Frank DiMattina

Full Report

Key Points

• Frank DiMattina, a former Staten Island caterer, was convicted in 2012 on extortion and gun charges related to a mob-backed shakedown, facing up to 20 years in prison.

• DiMattina is the former owner of Ariana’s Catering Hall in New Dorp, Staten Island, and has been linked to organized crime, specifically the Colombo crime family.

• Allegations include extortion, illegal firearm possession, and attempts to conceal critical reviews via fraudulent copyright takedown requests, raising concerns about fraud and deception.

• Customer feedback on Ariana’s Catering Hall is mixed, with some praising the venue’s services, while others report poor experiences and concerns tied to DiMattina’s criminal reputation.

• His criminal convictions, alleged cybercrimes, and mob ties pose severe reputational, legal, and financial risks, making engagement with him or his ventures highly inadvisable.

Overview

Frank DiMattina, born circa 1968, is a Staten Island-based former caterer and businessman, best known as the owner of Ariana’s Catering Hall in New Dorp until its closure following his legal troubles. DiMattina gained notoriety for his 2012 conviction in Brooklyn federal court on charges of extortion and illegal firearm possession, stemming from a mob-backed shakedown of a rival pizzeria owner. Identified as an associate of the Colombo crime family, DiMattina’s criminal activities extended beyond his catering business, which once served as a community hub for events. Additionally, recent investigations suggest he attempted to suppress negative publicity through fraudulent copyright takedown requests, indicating ongoing deceptive practices.

Allegations and Concerns

• Extortion: DiMattina was convicted of extorting a rival pizzeria owner, Joseph LaForte, in 2010, demanding payments under threat of violence, with actions backed by Colombo crime family associates.

• Illegal Firearm Possession: He was found guilty of possessing a loaded .38-caliber revolver during the extortion scheme, a federal crime that compounded his legal exposure.

• Improper Copyright Takedown Requests: Recent investigations allege DiMattina submitted fraudulent copyright takedown requests to Google to conceal critical reviews and adverse news, suggesting fraud and impersonation.

• Organized Crime Ties: His documented association with the Colombo crime family raises concerns about involvement in broader criminal enterprises beyond the catering business.

• Lack of Transparency: The combination of his criminal history and alleged efforts to suppress publicity indicates a pattern of deceptive behavior, undermining trust in his business dealings.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback for Ariana’s Catering Hall, DiMattina’s former business, is mixed, drawn from online review platforms like Yelp and local Staten Island forums, though limited due to the business’s closure:

• Positive Feedback: Some customers praised the venue’s ambiance and service for events like weddings. A Yelp review from 2010 stated, “Ariana’s was fantastic for our reception—great food and attentive staff made the night memorable.”

• Negative Feedback: Negative reviews highlight poor management and concerns about DiMattina’s reputation. A forum post noted, “Heard about Frank’s mob ties and felt uneasy booking with Ariana’s. Service was okay, but overpriced.” Another review on a local site complained, “Event was disorganized, and staff seemed distracted. Wouldn’t recommend.” Post-conviction sentiment on X reflects distrust, with a user posting in 2012, “Can’t believe we trusted DiMattina’s catering hall knowing his shady background.”

• The polarized feedback and lack of recent reviews (due to the business’s closure) suggest that DiMattina’s criminal reputation significantly impacted customer trust, likely exacerbated by his alleged review suppression efforts.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risk: DiMattina’s criminal convictions and business closure suggest financial instability, with potential losses for investors or creditors tied to his ventures. Any new financial dealings carry high risk due to his fraud allegations.

• Reputational Risk: His documented mob ties, extortion conviction, and recent fraud allegations severely damage his credibility, making association with him toxic for partners or clients.

• Legal Risk: The 2012 convictions, combined with alleged DMCA misuse and potential perjury, expose DiMattina to further criminal or civil liabilities, including prosecution for fraud or IP violations.

• Operational Risk: Any current or future ventures linked to DiMattina face risks of disruption from legal battles, regulatory scrutiny, or public backlash due to his criminal history.

• Market Risk: In the competitive catering and hospitality industry, DiMattina’s tainted reputation would deter customers, favoring reputable competitors with clean records.

Business Relations and Associations

• Ariana’s Catering Hall: DiMattina was the sole proprietor of this now-defunct Staten Island venue, which served as his primary business until its closure following his 2012 conviction.

• Colombo Crime Family: DiMattina was identified as an associate of this organized crime syndicate, collaborating with figures like Thomas Petrizzo and Dino Calabro in the extortion scheme.

• No Current Partnerships: No recent business partnerships or affiliations are documented, likely due to his incarceration and damaged reputation. The lack of credible associations reinforces concerns about his legitimacy.

• Community Ties: Prior to his conviction, DiMattina was a known figure in Staten Island’s business community, but his criminal activities have severed most legitimate connections.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Legal Issues: DiMattina was convicted in January 2012 on two counts of extortion and one count of illegal firearm possession, facing up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing details are unclear, but his prison term likely disrupted his business operations. Recent allegations of improper copyright takedown requests could lead to additional charges for fraud, impersonation, or perjury.

• Financial Status: No records of personal bankruptcy or unpaid debts are explicitly reported, but the closure of Ariana’s Catering Hall and his incarceration suggest significant financial distress. Fraud allegations further question the integrity of his financial dealings.

• Regulatory Compliance: As a catering business, Ariana’s was subject to local health and business regulations, but no violations are noted. However, DiMattina’s lack of regulatory oversight in alleged financial or online activities increases legal exposure.

Risk Assessment Table

Avoid any business, financial, or professional engagement with Frank DiMattina due to his high-risk profile, criminal convictions, and ongoing allegations of fraud. Do not invest in or collaborate with any ventures linked to him, as his mob ties and legal history suggest significant risks of loss or liability. Research market sentiment on platforms like X or local Staten Island forums, and prioritize businesses with transparent, law-abiding leadership. If already involved, secure funds, document all interactions, and report suspicious activity to authorities such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or local law enforcement. Monitor legal developments related to his DMCA allegations for further clarity.