Badalamenti is the owner of Bagels Plus a bagel store in
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.[2] He received his nickname "Vinny TV", because he used to own a
Brooklyn electronics store.[1] It is also alleged that Badalamenti controls a mob social club on 20th Avenue and 72nd Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.[3]
In January 2012, Badalamenti was indicted along with
capoNicholas Santora,
soldiers Vito Balsamo and Anthony Calabrese, and
Gambino crime family associate James LaForte.[1] Badalamenti was charged with extorting restaurants and bars in Brooklyn and
Manhattan and extending a $50,000 loanshark loan in 1999.[4] These charges were primarily based on information from
government informant Hector Pagan (
Anthony Graziano's ex son-in-law).[1]
On February 6, 2012, Maryann Santiago filed a lawsuit against three restaurants, including Bagels Plus, accusing the stores of violating the
Americans With Disabilities Act.[2] The next day, Santiago withdrew her lawsuit against Bagels Plus, allegedly after finding out that Badalamenti was the owner.[5]
In April 2012, Badalamenti pleaded guilty to nonviolent collection of an unlawful debt, as prosecutors dropped racketeering and extortion charges.[6] After a postponement in sentencing in August 2012,[3] Badalamenti was sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 25.[7] On May 16, 2013 Badalamenti was released from the
Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix in
Fort Dix, New Jersey.[8]