John Alite And Nick Christophers Tells Us About Prison Rules

We recently spoke with Nick Christophers and John Alite about their new book, Prison Rules, which was written to tell first-time offenders what they can expect inside the joint.

Nick Christophers, left, and John Alite, authors of Prison Rules. 

"John Alite is candid and genuine," Nick said in a recent interview. (Nick occasionally writes for Cosa Nostra News, and we've been trying to get him to write some more. He's currently shopping what we think is the definitive book about the Greek Mafia.)

It's been years since we first wrote about former Gambino associate John Alite. That first story, John Alite Blasts Mob Hypocrisy, was published in Jauary 2015. (We've always been in awe of his ability to woo some of the most heartbreakingly beautiful women we've quite literally ever seen.) Prison Rules is John's third book -- after Gotti's Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia, and Darkest Hour: John Alite: Former Mafia Enforcer for John Gotti and the Gambino Crime Family (with S.C. Pike).

It's Nick's second book, following a novel titled Destinies, which Nick initially self-published, though it was later picked up by Austin Macauley, a global publisher that is set to re-publish the book this year.

"Prison Rule is important for youngsters to read and realize that the 'street life' is not the answer that there are other better choices in life," Nick told us. "I hope more people can get their hands on it and share with others. The book tells about the realities of prison life as told by someone like John who has lost many years away from his family because of his bad decisions."

Nick has his own experiences with the criminal justice system.

READ  Killing Alite (and Anyone in the Car With Him)

"I got arrested and sat in a cell, and let me tell you: it wakes you up and reality bites you on the ass, John more so than me because he spent years in prison (about 18 years). When I was young, I joined a gang and looked up to the wiseguys who came to my Dad’s café. But luckily, I woke up and knew this is not what I wanted out of life.

"It felt degrading and sad being in the courtroom with some many other young delinquents. I acted tough like it didn't bother me but deep inside it did. This was back in '91 and it cost me a bit of money I don't recall the price tag but for a 21-year-old, it was a lot. My father refused to pitch in. He only bailed me out; after that, it was all on me."

The following is a Q&A with John Alite that was lightly edited.

Who were you inside with in terms of connected guys?

I was with a ton of mob guys. Some who I'll name: Teddy Persico; harmless Tommy Gambino, an older man who was always a gentlemen, he was quiet and one of nicest guys; his cousin Joe Gambino who was a sweetheart and a gentlemen who did good time and stayed to himself for most part and walked a lot and cooked. I was with killers like Mike Spinelli. We always joked a lot and Vinny n Joe Dinapoli -- the list can go on forever

What’s the worst thing that ever happened to you in prison?
Getting shipped 10 hours away from my family after fighting in Mountains where it’s snow near Buffalo. Between the distance, weather, and money costs, it’s near impossible see my kids



Who should read PRISON RULES and why?
First time offenders naive to the system, and parents so they understand how to speak to their kids and what’s realistic and also anyone who is skating with the law.


How many years were you inside in total?

I was in for total of 18 years approximately starting since i was 19 years old till now. I been in and out most of my life.

What's the difference between jail and prison?
Jail you have a lot of short timers, and prison guys have been sentenced and designated, and know how much time they have to do and what type of criminals they are with.

What gave you the idea to write this book?
Because I knew John Junior Gotti was nonstop talking and lying and blaming and making excuses and ratting, and I was fed up with it and sent messages after he hit the headlines of the New York newspapers that if he doesn’t shut up, I’m going tell the true story of him getting guys like Trafficante's cousins, the Arcardi brothers, Timmy Donovan, Marco Pinto, and others to testify against me and give information to give me life. He didn’t stop so I did the true story in the book and exposed him.

How did you spend your time while in prison?

I worked out day and night -- I did push ups, pull-ups, and played sports always and read book after book.

Click image to see on Amazon.

What advice would you give people who are facing time behind bars?

I would tell them don’t gamble and don’t mingle with more then one-two friends, and make sure you do positive time, meaning read, study, get educated (high school equivalency, etc.) and don't forget your religion. Prison can be boring and repetitive so it’s important to schedule up with sports, reading, chess games, sports, school, and religion. The more you're occupied, the more you stay away from nonsense 

What would you say about hiring an attorney?

Getting a lawyer is very tricky because once you get locked up, you're behind the eight ball and everyone in your path is trying to take advantage of your situation, including people on the streets -- your so-called friends -- and the police.  Most lawyers know this and they squeeze you too, depending on how confident you behave  -- or if you are desperate and whether you have the ability to come up with funds, say, if you have a business or homes you can sell. 

If you or your family don’t understand crime or the system you need advice from guys like me, and that was one of the reasons I wrote this book.

If you are facing time and need someone to help, who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, contact us at cosanostranews at gmail dotcom and we can put you in touch with John Alite...