Joseph Massino: The first mob boss to turn into a RAT

One of the most important rules of the mob is never become a RAT, but what if you are the families boss? Former Head of the Bonanno family, Joseph Massino, took the stand aginst current acting boss of the Bonanno family Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" Basciano.

This would be the first time the government would ever have a head boss of a family turn government witness. Joseph Massino spent a long time in the mob even spending prison time after the famous Donnie Brasco court cases were all said and done.

After prison, Massino became boss of the Bonanno family and successfully ran the family until 2003 when the law would catch up with him again and end his mobster career.

With pressure from prosecutors to take his home where his wife lived,  other unclaimed assets and with a death plenty looming, Massino caved and agreed to be the first boss ever to take the stand. He took the stand against acting boss of the Bonnano family, Vincent Basciano, who was already serving time in prison. The move by the goverment was prompted so they could put the death penalty in play for Basciano. The play would fail for the government, but in the end both Massino and Basciano, unless some unheard of turn of events happens, they will be living their last days behind bars.