“The Life We Chose: William ‘Big Billy’ D’Elia and the Hidden Secrets of America’s Enigmatic Mafia Empire” unveils the extraordinary tale of an elusive yet influential Pennsylvania-based mob figure and his clandestine life within the world of organized crime.
In a surprising revelation, D’Elia discloses his past interactions with former President Trump during the 1980s when Trump owned several opulent Atlantic City casinos. According to D’Elia, Trump once struck a deal by flipping a coin, shaving off a staggering $1 million from a real estate transaction. These startling details, chronicled in the biography penned by veteran journalist Matt Birkbeck, shed light on the intricate web of connections between the world of high-stakes business and the underworld.
D’Elia, known as “Big Billy,” was an esteemed figure within the Buffalino Crime Family, a powerful syndicate operating from the heart of Pennsylvania. For decades, D’Elia stood by the side of the family’s namesake, the legendary Russel Buffalino, a formidable figure whom Robert F. Kennedy referred to as “one of the most ruthless and influential leaders of the Mafia in the United States.”
Following Buffalino’s passing in 1994, D’Elia assumed leadership of the family, garnering widespread trust and respect across the nation’s criminal organizations. Such was his reputation that he was approached in the 1990s to take control of the Philadelphia crime family, in an effort to quell the bloodshed that tainted the streets of the city. However, D’Elia declined the offer.
D’Elia’s accounts portray Trump as an arrogant figure, consistent with his public persona. D’Elia asserts that Trump exhibited a lack of integrity, failing to honor his commitments. These revelations have ignited a fresh wave of intrigue and controversy, adding yet another layer to the complex legacy of the former president.
Matt Birkbeck, with his extensive coverage of the Buffalino Crime Family and D’Elia, offers valuable insights into the intricate workings of these secretive networks. Birkbeck contends that Trump was actively involved in his own business negotiations, directly engaging with individuals like D’Elia. This hands-on approach was a characteristic feature of Trump’s style, as he sought to forge deals, even if it meant partnering with individuals from the criminal underworld.
Birkbeck recounts an intriguing negotiation involving the sale of timeshares in Trump’s properties. In a twist, Trump allegedly pressured D’Elia to purchase thousands of copies of his book, “The Art of the Deal,” as part of the agreement. This strategic move aimed to artificially boost the book’s sales and secure a prominent position on best-seller lists.
Another eyebrow-raising incident involved a property deal related to Trump’s “Trump Plaza” casino. Initially agreeing to purchase the land for $8 million, Trump later reneged, leading to a novel resolution. D’Elia vividly describes a meeting where Trump, alongside Philadelphia real estate brothers Barry and Ken Shapiro, suggested flipping a coin to settle the remaining million dollars. To the astonishment of those present, Trump emerged the victor.
Barry Shapiro corroborated this coin toss account, confirming the unique resolution to Fox News. He recalled that the sale price of the property was ultimately reduced by $1 million, as decided by the coin flip.
These revelations open a window into Trump’s business dealings, highlighting a penchant for unconventional negotiations. Although no criminal wrongdoing has been attributed to Trump in connection with his casino enterprises, the revelations shed light on his unorthodox approach to deal-making.
As D’Elia’s book delves further into his extraordinary life, it also explores his representation of music superstar Michael Jackson and his association with manager Frank DiLeo, known as ‘Tookie.’ Intriguing anecdotes unfold, including an offer from Trump for Jackson to perform at one of his Atlantic City casinos, an offer the iconic singer ultimately declined.
Today, D’Elia has left behind his life of organized crime and embraces a tranquil retirement. While he served time in prison after pleading guilty to various charges in 2009, he never acted as a mob informant or testified against any suspected members of organized crime.
D’Elia’s exclusive interview for the Fox Nation series “Riddle: The Search for James R. Hoffa” sheds light on Gabe Briguglio, the last remaining FBI suspect in Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance, adding another layer of intrigue to this enigmatic figure’s life.
“The Life We Chose: William ‘Big Billy’ D’Elia and the Hidden Secrets of America’s Enigmatic Mafia Empire” invites readers to journey through the shadowy underbelly of crime, where power, secrets, and unexpected alliances shape destinies and leave an indelible mark on history.