Joey Merlino Biography: Age, Wife, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Social Media, Controversy

Joey Merlino, widely known as “Skinny Joey,” is a mobster deeply involved organized crime, particularly within the Philadelphia crime family.

His notoriety stems from his involvement in various criminal activities, including racketeering, extortion, and illegal gambling.

Merlino‘s rise to infamy began in the early 1990s, following in the footsteps of his father, Salvatore “Chuckie” Merlino, a reputed mob underboss.

Unlike many of his predecessors, Merlino embraced the media spotlight, frequently appearing in public and even engaging in charitable activities, which contributed to his public persona as a “celebrity gangster”.

Profile:

• Full name: Joseph Salvatore Merlino
• Nickname: Skinny Joey
• Date of birth: March 13, 1962
• Age: 62 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Mobster
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches
• Parents: Salvatore “Chuckie” Merlino and Rita Merlino
• Siblings: Maria Merlino
• Spouse: Deborah Merlino
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Italian-American
• Net worth: $1.81 million

Early Life and Education

Joey Merlino was born on March 13, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He grew up in South Philadelphia and Ventnor City, New Jersey, within a family deeply entrenched in organized crime.

His father, Salvatore “Chuckie” Merlino, was a notorious underboss of the Philadelphia crime family, and his uncle, Lawrence “Yogi” Merlino, was also a mobster.

Joey‘s childhood was surrounded by figures from the criminal underworld, including future mob members Michael and Joseph Ciancaglini, whom he befriended during his school years at St. Thomas Aquinas in Philadelphia’s Point Breeze neighborhood.

Personal Life

Joey Merlino is married to Deborah Merlino, and they have been together for over a decade.

Despite his high-profile lifestyle, Merlino has managed to keep much of his personal life, including details about his children, out of the public eye.

The couple’s relationship has remained strong despite the numerous legal challenges and incarcerations Joey has faced over the years.

Career

Merlino‘s criminal career took off in the early 1990s, shortly after his father’s conviction.

He initially served as an underboss before effectively taking control of the Philadelphia crime family.

Known for his flamboyant public persona, Joey frequently appeared in the media, hosting charity events and living a high-profile lifestyle.

His criminal activities included racketeering, extortion, and illegal gambling.

Despite several arrests and legal battles, Merlino managed to avoid convictions on murder charges, though he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 1999 for various other crimes.

He was released to a halfway house in 2011.

Net worth

Joey Merlino‘s net worth is estimated to be $1.81 million.

His wealth primarily comes from his involvement in organized crime, including illegal gambling, extortion, and racketeering activities.

Despite his criminal background, Merlino has maintained a certain level of financial success, allowing him to live comfortably and continue his activities within the Philadelphia crime family.

Controversy

Joey Merlino‘s life has been riddled with controversy, primarily due to his deep involvement in organized crime.

He gained notoriety in the 1990s as a central figure in the Philadelphia crime family, known for his open defiance of traditional mob secrecy.

His public persona as a “celebrity gangster” was bolstered by frequent media appearances and charitable acts, which contrasted sharply with his criminal activities.

One of the most significant controversies surrounding Merlino was his 1999 arrest on drug charges, which led to a 14-year prison sentence.

This arrest followed a decade-long FBI investigation that included wiretaps, turncoat testimonies, and extensive surveillance.

The investigation aimed to dismantle the Philadelphia crime family, and Merlino was charged with a range of crimes, including racketeering, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder.

Despite the overwhelming evidence and numerous charges, Merlino managed to avoid conviction on the most severe counts, including murder.

Merlino‘s legal troubles continued post-release. In 2016, he was arrested again, this time in a major crackdown on organized crime across several states.

The charges included illegal gambling and healthcare fraud, and Merlino was sentenced to two years in prison in 2018.

Throughout these legal battles, Merlino maintained his innocence on the more serious allegations, while his lawyers argued that the charges were exaggerated or based on unreliable witnesses.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A