FBI finds possible remains at gangster "Jimmy the Gent's" NYC home

NEW YORK The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster.

An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation. He declined further comment.

The digging started Monday in Queens' South Ozone neighborhood. It was home to James Burke, a Lucchese crime family associate known as "Jimmy the Gent" for his tendency to tip heavily.

A character based on Burke was played by Robert De Niro in the movie "Goodfellas."

Burke died behind bars in 1996, two decades after authorities say he masterminded a nearly $6 million robbery at New York's Kennedy Airport.

The Queens house is still owned by the Burke family, but others now live there.

Burke is said to have buried victims in familiar places — including under the nearby saloon he ran.

Neighbors were stunned by news that the house once occupied by Burke may contain evidence of criminality.

"I woke up hearing the helicopters above," said Shah Alam, 34, who lives next door.

Alam said he is a Muslim, as is the family in the house next to him.

"We're like, what? Are they looking for one of us?" asked the limousine driver, who counted Pakistanis, Palestinians and Bengalis among the block's residents.

Detroit FBI spokesman Simon Shaykhet said Wednesday that there was no connection between the excavation Tuesday at the house once occupied by Burke and another dig in Michiganfor controversial labor leader Jimmy Hoffa's remains.