Rosario and Janice Dean at the Fox Studios in New York City
True story of how a Gotti hit man turned a simple baker into a killer and how a prosecutor on a quest for notoriety and higher conviction rate railroaded that baker into a unjust conviction for manslaughter in a clear case of self-defense.
Cover: Based on original painting by artist, James Hook
REVIEWS
“I loved that the book was full of details only the writer would know. It was amazing all around. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you engaged and not wanting to put the book down, this is the book for you. Not only full of true stories but full of humor and suspense. It is just unbelievable to think someone live through this. I would refer it to anybody who loves reading. An amazing story!” (posted to amazon.com)
“This story is so well written, it quickly becomes a page turner. It really draws you in and makes you wonder “could this happen to me?” It tells you all about his “crime” and how our justice system failed him.” (posted to amazon.com)
“Excellent writing of a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. Life’s not always fair, and it’s inspiring to see one man roll with the punches, persevere, and move forward.” (posted to amazon.com)
“Awesome book! I had the privilege to meet Rosario recently. He is funny, sweet, caring and very personable. This book was incredible. What a story and miscarriage of justice. This was a warm and loving man, who really cares about his family and friends. He is a credit to his family, friends and society. I would totally recommend this book to all who seek truth. This man is totally truthful!” (posted to amazon.com)
“Great book, funny, honest, and so interesting. Living on Long Island and, now, in Florida, I can relate to this amazing book.”
“Bread and Bullets takes you on a crazy journey through the life and experiences of a business man who was faced with a situation to kill or be killed. Protecting his family and himself was his motive, but the courts made him out to be the bad guy. From business ventures, to courts and to prison, the author tells his version of it all and it makes you wonder what would you have done if you were faced with his situation. Its a fun read, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns which keep you interested in the outcome.” (posted to amazon.com)
PRESS RELEASE
UNJUSTLY CONVICTED FELON AND LOCAL AUTHOR TEAM UP TO WRITE SOUTH FLORIDA TRUE CRIME NOVEL
ROSARIO LIOTTA WAS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT
BREAD AND BULLETS – The Rosario Liotta Story
Palm Beach Gardens, Fl: In February 2017, published novelist/playwright Donna Carbone, a Palm Beach Gardens resident, was asked to write the life story of recently released felon Rosario “Ralph” Liotta. She said “No,” three times, but Liotta was persistent. A prison guard had told him that Carbone was “… the best crime writer in South Florida.” He wasn’t about to give up easily and, eventually, his persistence paid off. A partnership was formed and a friendship grew out of it. Eighteen months later, Bread and Bullets is available on Amazon and the advance buzz is loud and positive.
Liotta was known to his loyal customers as Rosario the Baker before his incarceration for manslaughter in the self-defense killing of John Gurino. Bread and Bullets is a “tell all” book of how a hard-working commercial baker turned his small, one delivery van operation into a multi-million dollar enterprise that served upscale restaurants, hotels and grocery chains all along the East Coast of Florida only to have it crumble in a hail of bullets.
When Rosario Liotta decided to expand his bakery and open a chain of delicatessens, he caught the eye of mafia associate John Gurino, who decided he wanted a piece of the loaf. When Liotta refused, Gurino used verbal threats and, eventually, force in the form of a knife and a .38 caliber. Liotta defended himself with his own legally owned gun. Since this was shortly before the Stand Your Ground laws went into effect, Liotta was found guilty of manslaughter and unjustly sentenced to 15 years in prison.
With the passage of time, the Broward County prosecutor learned the Gurino had been the hit man hired to murder Gus Boulis, the founder of Miami Subs and the SunCruz Casino Line. The Boulis murder was the longest lingering investigation in Florida history until it was solved in 2013. Boulis’ killing had ties to the Bush White House through D.C. lobbyist Jack Abramhoff and his New York business partner, Adam Kidan, the founder of Dial-a-Mattress.
From his days as a successful baker and businessman to standing in the spotlight for a crime he did not commit, Rosario Liotta never let his unjust conviction turn his easy-going disposition into a desire for revenge. This is the story of how one man traveled a road paved with Bread and Bullets and never lost sight of who he was.
Carbone, an outspoken advocate for women who have survived rape and domestic abuse, is the author of the popular Cat Leigh and Marci Welles crime novel series set in Palm Beach County. The series includes Through Thick and Thin, Silk Suit/Stone Heart and Private Hell. She is also the Managing Director of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre, where she teaches a creative writing course for future authors.