Ex-mobster who cut a deal with the FBI steps out of witness protection after two decades, the FBI agent who cut the deal comes on the show. May 20th, 1997.
“…it was a sick existince, I mean it was crazy. And violent and vulgar, disgusting, it’s a terrible life…”
The program begins with some of ex-mobster Henry’s previous appearances on the show before he is brought on set. Muffled and difficult to understand it comes out later that he is high on heroin. His girlfriend Kelly is brought and talks about his decline.
Former Federal Prosecutor Ed McDonald is brought on stage where he talks about the techniques used and how in 1980, Henry Hill was a very useful witness and one of the highest-ranking mob figures to cooperate so far. The families have not put a contract on his life yet but someone could recognize him in a bar and commit murder to distinguish himself.
Audience questions and the movie based on Henry’s life, ‘Goodfellas’, are discussed before Peter Maas is brought on stage. Peter wrote the book Underboss and he talks about his research concerning Sammy the Bull and others. His opinion is coming out to the public could be dangerous to Henry Hill.
Mr. Maas continues with discussion about how the mafia men felt about drugs. They weren’t necessarily for or against heroin, it was the money that made it inevitable. The realy danger was family members getting hooked.
Robert Simels, Henry’s attorney, talks about the strain of witness protection. Many moves, many relocations, each time with a new social security number and no financial background. Robert contends that the government paying ex-mobster Henry Hill $1,500 a month is pretty shabby considering his client made lots of money committing crime for the mafia.
Angela Mosconi of the New York Post makes an appearance saying what Mr. Hill did was brave and courageous. Matthew Fogg a supervisory inspector and Deputy U.S. Marshall addresses concerns people in the program are cut loose once the deal is made.
Henry Hill’s life has been documented in books, and inspired movies. He died in 2012.
This day, Geraldo’s Television history.