Episode 45
Parole & Pardon Scandal Involving Louis Fazio
It was alleged by the Board of State Bar Commissioners that Attorney Mark Catlin, Jr. induced or led various people to believe that he possessed influence in pardon or parole matters; that he accepted money from people who had the corrupt intention of influencing official conduct; and that Catlin knew of such intention.
Louis Fazio, John Mandella, Jerome Mandella, and Dominic Lampone were convicted of murder in 1946. [An exclusive write-up about Mike Farina's murder is available on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Milwaukeemafia]
In December 1953, Attorney Mark Catlin, Jr. indicated that he had checked the record of Louis Fazio and "found it good." He agreed to work for Louis in the background if the Fazios paid $5,000 in advance and promise $5,000 more upon Louis' release.
On January 8, 1954, Louis' brother, Frank, paid $5,000 in cash to Catlin and Judge Hedding (who referred the Fazio family to Catlin). No receipt was given. Catlin took $4,000 with him and left $1,000 with Hedding, who had been working on the matter without receiving compensation.
Note: Gavin unintentionally uses the terms "parole" and "pardon" interchangeably. The distinction and clarification can be found here: https://gavinschmitt.com/mark-catlins-pardon-parole-scandal/
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