Joey Merlino has been dominant figure in the 1990s mob scene, Merlino’s story since then has taken surprising turns.
The latest Netflix series titled Mob War: Philadelphia vs. the Mafia has revived interest in Merlino, who was once-infamous face of Philadelphia’s underworld.
At present, he is not much into the limelight as his mob days are long gone, now that he has turned into a podcaster.
Joey Merlino’s Background:
Born in 1962, Joseph Salvatore “Skinny Joey” Merlino was raised in a family deeply tied to the Scarfo crime family.
His father remained loyal to the crew, while his uncle turned federal informant a dynamic that pulled Joey into the mob world early on.
Mob Drama:
By the 1990s, Merlino was one of Philly’s most visible mob figures known for his charisma and swagger but constantly trailed by law enforcement.
In 1999, following a major FBI sting, he was arrested on 36 counts, including illegal gambling, extortion, and attempted murder. The murder-related charges didn’t stick, but he was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
Where is Joey Merlino Nowadays?
After his release, Merlino pivoted toward legitimate business. Now living in Florida, he runs Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, blending his Philly roots with a new entrepreneurial image.
He also co-hosts a podcast, The Skinny with Joey Merlino & Lil Snuff, tackling topics like prison reform, community issues, and wrongful convictions—casting himself as a “voice for the voiceless.”
Whether viewed as redemption or reinvention, Merlino’s transformation is striking. Once a headline-making mob boss, he’s now a Florida resident selling cheesesteaks and speaking into a microphone.
