Motor City Mob Homecoming: The Detroit Mafia’s Tocco Crew Gets One Of Its Own Back, Tommy Mackey Out Of The Can

Trusted Detroit mob associate Tommy Mackey was released from federal prison this week after doing 14 months behind bars for running an internet sports gambling ring based out of a popular eastside suburban pasta place. The 60-year old Mackey is a top lieutenant under reputed Detroit mob street boss Pete Tocco.

Mackey and eight others were indicted in 2014 for an on-line bookmaking conspiracy operating out of Luciano’s Italian Restaurant in Clinton Township, Michigan. All nine co-defendants in the case pled guilty, but Mackey was the only one who wound up serving prison time — he was sentenced in June of 2016. Luciano’s is considered one of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants in Metro Detroit.

Mackey’s “book” was hosted on an internet betting site called Betchopper.com. The bust stemmed from an anonymous 2012 tip to Fraser, Michigan police. The investigation was quickly turned over to the FBI.

Longtime area bookie Kenny Green, a close friend of Mackey’s, was nailed in the case as well. Mackey and Tocco went down together in a 2006 bookmaking and racketeering bust. On the street, Mackey is sometimes called “Irish Tommy,” “The Leprechaun” or “Mackey the Lackey,” in reference to his tight relationship with Tocco and the fact that he can often be seen flanking him on trips around town.

Pete Tocco, 70, watches over the Zerilli-Tocco crime family’s daily affairs, according to multiple sources. Back in 2006, Tocco, who’s uncle is former don Giacomo (Black Jack) Tocco, the Godfather of the Detroit mafia for almost 35 years prior to his death of heart failure in 2014, was just a captain in rank.