TOMS RIVER, NJ – A recent incident at Roxy’s Bar and Grill in Toms River has led to the arrest of several members of the Gambino crime family, a major development in the ongoing efforts to curb mafia activities in the region. The arrests have subsequently prompted an FBI investigation, including the search for bodies at farms in upstate New York, believed to be connected to past mafia crimes.
The incident at Roxy’s Bar and Grill, a restaurant that now operates in the former Charlie Brown’s restaurant location in Silverton, drew significant attention, marking a critical point in the fight against organized crime in New Jersey. The Gambino family, one of the most notorious crime syndicates in America, has had a longstanding presence in the region, with a history of involvement in various illegal activities.
This recent development is part of a larger historical context of mafia presence along the New Jersey Shore, particularly in the Pine Barrens and Jackson Township, areas that have been dubbed as the ‘mafia graveyard.’ These regions have been known for their secluded and densely wooded environments, making them ideal for clandestine activities, including the disposal of bodies.
On March 24, 1967 Federal Bureau of Investigation agents dug up two bodies in Jackson in a sparsely settled area on Cook Road and said they might have discovered a burial ground for victims of the mafia, which is also known as the Cosa Nostra, according to the New York Times.
The New Jersey Pine Barrens, a vast and sparsely populated area, has long been rumored to be a site for mafia-related activities, including the hiding of evidence and victims. Similarly, Jackson Township, with its remote locations, has been associated with mafia activities for decades, contributing to its notoriety as a graveyard for mob-related crimes.
The FBI’s involvement in upstate New York, following the arrests in Toms River, indicates the far-reaching implications of organized crime and its historical roots in the region. The search for bodies in upstate New York farms is a stark reminder of the brutal and often hidden aspect of mafia operations, stretching beyond state borders.
The Mob’s Grip on New Jersey
During the early to mid-20th century, organized crime syndicates, often referred to as the Mafia, exercised a powerful influence over various aspects of American society, particularly in New Jersey. The proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia made New Jersey an attractive hub for illicit activities such as bootlegging, gambling, and extortion.
The Pinelands: A Perfect Hideaway
The vast and largely uninhabited expanse of the New Jersey Pinelands offered the perfect refuge for the Mafia’s clandestine operations. Its dense forests, secluded trails, and limited access made it an ideal location for carrying out illegal activities away from the prying eyes of law enforcement.
Unsolved Mysteries and Missing Persons
As the Mafia’s power grew, so did the number of unsolved disappearances and missing persons cases in New Jersey. Locals in the Pine Barrens began whispering about strange happenings and the existence of hidden burial sites where victims of Mafia violence were laid to rest. The families of the missing often lived in fear, silenced by the terror of retribution should they dare to speak out.
The South Jersey Mob Wars
The 1960s witnessed a period of intense rivalry and conflicts among various Mafia families in New Jersey. Known as the South Jersey Mob Wars, this era was characterized by violent turf battles, resulting in the deaths of several mobsters. Many believe that these deadly confrontations led to the creation of secret burial grounds deep within the Pinelands, ensuring that the gruesome evidence of their crimes remained hidden from law enforcement.
Discoveries and Investigations
Over the years, several discoveries have been made in the New Jersey Pinelands, lending credence to the stories of Mafia burial grounds. In some instances, law enforcement stumbled upon shallow graves containing the remains of individuals with suspected ties to organized crime. However, due to the lack of concrete evidence and the code of silence observed by those involved, many of these cases remain unsolved.
These recent arrests and investigations underscore the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organized crime networks, particularly those with deep historical ties to regions like New Jersey. The incident at Roxy’s Bar and Grill in Toms River has not only led to significant arrests but also opened a new chapter in the long and complex history of mafia activities in the area.