The Hole in the Wall Gang of Las Vegas is the stuff of true crime legends, a group whose name conjures images of brazen heists, explosive tactics, and mafia ties. Active during the 1970s and early 1980s, this criminal crew was notorious for their proficiency in burglaries, particularly in Las Vegas, where they robbed countless homes, businesses, and casinos. Their methods were as bold as they were effective, often gaining entry to places by literally punching holes in walls, which earned them their infamous nickname.
The Mob Connection
The Hole in the Wall Gang wasn’t just a random group of crooks—they were deeply intertwined with the mafia, particularly with the Chicago Outfit, one of the most powerful crime families of the time. The gang operated under the leadership of Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro, a feared and ruthless mobster sent to Las Vegas to oversee the Chicago Outfit’s interests in the city. Spilotro himself was a feared enforcer, whose violent reputation earned him a place in the annals of Las Vegas’s mafia history.
The gang specialized in high-stakes burglaries, targeting casinos, luxury homes, and businesses. They used their unique method of entry, breaking through walls or ceilings, avoiding security alarms and camera systems, and then making off with loot, ranging from jewelry to cash. These were not small-time burglaries—the gang had a sharp eye for valuable targets, often planning their heists with military precision.
A Band of Characters
Spilotro’s crew was a motley bunch of experienced criminals, many of whom were career burglars. Frank Cullotta, a lifelong friend of Spilotro, was a key figure in the gang. Cullotta, a seasoned burglar and mob associate, is perhaps best known today for his eventual decision to cooperate with authorities, turning state’s witness against the mob in a bid to save his own life.
Other notable members included Ernie Devino, Joseph “The Clown” Lombardo, and Gerald “Jerry” Scalise. Each had their own area of expertise, but collectively, they formed a formidable group that became known for their quick getaways, ability to evade capture, and connections within the Las Vegas underworld.
The Fall of the Gang
While the Hole in the Wall Gang enjoyed a reign of terror in Las Vegas, it didn’t last forever. The beginning of their downfall can be traced to July 4, 1981, when the crew botched a burglary at Bertha’s Gifts & Home Furnishings, a Las Vegas store. On that night, Las Vegas Metro Police and the FBI were already watching the gang closely. They swooped in during the robbery, catching the crew in the act. This marked a turning point for the gang, as it exposed their activities and led to a wave of arrests.
To avoid long prison sentences, Frank Cullotta flipped on the mob, providing key testimony against Spilotro and other mafia figures. Cullotta’s cooperation not only helped dismantle the gang but also provided invaluable insights into the mob’s operations in Las Vegas.
Legacy
Today, the Hole in the Wall Gang is remembered as part of the rich and colorful history of organized crime in Las Vegas. Their story has even been immortalized in popular culture, most notably in Martin Scorsese’s 1995 film Casino, where Tony Spilotro’s character, played by Joe Pesci, was modeled on the infamous mobster. Though their criminal exploits are long over, the Hole in the Wall Gang remains a symbol of Las Vegas’s darker, mob-controlled past.
