http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/....html?viewAll=y

By George Anastasia

It's a "family album."

Photos and video from a wedding, a graduation party, several Christmas celebrations, and other memorable moments . . . like prison visits.

They're all part of a pretrial evidence list in the pending racketeering case against mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and 10 associates.

Filed late last month by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the 22-page document is a road map of an investigation that began more than a decade ago and culminated with Ligambi's indictment and arrest in May 2011.

The evidence list comes as prosecutors and defense attorneys continue their pretrial sparring in the latest racketeering case against Philadelphia's beleaguered and often dysfunctional crime family.

In the last two weeks, prosecutors have filed a motion seeking an anonymous jury for the October trial while the defense has sought to have repeated references to the violent history of the Philadelphia mob eliminated from the 52-count indictment.

Contending that none of the defendants has been charged with a violent crime, Ligambi's lawyer, Edwin Jacobs Jr., argued that references to past mob violence will "instill fear in the jury and lead them to the unreasonable and impermissible conclusion that [the defendants] . . . are guilty of crimes far more heinous than any of those charged."

Prosecutors countered that Ligambi and his codefendants are "beneficiaries" of the Philadelphia crime family's bloody history.

"The mob has no moral authority," prosecutors wrote. "Its entire power is based on violence and its capacity to intimidate."

An anonymous jury is necessary, the government contends, because of that violence and the potential for jury tampering.

Trial Judge Eduardo Robreno has yet to rule on either issue. A hearing on those and several other pretrial motions is set for Aug. 9.

The evidence list, expected to be expanded before trial, provides a look at some of the courtroom weapons the prosecution intends to use.

It includes FBI and Philadelphia Police Department video surveillance footage taken outside restaurants where mob Christmas parties were held in December 2005, 2006, and 2009; video surveillance of a graduation party at a local restaurant that Ligambi hosted for his sons in 2003, and photos and video from Anthony Staino's posh wedding reception in the Curtis Center in 2009.

Surveillance photos were taken as the 300 invited guests arrived at the September wedding reception. The government also subpoenaed photos and video taken by the wedding photographer.

Prosecutors also hope to use photos and video taken by the Pennsylvania State Police in a Delaware County investigation in 2007 that targeted mob associate Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello and a dozen others.

Monacello, indicted with Ligambi, is now cooperating with the government and is expected to be a key witness in the racketeering case.

Described as a major operative for codefendant George Borgesi, Monacello was a frequent target of government surveillance.

He also was picked up on a video shot in September 2009 by Fox 29. The video, now listed as evidence, has been aired several times in reports by Fox 29's Dave Schratwieser. It shows Ligambi waving his arms and apparently berating Monacello. To date, no one has indicated what they were discussing that morning.

That could change when Monacello, 43, testifies.

Other evidence in the prosecution's trial arsenal includes video poker machines and cash seized in raids by federal, state, and local authorities between 2001 and 2009; bank and accounting records; IRS forms and tax returns; and the testimony of cooperating witnesses and alleged extortion victims.

Ligambi, 72, is charged with heading a racketeering enterprise that generated cash through illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion, and the control of video poker machines. He is also charged with defrauding the Teamsters union through a no-show job with a South Philadelphia trash company.

Ligambi was allegedly paid $1,000 a week for nearly eight years and also used more than $200,000 in medical and dental benefits provided by the union for himself and family members.

Prosecutors scoffed at Jacobs' contention that the case was built around nonviolent crimes.

"An ostrich making this claim would blush through the sand," they wrote in a motion responding to the defense claim. "It is axiomatic that extortions are crimes of violence."

Jacobs' argument, however, is built around a comparison to other mob cases in which the charges have included murders, attempted murders, and aggravated assaults.

Also on the prosecution's evidence list were phone records, photos, and other documents linked to Borgesi's stay at a federal prison in Beckley, W. Va., after he was convicted in 2001 on racketeering charges.

The list includes several references to Anthony Aponick, who was an inmate with Borgesi between 2001 and 2003.

Aponick, a convicted bank robber with ties to the New York mob, is believed to be cooperating with authorities and is a potential witness.

After he was released from prison in 2003 Aponick came to Philadelphia where, according to sources, he met with Monacello and others at Borgesi's behest.

Prosecution evidence includes a video and photos of Aponick meeting in October 2003 with Borgesi's brother Anthony and the late Mauro Goffredo, then the owner of the trash company that employed Ligambi.

The evidence list also includes "cards and letters" to Aponick from Borgesi and Borgesi's wife, Allyson.

A year after his release, Aponick ended up back in jail after staging a series of bank robberies in the New York City area. But he managed to work a deal with the government based on his cooperation in the current case.

Some sources believe his criminal past and credibility problems could keep him off the stand.

On a side note...Ligambi's family is still living it up down the shore while uncle joe is in fed dentention. Saw them down there last week.

there are also a couple mob scenes on philly.com that I just saw. Here are the archives. One is about the above article and one is about Phil Leonetti book.

http://www.philly.com/philly/video/VideoArchive.html?vgenre=g=mob-scene

I want to see who were the guys from the NYC families that were at Staino's wedding. Aside from the one of the most likely ones being Nicky Skins.

Interesting that Crazy Phil predicts violence as the old Scarfo guys are coming out of jail if Skinny Joey is the head of the family.

Can't help but think that if Ligambi was still on the street, all the old Scarfo era guys would've fallen in line easier.

If Merlino is still the same and prison didn't change him, he's going to have a hard time keeping everybody in line.

How many scarfo guys are being released?

Unless its 50 or 100 of them or something like that, what can they really do and its not as if they are young men either now.

50 or 100?

That was more of a hypothetical figure. What i was trying to say was unless theres allot of them getting released, i don't really see how much of an effect it could have.Who exactly are they gonna fight most of the current leaderships in jail anyway and merlinos in florida.

If Faffy Iannarella was out I would be putting my money on the Scarfo faction, but he's not out till 2016. Which Scarfo guys got out already?

I tend to think many of the Scarfo guys who are released will ease into retirement rather than try and go on the warpath. Hypothetically though, if they did try to take over, I think it would be more about simply forming alliances with the right people than who has the most numbers. It would be more about "mob politics" than them going out in a field somewhere and duking it out. Or, at this stage of the game, who would have the most shooters. Not to mention the law enforcement factor. Back in the day, the Stanfa faction was winning before indictments took them out.

Leonetti theorizing about a possible mob war is probably just juicy stuff for the book.

theres maybe 10 guys that got out from the scarfo era. i dont believe there was ever 50 to 100

if 3 of the young scarfo guys who would be early 50tys that did so much time. plus they were made from a killer not that stanfa wasnt a killer. merlino dont got a chance unless he's father is healthy im sure he got friends in nyc after doing 20+yrs in the fed pen/ merlino just aint smart anuff to be a boss maybe a capo or consig. but wit steve crea and dom cifulo running big familys do they care/ the more i think 1 day scarfo jr. will be the boss in philly, he was making more money in there city then all crews under there nose. if chin gigante/tieri screwed there boss bruno and all there capos, just like gigante made frank salemme boss in boston i'd bet the luchese will play a move

And obviously not all of them are active or will be. In my opinion, the more likely scenario of some of them attempting to influence family affairs is if the feds give them an opening by taking the current regime off the streets for a long time.

Of course, this is assuming there would be a conflict to begin with. Maybe the Scarfo guys who wanted to get back in the game could find a place without having to start WWIII. And if there was a problem, it could be solved very quickly (like Long John) rather than a widespread conflict.

Scarfo jr is a smart guy, he will not see freedom for a VERY long time unless he gets an amazing plea deal.

Doesnt need to be a big figure, Philly is a small family. Five or ten guys newly released if they get involved again creates a much different landscape for the family in general.

I agree with Wiseguy, this is probably all BS for Leonetti to sell books. He's been out the game and in WITSEC for a long time, he doesnt know whats going on.

BUT, there was that interesting tidbit in the recent Licata wiretap transcripts that talked about how Scarfo Jr was telling guys like Lou Fazzini and Joe Grande to report to him, and there was the fight between Joseph Pungitore and Joseph Grande in prison over Pungitore being loyal to Merlino-Ligambi and Grande being loyal to the Scarfos. Licata was then saying he will bring Grande back into the Ligambi fold and away from Scarfo.

Still I dont see any family hitting the mattresses anytime soon.

Nobody's going to war in this day and age. Like IvyLeague said, its all mob politics. Get important members inside and outside your family to side with you and you'll gain legitimacy.

Few of the Scarfo-era guys are going to jump right back into things when they are released. However, the Philly family is so small and all of Ligambi's men will be convicted soon, so even a handful of guys could be a huge help.

Times have changed since a lot of Scarfo soldiers or capos saw the light of day. I think a lot of variables come into play for each individual, after having been incarcerated for such a long time. Who remained loyal to who? Some business/industries grew and some faded away. Property Values increased in some neighborhoods and have diminished in other neighborhoods.

I've said this before on here modern technology also has eliminated a lot of opportunities for these guys. I don't think a hit would be as easy ( Lets go blow pat the cats head off in the middle of the street and run away and get away with it LOL ..well they didn't because of The Crow.

Whenever the country is in a recession people spend more money on drugs,alcohol, prostitution, and gambling. The Russians have dominated Atlantic City in that business. The State of Pennsylvania topped AC in casino revenue as reported on Philly.com a few months ago. Alcohol I don't think there is a big market for moonshine in south Philadelphia. Drugs the mob claims it doesn't deal in, but that is always left up to debate.

If I were in the shoes of one of these old timers there are more then enough wannabes willing to stick their neck out. I think the one ting that hasn't changed is bookmaking and loansharking. If you have a big family and friends and don't get too greedy, and are content with a certain living style, I don't see a need for war, violence brings too much heat that's why its not as common as it was used in the past. I think the Feds, using their history of violence, should be quashed.

That's for sure, Dapper. And why would the government plea when they have him dead-to-rights like they do? Don't they have something like 7 or 8 THOUSAND different wiretaps?

And don't forget, these are financial crimes that Scarfo Junior is currently charged with. With the economy still in the tank, Federal Judges aren't letting Madoff types of crimes off with a slap on the wrist anymore. Believe it or not, the kid is pushing 50 now. He'll be a little old man when he gets out.

Yep, I dont see any plea deals happening for him either.

Yeah that Morris County Gambling Case looks like it will be on hold I'm sure everyone has seen the GA Videos. I agree with PB, the white collar fraud plus the manner it was done in, and laughing about a rat who killed himself "being Ken Leyish" and the fact they charged his wife. I'm not sure of of how much involvement she had but they got him nailed down pretty good, I would say a mandatory minimum would be at least 10 years just on that case.

its perfect timing for crazy phill to put out his book now that scarfo jr will be locked away for a decade. scarfo and son made a vow to kill him i remember reading. its gonna be one good book. i hope he tells all, merlino's at a time was like family. he had meetings with gotti, jr patriarca, i think gaspipe and vic maybe chin diff bobby manna.but if 2 or 3 guys get out and are violent anuff they all were killers under scarfo who could stop them they put together affew of there jail buddies nephews sons ect. i dont understand philly's huge why is there family down to 12 guys. i think strengh in numbers. the colombo's just keep turning out 10 brooklyn or staten island tuff guys a year

I think that ligambi probably saw bringing more people into the family as more of a burden than benefit. It seems like he concentrated mostly on the families gambling loansharking operations as a priority and felt like he only wanted people working for him that were specifically gonna help him with that. He seems like the kind of boss that would not want to muddy the waters by making guys just to keep the numbers up, they have to have some sort of use to what he's doing. Scarfo on the other hand because he was involved with everything had to make more guys and recruit more especially for the street tax and the drug dealing and also all the killing and warfare.

It's the "smaller core" theory that has been applied to the Chicago family, for example. Why make guys just to "keep the numbers up?" Especially if the quality isn't there? And if, all other things being equal, the top guys are making the same amount of money?

I agree with that,I always said Ligambi doesn't come off as your everyday boss,he just seems like he wants the money to flow his way and keep a low profile.I think he probably made Staino his main confident and when they used to take walks around the block in the early morning Staino probably advised him how to handle the different situations.Not that Staino is some expierenced boss but Ligambi was just basically a bookmaker-gambler and a one-hit wonder[Frankie Flowers]that probably doesn't know the inter-workings of mob business[unions,extortion,etc].His run lasted longer than I thought,probably longer than he thought.

He's probably just glad he was able to be the boss and make some money without being shot at like most of the previous bosses. I think his tame nature turned the family around back into a more traditional fashion. Scarfo expanded them and their earning potential but he did it in the way a violent urban drug gang would do it, he only gives you one warning or none at all. Scarfo will always be the face of that organisation whenever its mentioned. He took them to their peak of power and notoriety. theres gonna be a few associates from the scarfo era that are looking forward to some of their old chums coming home and hoping they will tear some shit up.

Ligambi is a funny character to me cause everybody calls him old school and quiet and he was during his reighn as boss but he was somewhat of a hot head before he got locked up. Theres a good article that I will have to find by Kitty Caprella in Philly.com around 99 when it came about that Uncle Joe was boss and how some people couldn't believe it. It talked about his whole life basically. You know he was the guy that slugged the FBI agent (the only guy) when the all got locked up together with Scarfo. The other guys thought he was nuts. Also, the whole Merlino/Ligambi being two seperate entities is just talk for the internet. They are cool and Joey always said Joe was like his uNcle...hence the name. I will have to try to find the article.

I read that exact article the other day. You pretty much summed it up in a nutshell.

Thanks I am glad cause I just looked for like an hour and couldn't find it. I read it within the last year so I thought I had it right.

I cant find it now but found these other interesting articles about Merlino/the Pagans/and the Commission in NY, Merlino's wife, and one on Mazzone and a little bit about Ligambi's rise as acting boss

http://articles.philly.com/2001-12-06/ne...no-ralph-natale

http://articles.philly.com/1999-03-11/news/25511068_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-stanfa

http://articles.philly.com/1998-06-05/news/25730511_1_mob-boss-joseph-skinny-joey-merlino-oakes

I thought it was because he's Borgesi's uncle.