The Westies - Billy Beattie & Mickey Featherstone

Joe Poletto continues his conversation with Billy Beattie, founding member of the notorious Westies and Art Ruffles, FBI special agent in charge of the organized crime unit. 

The Westies reign of terror was largely built on the back of Mickey Featherstone‘s terrifying reputation. When strangers laid eyes on him in person the reaction was usually disbelief. That’s Mickey Featherstone? His larger than life notoriety often dwarfed his average physical stature. At 5‘7“ tall with wide blue eyes and a halo a blonde hair, Mickey looked more like an altar boy than one of the most feared men in New York City. Many people made the mistake of underestimating him and that only made him more dangerous. Mickey’s temper was infamous, even for an Irishman. He had a low boiling point to start with and if alcohol was involved, and it often was, Mickey had the potential to explode. Those who knew him in the neighborhood often crossed the street when they saw him coming their way. Yet to those closest to him, Mickey was kind, devoted and generous to a fault. This dichotomy was Mickey in essence. He was a man split down the middle constantly struggling to be both a good person and a good gangster. No one would’ve predicted but Mickey, perhaps the most dedicated member of the group, would eventually become the one to systematically dismantle their dynasty and put an end to the Irish Mafia in Manhattan once and for all. 

Produced by Joe Poletto & Karl Derfler

Engineered by Karl Derfler

Production Director: David Gross 

Production Managers: Michelle Garramone & Kelsey Kirpich

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