News Summary

A legal dispute involving a stolen Shelby AC Cobra has been ongoing for 15 years, pitting crime boss Raymond Patriarca, Jr. against strip club owner Richard Shappy and car dealer Joseph Dina. The case revolves around the theft of the prized car, valued at over $1 million, which Patriarca claims was taken during his imprisonment in the early 1990s. With significant legal complexities and numerous court entries, the case highlights issues of organized crime’s decline in Rhode Island.

Providence

The ongoing legal battle over a stolen Shelby AC Cobra has pitted convicted New England crime boss Raymond Patriarca, Jr. against strip club owner Richard “Dick” Shappy and car dealer Joseph Dina. This lawsuit, which began in 2010, has involved numerous court proceedings and remains unresolved after 15 years.

Patriarca alleges that the Shelby AC Cobra, valued at more than $1 million, was stolen during his imprisonment in the early 1990s. At that time, he was serving an eight-year sentence for racketeering, during which he was labeled a “weak” leader by the sentencing judge. According to Patriarca, the vehicle was stored in Rhode Island and was taken without his consent while he served time in federal prison.

The legal dispute centers around the alleged chain of custody of the coveted car. Patriarca claims that Shappy took possession of the vehicle before it ended up with Dina, both of whom are now profitably involved in different business arenas. However, both Shappy and Dina have denied owning or having possession of the Shelby Cobra that Patriarca is claiming.

Richard Shappy is the owner of the Cadillac Lounge, a prominent strip club known for its luxurious offerings and a history of legal complications, including a significant $1.25 million settlement in 2019 related to labor standards violations. His extensive car collection is reportedly worth millions, but Shappy asserts he does not currently own the specific vehicle in question. Meanwhile, Joseph Dina acknowledges having a Shelby Cobra but maintains that it is not the one associated with Patriarca, claiming that he purchased parts only, not the entire vehicle.

The strain of this legal battle has been marked by over 91 court entries in the last 15 years, showcasing a protracted litigation process. The lawyers representing the parties in this case include significant figures in Rhode Island’s political landscape, such as former Republican Party Chair Brandon Bell for Patriarca, John Harwood for Shappy, and Richard Fleury for Dina.

Despite the ongoing proceedings, there are indications that the case might be formally dismissed soon, as legal complexities continue to mount. The litigation has highlighted issues not just around the alleged theft of the car but also the broader context of organized crime’s decline in Rhode Island. This decline reflects in law enforcement shifts, including the recent disbandment of the FBI’s organized crime unit.

The Shelby AC Cobra, manufactured between 1961 and 1968, is a collectible car with an estimated production of only 998 originals. Its rarity and desirability have made the alleged theft of Patriarca’s vehicle particularly significant, intertwining themes of organized crime and local business interests in Rhode Island.

Raymond Patriarca, Jr. rose to prominence in the organized crime world following in the footsteps of his father, Raymond Patriarca, Sr., who was the long-standing leader of organized crime in New England until his death in 1984. The case serves as an interesting intersection of historical crime influence and the current dynamics of local business and law enforcement in the area.

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Additional Resources

• Providence Journal: Bonded Vault Heist
• Boston.com: FBI Disbands Organized Crime Squad
• Boston Globe: Providence Heist & Organized Crime
• WGN TV: Last New England Mob Boss Dies
• RIMonthly: Crime and Cuisine Tour
• Wikipedia: Organized Crime in the United States
• Google Search: Rhode Island Mob History
• Google Scholar: Organized Crime Rhode Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Organized Crime
• Google News: Rhode Island Crime

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER

PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.