 However, his family denies that Gotti ever had dealings with the notorious prison gang.Rather than associate with the "peckerwood" inmates, some say he befriended many Hispanic and African-American prisoners; such as a Latin King shot caller named "Manny".Despite his imprisonment and pressure from the Commission to stand down, Gotti asserted his prerogative to retain his title as boss until his death or retirement, with his brother Peter and his son John Jr. relaying orders on his behalf.