Bonanno Crime Family Member John "Bazoo" Ragano Sentenced to Additional 37 Months for Extortion

A member of the notorious Bonanno crime family, John Ragano, dubbed "Bazoo," has been ordered to spend an additional 37 months behind bars for his relentless efforts to extort a $150,000 loan repayment from a victim. Ragano's sentence comes on the heels of an ongoing 57-month term for a similar crime involving the same individual, rendering a total sentence spanning more than seven years for the established mafioso. In the wake of the trial, Ragano must also relinquish $3,000 in forfeiture to the government, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

U.S. Attorney John J. Durham and FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies condemned the extortion tactics used by Ragano, highlighting the persistent and ruthless nature of organized crime. Despite law enforcement efforts and the scrutiny of the court, Ragano continued his unlawful activities. Their statements exposed the true nature of his actions and the intimidation tactics employed by the criminal group, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Ragano initially loaned the victim the sizable sum in early 2021, setting an interest rate that did not affect the principal amount, compelling payments of around $1,800 weekly. Despite the subsequent arrest and being placed under pretrial supervision, Ragano flagrantly persisted in his attempts to recoup funds, utilizing both direct and indirect means to pressure the victim, at times within earshot of court officials or through third-party messengers, according to evidence presented in court.

Following his guilty plea to the conspired extortionate lending on November 28, 2022, Ragano continued his egregious behavior in 2023, evidencing his brazen attitude towards the judicial system in 2023, still trying to squeeze the victim for money, despite a previous plea, supervision from the court, and a 57-month jail sentence related to the said plea that loomed over him, as reported by U.S. Attorney's Office. The trial in October 2024 revealed shocking interactions, including a recorded meeting where the victim was coerced into stripping by Ragano.

Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash and Andrew D. Reich led the prosecution, successfully ending the cycle of fear and extortion linked to Ragano. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha Payne is handling the forfeiture cases.