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John Gotti Jr.

John Gotti Jr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John Gotti Jr. is an American former mobster best known as the acting boss of the Gambino crime family from 1992 to 1999. He is the son of John Gotti, the family’s later boss, and became its public face during his father’s imprisonment.

Early life

John Angelo Gotti was born on February 14, 1964, in Queens, New York City. He is the son of John Gotti, the Gambino family boss.

Gambino family leadership

He became acting boss of the Gambino crime family after his father was imprisoned. Sources describe him as leading the organization from 1992 to 1999.

Criminal cases

Gotti pleaded guilty to racketeering in 1999 and was imprisoned. Between 2004 and 2009, he was a defendant in four racketeering trials, all of which ended in mistrials.

Later developments

In January 2010, federal prosecutors said they would no longer pursue the later charges against him. Public accounts in later years described him as having moved away from mob life.

Key facts

  • John Gotti Jr. was born in Queens in 1964.
  • He became acting boss of the Gambino crime family after his father was imprisoned.
  • He led the family from 1992 to 1999.
  • He was convicted of racketeering in 1999.
  • He later faced several racketeering trials that ended in mistrials.
  • Federal prosecutors announced in 2010 that they would no longer seek to prosecute him on those charges.

Frequently asked questions

Who is John Gotti Jr.?
John Gotti Jr. is an American former mobster and the son of John Gotti. He is best known for serving as acting boss of the Gambino crime family.
When was John Gotti Jr. born?
He was born on February 14, 1964.
What role did he have in the Gambino crime family?
He served as acting boss of the Gambino crime family from 1992 to 1999.
Was John Gotti Jr. convicted?
Yes. He pleaded guilty to racketeering in 1999 and was imprisoned.
Did he face later trials?
Yes. He was a defendant in four racketeering trials between 2004 and 2009, and each ended in a mistrial.
What happened to the later federal case against him?
In January 2010, federal prosecutors said they would no longer seek to prosecute him on those charges.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gotti_Jr.
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and role as acting boss of the Gambino crime family from 1992 to 1999.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Gotti
    Supports: Birth date, acting boss tenure, 1999 racketeering conviction, later mistrials, and the 2010 prosecutorial decision.
  3. Biography — https://www.biography.com/crime/junior-gotti
    Supports: Biographical details, nickname Junior, family relation to John Gotti, and racketeering conviction.
  4. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gotti-jr-on-living-and-leaving-a-life-of-crime/
    Supports: Federal description of his role as acting head of the Gambino crime family and racketeering indictment.