News Summary
Raymond Patriarca Jr., a crime boss, is engaged in a protracted legal fight over a stolen 1964 Shelby AC Cobra worth over $1 million. The lawsuit against Richard Shappy, a strip club owner, and car dealer Joseph Dina has been unfolding since 2010, with numerous court entries highlighting its complexity. Patriarca claims the vehicle was stolen from his storage unit during his imprisonment. The case, involving notable legal figures, touches on themes of organized crime and ownership rights in Rhode Island.
Providence, Rhode Island – Raymond Patriarca Jr., a convicted crime boss, remains embroiled in a lengthy legal battle over a stolen Shelby AC Cobra valued at over $1 million. The lawsuit against Richard “Dick” Shappy, a strip club owner, and Joseph Dina, a car dealer based in New Jersey, has been ongoing since it was filed in 2010.
Patriarca contends that the coveted car, specifically a 1964 model known as CSX2396, was stolen from his storage unit in Rhode Island in 1993 while he was incarcerated. During this time, Patriarca was serving an over eight-year sentence and was not eligible for parole. This complex case has seen a staggering 91 court entries, showcasing the drawn-out nature of the legal proceedings.
The Shelby AC Cobra is a highly sought-after sports car, with only approximately 998 units produced between 1961 and 1968, making it a rare collector’s item. This rarity, coupled with the car’s performance characteristics, contributes significantly to its high valuation.
In the ongoing litigation, Patriarca argues that the vehicle was taken without his consent or knowledge. He identifies Shappy as possessing the stolen car, while Shappy, who operates the Cadillac Lounge—a strip club known for previous federal investigations, including a $1.25 million labor laws settlement in 2019—denies ever owning the vehicle in question.
Dina, who acknowledges having a Shelby, claims it is not the same vehicle owned by Patriarca. He admits to purchasing parts from Shappy but insists that he has not acquired a complete Shelby AC Cobra from him.
The case has attracted attention due to the prominent legal figures involved, which includes notable lawyers such as Brandon Bell representing Patriarca, John Harwood for Shappy, and Richard Fluery for Dina. Speculation within legal circles suggests that the case may reach a dismissal soon, potentially within the week.
The criminal legacy of the Patriarca family looms large over the current proceedings. Patriarca Jr.’s father, Raymond Patriarca Sr., was a notorious figure in organized crime, leading the New England crime family for nearly five decades until his death in 1984. After his father’s passing, Patriarca Jr. led the crime family for a brief period, underscoring the family’s deep-rooted connections to organized crime in Rhode Island and beyond.
The ongoing case is not just about the stolen Shelby AC Cobra; it highlights the intersection of local politics, organized crime, and a passionate automotive culture in Rhode Island. The legal battle reflects broader themes of power struggles and relationships that have characterized the region’s criminal and political landscape for generations.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it remains a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between crime history and ownership rights, as well as the enduring fascination with classic automobiles. With both sides presenting compelling narratives, it is uncertain how the court will proceed with this multifaceted lawsuit.
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Ongoing Legal Battle Over Stolen Shelby AC Cobra
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Police Investigate Shooting
- Wikipedia: Crime in Rhode Island
- Turn to 10: Real-Time Crime Center
- Google Search: Providence Crime Statistics
- GoLocalProv: High Profile Crime Incidents
- Google Scholar: Providence Police Crime Reports
- WPRI: Providence Launches Crime Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- ABC6: Providence Police Investigating Shooting
- Google News: Providence Police Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE 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.
