The Phone Call — October 21, 1998
A transcript of the recorded phone call in which Mike Tantillo (Ontario County DA) returned Bill Dean's call and made direct threats in connection with the theft of limousines — directing state police to take no action.
What Was Said
On October 21, 1998, Mike Tantillo of the Ontario County District Attorney's office returned a call to Bill Dean. Dean recorded the conversation without Tantillo's knowledge, using a Realistic cassette tape player with a 60-minute tape.
Rather than addressing the theft of Dean's limousines, Tantillo immediately asked whether Dean was represented by an attorney — and stated he could not speak with him if he was. When Dean pressed him on why state police were being told to do nothing, Tantillo deflected and questioned how the other party first obtained the vehicles.
The transcript below is taken directly from that recording. When Tantillo returned the call, he made clear he had no intention of helping — and instead worked to obstruct any pursuit of the stolen vehicles.
Transcript — October 21, 1998
Phone call, Dean and Tantillo. 10-21-98. Phone 742-2928, or 1056. Taken from recording made October 21, 1998 on a Realistic cassette tape player, 60-minute tape. Time not noted on tape — Dean called the DA's office earlier in the day; Tantillo returned the call and was not informed the conversation was being recorded. New tape installed for this call. Document received 1-29-2021.
PHONE RINGS!
ANSWERED BILL DEAN (BD): Metro link how can I help you?
MAIL VOICE: Bill Dean?
BD: Please hold for a minute.
Call placed on hold music playing, new tape installed.
BD: This is Bill.
MALE VOICE: Bill Dean? This is Mike Tantillo returning your call.
BD: It's about time.
MIKE TANTILLO (MT): Are you represented by an attorney?
BD: No why do I need one?
MT: If you are then I can't speak with you.
BD: NO I do not -- what the fuck, what are you doing about my missing limos? And why do you keep telling the state police to not do anything?
MT: How did this other person first get the cars?
BD: I loaned Rich money in 95 to buy the new limo but did not get paid back. So I took over the company a couple of years ago until I got paid back. My grandmother died a few days ago and I called Rich to see what limos were open so I could use them for the funeral. He didn't answer and didn't call me back. Later that night I went to Rochester to his house but no one was home. I went to the shop but my key did not work in the door where the limos are stored. I called Rich over and over but he did not answer or call back. So I called Doyle Security to come open the door and fix the lock.
Tantillo keeps trying to talk over BD.
BD: If you don't want to here all this then don't ask.
MT: You need to send him a certified letter, explaining that he is fired and no longer runs the company. Tell him he has 30 days to return everything to you. There was no crime, you let him do what he wanted.
BD: Are you nuts? I went back to his house, and the person who answered the door said he moved out about 6 months prior and was only renting. Tell the State police to put them on the hot sheet and file the dam charges. I don't even have any insurance, as the bastard let it laps 4 months ago, and they told me my licence should be suspended for no insurance. If your not going to do your job then step down and let someone else in there that wants to do it the right way.
MT: Why don't you run for office, then you can do what ever you want?
BD: I'll just keep calling and writing eveyone, from the attorney general to the governor and who ever else will listen, do your dam job.
MT: IF YOU DON'T STOP CALLING AND WRITING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND EVERYONE ELSE, THEN I'M GOING TO COME AFTER YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE, AND IF CAN'T FIND ANYTHING I'LL MAKE SOMETHING STICK.
BD: Are you threatening me Mr. Mike Tantillo, from the Ontario County District Attorney office?
Phone clicked as MT disconnected or was disconnected. --- Line quite.
BD: Hello --- bastard hung up!
Called ended. Tape marked as phone call Dean and Tantillo, (10/21/1998).
Stolen Limousines — Obstruction Instead of Justice
When the theft of limousines was reported to the Ontario County District Attorney, the response was not an investigation — it was obstruction. Tantillo directed state police to take no action and deflected every question about the missing vehicles. A sitting DA protecting a thief instead of the victim is a serious abuse of power — and it is documented on tape.
The DA's Office — Full Background
Learn more about the Ontario County District Attorney's broader role in this case — ignoring crimes, suppressing evidence, and using the power of the office to intimidate rather than protect.
View DA Overview