned people are seeking the facts regarding the current $1.3 Billion (2019) thievery crisis in the Catholic Church. Facing the facts beats burying one’s head in the sand.
Share, Share, Share
I always appreciate your assistance in letting friends and colleagues know about my work. Please share this blog with them. Book reviews are an essential marketing tool for authors. Please share your review on Amazon. If you’ve never submitted a book review, I have “how to” guidelines I’ll be glad to share.
“Like the sexual abuse scandal, Cochran’s book leaves little doubt that the cases highlighted in Thievery: Catholic Church EXPOSED! are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.” One of many thoughts shared in Michael W. Ryan’s recent review of the book. (Cochran’s website.) More of Ryan’s review follows.
Les Cochran’s straight-from-the-media delivery of the shocking – sometimes utterly appalling – details of nearly 100 financial crimes committed by Catholic clergy and laypersons leaves no room for the Catholic hierarchy (as represented by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) to claim – as they repeatedly claimed before the sexual abuse scandal exploded – that the cases covered in the media were isolated occurrences and not indicative of systemic flaws or weaknesses. Like the sexual abuse scandal, Cochran’s book leaves little doubt that the cases highlighted therein are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Root of the Problem
Beyond documenting the ease with which members of the clergy and laity can be and have been corrupted, THIEVERY shows the reader where the root of the problem lies: with the U.S. hierarchy and their refusal to formulate and nationally mandate genuinely secure financial systems and procedures that, properly implemented and monitored, would prevent all but the most sophisticated of embezzlements from even getting off the ground, let alone to first base.
Pray, Pay and Obey
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops knows this is true, but they’re counting on the Faithful’s historic willingness to pray, pay and obey, and to assume the bishops have been and are faithfully fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities. THIEVERY makes clear that assumption is without foundation.
Will They Carry Out Their Fiduciary Responsibilities?
Finally, while the cases cited in THIEVERY document financial mismanagement and are not directly related to the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal, it’s easy to see how some of the abusers – quite possibly a majority of them – likely financed their predacious activities. It begs the question: How many victims of sex abuse by wayward clergy would have been spared if the Catholic hierarchy had carried out their fiduciary responsibilities?
In 2018, theft from Catholic Church gifts and donations reached $1.2 Billion and is expected to be even higher in 2019. In my opinion, it’s way past time for the church to change.As an author and friend, I’m always interested in what you think. Share if you care.
“I’m sending it to the Pope’s home address, so he will get the message firsthand!” Cochran said, emphatically. “He needs to understand there’s a sense of urgency, in dealing with the thievery scandal in the Catholic Church in this country.” That’s a snippet from the news release issued September 5th when I mailed my new book to the Pope. See letter to Pope.
High Stakes Thievery
THIEVERY: Catholic Church EXPOSED! is a 175-page documentary revealing the huge financial scandal taking place today in the Catholic Church. By huge, I mean the current tally is estimated to be $1.26B annually! Yes, that’s a B for billion. And, that’s just in the United States. See book description.
It was Happenstance
I know you’re thinking “What are you doing now Cochran? I thought you were writing an historical fiction series about the Detroit Mafia.” I was and I am. It just happened that I was talking with interested readers who had stopped by my booth at an art festival (yes, writing is an art) about the Detroit mafia laundering money through the Catholic Church. One of the readers said, “You think that’s bad, check thievery in the Catholic Church today.” I made a note and couldn’t believe what I found when I did the research. See what I mean? It wasn’t on my agenda to write about this – – it was happenstance!
No Ethics?
The THIEVERY documentary is based upon 97 (non-sex abuse) cases of $100,000 or more I discovered in my investigation of embezzlement, fraud, and theft in the Catholic Church. I use actual news releases, legal cases, and newspaper stories in THIEVERY to illustrate embezzlement, fraud, scams and other types of financial mismanagement perpetrated by unethical priests and staff members. Worse yet, I found and detail how bishops covered up thousands of cases of financial misconduct. It’s as if no morality or ethics existed among many of those in charge.
Catholic
Church’s Second Scandal
This is not an usher stealing twenty or thirty dollars from the collection plate or a secretary cheating on a deposit slip. It’s thousands of dollars being stolen through systematic scams, often carried out by long-term, trusted employees. The thievery scandal has gone essentially unaddressed because of the attention given the sex abuse scandal. “I understand why thievery has paled in the face of thousands of sex abuse cases, and rightfully so. But these priests were not the only ones engaged in deviant behavior, and sex abuse was not the Church’s only form of criminality; thousands of priests and staff members were embezzling and stealing, giving root to the thievery scandal.
Still Waiting to Hear from the
Pope . . .
It’s imperative that Pope Francis understand the depth of this problem and takes mandated action. THIEVERY purposely points out why theft occurs and how to stop it. Let’s hope we hear from the Pope very soon.
Oh yeah, if you watched the recent college basketball playoffs, half of the final-eight teams in the NCAA tournament had the word FAMILY printed on their warm-up jerseys. And, you ask, what’s that have to do with the my new book series about the mafia in Detroit? Good question.
Think Back: 40 Years Ago
“We Are Family,” a top-ten song, released by Sister Sledge in 1979, ignited a “pop culture” revolution. That same year, the Pittsburgh Pirates adopted the disco-hit phrase “we are family,” to pull their team together, which was highlighted by Willie Stargell’s game seven, walk-off home run.
“Family” Roots Go Much Deeper
So, here’s where the mafia comes in. For centuries, in Sicily, the term family was commonplace. People in the community were part of the family. When Carlo Gambino and Joseph Bonanno immigrated to the U.S., it was only natural they’d later become the Bosses of the Gambino Family and the Bonanno Family—two of the Five (Mafia) Families of New York.
Detroit Mafia Was Really Family
Unlike any other mafia in the country, the Detroit mafia was family—they were all related; they married kin folks—they were all connected. As a result, the Detroit mafia did not have the same kind of internal strife as many other organizations. This, along with their low-key, behind-the-scene mode-of-operation, kept their names out of the paper (most of the time).
I Changed the Names
As you know, my mafia series is historical fiction about the mafia in Detroit in the 1980s. And, you’ve probably heard the phrase “change the name to protect the innocent.” Well. . . I thought, since I’m not part of the mafia, it might be wise to change the names to protect the author. Therefore, the names of the main Detroit mafia characters in my books are fictitious. Even though I chose NOT to use their real names, the stories in the series do portray the men at the top of the Detroit mafia at the time. As you read the series, you’ll become acquainted with Jake Nicolette, Tony Minelli, Angelo Traveglini, and Blackie Giardini. They weren’t the mafia leaders names at that time in Detroit – – but (I probably shouldn’t tell you this) they are slightly altered names of men I’ve personally met who were “mafia associated.” Get my drift?
Mafia Family Organizational Structure
It looks a lot like a corporate structure in America – – but, it’s NOT. Those at the top, meet whenever necessary. They decide what should happen, and then tell those below them what needs to be done. Lieutenants and capos function as if they are “sub-contractors.” Here’s a graphic of the Detroit mafia structure, with names changed to protect the author 🙂
More
Mafia in the Works!
FOR HIRE, the fourth book in my mafia series, is well underway. The storyboard is finished and I’ve drafted five chapters. I’ll share more about FOR HIREin future blog posts.
Special Note:Watch for my next blog post. I’ll share a little secret about what’s happening in my real life and my book life. Whoever said “never the twain shall meet” was way off!
I know it sounds kind of uppity, but it’s not. It’s prestigious, and every mafia in the country has one. So, what is a consigliere and why does the mafia have one?
Role of the Consigliere
Believe it or not – – he’s the chief adviser to the Mafia Boss. Unlike some business CEO’s, the Boss knows he does not have all the answers. And so, often behind the scenes, he consults with the consigliere, a senior member of the family.
The Consigliere—A
Highly Respected Man
Tony Minelli – – Detroit Mafia’s Consigliere
Tony Minelli, the Detroit Mafia’s consigliere, had long been the most respected individual in the organization’s hierarchy. When Jake Nicolette’s father was the Mafia Boss, Tony was his confidant, and now, nearing 80 and retirement, his views command enormous respect.
The Consigliere—Bites the
Bullet
In GET EVEN, a recently released novel in my historical fiction series about the Detroit mafia, Tony Minelli has a tough part to play. He has to offer unsolicited advice to the mob Boss, Jake Nicolette, regarding his personal behavior. There’s only one man who can critique the Boss to his face. Here’s a short preview from GET EVEN:
Tony Uses Finesse to Break the News to the Boss
Tony didn’t flinch; his eyes remained focused on Jake. Knowing the look, Jake stopped cold. “Something on your mind?” “As a matter of fact, there is.” Still hesitant, Tony hemmed and hawed, knowing he had one shot to deal with Jake without him blowing up. Jake stared at him as Tony stalled for the longest time. “Well?” Tony knew it was best to deal with Jake straight on. “You know when I have something to say, I don’t pull any punches.” “That’s why I’ve always respected you.” Jake flipped his hand, nonchalantly. “Whatever it is, give it to me straight.” Tony took a sip of his Crown Royal. “It has… you have… gotten out of control.” Jake’s face turned sour; his voice took on an edge. “Out of control, what the hell are you talking about?” “You damn well know… Amanda!” Tony slapped his hand solidly on the table. “It’s fine to be seen at the Caucus Club or late seating at the London Chop House, but she’s been seen every place you’ve been to this year. You’re too public with her.”
Mob Boss Reacts
“Big deal.” Jake’s face reddened to a bright glow. “I’ll see her as much as I want. I’m going to ask her to marry me.” “Shit, Jake, you can’t do that. You have a family, responsibilities…” “Responsibilities,” Jake cut him off. “Crap, I’ve heard that since I was a kid. When do I count? When do I do what I want to do?” Tony stared at Jake without a blink or saying a word, unsure how far he should go. Jake grabbed his glass and took a slug. Tony played the waiting game, hoping Jake would come to his senses and talk about it. Jake’s sneer hardened, equaling his attitude. Tony cupped his hands over his face, his elbows on the table. Slowly, he slid a hand down to the table. “Why do you pay me?” Jake cocked his head, examining Tony as if to say, ‘that’s a dumb question.’ “To give me advice.” Tony nodded. “Okay… tell me when you’reready to listen to my advice.” Tony didn’t flinch; his eyes remained focused on Jake.
“The Payoff is a Doozy”
Hmm . . . is this Amanda? In the preview above, Tony was warning the Mafia Boss about being seen in public way too often with Amanda. Did Boss, Jake Nicolette, change his mind about her? Is this Amanda on the cover of GET EVEN, ready to do just that? I can’t tell you now – – – but you’ll be shocked when you read this mafia crime thriller. As a reviewer said “the payoff is a doozy.”
Share, Share, Share. . .
Friends and fans are the most important aspect of an author’s life. Without you, I just have words on paper. I hope you are enjoying my books. Please share your thoughts with me and share insights with others that like to read crime thrillers. Better yet, write a review for Amazon (Example) and post a picture of you reading one of my books on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Send a copy of it to me. My wife, Lin, does the marketing for my books and has some ideas for including my “Friends and Fans” in social media. Thanks.
My recently released mafia thriller, titled GET EVEN, brings you an up-close and intimate look at the trials and tribulations of the #3 man in the Detroit Mafia, Blackie Giardini. It seems appropriate to feature mob boss #3 in book #3 of my “Thorn Birds of Detroit Defy Mafia” series reflecting historical events in Detroit in the 1970s and 80s. See GET EVEN
Detroit Mafia – #3 Man
Blackie Giardini and Johnny Cash?
What do these two have in common? Street Boss, Blackie Girardini was born the same month and year as Johnny Cash; and, like Johnny, Blackie always wore black clothing and often donned large black sunglasses. Date of birth and attire may be the only similarities; to my knowledge Blackie did not sing or play the guitar. Hmm – – did they both spend time in a locked cell?
Blackie Was a Made Man
All mafia leaders of the time were expected to be a made man. Yes, this is mafia talk, but it means Blackie had at least one documented killing to his credit.
Blackie’s Job Description
Being the third ranking individual in the mafia, Blackie functions like the corporate vice president for operation. Boss Jake Nicolette is the CEO and Angelo Travaglini, the Underboss, is like an Executive Vice President. Below the Street Boss is numerous lieutenants responsible for what might be called divisions—prostitution, gambling, local business protection, drugs, unions, motorcycle gangs. The capos, the soldiers who do the dirty work, are the mafia members reporting to the lieutenants.
Insightful and Smart
As a former university president, I’m wondering if Backie’s degree from Notre Dame University helped prepare him for his management role in the mob. My research revealed that he’s always one or two steps ahead of everyone else, as illustrated by the following excerpt from GET EVEN:
* * * * * * *
Blackie’s mind slipped into high gear. “They hit our ten best blind pigs at the same time. Not one of our police officers knew about the bust until it happened. Each of the ten blind pigs had just been newly remodeled.” He took a long sip and drew his brows together in puzzlement. “Arrest warrants included seventy-five or so capos.”
“There has to be something else, he said to his assistant, Carmen.
Carmen’s mind wandered aimlessly, hoping he might come up with an intellectual gem. “They didn’t indict any lieutenants or anyone in the upper circles.”
“Right.” Blackie felt the answer was near. “And, why was that?” he asked rhetorically. “Because they didn’t have the goods on us,” Blackie answered. “Okay Carmen, write these points down.”
How’d they know these were our most profitable blind pigs?
How’d they know the addresses?
How’d they know which ones were open?
Why did they hit only the newly remodeled ones?
How’d they get the goods on that many capos?
And, why weren’t they able to come up with enough evidence to indict anyone in the top tier?”
“Wow boss, how’d you come up with all that?”
* * * * * * *
Did Blackie GET EVEN?
Well. . . I guess you’ll have to read “GET EVEN: Detroit Thorn Birds Defy Mafia” for the rest of the story. Quick order link.
Share, Share, Share. . .
Friends and fans are the most important aspect of an author’s life. Without you, I just have words on paper. I hope you are enjoying my books. Please share your thoughts with me and share insights with others that like to read crime thrillers. Better yet, write a review for Amazon (Example) and post a picture of you reading one of my books on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Send a copy of it to me. My wife, Lin, does the marketing for my books and has some ideas for including my “Friends and Fans” in social media. Thanks.
Yes, today is your day to GET EVEN. Over the past few weeks I’ve been sharing tidbits with you about characters in the storyline. Based on the feedback I’ve received from several of you, it seems that you’ve enjoyed getting the inside scoop.
Well. . . if you’ve been planning to order it, NOW is the time!
Kindle version is available for only 99 cents until March 1, at which time it will be listed for $3.99.
What’s It About?
GET EVEN is a crime fiction thriller based upon historical events in the city of Detroit during the early 1980s. More information can be found on my website.
Guru officiondo Scott Burnstein from Detroit says:
“Once again, Les Cochran packs quite a punch with his vivid storytelling in another pulse-pounding entry to his Detroit Thorn Birds series. Cochran’s writing crackles from start to finish, painting a colorful, stylized picture of his characters and the gritty world they inhabit. The fast pace, however, doesn’t take away from the depth Cochran uses to develop both his good guys and bad guys, which gives the reader the connection and nuance they need to really want to invest in the taut narrative. The payoff is a doozy. Another classic by one of America’s most underrated authors.”
SHARE, SHARE, SHARE
Share this special price with friends and book readers everywhere.
LOL: Tell them not to miss their opportunity to GET EVEN!
DO A REVEIW
Like every author – – – I need reviews for every book I write. I’d be most appreciative if you’d take time to write a quick review and post it on Amazon* and Facebook. Oh, and on Facebook have a little fun by posting a picture of you holding/reading GET EVEN.
Heck – – – I wouldn’t mind a bit if you tweeted about it!
Contact me if you need guidelines for posting a review on Amazon.
Citywide drug enterprises are part of GET EVEN, the third book in my historical crime fiction series about the Detroit Mafia to be released on Februray 19th. Just a few more days to wait! In today’s post, I’m sharing more information about the drug gangs usurping control of the city from the mafia. For more information about the series, click here.
Historical Facts
Butch Jones, one of the City’s most menacing drug lords, pleaded guilty to heading a criminal drug enterprise in exchange for a twelve-year sentence in prison. Officials estimate the gang was taking-in close to $8 million a week in heroin sales. Can you believe that? It was nearly forty years ago and they were making $8 million a week!
Four Aspiring Drug Kingpins
In the late 70s, four aspiring drug kingpins from the West Side brought their gangs together. They complemented each other well—Raymond “Baby Ray” Peoples, Dwayne “Wonderful Wayne” Davis, Mark “Block” Marshall, and Butch Jones. (Notice they followed the trend set by the mafia in giving each other street names.) Peoples and Davis were hustler types and Jones and Marshall were straight out thugs, heartless street guys with “itchy” trigger fingers.
Young Boys, Inc. (YBI) Created
They formed the Young Boys, Inc (YBI), which became the model for all future drug gangs. It was organized like a Fortune 500 corporation with a highly developed infrastructure, divided into diversified sub-units.
Jones Bullied His Way to Top
Jones, a natural bully, quickly muscled his way to the top of the syndicate and ruled with sheer force. His crew was just as cold hearted; ruthless guys were known to beat their enemies with a baseball bat.
YBI Members Were Fashionistas
Here’s an interesting little tidbit for you. The YBI were known to show up at a nightclub—50 deep, dressed in matching duds—one day trendy threads, then red Adidas track suits, followed by military fatigues, and in the winter, fur-lined Max Julian hooded jackets.
Hell Broke Loose
Everything ran smoothly until Jones and Peoples discovered they were sleeping with the same woman. All hell broke loose and Peoples and Jones started knocking off each other’s lieutenants—it was like sharks circling when they smell blood in the water!
Selection from GET EVEN
Det. Clark Phillips, my key character in this “Detroit Thorn Bird Defy Mafia” series, heads up the special crime task force that now includes representatives from the FBI and the DEA. Here’s a little of their discussion about the serious issue of drug gangs in Detroit.
“They have three hundred people coordinating thousands of kids, ten-, eleven-, and twelve-year-olds, who were making two grand a week.”
“That’s unbelievable,” Veronica interjected. “How did they come up with that kind of know-how?”
Clark gave her an agreeable look. “Remember, these kids grew up in households where all the men worked in the auto plants. People talked about the unions and the SOB’s at the top. These guys are no dummies; they picked up on things they heard and made good use of it. Imagine the type of organization you’d need to pull this off.” Clark laughed outright. “Last year the YBI grossed over $400 million.”
New Yorker Frank Bennett’s face went blank. “I can’t imagine that kind of take… I doubt if any of the Five Families in New York City are raking in those kinds of dollars.”
“Share”
Researching and writing a book is fun and very interesting for me. However, marketing books is a real challenge and one I’m not very good at doing. Any assistance you can provide by sharing my blog and Facebook posts, will give me more time to write. As a result, I’ll have opportunities to create more stories about the Detroit Thorn Birds and the mafia and you’ll have more to read! Thanks for forwarding this to friends that like to read crime fiction.
Book number three in my historical fiction series about the Detroit mafia in the 1980s will be released February 19th. It’s titled GET EVEN: Detroit Thorn Birds Defy Mafia. To give you a heads up, I’m sharing an inside scoop regarding storylines and characters with a need to GET EVEN. More information on my website.
Drug Gangs Control Inner City
It’s the 1980s and Detroit is hemorrhaging—drug lords control the inner city and the mafia is under attack. Even though my historical fiction series is about the Detroit mafia, I can’t ignore the presence of the drug gangs during that time. In fact, many of the drug gangs were so well organized they significantly diminished the mafia’s drug revenue.
Davis Family Gang
As I shared in my blog last week, Earl Walker is working undercover to infiltrate Maserati Rick’s organization, but Maserati Rick isn’t the only drug kingpin. Det. Clark Phillips and his task force need more information. He has no choice other than to send Kimberly, a key member of his crime task force, after Ricky Davis, second in command of the Davis Family Gang. Yes, the Davis Family was real and one of the most aggressive drug gangs in Detroit in the 1980s.
Coaching Kimberly for Undercover Work
Here’s a selection from GET EVEN where Joseph “Pag” Pagnozzi, a Detroit police officer and also a member of the crime task force, is coaching Kimberly on how to attract Ricky Davis’ attention at the jazz club.
“Okay.” Kimberly flipped her hands with a move-on gesture. “Get with it.”
“Oh… well, I had to give you a little background.” Pag gave her a disconcerted look. “After Veronica and Frank met you, they told their higher ups they thought you’d be a perfect undercover agent to infiltrate the Davis gang.”
“Undercover… infiltrate, hold on.” The thought shot a little tremor in her voice. “I’m a Lieutenant in the Child Abuse and Prostitution Section of the Detroit Police Department; I’ve never done anything like that. You gotta be kidding. I know… these drug leaders would just as soon kill you as look at you. No way, not me.”
“No, Ricky’s not that way — he’s in his mid-twenties — a nice kid at heart.”
“Yeah… sure… and he has a big one he’d love to… you’re crazy, count me out.”
Pag’s voice remained calm. “If you’re going undercover, you have to look and act the part.”
She cast him a questioning eye. “So… what does that mean?”
“You have to have a drink in your hand… Manhattans are fine.”
“And?”
“A blouse buttoned to the top won’t cut it.”
“I don’t understand.” Kimberly covered her cleavage with her hand. “I thought this was a practice run.”
“It is. You have to play the role; he could come in anytime.”
“Now I know… you’re putting me on?”
“No, I’m not putting you on,” he said matter-of-factly.
Glancing around, she paused for a moment. “Okay, then.” She loosened the top button.
“C’mon.” Pag rolled his hand for another one and a second.
She glanced down at her décolletage, partly exposed. “Okay, are you happy now?”
“Fine.” Pag mumbled, “It’s a start.”
“A start?”
I Like the Word “Share” – Hope You Do
Researching and writing a book is fun and very interesting for me and other authors. However, marketing books is a real challenge and one I’m not very good at doing. Any assistance you can provide by sharing my blog and Facebook posts, will give me more time to write. As a result, I’ll have opportunities to create more stories about the Detroit Thorn Birds and the mafia and you have more to read! Thanks for any “sharing” you do.
Historical Facts
Coaching Kimberly for Undercover Work
