Old Mafia file going on NY auction block

[June 22, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A thick U.S. government file discovered on the back seat of a New York City taxi in the 1990s contained the mug shots, criminal associates and favorite hangouts of hundreds of Mafia members during the 1950s and early 1960s. Among the over 800 names were such infamous figures as Carlo "Don Carlo" Gambino and Meyer Lansky.

The three-ring binder is being auctioned at Bonhams New York on Wednesday with a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $15,000.

Robert F. Kennedy is believed to have used a copy of the file during the 1963 televised McClellan hearings into organized crime when he was U.S. Attorney General.

The owner of the files -- found inside a black bag on the seat of the cab -- wishes to remain anonymous.

[Associated Press; By ULA ILNYTZKY]

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