As it turns out, Mob Wives break out star Big Ang is more than well qualified to be on the show!
In a new bombshell report by the Smoking Gun, it turns out Big Ang, age 51, (real name Angela Raiola) is a convicted felon.
Back in 2001, Big Ang was indicted on six felony counts after an undercover investigation and drug bust targeting a mob-tied drug ring operating in New York City. She was one of the 15 defendants named in the criminal case after she was caught repeatedly selling cocaine in the undercover operation by the DEA and New York Police.
According to federal agents, Big Ang was as an associate of the drug ring’s leader, who was sentenced to almost 13 years in prison (and is currently in prison). Big Ang is said to have provided cocaine for “street level distribution” selling the drugs in the Brooklyn bars where she worked.
The charges against her included conspiracy to distribute and five other charges related to separate cocaine sales she made to undercover cops. In fact, her handbag contained 14 small plastic bags containing cocaine during her arrest.
In March 2003, Big Ang — out free on $100,000 bond– pled guilty to some of the charges. In October 2003, she was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to spend four months under home confinement. And nine months later, in July 2004, a federal judge ordered her to enroll in “an outpatient and/or inpatient drug treatment or detoxification program.” Wowzers.
Moving on, as no Mob Wives family is more dynamic than on-again/off-again/married/separated/divorced/reconciled couple Renee Graziano and her ex-husband/new “roommate” Junior Pagan. In an interview with HollywoodLife.com, Renee opens up about how the couple’s roller coaster relationship has affected their 17-year-old son AJ.
Renee reveals, “AJ told me, ‘Protect your heart.’ He wanted it to work out, but he didn’t want to see his mother hurt, cry and see me go through the motions that I am now.”
After forgiving her ex-husband, who during filming was awaiting sentencing, Renee recalls, “AJ was nervous for me because he knows the amount of love I have for his father. He was happy, because I was happy. He was happy as well because he had his mother and father in the house at the same time, something he hasn’t had since he was 5 years old.”
Renee explains that her relationship with her son is very close and she doesn’t sugarcoat her past with Junior. She admits, “My son was my adviser. I speak freely with AJ. I want him to not do what his father did [in the past]. I’ve taught him to respect women.”
Discussing her tumultuous relationship with Junior, Renee shares, “We got married very young. I hold him accountable for his actions, but do I blame him this far into the game? No really. We all make mistakes.” However, when the pair reconciled on the show, Renee admits to feeling “ecstatic, overwhelmed, and at peace,” citing, “I was happy to have my family. It was something I waited for, for a very long time.
Unfortunately for Renee (or fortunately, depending on your take of the situation), her relationship with Junior didn’t remain happy for long. She reveals that viewers are going to see the duo do a 360 as the season progresses.
VH1 recently announced Mob Wives has secured a talk show-esque spin off, which sounds very similar to the Teen Mom’s after episode sofa chats. Apparently, “Mob Wives: The Sit Down” will feature celebrity guests discussing freshly aired episodes. Dear VH1, this has been done before, only Bravo calls it Watch What Happens Live.
I jest, because if any group of ladies warrants a post-show conversation, it’s this dysfunctional mix! The show will be hosted by “Big Morning Buzz Live’s” Carrie Keegan. Vh1 is banking on the fact that the Mob Wives’ sophomore season has averaged 2.2 million viewers, 1.3 being the coveted 18-49 age group, which equals a ratings gold mine. In its time slot, it’s the number one show in this demographic with viewership up 67% from the first season. Those are some numbers my friends!
The mobster talk sensation has already been slated for seven episodes, and it will be the second spin-off for the often talked about series. The first spin-off, Mob Wives: Chicago, will premiere this spring.
Also, because it’s Friday and I love y’all, I’m leaving you with some Big Ang before photo amazingness courtesy of VH1. Those pictures are below for your viewing pleasure. TGIF!
[Photos Credit: Demis Maryannakis/PacificCoastNews.com, SPLASH]
TELL US – SHOCKED BY BIG ANG’S CRIMINAL PAST? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF RENEE’S INTERVIEW? SHOULD SHE HAVE LET JUNIOR MOVE BACK IN TO HER HOUSE? WILL YOU BE WATCHING THE MOB WIVES SPIN-OFFS?
CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO SEE THE BIG ANG PHOTOS!
Some awesome before photos of Big Ang! Twerk it, gurl!
Didn’t recognize her…honestly thought a VH1 intern was to blame for the photographic snafu!
But then I saw this and realized I couldn’t pick a pre-surgery Big Ang out of a line-up…especially with that David Bowie hair! That Big Ang, she’s quite the chameleon!
Big Ang rocks a bikini!
