ATLANTA, Ga. -- His neighbors in Atlanta knew him as Richard Parker.
His lawyers say he was an unassuming man who liked to read and exercise.
But according to federal prosecutors, "Cadillac Frank" Salemme is a longtime mob boss, with ties to Whitey Bulger, who murdered a federal witness.
The 82-year-old Salemme made a brief court appearance in Boston federal court on Wednesday.
"He was arrested because he fled his prior residence," said U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak.
As he was brought into the courtroom Salemee said to Wyshak, "Hey Fred, fancy seeing you here."
Prosecutors say Salemme has been living in Atlanta but fled his home. He was arrested in Connecticut.
His lawyers deny that he fled.
"Mr. Salemme denies these charges, always has, always will," said his lawyer Steve Boozang.
Salemme is charged with murdering Stephen DiSarro back in 1993.
According to a 2004 affidavit obtained by 11Alive News, Salemme had an interest in a nightclub owned by DiSarro. At the time, Salemme was under federal investigation and DiSarro was cooperating with the feds.
DiSarro disappeared 23 years ago. This June, acting on a tip, the FBI uncovered DiSarro's body which was buried behind a building in Providence, RI.
"For 23 years the DiSarro family has had more questions than answers," said DiSarro family attorney Benjamin Urbelis.
"They're hoping now at some point they'll have their questions answered and eventually justice for Stephen."
It's unclear what may have brought Salemme to Atlanta. 11Alive searched public and court records and couldn't find a trace of his time here.
Salemme spent time in the federal witness protection program back in 2003. He was kicked out, however, when he was charged, and later convicted, with lying about knowing about the death of DiSarro.
Another mobster, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, told investigators he watched Salemme's son strange DiSarro while Salemme stood nearby.
"He says on a particular day, at a particular time, he just happened to be in the neighborhood and witnesses this crime," Boozang said, "it's untrue and we'll go to trial."
Salemee was not granted bail during his brief court appearance.
The charge of killing a federal witness carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or death. Prosecutors have not said if they plan to seek the death penalty.
