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PQ2 Character JasonTaselli Portrait
Name: Jason Taselli
Case #: M09091983
Alias: Marvin Hoffman
Leroy Pierson
Harris
Address:

753 Third St.

Distinguishing features:

Flower tattoo above left nipple.

Date of birth: 3/1/1939
Phys. Arrest Record:

No local.

Convictions:

Unavailable.

Incarcerated:

{{{incarcerated}}}

Jason Taselli was a wanted criminal from Chicago who moved to Lytton, CA, possibly together with associate Jessie Bains. Taselli was wanted for the multiple crimes in Chicago, including drug trafficking and the murder of a Colombian national. He was also wanted by the FBI.

Together with Bains, Taselli set up a criminal network in Lytton, headquartered in the Hotel Delphoria. He was responsible for establishing an illegal gambling operation, drug trafficking, and prostitution.

Going by the alias "Leroy Pierson", Taselli sold cocaine and marijuana to local drug dealers Jose Martinez, Lonny West and/or Donald Colby, some which later wound up in Jefferson High School. He then murdered both Jose Martinez and Lonny West, apparently as part of a hostile takeover of the city's drug-trafficking operations, using a stolen Cadillac de Ville which Taselli had repainted and modified.

Taselli was arrested by officer Sonny Bonds on multiple charges after the officer spotted and chased down his stolen car. He was almost bailed out by his lawyer after presenting a false identity by the name "Marvin Hoffman", but Bonds managed to secure a No-Bail Warrant against him by proving his real identity.

Taselli then escaped from jail, but was executed by Jessie Bains at Cotton Cove before he could be recaptured.

Background[]

Roughly one week prior to the murder of Lonny West, Lytton resident Malcolm Washington reported the theft of his black 1983 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, license plate LOP1238, VIN C03456218. Patrol officers were instructed to keep an eye out for this vehicle, but it was never located as such.

PQ1EGA Character LonnyWest

At the scene of Lonny West's murder, patrol officer Sonny Bonds heard eyewitness testimony from a man who saw a light-blue Cadillac pulling up next to West's car, whereupon a loud bang was heard. The Cadillac sped away, while West's car crashed into a nearby building. The eyewitness reported a partial plate for the Cadillac: "L964". An APB was issued for this vehicle in connection to the murder.

Some time afterwards, a light-blue Cadillac matching this description was spotted near Jefferson High School.

Around the same time, a missing person report came in for one Jose Martinez, a known criminal with prior narcotic-related arrests. Martinez was last observed entering a light-blue (or black, depending on the source) Cadillac. He was never seen again. Patrol officers were once again urged to look for both Cadillacs.

Traffic Stop and Arrest[]

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli Stop

After Jack Cobb's surprise birthday party at The Blue Room, officer Sonny Bonds began his patrol as an unscheduled part of the "swing shift", covering for officer Keith who had switched shifts with him some time prior.

Shortly after starting the shift, Bonds received a call from Dispatch, alerting him that the light-blue Cadillac had been spotted near his current position. Very soon, Bonds observed the vehicle and began a pursuit. The driver attempted to evade the pursuit, but eventually realized that Bonds was not going to give up. The two cars pulled over to the curb.

Knowing that the driver of the light-blue Cadillac was expected to be armed, Bonds immediately called for back-up. Meanwhile, he called for a license check on the Cadillac's license plates, "UL6942". The check returned a 1979 Cadillac that had already been confirmed "junked", leading Bonds to suspect that this Cadillac's plates might have been switched.

Officer Jack Cobb arrived on the scene in car 83-31, and immediately took a covering position. Bonds opened his car door and used it as cover, as he ordered the driver to get out with his hands up. Realizing that he was cornered, the driver did as instructed. Bonds carefully approached and cuffed the driver. A quick search of the suspect's clothes revealed a concealed Smith & Weston [sic] .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, serial number SW9764912.

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli Cuffed

After reading the suspect his rights, Bonds attempted to question the suspect about his identity, with no luck. The suspect was taken into custody and placed into Bonds' patrol car. Bonds then proceeded to search the Cadillac, finding a bag of cocaine and a bag of marijuana in the trunk.

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli Trunk
PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli GloveBox

Continuing to the front cabin, Bonds opened the glove box to discover a small black notebook as well as two different driver's licenses - one for a "Leroy Pierson" and another for a "Marvin Hoffman" - with similar photographs but different personal details. Noticing something strange about the doorjamb, Bonds realized that it was a different color than the rest of the car - black. Checking the VIN revealed that the car matched the description of the stolen Cadillac belonging to Malcolm Washington.

The car and all evidence were taken to impound by officer Cobb, while the suspect was taken by Bonds to Lytton City Jail for incarceration. The suspect, identifying himself as "Marvin Hoffman", was booked for possession of narcotics, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of a concealed firearm without a permit. Hoffman was belligerent throughout his arrest, and promised to be out of jail very soon.

Hoffman and Taselli[]

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli FBIPoster
PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli File

After booking "Hoffman" into Lytton City Jail, officer Sonny Bonds was recalled to Lytton Police Station, where he was informed of his temporary promotion to the Narcotics Division. Head of the division, Detective Lt. James Morgan, partnered Bonds with veteran detective Laura Watts.

In her office, Watts explained that she had been present at Hoffman's arraignment, where an out-of-town lawyer representing Hoffman convinced Judge Kim Palmer to set his bail at only $500,000. As Watts correctly suspected, Hoffman's lawyer had no trouble acquiring the sum, and was soon working to get Hoffman released.

Tasked with securing a No-Bail Warrant for Hoffman, detective Bonds began examining multiple pieces of evidence regarding his case. Firstly, he found an FBI poster for one Jason Taselli of Chicago, who was wanted for murder of a Colombian national. The posted described Taselli as having a flower tattoo above his left nipple. Then, Bonds pulled up Hoffman's arrest file, which described a similar tattoo. Bonds took this evidence to the Lytton Courthouse, interrupting Judge Palmer in-session, and presenting her with both pieces of evidence. The Judge agreed that Taselli and Hoffman might be the same individual, and signed a No-Bail Warrant. Detective Bonds was able to serve the warrant at Lytton City Jail just moments prior to Taselli's release.

Leroy Pierson[]

Shortly after Sonny Bonds' temporary promotion to the Narcotics Division, he and detective Laura Watts acted on an informant's tip about an upcoming drug deal, and set up a stakeout at Lytton City Park. They successfully arrested Victor Simms and Donald Colby as they were dealing in cocaine.

During Simms' initial questioning at the scene, he revealed that his original dealer was one Jose Martinez, who later introduced him to Colby, from whom he'd been buying drugs ever since. Colby's initial questioning revealed that he had been purchasing his drugs from one "Leroy Pierson". Colby provided Pierson's phone number as 555-6537. Bonds noted that the name Leroy Pierson appeared on one of the drivers' licenses found in Jason Taselli's car during his arrest, and was one of his known aliases.

Taselli's Escape and Further Investigation[]

Some time later, Sonny Bonds paid a visit to fellow officer Jack Cobb at The Blue Room to tell him about the arrest of Victor Simms and Donald Colby - who had likely supplied his daughter with drugs at Jefferson High School. After Cobb departed, officer Keith arrived to inform Sonny that Jason Taselli had managed to escape from Lytton City Jail. Reportedly, he had jumped a guard, made his way to the exercise yard, and climbed over the fence to freedom. A manhunt was declared, and a dragnet deployed to recapture Taselli.

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli BlackBook

Returning to the Narcotics Office at Lytton Police Station, detective Bonds was asked by Lt. James Morgan to investigate further into Taselli in order to try and figure out his next move. At the evidence lock-up, officer Russ Dinkle handed Bonds the notebook and gun taken from Taselli during his arrest.

Taselli's notebook was filled with shorthand notes, but several stood out upon close examination:

  1. Taselli had collected $2,000 from one "R.G.", possibly a criminal associate. The name "Robert G." appeared a second time in the context of a meeting.
  2. Taselli was setting up a gambling operation at a location listed as "H.D."
  3. Taselli had met with someone named "L.W." and "J.M.", and later "terminated" both. Bonds inferred this to mean "Lonny West" and "Jose Martinez", the former having almost certainly been gunned down by Taselli, and the second being a drug dealer that had gone missing according to his wife.
  4. Taselli had apparently purchased ammunition, and was making plans for a drug dealer named "R.O.". He was also planning to saturate the drug market in Lytton.
  5. Taselli had paid $100 to a woman named Cindy - likely a prostitute - and was planning to discipline two different pimps, indicating that he was running a prostitution operation as well.
  6. Among other actions and meetings, Taselli had played poker with an unknown individual going by the initials "J.B."

These notes, while incriminating, did not provide any specific leads to the investigation on their own. However, Bonds then decided to check Taselli's gun on the station's computer, discovering that it was the subject of a stolen weapon report originating from Chicago. Phoning the CPD detective who put out the bulletin, detective John Taber, Bonds learned that Taselli was a known criminal in Chicago, and was closely associated with one Jessie Bains, whom Taber described as a drug-runner and notorious card shark. Taber noted that Bains had disappeared from Chicago as well. This corresponded with the initials "J.B." appearing in Taselli's notebook, indicating that Bains may be in Lytton, working with Taselli.

This information also matched a tip received earlier from prostitute "Sweet Cheeks" Marie. Marie claimed to Bonds that she had met with a client named "Hoffman or Coffman" who had a flower tattoo above his left nipple, and had told her about a cocaine runner named "The Death Angel" who was trying to "take over" Lytton.

Cross-referencing all of this information with an anonymous tip that Bonds had received earlier about illegal gambling occurring at Lytton's Hotel Delphoria, Bonds and Morgan reached the conclusion that Jason Taselli and Jessie Bains have been setting up a network of illegal operations headquartered at that hotel.

Taselli's Murder[]

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli Corpse

After determining that the Hotel Delphoria may be the hub of the recent criminal activity in the city, Det. Lt. James Morgan and Det. Sonny Bonds began planning an operation to infiltrate and expose the criminal network. Morgan asked Sonny to go recruit prostitute "Sweet Cheeks" Marie's help with establishing his undercover persona by offering her amnesty after she had been picked up and jailed during Operation Trick Trap. Bonds went to Lytton City Jail and convinced Marie to join the operation.

On his way back to Lytton Police Department, Bonds was called urgently to Cotton Cove. Police officer Steve Johnson was on the scene, having discovered a body floating in the Clearwater River near the cove. Bonds quickly identified the body as belonging to Jason Taselli, after recognizing the flower tattoo above his nipple.

During the final planning stage of the operation at Hotel Delphoria, Lt. Morgan received a call from Homicide detective Oscar Hamilton. Hamilton reported that Taselli had been murdered "execution-style".

Aliases[]

Jason Taselli used multiple aliases and identities to hide his criminal activities.

Marvin Hoffman[]

The alias "Marvin Hoffman" was used by Taselli to hide his true identity during his arrest and booking into Lytton City Jail. A driver's license in his car matched this alias.
Prostitute "Sweet Cheeks" Marie also knew Taselli by this alias, though she was unsure whether it was "Hoffman" or "Coffman". Taselli was her customer for a single rendezvous.
Detective John Taber of the Chicago Police Department was also aware that Taselli had used this alias before, as was the FBI.

Leroy Pierson[]

The alias "Leroy Pierson" was used by Taselli when dealing drugs to Donald Colby. A driver's license in his car matched this alias.
Taselli was listed in the LT&T phone records under this alias. "Leroy Pierson"'s phone number was 555-6537, as also confirmed by Donald Colby.
Detective John Taber of the Chicago Police Department was also aware that Taselli had used this alias before, though the FBI was not.

Harris[]

The FBI wanted poster for Taselli noted that he had been using the alias "Harris". However, no other authority was aware of this alias.

Files[]

FBI Most Wanted List Entry[]

A document published by the FBI for the arrest of Jason Taselli. This file was spotted by detective Sonny Bonds while tasked with securing a No-Bail Warrant against Taselli, and was admitted to judge Kim Palmer in the process of obtaining said warrant.
Wanted for murder
187pc, Federal Warrant #219293-1985

PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli FBIMugshot
Jason Taselli

Alias
     Known to use the last names Harris and Hoffman.
Physical description
     5'11, 195 lbs, black hair, brown eyes. Has tattoo of a flower above left nipple.

Wanted for the murder of a Columbia national, suspected narcotics runner.

ID Documents[]

Two drivers' licenses found in the glove box of Jason Taselli's car during his arrest by officers Sonny Bonds and Jack Cobb. Admitted to evidence and attached to Taselli's physical Narcotics Division file (see below).
PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli HoffmanPhoto

Marvin Hoffman

Male 6'0 194 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Blue
D.O.B: 6/2/56
31W 104th St
Chicago, IL
RESTRICTIONS: None



PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli PiersonPhoto

Leroy Pierson

Male 5'10 187 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Blue
DOB: 4/28/55
1134 Beach St
Newport, CA
RESTRICTIONS: None

LPD Narcotics Arrest Record[]

File compiled by the LPD Narcotics Division following Jason Taselli's arrest. At the time, the file was named "Marvin Hoffman", as that was the alias given by Taselli during his booking procedure at Lytton City Jail. This file was removed by detective Sonny Bonds and presented as evidence of Taselli's aliases to Judge Kim Palmer during his successful attempt to acquire a No-Bail Warrant for Taselli.
Marvin Hoffman
Alias Leroy Pierson
Physical 5'11 15' black/brown Caucasian
Identifying marks, Scars, Tattoos, etc Tattoo small flower above left nipple
D.O.B 3/1/49
Last known Address 31 W 104th St Chicago, IL
Bail $500,000.00
Date of Arrest 9/7/83
Time of Arrest 15:45
Charges
PQ1EGA Character JasonTaselli NewMugshot

Suspicion of murder
Auto theft
Narcotics possession
Evading arrest
Concealed weapon
Reckless driving
Expired ILL. driver's License #A472457, in name of "M. Hoffman"
Temporary CA driver's License #C84776356, name of "L. Pierson"

Arrest Summary
  1. Observed w/o front license plate
  2. Rear plate near match w/suspicious 187vc vehicle
  3. Suspect attempted to evade arrest
  4. Initiated pursuit
  5. Felony stop
  6. Suspect in custody
  7. Narcotics seized
  8. Stolen vehicle recovered
  9. Veh. turned over to narcotics division
Evidence form
5 lbs. marijuana, est. value, $4,000.00
1 lb. cocaine, est. value, $250,000.00
1 S&W .45 automatic handgun SN SW9764912
1 black notebook
Vehicle Information
'83 Cadillac blue (orig. blue)
LICENSE #LOP1238
VIN C03456218
Stolen from Lytton, CA
Registered to: Malcolm Washington, 234 W Center St Lytton, CA

LPD Digital Database Records[]

Three entries in the LPD computer system, each relating to a different identity assumed by Taselli.
Ill. DDL #A472457

Marvin Hoffman
2231 W 104th St.
Chicago, Illinois

5'11", 195lbs, blk/brn

DOB: 3/1/39

555-6537, unlisted number

Leroy Pierson
1037 Grove St.
Apt #334

Lytton, CA
Delphoria Hotel

Jason Taselli
FED Warrant: 123-1985
Alias: Marvin Hoffman

5'1", 195', blk/brn

Tattoo of flower above left nipple.

LPD Homicide Record (Physical)[]

File compiled by the LPD Homicide Division following Taselli's murder. This is the physical record which was stored in a filing cabinet at the Homicide office, containing a mugshot of Taselli obtained during his booking procedure at Lytton City Jail.
PQ2 Character JasonTaselli Mugshot
Case # M09091983
Name Taselli, Jason
Deceased 09/09/1983
Alias Marvin Hoffman
Leroy Pierson
Scars/tattoos Flower above left nipple
D.O.B 3/1/39
Physical White/male, 5'11", black, brown, 195 lbs.
Assigned to Hamilton
Arresting Officer None
Method of murder Hand gun
Suspect
Name Bains, Jessie Hiram
PQ2 Character JessieBains OldMugshot
Alias Sloan, Frank (nmn.)
Scars/tattoos None
D.O.B 11/30/51
Physical White/male, 5'8", black, brown, 150 lbs.
Summary
Victim's body recovered from Clearwater River. Evidence recovered from suspect's hotel room led to his conviction of first degree murder. At the time of death, this victim was under investigation for suspicion of murder, auto theft & narcotics. It is believed this victim was employed by the suspect as a hit man.
Case Status Closed

LPD Homicide Record (Digital)[]

File compiled by the LPD Homicide Division following Jason Taselli's murder. This is a digital copy found in the LPD's computer system, within the directories CRIMINAL > HOMICIDE, locked behind a password.
Case # M09091983
Name Taselli, Jason
Address 753 Third St.
Lytton City, USA
Deceased 09/09/1986
Method of murder Murder by handgun
Alias Marvin Hoffman
Leroy Pierson
Scars/tatoos Flower above left nipple
D.O.B 3/1/39
Physical White/male 5'11", black, brown, 195 lbs.
Arrest record No local
Convictins Unavailable
Note At time of death, sub under investigation for suspicion of murder, auto theft, narcotics.

Black Book[]

Book found in Taselli's stolen vehicle's glove box.
$2,000 col. R.G.

set up H.D. gambling

blackjack             X

initiate plan for
  dealer R.O.         X

meet J.M.  & L.W.     X

Cindy $100.00         X

Ammo                  X


meet N/W boss


3:00 lunch Robert G.


discipline pimp 1

discipline pimp 2


terminate L.W.        X

terminate J.M.        X

       Sunday

poker with J.B.       X

evaluation of drug
  saturation plan     X

cash profit total

phone East Coast

meet Gutless Wonder

initiate Plan 3

Behind the Scenes[]

As with many other pieces of contradicting information in the original Police Quest, Police Quest II and the Police Quest Remake, many of the dates given for various events regarding Jason Taselli simply do not match up. Most importantly, this includes dates provided in "official" documents within the same game — such as the year of Taselli's murder in Police Quest II, which is given as 1983 in one Homicide Division document and 1986 in another.

See Also[]

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