Former mob figure "Sammy the Bull" released from prison

PHOENIX  - Former mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano has been released from prison, reports CBS affiliate KPHO.

The Arizona Department of Corrections told the station it was unsure of the exact date of his release but multiple reports suggest he was let out on Sept. 18.

He will reportedly be on lifetime federal parole.

Gravano helped bring down mob boss John Gotti and other mobsters in 1991 by turning on the mob family and speaking to federal investigators. 

According to the station, the reason why he was in a federal prison in Arizona was that he was busted for starting a major ecstasy ring that made about $500,000 per week. He was arrested in 2000 and in September of 2002, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Gravano's daughter, Karen Gravano, is on the reality TV show Mob Wives. She may have known the early release was coming because she posted a photo of a pocket watch on Instagram with the caption "only a matter of time."