Chris Paciello Back in Action in Los Angeles
Chris Paciello Back in Action in Los Angeles
Click Here for Clubland: The Fabulous Rise and Murderous Fall of Club Culture
Chris Paciello spent seven years in jail for his role in a heist gone awry, ending his run as one of South Beach’s biggest nightlife forces. Today, two years removed from his release from prison, he is enjoying his new life as an L.A. restaurateur.
The pivotal moment in Chris’ criminal career occurred on February 18th, 1993. He was 21 years old and drove the car containing members of the Crew to Staten Island after they had heard rumors about a cash-filled safe hidden in the Shemtov residence. “The worst thing I did was get into that car and take a ride to go rob that house,” Paciello says with remorse. “It was so routine for me to do these crimes that it never crossed my mind that something like that could happen. When I heard that gunshot, I knew my life was over. I couldn’t even fathom what happened. I never hurt anyone for money. Yeah, I fought with people. I’m the type of guy who will knock you down and then feel bad and help you up. I would rob these banks and no one was getting hurt. After that, I knew we were at a different level. It was a different ball game. I had to get out of New York. I had about $400,000 to my name from illegal activities. I was very unhappy with life at that point. I knew I was either going to end up dead or in jail for the rest of my life.” Except for his lawyer, he never told anyone the events of that day.
South Beach Stories
In September 1994, Paciello relocated to Miami Beach with his life savings and a desire to open a nightclub. With one foot in the past (he brought along a drug-dealing, club-experienced partner named “Lord Michael” Caruso) and one in the future (he swore off delinquency), Chris tackled the world of nightlife with his typical bravado. “I felt a New York-style nightclub would work in Miami,” he says. “I don’t know if it was vision, brains, balls or just plain stupidity, but I did it. I figured out how to use my drive and motivation to become successful doing legal stuff.” Risk opened in November 1994 in the former Mickey’s space (actor Mickey Rourke’s failed nightclub) on Washington Avenue. While it wasn’t the Second Coming of nightlife, Risk was known for its progressive music and anything-goes atmosphere. “Risk wasn’t clicking at first,” Chris continues. “It was successful. I was making money, but not a lot of money. There was a famous party at that space called Fat Black Pussycat. I brought it back. It was a legendary night. It kept Risk going and introduced me to all the locals.”
Click Here for Clubland: The Fabulous Rise and Murderous Fall of Club Culture
Going Hollywood
Chris was released on September 8th, 2006. He has the date tattooed on his right wrist. “I was shell-shocked for about a week or two,” he acknowledges. “In jail, everything is so controlled and provided for you. And then all of a sudden you have these choices and responsibilities. I was messed up. I didn’t think I would be, but I was. I wanted to remember the small things that are so important. Like walking into a shower without having shower shoes on. Eating with metal utensils, not plastic. Opening the refrigerator when you want a drink of water. The little things that you can’t do in jail. Jail is humiliating and demeaning. Most of the people, including myself, deserved to be there at that time. I try not to be bitter. I have no right. I hurt people and I deserved to be there. Right now, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
While people assumed Paciello would return to Miami Beach or New York, he chose Los Angeles for a fresh start. For the first year he readjusted to civilian life and took stock of his situation. As for worrying about his safety, Chris downplays any threats from the Mafia. “I’m not bragging that nobody could touch me,” he says. “I could walk outside and get hit by a car. But I lived my life way worse in New York looking over my shoulder, carrying guns and robbing drug dealers. Those things could have gotten me killed a lot quicker than me changing my life and becoming a citizen. I’ve heard that I had reconstructive surgery. I own a club in Israel. I live in Brazil. I’ve heard it all. I’m here. You see me. I look the same. I’m out all the time. If someone feels they want to come after me and get revenge, then that’s going to happen. I don’t live my life in fear.
Click Here for Clubland: The Fabulous Rise and Murderous Fall of Club Culture
The Rest is Up to You…
Michael Porfirio Mason
AKA The Peoples Champ
AKA Your favorite International Playboy’s, favorite International Playboy
The Guide to Getting More out of Life
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