Joey 'the Clown' denies killing federal witness
By Jeff Coen | Tribune staff reporter
12:52 PM CDT, August 15, 2007

Reputed mob figure Joey "the Clown" Lombardo, continuing to testify in his own defense at the landmark Family Secrets trial today, said he was having breakfast and waiting for a shop that sold garage-door remotes to open when federal witness Daniel Seifert was killed in 1974.

"I figured I'd kill some time," said Lombardo in response to questions from his attorney, Rick Halprin, at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse.

Prosecutors contend Lombardo, an alleged "capo" in the Chicago Outfit, had Seifert killed before he could testify against Lombardo in a pension-fraud case.

Lombardo said when he returned to his car after breakfast that morning, he found that his wallet had been taken from the glove compartment, so he went back to the restaurant where two uniformed police officers were having breakfast.

He said he then followed them to a police station and made a report.

Lombardo's testimony, which began Tuesday, is one of the most anticipated moments in a trial that already has earned a place in Chicago mob lore.

Known for his flair for humor and theatrics, Lombardo once left a court date with a mask made of newspaper to hide his face from cameramen. Another time he took out advertisements disavowing mob ties.

This morning, Lombardo also answered questions about his conviction in the 1980s for skimming millions of dollars from the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas. He said he was just involved in setting up meetings between some of the players in the case.

Halprin asked if Lombardo made any money himself.

"Well, I have to tell the truth, I'm under oath," he said. "Not a red penny."

Halprin also asked Lombardo how he came to be included in a photograph known as "The Last Supper," with mobsters Joseph Aiuppa and Tony Accardo.

Lombardo peered through his glasses at a screen on the witness stand and identified himself standing in the back of the picture in a suit.

He said he was dressed for a wake, was invited to the restaurant afterward, and happened upon the group eating.

Halprin asked him to identify men in the photo one by one.

"The fat guy there?" Lombardo said at one point. "That's Turk Torello."

Lombardo said he had met some of the men through Jackie Cerone, an old friend he caddied for. He said he wished the group well and left.

Halprin asked if he ever made any money illegally with Accardo, a legendary reputed Chicago mob boss.

"Positively no," Lombardo said, seemingly stifling a laugh. "Not a red penny."

jcoen@tribune.com