are the philly guys gona beat these charges?

hanging around passyunk ave talking to some old friends and everybody thinks these charges against the ligambi crew is total bs and that they will be home by thanksgivig

I would think most of them will take plea deals rather than risk trial anyway.

Lucibello was smart asking for a hip replacement, then withdrawing his guilty plea. That gave a scope to the family of what kind of time the feds think they should serve. They're probably pissed, they fell for that, I forget the specifics, but that little stunt was pretty clever I thought. Like I've said on here before I don't follow NYC as close as Phila, but in January when they rounded up the upper echelon of the Bonnanos, those guys got really light sentences,( 2 years)I guess what I'm trying to say is I see a possibility of some of them walking...

Walking? Just wait till the feds reveal some more stuff from the Nicky Skins tapes, GA said that the most recent indictment with Scoops was just a preview of what the feds had up their sleeve according to his sources through the Skins tapes.

What would be interesting if somebody from Philly flips and then some murder charges are brought in an indictment, things will get much more interesting very quickly after that.

That plea was pre-Skins and the superseeding indictment which affects guys like Ligambi with the no show job.

"Gaeton Lucibello withdrew his guilty plea to racketeering charges, rejecting a government plea deal that called for a 63-month sentence in the case.
During a brief hearing before Judge Eduardo Robreno, Lucibello, 59, turned down a deal he had signed off on earlier this month.
The signed plea agreement was the basis for Tuesday's hearing. Lucibello is one of a dozen reputed mob figures charged in an indictment handed up in May.
Reputed mob boss Joseph Ligambi, underboss Joseph "Mousie" Massimino, and several other mob soldiers are also defendants in the case.
Like Lucibello, they all have been charged with a racketeering conspiracy involving gambling, loan-sharking, and extortion enterprises.
In a comment that may not bode well for the defendants, Robreno said "it is unlikely" he would have accepted the plea deal worked out between prosecutors and Ligambi's court-appointed attorney, Caroline Cinquanto, even if Lucibello had decided to honor the agreement.
Robreno said he was concerned about an "unwarranted disparity of sentencing" had Lucibello been sentenced to a little more than five years in the racketeering conspiracy case.
While the judge offered no further explanation, one interpretation is that Robreno, who has a reputation for meting out tough sentences, expects to level prison terms significantly greater than 63 months should the defendants be convicted."

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/04/philly-mobster-withdraws-from.html

According to this, I wouldnt count on the judge to follow the sentencing guidelines too closely...

I almost forgot the other cooperating witnesses the feds have revealed might take the stand at trial, check it out below:

"North Jersey mob informant Peter "Pete the Crumb" Caprio is expected to testify against reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and 11 codefendants.Eugene "Gino" Milano, 52, a South Philadelphia hit man turned informant, also may make a return appearance for the prosecution.The men are expected to provide the jury with details about the way organized crime operates, and, more important, about Ligambi's alleged role in the organization.
Sources who have seen the witness list said Caprio and Milano were among those expected to be called to the stand.
Others include Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello, who was indicted with Ligambi in May but who began cooperating less than a month after his arrest.
The jury also will hear from Frank "Frankie the Fixer" DiGiacomo, a Monacello associate.
Other possible witnesses include Anthony Aponick, a bank robber and New York mob associate who did time in a West Virginia prison with Borgesi, and Jack Buscemi, a convicted bookmaker who authorities have said was an associate of Gaeton Lucibello, also a codefendant.
Another key witness could be Curt Arbitman, the operator of a video-poker machine company whose warehouse in the 800 block of Mountain Street in South Philadelphia was raided by state police in 2009."

Plus dont forget all the Nicky Skins tapes...

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/04/mob-informants-expected-to-testify.html

Thanks D squared.


I was confused at the one statement you had made, but then skimmed over the page on your blog. I guess the writer made a mistake, " they said Ligambi's Court Appointed Attorney, when they were referring to Lucibello.

yeah i just noticed that, prob a mistake but maybe they have the same attorney? that is also possible...

It must have been a mis print because ligambi has Ed Jacobs for his attorney

No they have different lawyers. Uncle Joe first retained Joe Santaguida, if I remember correctly he fired him, and then retained Eddie Jacobs. Both are seasoned defense attorneys, the feds might have also filed a motion to disqualify Santaguida from representing ligambi or anyone else in the case because of a conflict of interest. Santaguida, has defeneded half of the guys, that have been indicted along with a wide variety of criminals going back 30-40 years.

also i did look up that comment about disparity in sentencing and the only reason why judges use that comment is because of the guidelines that other defendants in this case will get if convicted without taking a plea and also the normal sentence for these charges in past cases. so it can be taken both ways high or low. Of course the media will always make the statement look worse

i believe that massimino has santaguida now

Wait, aren't Nicky Skins' tapes inadmissible as he isn't there to corroborate?!

I have a question… I thought mob guys weren't (supposed) to take guilty pleas? Doesn't taking a guilty plea equate to admitting that "this thing" exists?

And… I think it's fair to say "Bent Finger" Lou gets the award for biggest pussy… ever. Why the hell did he turn over a year or two's sentence??

Used to be not allowed to plea. Nowadays they do. The Genovese Family really started that stuff and it worked out for them. No point in doing 20 years for what could have been 5.

In the past, mobsters pleading guilty was frowned upon.

With them now pleading guilty more, I'd suspect that they think ratting others out will be the only option left in thirty years.

Especially if the government bans them from pleading, as doing so will put them back on the streets quicker, thus destroying the hard work the feds have done in indicting them in the first place!

Demeo if you don't mind me asking what neck of the woods are you from?

I live on Pine Street.

The way you talking on some of the other threads about LCN/Gotti etc I thought you were from outside the states.

Is Pine Street in Philly? DeMeo said over on another thread he is in the UK.

Center city there's a pine st

LOL That guy ain't from Philly or any surrounding area. C'mon Pine Street Runs like 70 blocks from Front to the 69th street terminal. I'm from pine street get outta here!

So, what is the entire point of asking my location?

Name Calling isn't allowed on here, so the response I give you is..

"This is gonna be a Cosa Nostra 'til I die. Be it an hour from now, or be it tonight, or a hundred years from now when I'm in jail, it's gonna be a Cosa Nostra." -

Spoken by an egotistical mob boss.

Isn't that waste of space dead yet?

It's called sarcasm. Did I have anything good to say about Gotti? I didn't. I get a kick out of his quotes and recordings because hes so freaking idiotic.

But if you want to talk about Gotti post on the other thread and we can debate there. Capesh?

I wonder if Uncle Joe was semi afraid of punching someone's ticket. I mean not afraid… but afraid of getting tried for murder (again). I mean the evidence on this indictment shows merely "threats of violence"… I guess if it's not necessary, why hurt people.

I would say he was smart ! Also I don't think he gave the orders to get rid of people ! I think his men did it on there own !

hey just a reminder and somebody correct me if im wrong, i dont think anybody has gotten offed in a long while and i havnt heard of any beatens either

There's been 3 since ligambi first started as acting boss. Turchi, long john and gongs. Gongs is best shot for feds to build case on

But nothing real recent

I know nicodemo is the alleged shooter in the Johnny gongs hit. Anymore info on who else was involved?

Remember the bookie that got blasted on bouvieer street near the Wolf Street Cafe. Maniscalco are the cops even going to pursue that? I mean he had angelo lutz working there as a bookkeeper, at one time and he was one of the Riccobenes Grandsons. The fact they the guy was wearing a bullet proof vest around is pretty crazy.

I think I read in that article a while back the George borgesi had sent someone to shake him down. That's why people think its mob related.

Canalichio since he was made shortly thereafter according to GA

hey jmack that is all hear say at this point on who the shooters are. Nicademo isnt even in the ligambi case. Pure speculation. i can tell you this much, gongs had a lot of enemies

I couldn't agree more. If the FBI had the proof we would have a lot more counts in this indictment. Just wondering what the actual speculation was. As far as Nicodemo is concerned, is this the only murder he is speculated to be a part of? I've heard he has a pretty tough rep and was wondering where it came from.

I think ga said something like this in a mob scene report but if it was true or if the feds highly considered this to be accurate they would have reacted

he was hated by many but it was clear the family took him out

thats why in the most recent indictment you have scoops telling ligambi that they are glad they finally got rid of him while both are laughing about it

Yes in the tapes it is made very clear that the family took him out. I also think there is more to the tapes than we have heard. I think they are going to try to use them to get someone to flip. If no one takes the bait, they will wait until after the convictions to get someone to turn. The family should probably take a page from the Genoveses and cut their losses with a deal.

Well so far we only read transcripts of what the feds say they hear on the tapes but i dont think anybody has heard the tapes other than them. And yes they ALWAYS embelish the tapes.Sometimes when the feds release these excerpts all they are looking to do is stir up some chatter among the wiseguys and see if they can pick something up from the chatter on a wire tap or from a confidential informant

im just saying with all the most recent federal cases back firing on them they may truly really have not much that a jury will convict on. Look at John Edwards and Roger Clemmens and the most recent mob murder trials in New York

i mean i didnt hear the evidence in the thomas giosi trial in new york a couple of weeks ago but if they had numerous tapes and 6 or 7 informants take the stand i would lean on the side of guilty if i was on the jury but if im on the jury and i see a bunch of guys on trial for loan sharking and mostly gambling charges where nobody got hurt i dont think i could convict them.Thats if i was on the jury. Put your self on the jury and think about how you would feel?

Yeah being on a jury people can sympathize with a defendant like "I have a son his age, father, or husband." These are just threats, this happen how long ago, why weren't they arrested then? In today's paper there was an article going over the court system in Philadelphia and how unorganized it is. But that was on the state level.

Someone said Milano was coming back to testify ? How does this affect his brother ?

It doesn't because no one is going to do anything

nobody is gona do a thing. those days are well over

Even if they seen milano himself nobody would do anything, i remember Milano when i was younger and he was one tuff guy

What was scarfo thinking bringing in all these young guys. I mean he had to know, that the shit was going to hit the fan at one point or another. If I'm 70 years old and they give me life so what I'll be dead in a few years,

He was a maniac that had that small man desease. Made money but a real nut

i followed the gioli trial closely, they didnt have any tapes or surveillance evidence besides some family pics of gioli with calabro and others throughout the years. Tommy and Little Dino did beat the murder charges BUT they were still convicted of RICO murder conspiracy and will prob get at least 15 years at sentencing.


you are right there is no violence alleged besides canolichio beating a debtor with a baseball bat and scoops and ligambi joking about the gongs murder, idk about you but that would def be enough to cast suspicion of guilt in my mind as a juror.

and those wiretap transcipt the feds released were as george anastasia put it a "teaser" of things to come down the line so lets wait and see.

if i had to predict what happens it would be as follows: with the feds releasing some of those wiretap convos and indicting scoops and fazzini now they are letting all of them stew at the philly mdc without any bail while they wonder if any of their codefendants will flip. the feds play the waiting game and as the trial date gets closer and if there are no plea deals then the feds leak (through newspapers or anastasia) some more wiretap convos and possibly release another superseeding indictment and then they play the waiting game again.

the feds told anastasia that merlino will "very likely" be brought back up to philly by the end of the summer to face charges of associating with felons down in florida and violate his parole and send him back to the can.

Thanks for clearing that giosi trial up for me but i read the indictment and canalichio is bragging about this so called bat beating and we really dont know if it happened and they dont have a person that was beaten with a bat that is gona take the stand

true they dont have anybody as of yet that we know, but regardless violence or no violence there is tons of rackeetering activity sprinkled all over these indictments and with their criminal histories and previous convictions they are going to all get sentences of at least 5 years (on the low end) if i had to predict. nobody is beating this case.

Also George Anastashia wants to give everyone a little tid bit at a time to keep his fan base up. I mean hes gotta eat too!

^^very true

One Oldhead I use to bet with, told me use to spit on the dead bodies and shit lol

I can picture him hawking up a loogie and spitting on a dead corpse

Did they ever charge John Gambino with anything up in NYC, I mean hes a triumvir, I would think hes pretty tight-lipped. They should transfer stanfa over to where licatas being held so he can cut his tongue off ..put a stamp on it..and mail it LOL

The way Anastasia talks about the Philly mob, that tone of voice like hes enjoying himself too much makes him look like someone who wishes he was with them.

He probably even tried to ingratiate himself years ago and wasn't accepted! Well, he has been beaten by Ralph Natale and you all know about that fool.

What kind of time is Uncle Joe, underlings, etc looking at with a Genovese esque plea deal?

I highly doubt Ralph Natale put a hand on him. That would be pretty funny to see him fight someone though. A family member of mine worked at the newspaper with him, and they wouldn't even tell some of the employees, where he was at certain times. A lot has changed though, him having fear in the past I could see, but not in the present.

from what i hear most guys are facing 5 years or less except for Canalichio and Massimimo because of pryors

I agree with you on the time ! It should be a state case!

yea and in the state those charges are mistermeaners. Unless of course they can bring murder charges

I don't know how the federal system operates, but on a state level I've had my attorney squash my priors if the DA files a "Prior Bad Acts motion" to show you have a record, but sometimes that's kinda stuff can't be brought up

i dont believe your priors can be brought up but if your convicted then you get enhanced if you have priors

On the Federal level your priors are used combined with your offense level to determine your sentencing range within the guidelines.

None of you guys mentioned Staino,he has a clean record but he was hanging out with an FBI undercover.if I had to bet I would thing Ligambi,Staino,Mousie,and Borgesi get like 10 yrs. with the rest getting 5.Nobody is walking,I just don't see how everybody thinks just because there's no violence its a weak case.Those RICO laws are tough.The feds basically came out on the short end last time in 2001,I don't think they will make the same mistakes twice.

I don't know if its hard to prove, or if some mob associates that are currently in the FDC with those guys would roll. Mousies alleglly put out the money to finanace a a 50G drug deal that was a sting. If you go in the archives of philly.com, around this time last year they arrested over 50 people in an oxycodone ring which they were linking to mousie. Two of the associates in the scheme one of which use to be my barber have already done lengthy prison sentences, for murder and drugs.

None of these guy will likel walk, but a lot will get light sentences. Staino has no priors and doesn't have a whole lot against him. I'd be surprised if anyone got morthence 10 years. If the government is willing to offer plea deals some guys would see less time then that. This is all assuming that more serious charges are brought and no more guys flip. The more important question is wether the Philly Mafia can survive with many of its members behind bars. Joey Merlino can't do it all by himself.

All that is speculation about mousie financing drug deals. they were trying to get the fellow that got caught at the airport to rat on mousie but he took a plea deal and got sentenced already to 96 months cause he said it just wasnt true and he wasnt gona lie

If merlino comes back hardly anybody would get in bed with him knowing it would be doomsday

According to reports he is getting ready to take over. He's already got a list of guy he's going to induct. According to george anastasia, they are all tough guys. But has 14 years taught Merlino anything about what violence and publicity will do to a boss?

Well they must be fools if its true.They wont last 2 years before they are taken off the streets. The feds already have an extremely hot nut for Joey

I found out today that the word on the street is that the Ligambi case had a hearing on friday about dropping the rico and that all the defendants were in very good spirits.Can anybody add to this on what might of happened?

Thats what im saying there two tough dudes, but after having done so much time in the past and after sitting in there for another year, they wanna talk, I think we've seen cases come out of this before in the past

i think its too late now. they already took pleas

i think the only one left in that case is the biker guy trying to plea to 5 years

i have to admit i am rooting for these guys to walk. i dont know why i feel this way other than looking at the charges they are charged with and thinking to myself that thats the way its been in south philly forever and probably in every major city in the U.S.

Reputaed Mob Assicate and Pagan : Joe Fierei

He cut hair at john anthony with stainos wife whose still in there cuttin hair.

He did slip up saying he did at one point emulate those guys in a citypaper article. Even though on most segments he claims its the wrong decision for guys of that enviorment to make.

Rumor has it that the guys had a court hearing on friday and that it went really good. The main subject of the hearing was to dismiss the rico charge.

why would they dismiss the rico charge? what about the other charges? anything to do with the nicky skins evidence?until proven otherwise, i would HIGHLY doubt the feds would drop any of these charges. They would rather it being proven not true at trial ala Tommy Shots in NYC.

its a motion that Ligambis lawyer filed this past January and came up for the discussion on friday at a motions hearing http://articles.philly.com/2012-01-10/ne...ense-indictment

I never said the feds were gona drop it but there are certain situations legally to get a rico charge so it comes down to the judge

This is a pretty good counterargument by the feds, and given the new evidence of mob meetings with the gambinos attended by ligambi and co that was brought to light by the nicky skins tapes then i think the feds argument would be further strengthened.

"Prosecutors are expected to argue that all the charges detailed in the indictment are tied to a criminal enterprise headed by Ligambi.

Two codefendants, Joseph Massimino, 61, and Anthony Staino, 54, have been identified as part of the organization's ruling hierarchy. Massimino is the alleged family underboss.

Staino, according to the indictment, bragged in a conversation secretly recorded by an FBI agent working undercover that he was the "CFO" (chief financial officer) of the crime family and a member of its "board of directors."

Those conversations and others, in which codefendants identified Ligambi as the boss of the family and said the money being generated went to "Uncle Joe," are expected to be cited by prosecutors in countering Jacobs' assertions."

idk im waiting for some new stuff from george anastasia so i can get updated on the case

Yes that is very true and even though there is probably a thin chance of the judge throwing out that charge,Jacobs is laying the ground work for doubt of the enterprise. Just dont go by people talking or the recorded tapes that the feds are leaking out but by the conspiracy acts the were actually commited

This is from the most recent indictment, these charges (which you can read detailed in the indictment) set out the racketeering conspiracy pretty good IMO

"The second superseding indictment alleges that for more than a decade, 11 of the defendants, including Ligambi as the acting boss and Massimino as the underboss, as well as other members and associates of the Philadelphia LCN Family in Philadelphia and New Jersey, conspired to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Philadelphia LCN Family through a pattern of racketeering activity and through the collection of unlawful debts. The alleged racketeering activity includes numerous acts involving extortion, extortionate extensions of credit through usurious loans, extortionate collections, illegal gambling, witness tampering, and theft from an employee benefit plan. The organization's collection of unlawful debts allegedly relates to its loan sharking operations and debts that arose from their illegal gambling businesses.

According to the second superseding indictment, the defendants promoted and furthered their illegal money-making activities through violence, actual and implied threats, and the cultivation and exploitation of the Philadelphia LCN Family's long-standing reputation for violence. The defendants also used this reputation to intimidate and prevent victims and witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement. The second superseding indictment alleges various instances where defendants used phrases such as "chop him up" and "put a bullet in your head" when threatening victims. In one instance, Canalicho allegedly used a bat to beat a victim for not paying a loan debt.

The second superseding indictment alleges that some of the defendants continued their racketeering activities even after being sent to prison. For example, Borgesi and Massimino, while in prison, allegedly generated criminal proceeds for themselves and the Philadelphia LCN Family by using intermediaries to operate criminal businesses and to make extortionate demands at their direction.

Each charge of racketeering conspiracy, collection of unlawful debt, collection of extensions of credit through extortionate means, making extortionate extensions of credit, financing extortionate extensions of credit and witness tampering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The illegal gambling and theft from an employee benefit plan charges each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. "

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/April/12-crm-542.html

The Canalichio thing is dificult for the prsecution cause i dont think they have a victim that they can put on the stand that will say they got hit with a bat or assaulted for anything related to LCN activity, he was just simply talking about it on tape and secondly he was a fighter all his life and none of it was mob related. Ive been in a bar or two, years ago when this guy was around and he simply is an uneducated goof.

You just cant throw a bunch of mumbo jumbo out and hope it sticks! The public can believe what they read but in court they have to PROVE it

Obcourse your right, i wouldnt put it past the govt to have somebody to testify about that beating, whether it was the victim or not. BUT traditionally the govt employs this tactic, throw a bunch of charges at a guy in a mob case and the jury will think he HAS to be guilty of at least something because why would the govt charge this guy with X number of things.

a few months ago there was a guy on the forum who claimed he was damion's brother and he was dispelling rumors that his brother had flipped.

That's what prosecutors do. That's why there are always so many counts in these mega-mob trials. They really only have to get one or two to stick to put a guy inside for considerable time.

Just look at the Tommy Shots trial last month. The Feds have egg on their faces for losing the murder charges, but those guys are still going to get some serious time. When you consider Goeli's health, even ten years can be a death sentence.

I suspect the Philly strategy is the same. Charge them with enough counts, and they'll get them for something.

if the can just prove guilt on any 2 counts of the indictment then the judge can smoke you+ nobody ever beats the the count of rico conspiracy, its just the government proved you were in the family or associated. that charge and a gambling its go time never mind the extorions, no show job. the bent finger lou guy and the fbi undercover is gonna sink there ship alone. look at the rhode island guys they were smart to global plea most got 3,5yrs but 1 guy got 9 steep. there gonna bring out turncoats from scarfo days who will say they got made with joe and killed with him. uncle joes era is over, hope he got paid. merlino should give it up. just like anthony dinonzio in boston didnt get charged to all the rhode island guys were sentenced they'll go for merlino. and if they get 1 guy to flip on a recent body its domino's.

i agree with what you guys are saying but most guys in this case only have from 2 to 4 counts besides staino, ligambi,and borgese

^^^but many of them have priors, any long sentence can be a death sentence for ligambi and mousey is twice a convicted felon and is looking at serious time

From what im hearing there were 11 defendants at this hearing on friday including Borgesi and Canilichio so absoulutly not are any of these guys cooperating.Also the 3 defendants not charged with the rico count were severed and will have a seperate trial. The original indictment had 13 plus they superseeded with 2 more making it 15 and got Bent Finger wanna be gangster Louie M to rat

Oh your right Mousie and Canilichio can get burried. Ligambi only because of his age

lets not forget george borgesi, the guy has been in jail since i was in middle school (and i just graduated business school), hes looking at some more time as well, any long sentence can also be a death sentence for licata given his age/health

who were the guys who had their cases severed from the rest?

I just looked up the indictment. It would have been the three without the rico charge. Esposito,Vereccio and Ranieri

really Esposito? according to transcripts of the licata wiretap he was made at the same ceremony with fazzini which would put him within the racketeering enterprise/rico

"During the conversation Licata is reminiscing about a “making” ceremony back in 2007 where Fazzini and others were inducted into the Philadelphia crime family.

Licata notes that the ceremony was conducted by Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and that Fazzini and Eric Esposito a co-defendant in the current racketeering case were made at same ceremony. Licata also states that alleged mob captains Anthony Staino and Michael Lancelotti were also present at the making ceremony, Staino is also a co-defendant in the current case. He also notes five other mobsters including Damion Canalichio were also initiated at a previous making ceremony , Canalichio right before he went to prison.

Licata says that then jailed boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino has proposed three more unknown associates for membership into the family but Ligambi declined to “make” them because he did not know them. Ligambi told Licata that Merlino could do it himself when he gets out of prison."

http://www.mediafire.com/?xfhimaetl48g6hd they only charged him (Esposito) with a poker machine charge which is gambling look on page 2 or should i say count 1

gotcha

idk why anastasia hasnt done an update on this case yet...he came out with a video talking about henry hill

what is scoops actualy charged with i read rico and something about getting someone a no show job, but whats the big deal with that charge i didnt read about gamling or extortion when it came to the jersey guys, seems like the feds wanted some extra headlines.and they had the nicky skin tapes with them talking alot, but it was just b.s. every time i click on 1 of those mediafire get a virus cost a hundred to get fixt.

It was also cofusing to me! i think they have him for gambling with that Louie Fazzini and loansharking inside a rico, just really weak charges if you ask me. Its as almost like they wanted to stir the pot then listen to the wires they have out there and informants to find out what reaction they got from the wise guys! Not your typical rico case

Licata is charged with illegal gambling, sports bookmaking, and also devising a scheme to defraud health benefits obtained through a no-show job controlled by the family for fazzini, more importantly he is charged with being part of a rico enterprise (count one) along with fazzini, and racketeering conspiracy.

The indictment adds Licata and reputed North Jersey mob soldier Louis “Big Lou” Fazzini as defendants and includes two new charges against Ligambi tied to an alleged “no show” job at a South Philadelphia trash disposal company.
Ligambi, already facing racketeering charges built around gambling, loansharking, extortion, and the operation of illegal video-poker machines, now is also charged with collecting $224,424 in medical benefits for himself and his family members from a Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund.
The “benefit plan” was part of Ligambi’s no-show employment at the Top Job trash company.

the feds do this all the time in NY and it works just like you just said

Licata and Fazzini, who were arrested April 26, are the first to face the consequences of Stefanelli’s defection. Both were held for trial at hearings Monday. They were recorded at length at two mob meetings Stefanelli helped set up, each at an unnamed restaurant in North Jersey.

The first, in May 2010, was described as a meeting between leaders of the Gambino crime family and the Philadelphia mob. Ligambi and a top lieutenant, Anthony Staino, a codefendant in the pending case, attended with Licata and Fazzini. The Gambino contingent included Stefanelli and others in that organization, including an individual identified only by his initials but believed to be John Gambino, described in the document as “a caporegime,” a member of the “triumvirate” that oversees the Gambino organization.

The detention memo offers a capsule version of what was discussed, but it is clear that Licata holds court. At one point, he jokes with Ligambi about the 2003 gangland murder of John “Johnny Gongs” Casasanto in South Philadelphia, which remains unsolved.

According to the memo, Licata laughs and tells Ligambi, “At least we finally got to get him!”

At another point, Licata complains that the son of jailed Philadelphia boss Nicodemo “Little Nicky” Scarfo was permitted to be “made,” or formally initiated, into the Lucchese crime family.

“Licata expressed contempt for the action,” the government memo reads, “saying, ‘This is a slap in the face to us.’”

In other conversations, the loquacious Licata discusses mob traditions, gossips about other mob families and their members, waxes philosophical about how mobsters should conduct themselves, and provides a history of the Philadelphia crime family.

“We got to stay with the old rules,” Licata says as he and others talk about attracting members who understood the values of La Cosa Nostra.

“The only way to survive, you need quality, not quantity,” Gambino says.

“Guys made it about the money. It’s not about money. It’s about … brotherhood,” Fazzini then adds.

Licata, who, according to sources, has earned millions working various mob gambits over more than 40 years, agrees. Money, he says, is “the green-eyed monster.”


Law enforcement sources have hinted that the recent indictments are just the first chapter in the Stefanelli saga.

“Stay tuned,” an investigator teased last week.

I know dap but alot of people down here are talking like they are waiting for the other shoe to drop and if it dont happen then its really a weak case!!!

yeah people love to talk, i do as well. Give it time my friend, by the end of the summer donuts to peanuts the feds let off a grenade or two.

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don

Licata says that then jailed boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino has proposed three more unknown associates for membership into the family but Ligambi declined to “make” them because he did not know them. Ligambi told Licata that Merlino could do it himself when he gets out of prison."

I wonder who they are.
This also shows a tiny friction between the two big guys.

Is it me LuanKuci or do you use a slightly different font on your posts? Didn't know if I was going crazy! LOL

i never heard of this robert ranieri guy until this indictment.. has anybody else heard anything about him? it said something about him being with staino collecting money or something so i figured he was just muscle for staino..

ive heard of esposito too but not verrecio and ranieri

I also dont know those two guys but i do know Esposito, he used to have a little after hours club and i was friends with his father more my age, he did 17 years for drugs and just got out a year and a half ago

How old are you, buddy?

Staino is too mich of a wuse to do anything himselg so of couse he has a moron like Raneri act as an enforcer and people still stiffed him.

Phillys like to talk tough!!

I hope that drops on George Anastashia

Lets face it guys the mob is not like it used to be, just look at the crimes that are accused in this case. They can be committed by anybody not even associated with organized crime.I am 61 and his father is 67 or so and espositos grandfather used to have a lunchonette in south philly and they had the best homeade ice tea.

YOur right he just did get out of jail. And went straight back to the ward. I've said this before, half the time I went there he'd be asleep at the bar.

its strange when philly goes up to newark has a meeting with the top guys in the gambinos they badmouth the luchese's and scarfo and son, and its all getting recorded by the gambino guy. thats a bad look for them. and scoops just talking big shit i think it was i new his son would be a rat(jr gotti)? i mean the luchese been indicted since 2007 but all out on bail looking like its a screwed up case 5 yrs later scarfo jr just milking copanies for multi millions running them in the ground in philly. yaeh the pen in philly cant be looking good right now thats its 100+.and these recordings are slowly leaking. and scarfo sr calling all the guys rats. genovese family probaly making a killing of the terrible nba championship. aint one ref from jersey not timmy his buddy the fixer who robbed the celts.

They will all rot in jail eventually. Sooner or later. NYC, Philly, Boston, Chicago...is that simple. If it's not this indictment, it's gonna be the next one.

And when you have a guy whose nickname is "Scoops", you'll know that his mouth is gonna get you into troubles. It's hard to believe that Ligambi would hang around with this schmuck.

Yeah. I don't see why he should have ever mentioned the Johnny Gongs murder out loud. But think of how many problems the Jersey Faction has caused over the years, precisely because it was kept too far away from the Philly bosses. Ligambi almost has the right idea, he's just working with the wrong guy as Captain.

I was thinking the same thing when I read that. Why mention a murder from 8 years ago? Just keep your mouth shut, it can only get you into trouble. Feels like Licata was trying to show off to the Gambinos.

I can tell you this much, Jersey and Philly would have been a LOT better if the more tight-lipped Joey Sodano had never been whacked. Ligambi would have found a way to keep Sodano in the picture and get him to pay the regular percent because Sodano would have respected Ligambi's make-money-not-headlines persona. Merlino and Natale had him killed because he had a habit of holding back payments during the Scarfo era and had at one point, backed John Stanfa. Licata inherited the spot. No way Sodano would have mentioned half the stuff Licata did, and if Nicky O takes over after this, he won't either.

I know he's not too credible, but 'Picasso' on the Real Deal at one point claimed Licata was a brokester. The recent articles say he's made millions. Where's the actual estimate?

On another note, once again Michael Lancelotti avoids indictment!

While I don't take what he says over what the feds say (if there's a conflict) most of the time Pic knows his stuff. And he's always talked about how Scoops has amassed a lot of money over the years. I don't recall him saying the opposite.

You're right. Picasso was bragging about calling Scoops a name to his face.

This guy called Scoops as brokester.

very interesting that Lancelotti keeps getting mentioned all over the last 3 indictments and nothing? Are we to assume hes that lucky?

Careful, you're treading on dangerous ground talking about that...

Lets take him to the track and see if he can pick a superfecta

I figured Ranieri was probably a pretty big guy and Staino had him tag along with him so people wouldnt stiff him..

And I, myself, am 25 and just moved out of south philly about a year ago, but my whole family still lives there and it seems like they haven't made many people in Philly lately and the ones who are made are all older. Some of the guys I grew up with that are ages 23-33 are into gambling and loan sharking and everything else but they dont seem to be aligned with Ligambi and all of them. maybe cuz theyre younger or what not but i also heard there was a new younger group in south philly these lately

If there are any young guys i havnt heard of them, and i hardly see any of the guys who are left around anymore

is the 10th and O gang still around?

These younger guys are just doing their own thing and not paying a street tax?

Southphilly, whats the latest on Mazzone, Chang, Lance, Nicodemo... Have you seen these guys around? Is it just them 4 and Sonny Mazzone running things?

Also, be4 the Ligambi clan got taken down where these guys out there? Did you see the whole crew like Mousie, Staino, Uncle Joe, Lucibello, Angelina or were these guys really low key?

10th and O are still around. Not as big as they use to be but they are still around. Dom Grande and the Precopios are from the neighborhood originally and started there.

Also, there are a lot of independents in the city now a days. But if you have something REALLY nice going on, don't thing they won't show up.

I see Sonny all the time outside Quartro during the day. I think he takes horses and other shit there. I think he still owns libations. I see Nicodmeo every once and a while. He is in Real Estate. See him at the bank sometimes. The Merlino crew were always out and more noticeable. The Ligambi guys aren't. Only time ive ever seen Uncle Joe out was down the shore a few years ago. His brother Phil is always out on the beach.

Angelina...a merlino guy....frigin drunk. Sure he would be out and about in Margate if he wasn't right over here and the Fed Dent.

Originally Posted By: HandsomeStevie

And I, myself, am 25 and just moved out of south philly about a year ago, but my whole family still lives there and it seems like they haven't made many people in Philly lately and the ones who are made are all older. Some of the guys I grew up with that are ages 23-33 are into gambling and loan sharking and everything else but they dont seem to be aligned with Ligambi and all of them. maybe cuz theyre younger or what not but i also heard there was a new younger group in south philly these lately

Interesting Stevie. Are they Italians and "makable"?

I bet you there is not a day that goes by that the Merlino crew isnt remembering their glory days. Merlino, Mazzone, Angelina, Horsehead and Georgie.. Those guys will never have it the way they did in the 90's.

Ranieri had a fallen out with Staino a few years before they all got pinched. He got married and he left that life behind. He was making no real money with Staino.

And your right about Bobby,he is a pretty big guy. He is no joke. Bobby was Staino's main guy.

From what i here and see out there nobody is out there like in their hey days. I do see Sonny once in a while if i drop by the Broadway bar which is right next to quattro. Sonny is a bartender there and his brother Handsome Stevie is there quite often. Other than that i never see Johnnie Chang anymore since he dont have the news stand on the corner of Chickies and petes. Lance well hes just plain boring, and Nicademo is married with 2 little kids and his hardly ever out. Georgies brother Anthony is always up and down passyunk ave like he owns it. As far as the 10th and O gang they are pretty much all living in jersey and married off and come to the city to work legit jobs. Dont really know what they are into on the side. Most of the young guys were just hanger ons with no real basis on how to make a living. Before the big Ligambi take down,Mousie,Gaeton,and Marty were always around quattro and the broadway and yes Marty was a drunk and got carried out plenty of times

And by the way i never heard Sonny was a made guy does anybody have any info on that?

Yea he is made from what ive heard. I always see Sonny out there over in front of Broadway and Quartro. He takes action there as well. I know his Wife... or ex wife. Not even sure if divorced yet or not offically. They have a son together. He also has an older son with another woman. Hes usually there during the day.

And a lot of guys to live in jersey (Washington Twp) from 10th and O but there are still some in city and still some that go to Cookies. A lot are hanger ons but there are guys who do things...especially drugs. But not like in ther hey day. Im almost positive that two guys from 10th and O were involved in that Borgota case a few years back.

Who you will see out and about is Lance brother Al. hes a drunk to or was one. Is Al lance made?

Originally Posted By: southphilly old head

And by the way i never heard Sonny was a made guy does anybody have any info on that?

Is he the one the works as a bartender? I believe not...I mean...c'mon...

Originally Posted By: spmob

Is Al lance made?

I remember reading on the forums that he was.

I never seen Sonny bartend there ever. Only place I seen him bartend...and it was only for a minute is his club Libations back in the day. But that was just cause they were busy. He owns that with another guy whose name i cant remember.

Yes Sonny is a bartender and also has a night club in center city called Libations. Lance being made is not a gurantee but the feds say Scoops is on tape saying that Lance brought Esposito in to get made. Wouldnt he have to be made to do that?

I think spmob, his partners name is Johnnie Fish in that nightclub. If Al Lance is made then its time for the mob to dismantle! This guy is the biggest waste out there living off his uncles name. With this kind of guy around them its wonder why they dont get the respect that they used to

Any Info on the younger generation Handsome Stevie was talking about? Names...

None at all as i havnt really been out there to much. sometimes after these indictments of the Ligambi guys it takes some time before people fill the vacumm

SP old head...yea Al Lance goes Club to Club off his last name getting wasted. Hes a dope. And your right its Johnnie Fish.

Maybe Dom Grande...hes like 32??? Theres guys all over the city who think they are somebody doing some side bookin/sharkin/seeling drugs. idk. Nobody cares anymore. Nobody really gets taxed. I still want to know who the guys Ligambi didn't make that Joey wanted made. Ligambi said he will wait for Joey to come home for them to be made.

Well i dont know about Dom but if Joey wanted to make 3 guys they would of had to off somebody and I havnt heard of anybody offed in a long while. Unless the rules have changed in their world

According to the transcripts of the Scoops sitdown, Lance is a Capo in South Jersey I believe


funny you mention that libations club, when i was in philly this past weekend my buddy's neighbors (two smoking hot lesbians) were saying they were heading down there.

I think the the guys name is Johnny Fish, I used to work as a bouncer at Libations a while back.

Hello all. First time poster, long time fan of mob history, specifically Philadelphia. Since you guys seem to know your stuff, I have a few questions about the Philly LCN that maybe you guys could shed some light on.

Always wondered how some of the local Philly guys avoid the radar. Guys that have been around awhile and by some accounts are made guys. Vince Iannece, Marty Curro, to name a few. Are they just background types that arent too involved?

Also, I've read some of the hierarchy lists that were posted here. Is tommy marrone still active? Stephen Sharkey? Frangpiani? Accardo? These guys all did small bits on the Merlino trial but you dont hear much about them these days.

Is Eric Esposito, Raymond Espositos son/relative?

I dont think Tommy Marrone is active, after him and Shotsie were caught up with John Stanfa, years ago. Always heard he never wanted that bullshit with the Stanfa crew.

And with Snitch (frangpiani), here is a guy that is one Merlino's best friend, but I think for the for the most part is only active to a certain degree. Stolen goods. But I always have heard he was involved in the robbery of the brinks truck years ago, with Merlino. He is a pretty smart guy who is involved in alot of real estate.

welcome to the boards tj, i must admit for such a small family philly generates tons of interest

i cant speak on any of those guys you mentioned as i am not familiar with them

does anyone know david ritaltado from south phily

who takes over scoops crew now that he and fazzini are in the can?

One Oldhead will come out of the woodwork to replace licata and he'll just have a bunch of wannabes to re[;ace Lou

Im pretty sure that Tommy Marrone died from a heart attack at a young age, never heard of any of those other guys but snitch. hes like horse shit and makes money in flips of real estate and blows all of it gambling

Nicky O is the only made guy left out there I believe.

Originally Posted By: Dapper_Don

According to the transcripts of the Scoops sitdown, Lance is a Capo in South Jersey I believe

Albert's a captain?
Are these guys the Sopranos? 7 capos with 9 soldiers?

If you didn't hang out with Joey Merlino in the 90's you have a better shot of staying under the radar. If you don't use social networking sites or any different media outlets to expose yourself. The guys that there aren't any pictures of them on the web is a good thing. Also probably not a good idea to talk to george anastshia when hes making money off of your crimes with his books, when your sitting in the can.

Originally Posted By: DickNose_Moltasanti

If you didn't hang out with Joey Merlino in the 90's you have a better shot of staying under the radar. If you don't use social networking sites or any different media outlets to expose yourself. The guys that there aren't any pictures of them on the web is a good thing. Also probably not a good idea to talk to george anastshia when hes making money off of your crimes with his books, when your sitting in the can.

So you're saying that there are key members out there that we don't know of?

The family has 3 captains, I believe..

Anthony Staino (Philadelphia/South Jersey)
Michael Lancelotti (Philadelphia/Atlantic City)
Joseph Licata (North Jersey)

Originally Posted By: IvyLeague

The family has 3 captains, I believe..

Anthony Staino (Philadelphia/South Jersey)
Michael Lancelotti (Philadelphia/Atlantic City)
Joseph Licata (North Jersey)

Woha...they're tiny indeed.

Kinda cute I'd say.

I didn't say that there were, leave that up to speculation. One thing that pisses me off, and its not directed at anyone is some of the names on the charts. I mean I don't want to mention any names but some of these guys that have brothers,uncles,dads,nephews in the family are labeled Mobster.

It's guilt by association, some of these guys work 40 hours a week. They have the connections if they need them, depending on the family members influence within the family.

I just seen this on philly.com http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120622_Ligambi_jurors_to_be_guarded_under_tight_security.html

I know David. Use to hang with him in highschool. He was a funny back in the day. Hes boys with Victor Dipietro who was one of the guys who found Gongs body with Gongs brother.

Just read that to. Thats going a little overboard.

I think Nicky O would take over the NJ faction. Ligambi made guys in the last few years and there hasnt been a hit in a while. I think the rules have somewhat changed.

I mean the prosecuters have to be kiddin with this request. We are really gona see if this judge is as fair as everybody is saying or if hes partial to the prosecution when he rules on this motion.

I must admit Nicky O, i never heard of him until someone mentioned that his name was brought up in the stefanelli tapes

Yea I agree thats some BS for a case like this. Sequestered Jury, marshals walking with them to lunch. Never thought they would do that.

I think the prosecution wants to potray this case like its a really serious case with serious alegations so they can sway the public. In SP everybody is saying its total bs but in other parts of the state from wear they are gona get the jury im not so sure they think like that

That's why a change of venue doesn't work with the Feds. They'll end up stacking the jury with farmers from Western Pennsylvania. When these hillbillies see the money these guys are supposedly making, they're likely to convict just out of jealousy. It's an old trick. The Feds do it all the time. They make the jurors feel like they're the ones who've been shortchanged in life. It's hardly fair, but like I said, they do it all the time.

from what we currently know is nicky o the only made guy left that is active out in jersey?

Michael lancelotti

well to the sopranos credit all those capos had a number of associates under them and some even had a few made guys lol

Yeah, the Sopranos = All chiefs, no Indians.

staino is the south jersey skipper, not lance.

I've never heard this before.

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/merlino_watch-38357814.html

A plot to kill Ligambi?

Dapper, I haven't seen any information on Beepsie Centorino ever since his stint as Acting Capo was done. But he's in the Licata crew, might still be around. If not, it's just Nicky O.

^^^yeah, I meantt Lance is the Capo for AC as ivyleague alluded to above

AC? Lance doesn't have a presence there...

Just did a quick check, i believe it is south philly. i was going off ivy's comment about ac

All of the remaining smaller families outside New York - Philly, Boston, New Jersey, Chicago - have 3 or 4 captains at this point.



He did at least back in the Borgata casino gambling bust.

yea most of the white people i grew up with were italian or irish.. and im sure some are makable but i dont know there status or anything i just know theyre dirty

Lets face it handsome stevie the guys that are around are pretty classy guys. They dont bother any innocent people or businesses. Ive been in southphilly all my life and i never heard of a innocent person or business being bothered by any gangster. That may be something the old time gangsters did in the 20s, was charge protection money. I think that they go after guys that are doing illegal stuff on their own and then actually come to them for protection after they get into a fued with someone else in the same racket. The old term they use is you always get invited to the funerals but no weddings. That means that when people are doing good illegally you never hear from them but when their doing bad. thats when they reach out to you.

Going after innocents is an easy way to get pinched. Someone in an illegal business would be a lot more hesitant to run to the police.

Still, Ligambi is a murderer. If they can't put him away for that, in my opinion it's right to put him away at least for minor crimes. Even if the victim wasn't really an angel, I don't think he deserved to die.

I agree with you, nobody deserves to lose their life

I disagree. There are some who don't deserve to live.

If they are really just plain old bad people then i guess your right

mazzone would kill you in a heartbeat if he had to and sleep like a baby. the guy was an animal in the 90s, classy wouldn't be the term I'd use.

The old "I just killed criminals" might work for Sopranos-wannabes, but anyone with a real conscience knows that all of these fellas should end up in jail. The great thing is: they will. Their fate is so easy to predict...and I ain't no psychic.

I give Mazzone not more than 12-18 months before he gets sent back inside. If Ciancaglini is as smart as many posters write, he'll move to FL too.

yeah i believe it was the westside who wanted to pop ligambi and co using caprio to take over some rackets

centerino is 80 and he is out and free, a poster called louieb on the other side suggested beeps will step up as the capo for that crew

heres an update

A federal judge has refused to throw out a racketeering conspiracy charge against reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and 10 codefendants.
U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno denied a defense motion Friday seeking to have the charge dismissed. The racketeering conspiracy allegation is the principal charge in a 52-count indictment.
Robreno said there was enough evidence to support the government allegations that the conspiracy existed, rejecting the defense argument that the case was built around a series of cobbled-together but unrelated criminal acts. Ligambi and seven top associates are being held without bail pending the trial, scheduled to begin on Oct. 9.
Robreno, who will preside over the trial, ruled on several other procedural motions Friday. Two key motions still pending are the government's request for an anonymous jury and a defense motion seeking to bar the playing over any tapes made by Nicholas "Nicky Skins" Stefanelli, a North Jersey mob figure who wore a body wire for the FBI for nearly two years. Stefanelli committed suicide earlier this year.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsy...mbi_case_1.html

Thanks Dap for the link. I think that it was wishful thinking that a judge would throw out that charge. The judge is gona let the jury decide

When i say classy i mean in bars they will by the bar a couple of rounds of drinks and in resturantes they will pick up checks and are very genorous when it comes to tipping

The Real Deal closed the books on me

You're right then, Beepsie will probably step up. He's still left with only one soldier, though. The thing is, Merlino only ever wants to make guys from Philly. So Jersey might get the shaft.

yeah i believe it was the westside who wanted to pop ligambi and co using caprio to take over some rackets

centerino is 80 and he is out and free, a poster called louieb on the other side suggested beeps will step up as the capo for that crew [/quote]

What was MAZZONE doing in the 90s ?

Originally Posted By: rg

What was MAZZONE doing in the 90s ?

Competing in a though-guy contest with the rest of the young turks.

[/quote]


besides a few posters on there the real deal is not all what others make it out to be, too many ignorant guys with too much time on their hands looking to start an internet beef for fun

who is that other made guy in nj besides beeps who is left?

The DePena's (If you say it real fast it sounds like the penis brothers.) Th reins they were passed to them by uncle joe. They decided by playing that ring toss game the one you play on the boardwalk that you know is somehwat rigged or odds are against you. Ligambi has a beak so hes an easy target They couldn't draw straws at the FDC so one of the inmates ripped the shower curtain down so the mob could plays it game using the shower rings

Hey Dickie, I thought the jokes were on another page, or maybe im getting to old to try to figure out what your saying!!

I asked this earlier but I don't think anyone answered. Can "Nicky Skins' " testimony be admissible if he's not around to corroborate? If he was the star witness, I feel like Ligambi and Co got a descent shot at beating this thing.

Also… does anyone have the Schratweiser/ Anastasia "Mob Talk" episode with the stock footage of Uncle Joe getting out of his black STS? I just bought one and my Mom keeps trying to tell me the big guy drives a Lincoln.

Frank M has fafr as I no the feds did say a while a go that bands its on tape what he said that's enough,nothing changes.You know sometimes it might be better[not saying its good he died] that guys like this don't take the stand because the jury may look at him as a low life career criminal just trying to save his neck.

Remember the family's been in two factions under Ligambi and Merlino most likely it's been Merlino's guys been stiring this shit up to get Ligambi indicted to take the top spot back

Yeah but Merlino-Ligambi regime isn't factioned like the Stanfa administration. They're buddies (a certain famous softball team comes to mind). I don't think Merlino was in any position to "stir the pot" while he was rotting in the pen. He was too busy learning the lesson of what an ego and a big mouth does to a boss. Just my .02.

I've heard conflicting reports on whether the Nicky Skins tapes can be used. Most sources says they will be used, but I also read that the only recordings that be used without Nicky testifying are the ones where the FBI documented the time/date and have surveillance photos of.

Either way, the tapes become a little weaker without Nicky testifying. Philly guys got a little (much needed) break.

Earlier you guys were talking about classy,Frankie Flowers died because he didn't show no respect to Scarfo,according to Scarfo.That was totally not necessary,same with Salvie.To me the Billy Veasey hit could have been avoided,what did he do.He got ambushed heading to work one morning.John Veasey was out in the open long after the Ciancaglini[Michael] hit but they were afraid of him.Stevie Mazzone never actually participated in Billy Veasey's hit because he knew one day John-John would be out for revenge.I mean Billy Veasey wasn't a player like those guys were,he might have done things here and there[bookmaking] but nothing substancual.

Well, I dont consider it a "break" when the Philly guys have their own voices on tape which is the situation with Licata, Ligambi, Fazzini, and im sure some other tapes the feds have yet to release. From the tapes that have been released, they are pretty self-explanatory with mentions of murder (Gongs) and making ceremonies. You dont need Skins testifying to corroborate that, just put past defectors like Caprio, Milano, and Bent Finger Lou on the stand.

Regardless, these guys have a big hill to climb if they think they have a shot at beating this case.

None of them are beating their cases. Their only hope is that they can prove the evidence weak and/or get an acquittal on the most serious charges. Then they won't be sentenced too harshly.

Joseph Merlino will soon rise to power once again. Bringing back the glorious days of disorganization and confusion. Then he'll demise will come by the hand of the Federals!

The Legend continues...

This is what I hate. If Joey hasn't taken a page out of Ligambi's book, people are going to start getting hit again. Philly doesn't need that.

@22 I once cited the Frankie Flowers murder as unnecessarily harsh, even for the Scarfo era. I got shut down for that for some reason. Anyway, in Caramandi's book, they basically shook down D'Alfonso's friends, hoping that D'alfonso would bail them out, and thus, finally paying the Scarfo street tax. Of course, he tried to be reasonable and negotiate for his friend's safety rather than buying it, and that was the last chance Scarfo gave him.

scarfo was within his rights, everyone in the area was paying, flowers had been warned before, so he got his.

Hey 22, i did say that a few guys that i see around are classy but by no means would i ever consider that pyscopath scarfo a classy guy! He was far from classy. A few of his guys were actually classy guys like Joey Punge and Salvi Testa but not Scarfo and most certainly not Leonetti,Carramondi or those drunks Tommy Del and Yogi Merlino

Are they all just going to take a blanket plea deal? 5-7 for Ligambi, 3-5 for tge rest of the crew? Are those numbers off base?

That would be wise, but are the prosecutors offering plea deals?

so far i hear of a few offers that were rejected like Luccibella 63 months and also Staino 63 months. I would say that those number are probably on par but Ligambi might get less than a couple of the other guys cause of priors

I got you,I know what you mean,I realize a lot of them are everyday guys

Skinny Joe is bad for Philadelphia... I wonder why he doesn't see that flashy guys don't last long in the top spot? There's a reason why it takes the quiet ones years to get caught up with...

i give skinny joe credit he's a mutilple murder and boss whatever, and he's living good at a young age in florida for a mobster's age. he got one over on them but that doesnt make me feel like he's not gonna have a heartatack any day dont know how you can live wit the stress. the shooting of that guy on the federal courthouse steps thats more crazy then gotti killing paul in midtown.

hey pmac refresh my mind on this one cause i dont ever remember an incident like that happening

He must mean when Rocco Turra got shot on the way to court,but that was back in 98 I think,and that was in front of his house.

22, it was tony turra who got clipped by virgilio when he was going to court, rocco turra flipped.

old head, you're calling testa classy? the guy was an animal, a serial killer in his own right, and at the end of the day no one was trying to save this guy. People make this guy out to me some martyr, but he was no better than scarfo or leonetti or anyone else. He played his hand wrong and got burned, wasn't the first and wasn't the last.

ya it was aguy named turra he was caught on tape saying he wanted and was gonna threw a grenade threw merlino home window. i think he was with that south philly gang 10 and suttin. the way i read it was he was killed close to the court house on the day of his trial, but if it was virglio who did it he died case closed right? him and his kid were huge drug dealers i think. and his kid hated merlino.

10th & O gang and yeah the kid louie hated joey after he caught a beating for not kicking up. Virgilio died five years ago, but if someone close to joey rolled then the feds could easily tie joey to it.

damm they offered staino 63 months and he doesnt have a previous conviction, IMHO that doesnt bode well for the rest of the guys

Where was that cited they offered staino that deal??? His wife cuts my hair? You have to serve what is it 85% of your prison time in the federal system, I like how they make that a rule because it seems that even though some of these crimes carry harsh mandatory minimums they're never applied

^^^im going by what southphilly old head posted, that staino deal hasnt been reported by GA or cited online as of yet.

Hey i happened to know the Turras pretty good and they were hugsters that got into the drug business. They sold fruit for most of their lives at fruit stands and worked at the fruit and produce for some time.Louis which was Tonys son made alot of money dealing drugs and was a really tough kid. When is father who was in a wheel chair got killed in front of his house on his way to court i believe Louis hung himself 2 weeks prior to that while in jail in new york cause his uncle Rocky turned states evidence, also on tape was Tony talking about what his son ought to do to Joeys house.

Testa didnt play his hand the wrong way that pyscopath Scarfo was jealous of a Wall Street article about Salvi Testa saying he was the next in line and that he had all this power and Scarfo flipped. He was as loyal a guy that would ever be in the mob as anyone ever. Scarfo was a jackass and no i would have never said that to his face in the 80s cause you would disappear

Hey Dap if you get a chance to look at the indictment you will see that Staino has the most counts in the indictment at 29 and now Ligambi has 9 with the 2 extra counts that he just got

gotcha, but still staino has no criminal record...hopefully by xmas we know what kinds of sentences these guys got

Iknow with no priors and 29 counts an offer of 63 was turned down probabaly looking for less. What do you think the low guys with only 2 counts and no priors will get?

If you get a certain number of counts for the same crime, it seems a lot of attorneys get a "Noele Process" or something like that from looking at dockets I've seen that at least in state court...but I guess since these are high profile guys they're going to get hit hard for petty things.

The old rule was you only had to serve 60% of your time and you could be paroled.

Old head right about the Turra's,besides Mikey''pen-knife''I think Mazzone and Borgesi were also charged with that [in the 2001 trial],in fact I'm positive they were but they beat it.Mikey Viriglio was never charged.Yeah apparantley "Skinny joey'' and Louis Turra really had a hate for one another,especially after that beating outside the after hours club Joey's guys put on Turra.also what Chucky was saying about Salvie,I heard that too,like on that one occasion where they said he wanted to barge right in the house on Thanksgiving Day to whack somebody[I can't recall] but Faffy talked him out of it.

Hey 22 i might of missed some things about Salvi, it was almost 30 years ago. I guess i always felt bad they way he went out so i had a soft spot for him. Whenever he was around he was a nice guy to everybody almost if you didnt know he was a gangster you would think he was just a regular guy. Im sure he had a bad side tho.

Of course he had a bad side,otherwise he would finished up school and went into the 9-5 center city h and bustle with all the white collar folk..and not being shown surveillance pictures by the fbi of himself and some hunched over little guy with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth(the crow)...aka barney gumble

Don't cry for me I'm already dead - Barney Gumble

I remember when the old man Turra was killed, I think they blew one of his eyes out. It's crazy, so many people wanted to kill Merlino, and the worst he got was a bullet in the ass.

yea just dumb luck i guess! They always said Joey was like a cat, he had 9 lives!!

A bad side? He clipped atleast ten guys, he was a psychopath.

Yea well when you get into that life thats always a risk im sure they were all mobsters and no innocent people

I think Joey has 10 lives.They[John John and Colletti had Merlino dead to rights one night,he was basically passed out in his car under the B.Franklin Bridge around 2nd and Front after a night of partying and supposetley Colletti bailed out ,said he got spooked or something,Merlino would have never knew what hit him.

From what i remember of Colletti he was a desperate plumber never really a gangster but got tied up in it and John John was a glorified junkie and theif. not really tough but crazy and i actually know a few guys that lumped him up even after he was a made member. Now his brother Billy was one tough guy. He fought with his hands the biggest and badest guys but i do remember one night that a south paw probably the same size as him gave him a beatin around the park at 18th a johnson and he came back with agun and shot him in the stomach so thats what the guys brother told me, and i had arlready heard that on the street.

Who came back with a gun billy v??

yes Billy V lost the fight

i actually remember the kids name it was DaLonzo He was a southpaw and once he got a reputation some guys used to try him out

Did Billy do some protection work for a bookie?Maybe roughed one up one time in front of the bookie's girl and the bookie started with you know who I'm with[meaning Skinny Joey]and Billy basically said f... Joey.

Colleti (from what ive read) was a very successful plumber and thus didnt need to be a mobster but obcourse was seduced by that lifestyle.

As for John Veasey, I remember what Anastasia and the FBI said about him "John Veasey was a South Philly toughguy through and through". He gave out beatings and also took some but was generally considered a psycho by everybody.

From all the rumors i heard the guy he roughed up was the bookie and might have been connected but he was in a legitimate cash checking business with this guy and the guy was riding him like making him pay for gas on the truck and taking deductions out of his pay for expenses and Billy didnt like it. But again i say this is just street talk

In my opinion right before the trial they will be giving offers that the defendants cant refuse!!!!! LOL

Truth be told joe turned down the title of boss when stanfa got pinched before he went away for life. joe thought it was a unwise to be the boss during that time the Feds were bring two more cases and the rats were every where his exact words were its great if you want a life sentence. He was going to take care of merlino he just ran out of time and got set up.i often here these stories about what was about.honestly merlino could not make money let alone count it if you gave the keys to fed reserve.scoops another lost cause if you look at it the ones who got killed were the only ones who made any money otherwise no one wanted anything from them.the fact that they made the series on hbo a number of books the history of work done by his crew has yet to be written....

The ones that are making money are on the fringes of the organization.They can ween their way into social circles of wealthier prominent people.

I hear Ligambi made you a soldier before his arrest.

I hear Ligambi made you a soldier before his arrest. [/quote

]

A horses head in my bed won't scare me.

I've had worse happen to me, and survived.

lol

How is your mob family in the northeast getting on?

Well I mean I chose my own family over ligambi's family considering I don't wanna die in prison

This one

I just got in about a half hour ago and at the bar i was at the talk is that Gaeton Lucibello is gona plead out to 63 moths again and roll the dice

good choice lol

if thats the deal he will plead out to, then ligambi is going to get much longer....

That's a good deal. He's already served a year, so he can be paroled in 3.5 more.

Mob figure pleads guilty to racketeering
By Robert Moran
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
August 2, 2012

A Philadelphia mobster pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to racketeering involving extortion and illegal gambling, officials said.

Gaeton Lucibello, 59, of Philadelphia, admitted to U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno that he, as a member of the Philadelphia La Cosa Nostra family, helped to shake down a bookmaker for a "street tax." He also admitted operating two illegal video poker machines.

Lucibello is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 26. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

He was one of 14 mafia members and associates charged with crimes including loan sharking, witness tampering, extortion, illegal gambling, and theft from an employee benefit plan.

The others charged are family boss Joseph Ligambi, underboss Joseph Massimino, George Borgesi, Martin Angelina, Anthony Staino Jr., Damion Canalichio, Louis Barretta, Gary Battaglini, Robert Verrecchia, Eric Esposito, Robert Ranieri, Joseph Licata, and Louis Fazzini.

Ligambi, Massimino, Borgesi, Angelina, Staino, Jr., Canalichio, Barretta, Battaglini, Licata, and Fazzini are scheduled for trial in October.

A trial date for the others has not been set.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120802_Mob_figure_pleads_guilty_to_racketeering.html

Can anyone tell me the exact address where Sal Testa was killed? Everything I read only says an old candy store on Passy. in Philly

Thanks guys.

Was Lucibello's deal the one that the judge was worried about the "sentence discrepancy"?

yes, i think it is the same deal

This is a waste of tax-payer money, its funny the on deli in Packard park with the goba goo takes a lot food stamps..they need to start arresting all these Chinese People with their bodegas selling all kinds of fake shit even cigarettes ...allowing people to buy cigarettes with their ACCESS Card ..godforbid you try to confront them they'll Hiss at you!

Just seen that Lucibello has plead guilty. http://mobile.philly.com/news/?wss=/philly/news/local/&id=164839656

Philly wiseguy pleads guilty, but he's no rat
By William Bender, Philly Inquirer
Friday, August 3, 2012

Don't worry, Philly wiseguys. Gaeton Lucibello isn't pulling a Henry Hill on you.

He won't be taking the stand to tell the jury about the alleged crimes of Philly mob boss Joseph Ligambi and his underlings.

That's because the guilty plea Lucibello finalized Thursday doesn't require him to dish on La Cosa Nostra to receive a little leniency.

"It's a noncooperation agreement," said David Fritchey, chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force in the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Lucibello, 59, admitted to assisting in shaking down a bookie for "street tax" payments and operating two illegal video-poker machines as part of a racketeering conspiracy. He faces up to 30 years in prison, but under the terms of the agreement, he'll likely receive 51 to 63 months at his sentencing in November.

Lucibello previously agreed to a government plea deal, but backed out at the last minute in April and decided to go to trial. The flip-flopping mobster then changed his mind again, even though the current deal apparently isn't much sweeter.

"I think he just needed more time to think about it," a law-enforcement source said. "It's essentially the same thing."

Ligambi and his co-defendants — including high-ranking reputed mobsters Joseph Massimino, Anthony Staino, Marty Angelina and George Borgesi — are set to go on trial in October.

Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello has pleaded guilty and is expected to testify for the prosecution.

I love some of the quotes at the bottom of the page after the article, if the jury is split on this like the comments they may just walk

I wonder if other guys like Esposito will plead out. Trial in October should be fun to watch though!!!

I wouldn't count on it. The Government will weed the mob watchers out during jury selection. But time will tell .

from what i know esposito was severed from the case and will be going to trial sometime in the spring

Esposito is still out on the streets, I guess he isn't facing any major charges? I'm still shocked at the fact he is a made guy...

quite a shock to me too, from what i hear he does not have a rico charge thats why he was able to sever. Any body else you know that is on the streets from that indictment?

Staino's under house arrest.

Lucibello gets all that time because of the RICO involvement? Basically he beat a guy up which is assault, a crime that happens everyday in every city, and had 2 illegal poker machines....WOW...seems like what DICKNOSE stated above the government has other things they could worry about that are stealing from the federal government not beating some dude up in S Philly. Tell the feds to travel north on broad to see some murderers and open air drug markets

Merlino that is what I am saying the feds need to start concentrating on the the real shit going on in North America today and leave the italians alone they have had enough harassment for a life time. Focus on the phyco's who walk into theatre's and shoot 52 random people for no reason focus on losers like that. Feds get a life.

I know these guys arent angels, but for this guy to get 5 years in prison and could have gotten 30 years, is a little too much...If I go out today and get in a fight and give my local bar a poker machine, I am guessing I get probation if caught not a federal prison

This is one of the reason i think they have a good shot at beating the rico at trial cause of opinions not only on this board but the bottom of the aticle from Lucibellos plea and by people i talk to in bars the charges dont seem to be violent enough for the time they may get. I know that they may get a jury from lancaster or somey hokey fanokey town but still with no violence who knows. In the mean time they spent 30 MILLION and if it goes to trial another 20 million to convict guys that are gambling. Like really, you know how many americans that lost their homes in this economy that they could of helped out or the homeless and starving children they could feed!! And why so some prosecuters can go and chalk up some notches on their belt. Please Please these charges should be state chearges! any way i was in the bar the other day and this guy was saying the same thing and people were agreeing but of course that was south philly

Southphilly Old Head,
I agree with you these are simple state charges that could be done with less money...what a waste and there are all of these real estate scammers that pilfered the public by fabricating the housing industry and basically ruining the entire US and world economy and yet the feds are wasting money on gambling and fighting, makes no sense, they got scarfo jr pretty quick on the mortagage fraud

$30 million?!?! There's no way that can be right.

Figure it out for yourself since they have been investigating this particular crew since 1999 to the present. Thats 13 years and still going

The bottom line is if they dont get some violence in this case then its not worth it.

There is NO way the feds even spent $5 million on this case, if they spent $30 million you best believe EVERY single made guy and associate from that family (not that many compared to NY) would have been off the streets during GW Bush's term.

I disagree with you, you have btw 7 to 10 agents making btw 125 and 250 a year for 13 years and the meter is still going. plus what they pay informants and relocation fees for informants, recordings and theres 15000 of them that the agents and the AG has to go through. How about gas and other expenses that are needed. Plus the specialitsts that they hire and all the analyses they have to do,and all the paper work and courtroom grand jury expenses etc etc ???

I would love to get a true number on that

Agents dont make six figures (only the higher ups in DC, and the heads of the squads do), they make about 50-60k starting salary since they are on the federal GS pay scale, trust me i know as a former federal worker. Most of the agents out on the street havent been working for the fbi very long hence thats why they are out on the street doing the grunt work. There's not many informants in this case and they have only started cooperating within the past few years so theres not much relocation expenses.

With the adevnt of smartphones and new technology it is VERY cheap to have tons of hours of recordings so thats not a big expense. The FBI has in house specialists already on the payroll and if they dont they ask other agencies like the DOJ to assist so youu dont have to hire new people for this case. Paper expenses arent going to be a million dollars either.

we will see will this come out in trial how much was spent?

Highly doubtful because in reality this is not that big of a case compared to others.

I must respectfully disagree with new agents on the street doing grunt work only (like the Philly LCN cases). From having had a very good vantage point in the past I can assure you that the newer agents get sent to dumps like Cleveland or Denver etc. and break in doing serial bank robberies and things of that nature. Even more are sent to work in smaller areas on paper and white collar type criminal activity. Higher profile cases such as LCN in the larger cities are handled mainly by seasoned agents. Its about stacking their odds in their favor when the court date comes. Once a team and target are established in LCN they usually get a DAG or two assigned to their crew to guide things. Its all about building a case for the courtroom rather than for the arrest. Arrests are a dime a dozen and easily done with minimal efforts and expenditures. Courtroom convictions are not as easy to come by as they cannot control many variables to a great degree.

Newer agents generally cut their teeth on courtroom testimony on much lower end files as far as cases go, Uncle Sam wants their LCN squads to be more experienced with A LOT of courtroom experience and testimony already under their belts.

While it doesn't take all that much in the scheme of things to become a button man in the mob, it takes quite a bit of smarts to become an agent today. Unlike times past, many many many of these young guys and gals were also street cops, and many many many now have also already been CPA's and attorneys. All have college degrees, While they sure aren't perfect, LCN today isn't dealing with any fools.

Remember EVERYTHING UNCLE SAM DOES FROM THE FIRST DAY OF A CASE IS GEARED TOWARDS THE COURTROOM.

Keep the posts coming guys, a lot of us enjoy the reading.

^ Much like the RCMP, you spend your first years in buttfudge nowhere Alberta, where you can watch your dog run away for weeks if you know what I mean.

By "grunt work" I was referring to new agents who are assigned to a LCN squad whose main responsibilities are to gather intelligence i.e. takepictures, videos, etc which helps build the groundwork for a case. A good example are the two young college grads who laid the groundwork for taking down the Bonannos and Massino using forensic accounting. Seasoned agents are the ones in the office looking at the bigger picture and receiving all the intel from the agents on the street. They are the ones that decide when somebody gets busted, how to strategically steer an investigation to get the desired outcome.

I agree it is quite difficult actually to become an agent today. I know a few qualified people personally who were turned down in their own right.

I am guessing you have been there which leads me to basically say they have a case against many of these guys under RICO but who cares they caught or have lucibello on really some bs charges, who cares, he beat a dude up and had some poker machines, IMO that doesnt mean RICO, I know he hung around Joey, Georgie, and Uncle Joe but that is just such bs, in the grand scheme of things it just isnt that big of deal

Salestuff, you think you can put your opinion on a price tag for this 13 year investigation? Merlino, i agree with you this case is all BS. This is what ive been saying the whole time that theres more people doing way more harmful things in society than the charges that they got these guys on. Unless of course they can get some violence out of this than its just not worth it

didnt it cost the government 80 million dollars to get john gotti? or was he exaggerating on the prisons tape?

I don't think the Phila Guys ever made money !

I read in that Capeci book about Gotti it was like $30 or $50 million, that includes round the clock surveillance by bunch of agents (over 30 at one point), all the trials, money for informants, witness protection, relocation, etc.

The Philly guys made money look up the Borgata case

Don't forget about all the overtime they pay these agents

and holding these guys in center city without bond for the past year on the taxpayers dime

Ah so Gotti was talking bullshit

Don't cry for these jerkoffs, they deserve to be where they are.

Yeah putting a price tag on this type of thing from the government side is tough. It depends on how you categorize things. Since they already have the manpower and specialists its going to be paid for if they do the case or they do another case or they do nothing at all. However, if you calculated the wages, benefits and other things alone I am sure we are talking about millions and millions. Could those resources have been directed at other things like violent drug gangs, illegal Mexicans bringing in hundreds of kilos of heroin...YUP YOU BET. But as long as the Medicans love films like Goodfellas and the Godfather Trilogy Uncle Sam is going to keep going after Italian Americans, plain and simple. You gotta remember, when you get out of the Northeast people across the country actually think we are all like Michael Corleone and John Gotti. So as long as those images stay popular our people are going to be a target no matter how low level the infractions may seem. Yeah I hate that too but these cases we are talking about are hyped up at least to some degree all the time and the average Joe out there gets all excited. So Uncle Sam keep feeding them.

the number one priority for all law enforcement should be groups that pose a serious threat to public safety, but busting some corner boys just doesn't get the same amount of headlines as lcn. i'm not from philly but all you ever hear about is people shot all the time, many times catching a stray bullet. i can't remember the last time someone was hit in the crossfire in a mob hit.

Merlino..what are you trying to say? I'm well aware of North Board Street and lived in various sections of North Philadelphia while attending Temple University. I'm not singling anyone out but to make a long story short, with all the corruption in our city I get pissed, that there isn't more oversight on all the free government hand me outs.

Ran into a friend at a little cofee shop on oregon ave. in south philly at breakfast this morning and the talk is that Marty is trying to get a plea deal like gaeton but a little lighter like 57 months

My basic thought was the crime in the North Philly area is way more violent on a day to day basis than the poker machines and beating up a delinquent gambler, seems the feds and philly pd concentrate in that area more than they are. I agree, Philly politicians and the machine is very corrupt and there is no oversight, You could basically watch the tv show the wire and change baltimore with philly

Marty seems like a loose cannon and its obvious the guy is an alcoholic. Uncle Joe should of banished him to Pittsburgh

Merlino... I'm not disagreeing with you. North Philadelphia they can't change over night they've slowly but steadily fixed up certain parts over the years.(Northern Libs/Fairmount/WestGirard.
But just like you said about the wire is true, except we have more police corruption in Philadelphia. I'm not trying to be a racist but its been documented by journalists on tv ( American Gangster Philadelphia Black Mafia) The investigative reporter before George Anastasia says Black on Black crime is/was a "Cheap Story" and that it was hard for a black person to get their obituary in the paper back then. Mayor Nutter said he had a vision of making North Board look like North Boardway of something corny like that. I agree this is a gambling case it sells papers, provides income for law enforcement, journalists, and sells books (to people like ourselves.) I don't think they should be hit this hard but after wasting all the time and resources they had to do something, they probably thought they'd get something big (like a murde) and so far they haven't.

but then again .... Fall is Coming

hey dn, what would you say is the worst area of the city? one of my buddies up hear spent a few days in the local county jail up here a few years back and he said they had lots of philly guys shipped up here to do short time. he said most of them said that they were from west philly.

The thing is with places in North Philly - (Ive seen the Louis Theroux Documentary)you have to reduce crime there by giving them new and better facilities and help them at school to get jobs, you cant just go in arrest them for murder and drug charges, at least in the long run. And with the LCN, I guess the FBI go after them because they've been in America for over 100 years and so the FBI learns who are the new players because as times went by the LCN are more open, easier for FBI to pin point whereas albanians or russians, whatever, its hard because they've just arrived in the US.

It can vary there are rough sections in west Phila, south phila (Point Breeze/Wilson Park), and North Philadelphia as well. The fact that West/North have good colleges there, they've bought out a lot of housing to make it student housing, so students feel safe.I'd say the badlands. It's a part of North Philly that houses have those Iron cages around the whole porch not just the door,burned outhouses, you don't have to call a dope dealer because they sell to anyone, but your better off knowing one so you don't get robbed by them or the police. Temple Hospital at Board and Allegheny once you go down there and get into the single digit or letter streets that's where a variety or drug organizations manufacture and move their product.

Short your right on that part... Latin criminals usually have a full first middle and last names. Dome African-Americans can disguise themselves by using their Muslim name. I don't know the whole legality part about that, maybe another poster has more insight on that issue, in-regards to giving someone your name (e.g. law enforcement)

Here is an article about some of the crime in Philadelphia from 5 years ago and updated last year, it is and interesting study and article if you have been in those different areas and what is or isnt being done to help clean it up. Another is a book called: 3rd and Indiana by former Inquirer columnist steve lopez which is set in the badlands.

http://www.phawker.com/2011/08/23/special-report-the-top-10-drug-corners-2011/

Thats not what I originally meant dickie but thats a good point too!

Every now and then the newspapers or tv news will publish a chart of where the murders are and oddly enough where the feds concentrate all their time and resources are in the italian so called mob in south philly and thats where the least amount of murders are. I know some of you are gona say that this is a city problem but in reality they should be investigating where all the guns are coming from and that is a federal problem. And by the way the chart is littered with dots in North Philly and in West philly

I think he's crying over wasted tax dollars.

OVER 11 MILLION DOLLARS SPENT!!! So Far!!

13 agents x average $60k salery per year x 13 years = $10,140,000
20-25 informants x who knows a real #. I no that 2 informants got a 25k lump sum just because the Feds were ready to indict last year.
12 jurors n 12 alt jurors x $25 a day x 120 days = $72k
2 Gambling experts x $25k = $50k
5 court appointed lawyers x $130k = $650,000

George Anastasia announces a NOT GUILTY VERDICT- PRICELESS

Thank you sp13 I think thats more on the money, Lets not forget all the gas driving around following people, recording devices, government cell phones and the attorneys that they have to have on the pay roll but as we know drives up the prices

and by the way 60k per year is being conserative, its moe like 90k a year as we know they all have to have college degrees and they are intelligent people

It's not an exact figure and I'm sure there's lots of little things too that add up. But a 13 years investigation for poker machines n gambling?? Really?? N the funny part is the poker machines are back in the same bars that the Feds took them out of!! N the reason this took so long was because the Feds know this is a bs case but the statue of limitations were up. So if they didn't indict, then how do they explain misusing all the taxpayers money. I mean spending all the taxpayers money correctly!! SMH!!

One of the best post I've seen in in awhile.

I think you just like using your new-found smileys.

No, with a masters degree it is around 60 - 65K starting salary. Take it from somebody who has worked in DC and is very familiar with the Federal GS pay scale (and I know a few agents to boot).

I enjoyed reading this, but I HIGHLY doubt that they had 13 agents investigating this family at one time at ANY time within the past 13 years. Some of the NY squads dont even have that many agents just for one family.

The store was on Passyunk? I could of sworn it happened at Gary Tavella's candy store which i thought was at 9th and Mountain. Tavella's wife has a deli there now.

Are you sure it was Passyunk?

Hey Dap how about if an agent started working with them in like 2000 and was still working on the investigation in May 2011 can you tell me the pay scale foe that agent having 11 years in?

Definately on passyunk, i think it is 1611 east passyunk cause now its a ticket agency, its right before tasker on you right if your driving down passyunk

Ok, thanks. Do you know if that was Tavella's place?

i forgot the connection wheather it was his or his parents but he did def hav something to do with the place

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaki...ead_guilty.html

Rumor is 57 months

4 and half years is tough

well you have to take into consideration that by the time he gets sentenced sometime in november he will have 18 months in

Why in America do you say sentences in months? Why not say he has four and a half years? Has this always been the case?

thats how the federal sentencing guidelines are set up in months

I was down at the bar today guys it looks like there going to beat these charges

Sounds like the jury, or one juror, maybe sympatechic to their cause.....

I think DickNose was being facetious.

Pizzaboy i'm glad me and you both share Ivyleague degrees

Apparently the word is that George Anastasia has retired at the age of 65, too bad.

That is probably why we havent been updated on the trial yet and I wouldnt bet on seeing many more mob talks/mob scenes in the future, but i could be wrong (i hope).

I think he realizes that at his age and as far as his career is concerned he reached the tipping point. What more can he really do? Write a book about those idiots eating Italian Seafood with a rat from the gambino family

Just sucks that nobody seems to be covering the trial anymore. Hopefully the new crime reporter will. Just thought GA would last until after this trial since it was 10 years in the making. Maybe he will do a little freelance but if he is retired I doubt he is at court. \

On another note, Rat finger Lou should be testifying by weeks end is the word on the street.

It appears that since George retired, there are not enough resources or apetites for the info to cover this trial in full. Thats what I have heard.

That's odd. Must be something fishy

yeah kinda came out of nowhere

No reason there shouldn't be at LEAST an unpaid intern taking notes to report in the paper

the lack of coverage is shameful

Its even worse since GA as been waiting for the trisl and posting vids pre trial and just deciding to quit. Mob Scene must of been scrapped

DAP, I emailed the the guy who did the last article, John Martin. He said he is the only one working the courthouse and can't go every day due to the lack of employees (philly papers going downhill) and he said lack of insterest basicaly. I dont see how that is when Philly and south jersey is usually interested in this stuff. So he said he can't be there everyday but will try to cherry pick a few spots.

I also heard on the street that Lou is testifying this week. I told John Martin that we would like to hear about that and anything having to do with the nicky skins tapes. Didn't hear back afer that. lol

Crooked Toe will be Ratting Live Tommorrow!!

lou fazzini??

crooked toe...lol...I love it! So I did hear correctly bout Lou.

This coverage has been shitty. I told you to tell us whats going on. Come back tomorrow and give us an update.

I do hope they do some coverage on it. You would think that some shit journalist in the corner somewhere would do some kind of blog and cover it or something since he sees that no one else is doing any coverage. Hopefully John Martin covers Rat finger lou...or crooked toe tomorrow.

People get nicknames and nobody ever wonders why.So I will ask does he have a bent finger from an accident or something

I know that money is down with papers but that is kind of BS because when these articles are on philly.com there are always up to 20 comments and that is just people who comment not the people who read the article, and the article is usually put on this site which means even more hits to philly.com those 2 papers must be really be scrapping by...the iggles are turrible this year take a guy off the reid watch to sit in the courtroom and tell what is going on

suprised the citypaper.net doesnt have someone on it, i bet philly mag has something on the new issue but that is a few weeks away

66


General Managers at McDonalds start at 50-60 K a year so agents definitely get more then that! just saying!

sorry to say it buddy but you have NO IDEA what your talking about. my brother is a general manager at taco bell and makes 61K a year. and he didnt goto college!& he started at 55k 3 years ago. So an agent that went to college makes at a bare minimum 80-90K a year... if you dont believe me, google it. dont worry though buddy you cant always be right!

LOL at taco bell manager making 61K. Your nutz cuzo. You know how many people with college educations are out there struggling to get jobs and keep them. No raises, sitting at around 40 to 50k. They would just go take that job. Give me some proof that a manager at taco bell makes 60K and I will apologize but until then I think your smoking wet.

Here goes a shitty article.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/break ... today.html

John P. Martin, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: Friday, November 9, 2012, 8:15 AM
A mob associate who turned government cooperator because he may have feared that Joseph Ligambi wanted him dead is expected to testify against the reputed mob boss and other ex-associates for the first time today.

Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello, 46, is likely to spend at least a day on the witness stand describing for prosecutors what he knows and did for the Philadelpha mob. Then he'll likely spend just as long fending off cross-examination by lawyers for the 73-year-old Ligambi and six codefendants.

Monacello was on the other side of the courtroom after FBI agents arrested him and the others in May 2010. That roundup capped a decade-long investigation into extortion, loan-sharking and gambling by the local mob and set the stage for the racketeering trial that began in late October and could stretch to the end of the year.

Prosecutors once described Monacello as a "high-ranking associate" and leader of a crew run by one of the defendants, George "Georgie" Borgesi, a 49-year-old nephew of Ligambi's believed to run gambling and loan-shark operations in Delaware County. When Borgesi was jailed in another case, they said, Monacello ran his rackets and visited him in prison to deliver updates.

Monacello also allegedly served as a collector for the mob, directed by Ligambi directed to collect yearly "street tax" or "tribute payments" from South Jersey bookies between 2000 to 2007.

Besides describing those duties, Monacello, who began cooperating in 2010, could be asked to recount for jurors a conversation in which Borgesi allegedly bragged about his involvement in 11 murders.

Jurors are also likely to hear about disputes within the crime family that may have led to Monacello's decision to cooperate. In 2008, Monacello was convicted of solicitation of assault for trying to hire someone to kill Martin Angelina, a reputed captain, because he believed Angelina was collecting on debts owed to him.

Prosecutors have acknowledged Monacello's role as a cooperating witness, but it's not clear yet how he will benefit. He entered a guilty plea in July 2011, which for a time was sealed from public access by the trial judge, U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno.

Lawyers for all the defendants have tried to challenge the case as flimsy - more talk that actual violence, and much of it recorded by degenerate gamblers and informants trying to wrangle out of legitimate loans or their own criminal cases. Monacello inevitably faces those same accusations when cross-examination begins late Friday or next week.

"Lou Monacello had one thing in mind, and that was Lou Monacello," Borgesi's lawyer, Paul Hetznecker, said during opening statements.

SP you are right kind of embarassing what is going on with the reporting of this....

It really is Merlino. I can't believe this. 10 years in the making and we don't get anything.

It's really shocking that the local paper isn't sending someone there each day to cover the trial..????

What has the world come to, lol....

I'm thinking these guys can beat these charges after reading some of the stuff posted in the thread right after they got indicted. I wouldn't be surprised if they were denied bail just so they can be off the street pending trial. Maybe the Feds know they have a shit case (granted if no one else flips) and think this is the only way to put them in jail even just for a little bit. They don't want 10 years of work to be for nothing. I know it's a stretch but any thoughts?

Philly is the 5th largest city in the US and has 2 major newspapers, and the fact they cannot spare or afford one reporter to cover the goings on of this trial is terrible. This is a federal crime where a citizen of philly is alleged to be a major mafia boss and conducted business right here in the city, allegedly....I do not know the reaches of the philly mob today but, I am guessing it could go to philly pd and city hall? I have no clue, but the alleged crimes have to do with ripping off citizens of philadelphia and businesses, you would think the paper or press would cover this like a major city would do. The FBI and the federal govt has had 3 major cases tried and won in philly in the past 2 years and teh coverage was excellent for those cases

wow two articles in one day.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaki...tify_today.html

seems like the defense could roll in angelo lutz to say bent finger is lying to discredit him

Lutz already admitted at the last trial he got his butt kicked.I think its common knowledge that Borgesi was involved one way or another.

Hate him or not, you know that Monacellos telling the truth. Borgesi's screwed. Watch him flip when he gets another 10 years.

The more I think about the Lutz beating its weird.I mean Borgesi drives him[Lutz] to Monacello's they say their hello's to any present family members[Monacello's family] then they go down stairs like their going to watch a ballgame.They beat the shit out of Lutz,then what.Do you help him up the steps say good-bye go out to the car and what does Georgie say?Are you hungry and Lutz says nah just drop me off.I'm obviously just speculating this but something doesn't seem right.

Nobody said federal workers make a lot starting out, I AM RIGHT. You obviously dont know anything about the GS Scale.

Some jobs pay more than others, its all relative. Obcourse the federal worker is not on his feet like a mcdonalds or taco bell worker and is in line for promotions within the agency along with pension, higher pay,etc.

try again,you think an agent with a bachelors degree makes 80-90k starting salary? you must be smoking some of that colorado newly legalized weed.

nice try though

no they dont, google it maybe in certain places they do, but the avg starting salary is 43k for a mcdonals general manager

Once the trial is all settled and done I wonder if George Anastasia will write a book on the Ligambi years...

INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello never killed anyone, he said.

He stole cars, supervised gambling operations, collected debts and "tax" payments that reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi allegedly demanded from other criminals. Occasionally, Monacello told jurors Friday, he smashed windows, slashed tires, even cracked heads.

Once, on orders from above, Monacello staked out a South Philadelphia rival's house for three months before finally catching the man as he left to walk his dog one night, he said. Bat in hand, Monacello went to work.

"I swung with all my might," Monacello said, "and split (his) head open."

Monacello, 46, was the latest in a parade of informants and turncoats to testify in the racketeering trial of Ligambi, his nephew George Borgesi and five other defendants.

A former high-ranking associate, he was the most significant witness to date, an insider enlisted to bolster prosecutors' claims that the defendants used violence - or the threat of it - to run rackets for more than a decade.

Defense lawyers have derided the case as "racketeering lite," a 10-year investigation built on criminals seeking deals and thousands of secretly recorded conversations about tough talk but little proof of violence.

Monacello's message was that intimidation was often enough.

"You would remind them who you were working with, and where the money is going to and usually that would do the trick," he said. "There was always that underlying thing - that you're with the mob, and if they don't pay, they're going to get hurt."

His appearance marked his first as a government witness, a role he assumed after being arrested with the others in May 2011. His former codefendants, notably Borgesi, glared his way as Monacello, dressed in a dark suit, light shirt and lavender striped tie, entered the courtroom, walked to the stand and poured a glass of water.

Defendant Damon Canalichio turned and smiled at a friend in the gallery as the witness raised his right hand - its index finger bent - and swore to tell the truth.

At first, Monacello appeared to avoid looking toward the defendants. Then he settled in. For more than five hours, he glided comfortably along, at times talking to jurors as if he was trading war stories over a beer.

He laughed as he described catching the friend who told Monacello's wife he was having an affair. Yes, he was cheating on her, Monacello told jurors, but not with the women his friend thought.

And he smiled when he recounted another time he wanted to send a message to an associate who had been speaking a little too freely about mob business. Feigning anger, Monacello said he fired a gunshot into the air, then laughed as the man scurried from the room.

"That was a joke," he assured the jury. "Even if it may not sound funny - if you were there, it was."

Most of the questions from the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Han, focused on Monacello's longtime association with Borgesi, a reputed capo in the crime family.

They met when both were teens in South Philadelphia in the early 1980s. Monacello was the son and grandson of Philadelphia police officers, and later held jobs as a city clerk, a bartender and trade school operator.

Borgesi was a bookmaker at 17, and emulated his uncle, Ligambi, then a soldier for mob boss Nicky Scarfo, he said. "He had no qualms about telling you he was a gangster," Monacello said.

In the late 1990s, Monacello said, he was riding in a car with Borgesi when the pair began talking about a killing that had been in the news. According to Monacello, Borgesi turned up the car radio volume and then, flashing the numbers with his hands, whispered that he was a "professional" with 11 murders to his credit.

The prosecutor asked Monacello's reaction.

"You find out you're sitting next to a serial killer? It definitely got my attention," he replied.

(Monacello didn't elaborate on the alleged killings and wasn't asked to. Borgesi isn't charged with and has never been convicted of murder.)

For much of the last decade, Monacello said, he helped Borgesi run gambling and loan-sharking rackets in Delaware County, including an illegal casino allegedly run in Folsom by another associate, Nick "The Hat" Cimino.

With Borgesi in prison on unrelated charges, Monacello ferried his monthly payments to Borgesi's wife, he said, sometimes stuffing envelopes of cash into the glove compartment of her car.

He also collected "Christmas taxes" each December for Ligambi, gathering the cash bookmakers paid to keep their business running without mob interference.

Sometimes, violence was necessary, like the time in 2001 that Monacello said he and others severely beat a gambler in Manayunk who was behind on his debts.

"We put in him the hospital," Monacello said. "He paid the next week."

He also recounted a day in the 1990s when he and others were enlisted to beat a contractor who was renovating a property for Ligambi but had been "giving him trouble."

"I kicked the guy in the face twice," he said. "The third time I went to kick him and I kicked Georgie by mistake."

Another victim, he said, was Angelo Lutz, an underling Borgesi suspected of stealing. (Lutz has a new career as a celebrity chef, the Kitchen Consigliere.)

Monacello recounted a late December 1998 night when Borgesi brought Lutz to Monacello's South Philadelphia home. The three men went to the basement, where Borgesi started punching Lutz.

Monacello said he noticed his artificial Christmas tree in the room. "So I took the rod out and I split his head," Monacello said.

Borgesi then allegedly drew a knife. "He says, I'm killing him," Monacello recalled.

Monacello argued against it, he said. His mother was upstairs, and besides, Lutz was nearly 400 pounds, too heavy for the two men could to haul away by themselves. Borgesi told him not to worry. "I got a guy for that," he allegedly said, before giving in and letting Lutz live.

Monacello said he ultimately tired of the family squabbles and backstabbing. According to Monacello, he had ongoing disputes with another capo, Martin Angelina, and Borgesi's brother, Anthony, was jealous because he was overseeing Borgesi's rackets. And he was sure Ligambi didn't like him.

"Meanwhile, I got the uncle who wants me out of the way," Monacello said, turning to the jurors. "Great family, aren't they? This is what it's all about."

Monacello entered a guilty plea in July 2011, with the terms initially sealed by the trial judge, U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno.

He is expected to be grilled about that and his testimony by defense lawyers, especially Borgesi's, when cross-examination begins next week.

Wiseguy: Mob boss wanted DJ Jerry Blavat whacked


John P. Martin, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
November 13, 2012, 1:00 PM

Philadelphia's reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi vowed in 2009 to kill radio celebrity and restaurant owner Jerry Blavat, a mob turncoat testified today.

Ligambi was livid over a July 2009 Philadelphia Magazine article on the local mob and believed Blavat was the source of the story, Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello told a federal court jury.

"He was ranting and raving, 'That [expletive] Jerry Blavat, he set this up ... Jerry Blavat, I'm gonna kill this [expletive],' " Monacello said, recounting his September 2009 conversation with Ligambi.

There were no signs that the threat against Blavat, a Philadelphia radio icon and owner of Memories, a Margate, N.J. restaurant frequented by wiseguys, extended beyond words.

Still, Monacello said, "If I were Jerry Blavat, I'd be nervous."

Reached by phone today, Blavat, long known as the Geator with the Heater, said he was unaware of the threat.

"I grew up with these guys. I know Joe. I never heard it," he said. "That's strange."

The detail emerged as Monacello resumed his turn as a star witness in the racketeering trial of 73-year-old Ligambi and six codefendants.

In cross-examination that began late this morning, Monacello acknowledged that he hopes his testimony will help him reduce a prison term that could have been as long as 10 years.

Under questioning by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Han, the 46-year-old mobster has spent six hours confidently detailing for jurors his tenure as a high-ranking mob associate who helped run gambling and loan-shark operations for George Borgesi, Ligambi's nephew and one of the defendants in the case.

His path to government cooperator began in 2009, after Monacello was indicted in Delaware County and Philadelphia.

Among the charges was one that Monacello had tried to arrange the murder of reputed mob capo Martin Angelina. The two men had ongoing disputes, Monacello said, and he believed Angelina stole from him by "squashing" a $20,000 loan-sharking debt owed to Monacello without his approval.

According to Monacello, Angelina took $11,000 from that debtor and told the man his debt was erased.

"As a man, there are certain things you can live with and certain things you can't," Monacello told jurors, "and I wasn't gonna let Angelina rob me."

Monacello said he first decided he would severely beat Angelina. But then an associate, Frank "Frankie the Fixer" DiGiacomo, persuaded him to hire two hit men to kill Angelina for $2,000, he said.

Monacello didn't know DiGiacomo was cooperating with investigators and recording their conversations.

The attack never happened. But when word got out that he had plotted to knock off Angelina, Monacello said, he expected retaliation.

The morning after his arrest on the state charges, he said, Ligambi knocked on his South Philadelphia door. Monacello already believed Ligambi didn't like him. The mob boss came in and told Monacello and his family not to worry.

"He does this Academy Award-winning speech in front of my family - Don't worry about it," Monacello said.

Monacello then turned on the witness stand and began clapping as he smiled at Ligambi.

"Academy Award, Joe," he said, a gesture that stirred murmurs from Ligambi friends and supporters packed in U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno's courtroom.

Still, Monacello decided then not to cooperate with state police investigating the case. He pleaded guilty to the charges and later served was sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months.

He was indicted with Ligambi and the others on the federal charges in May 2011. Monacello finally decided to cooperate, he said, because he believed his plot to kill Angelina, a made member, would cost him his life.

He said Ligambi and Angelina didn't kill him because they were waiting for Borgesi, his crew chief, to do it when he was released from prison after serving an unrelated federal term.

"These are the mob rules," Monacello said. "They didn't do anything to me because [Borgesi] brought me in. He was gonna kill me when he was getting out."

It wouldn't have been right away, Monacello said.

That wasn't Borgesi's style.

"He explained to me in the past, he's hung out with people for months before he killed them," he said. "Then one night, I would've gone out and I just wouldn't have come home."

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/break ... acked.html

Thanks for the updates, news on this trial has been sparse.

I hate these turn coats, jurors should "highly" discount their testimony as they are being coached from the Fed's and have no proof of anything except for the old "I saw it" "I lived it" or "I was there"...It's BS.

Maybe the wiretap stuff is far more incriminating, if so, they should have led with that.

@ SouthPhilly13 if your dames brother which I no longer believe you are because you haven't said anything that someone attending court would know anyone on the web can post an article from the phila paper if your really his brother let us board members know somethings that aren't already all over the internet on 20 different crime/lcn blogs...

I was an intern at The Citypaper they changed hands, by doing so, they've lost a bit of the edge they once had as far as reporting certain subjects

oh ok the city paper did have some cool stories in the past

I am not in courtroom but if I was a juror I think I would have a tough time believing bent lou's stories

Yeah they seem exaggerated from the G Men that probably told him to say Lou you need to say that you " Split his head" rather then hit or smacked him in the head...I mean you split someones head open there gonna need staples and I don't think the Mob Doctor will be at your doorstep in a flash to help ya

@dicknose I don't care what u believe. I'm not on here to prove who I'm related too.

i think bent finger lou has been very believable as of now,the defense hasnt punched holes in his story so far

You just contradicted yourself. You signed up and ranted that I'm Dame's brotha yo don't b dis respectic ma ma brotha fam u dig? My brother ain't a rat hes never ratted out anyone!

When Lou took the stand did he look back and smile at you?

Since he isn't a made guy he's belittled in the media as a wannabe but the "associates or wannabes" wanna make a some money too..so why not take your mothers fake christmas tree rod and split somones head open.Lou is showing Bravado as these guys did on the tapes of tough talk.

His brother Anthony rather shoot movies then a gun so they got this goon to kick people in the face and what not " I Kicked him twice in the face then the third time I kicked George by accident." I wish they would introduce Lou's superimposed face of him scarface and Don Corleone to the public he really has delusions of grandeur

I didn't contradict myself. All I said is my brother is not a rat like some people said on here. N like I said to u last night I don't have to prove to u who I'm related too? Who r u that I have to do that. By telling u what happened in court makes u believe I'm Damions brother? Anybody can go to court n tell u what happened. I have no reason to lie about who I am. But it's u who hides behind the name Dicknose.

Hide Behind the name? I could be sitting right next to you because im a ghost kinda spooky ain't it!

"Cry Baby Cry..Your old enough to know better...make your mother sad... Cry Baby Cry

Well all I gotta say to you is have a nice day

Spooky? Not really!

anything good happen today?

whats the latest?

cannot believe that GA isnt around....the guy hyped this trial for over a year...its unbelievable

Don't understand why bent finger guy says he flipped cause he feared or his life . Then he declines witness protection and stays on the street. To me it sounds like this is his way and getting even . From what I believe,he was broke and his business failed .

anyone know if Bent Finger Lou has been crossed examined yet?

He's done.. Their on the fixer.

GA is back baby! haha

http://www.bigtrial.net/

Where has OldHead been?

Is he on suicide watch because of Lou's testimony?

it looks ok for some of these guys but this guy george borgesi is cooked there gonna give him another decade just for beating the guy lutz(30 rock) up and joking about it. he's done. but frankie the fixer saying all good stuff for uncle joe and crew and talking crap about bent finger not good fot the feds.

True, but I'll be shocked if they're not found guilty up and down the line. That's how it happens. The stink from Borgesi will be contagious.

But time will tell. It won't be long now.

didnt know bent finger lou was half irish

5 Months later what do you think will Joe ligambi when an emmy award?

how about this all of a sudden this ''Frankie the Fixer''is talking like the wiseguys are his best buddies.You can see right through this that he's begging for mercy from them.Great guys,they would whack him in a heartbeat.I'm sure ''Bent Finger'' was the only greedy one.Its something how they all depicted this guy as trash,but now he is a hero in the courtroom.Keep it up Frankie and maybe they will give you your old job back.LOL

as of now i still say guilty for all of them ESPECIALLY for borgesi

Dude is in Witsec. I don't think he's exactly begging for mercy. But he definitely has an axe to grind with ah ... Bent Finger.

so is the fixer, lots of those guys involved in that life are

LMAO

he has been missing for a bit, I look forward to reading his thoughts on the trial so far.

Oldhorse lost his house in allegedly lost his house down Margate

Guys, there are new articles everyday at http://www.bigtrial.net/. The last article most likely is the one from today that was just posted since the trial will be on hiatus for the week for Thanksgiving.

OLLDDD HEEAAADDDD!!!! Whats the news at Grumpies these days?

Nice site, good to see George Anastasia covering the trial.

Anastasia is to Philly as Capeci is to NY. We got a columnist here at The Chicago tribune, John Kass, who writes a lot of Outfit stuff.

this fbi guy stone just kinda did some damage to acouple of these guys on the gambling stuff. so far the only guy who looks good from reading george site is the guy scoops, only thing was pete the crumb called him a big mouth gossip guy who got more people indicted then the turncoats that must have stung. mac on always sunny in philly trying to join the mob on comedy central right now his nickname pussy hands. i do see how the d.a.'s are just slowly connecting the dots with all these witnesses. the guys who took plea's were smart.

the fbi paid Pete Albo 50k for personal use and 8k in gambling debts and all of a sudden he had a change of heart and isnt testifying!rumor has it he played the feds to get his money.This case is a joke!they should be home by christmas.hopefully the government will stop spending taxpayers money like its their own.

theres no need for albo to testify anymore, he small a small time player of all the small time players who turned informant, the fbi agent who used albo as an in to the operation already testified.it would be dumb to call albo on the stand.

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/11/undercover-fbi-agent-describes-mob.html

"Battaglini is one of the seven defendants on trial. Barretta pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison earlier this year.

The jury heard Battaglini discuss his sports betting business with Stone and Peter Albo, a gambler and government informant who worked with and was in debt to Battaglini. The scenario set up during the undercover investigation was that "Vinny" would bring his business to the operation and would pay down Albo's debt.

Collecting, Battaglini said on several of the tapes, was always problematic.

"I'm tired of people bringing me bets and not bringing me assets," he said in what could easily be described as a bookmaker's lament.

At another point he exclaimed, "I got four people on the street, between the four of them, they owe me $30,000."

He later told Albo, who owed customers thousands, "Pete you're so fuckin' red, you won't be makin' money til this football season."

That's pretty funny the guy demanded 50K ..you coud go make up some shit and get 20k no problem have some jeroff friends collabrate it split thetax-paper money its a joke. People run scams all the time down there. There was a kid that tripped in front of a bar because the concerte was fucked up sued the bar, that waas owned by ____________ and then they apporach the kids thats sueing them and demand half the money, he agrees the cycle goes on..

They did call Pete Albo and he wouldn't come to testify. They do need him to explain the tapes. Gary Battaglini and Barretta did have a book making operation and the FBI agent Vinny, tried to say on the stand that Damion Canalichio was involved. When the tapes got played the jury heard it was a different story. Damion is and was not involved. A 10 year investigation to prove Bookmaking is a disgrace and most definitely is not a RECO! They can never tie everyone together in any operation! This week will be about Damion and his alleged bookmaking operation. An inside source says that the defense has its own Gambling expert, an x state trooper that indicates that Damion was clearly only betting. Going by his phone taps there is not 1 witness who can say he placed bets with Damion. I still think its all a waste of tax payers money. When there are real violent crimes out there being committed.

They DIDNT call Albo. See the latest reports below, they got his voice on tape so they dont even need him. You can't cross-examine tapes. The agent is a much better witness.

"Earlier jurors heard testimony from Stone and tapes that he recorded in which he agreed to pay down Albo's debt to Battaglini.

In all, the FBI provided Albo with about $50,000 while he was cooperating, including $9,900 that Stone used to pay down his debt, $4,320 in mortgage payments when Albo was facing foreclosure on his home in Somers Point, NJ, $4,800 in expenses and $25,000 in relocation money.

Albo feared mob retaliation, Augustine said. But the agent also acknowledged that Albo had begun to "lie" and contradict himself in debriefings with the FBI within the past month.

As a result, Albo will not be called as a witness."

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/11/secret-recordings-reveal-gangsters.html

I agree with you on the 10 year BS gambling case....my question is was about the Borgata gambling ring, that was just a state case in jersey and why didnt the feds oversee that as well and roll that into the rico charges, if they were following these guys around for so long watching the bookmaking they had to know about this. Everyone down there goes to Aycee and hits the Borgata and would want a piece of that $60 million action. Really strange how that case and these charges do not come up in court, and if they don't it kind of makes the feds case look a little weaker. I know they are looking to fry Uncle Joe and destroy the philly guys mainly

the whole trial is a joke and the DA and FBI should be ashamed...all this for bookmaking

christ

Albo is a degenerate gambler, lucky bast*rd.

i like reading georges new site bigtrial.net. so theres some cop video poker expert on stand talking about 1 bar that had 4 machines. when they raidied the bar they found the books, it paid out 175k in 1yr period and they didnt include the owners winning take which would be alot more. they had a good thing going. with the sports booking and loansharking that small family had it ok, no wonder you dont wont 60 made guys in philly. never heard about card games but with casino's down the street you cant compete. i'm thinking the video poker is done no thats theres casino's in philly. how is that casino sugarhouse is it a dump what a strange name is there hookers everywhere. wonder why they stefenelli tapes havnt been played yet and how the hell did the prosecuters get to mention the long john murder in this trial, its like anything goes.

sugarhouse is cool and there is security outside when you go to your car, harrah's in chester is cool and then they have Parxx in Bensalem that is huge so, the illegal gambling they were running was drying up in that town, with 2 casinos right near south philly

Ahmen smh

I like Harrah's the best. They got a lot space in there your not rubbing elbows with everyone like sugarhouse. It's funny how the 2nd level of theparking garage in harrah's is eye level with SCI Chester so all the patrons can see the prisoners windows. What a great idea to build a casino right next to a prison. I hate sugarhouse they were suppose to expand the gaming floor even more but need some special permit or something. Parx is alright I use to go there a lot but not as much. The Valley Forge Casino you have to buy a membership, which has dropped in price from $75.00 a year to $20.00 now. When they first opened and it was $75.00, the loophole was spend at least $10.00 at the small food court and a cashier will give you a temporarily card to play for the day. The night club has already changed names it was called 7 that failed now it's got a mechanical bull and its called deuces wild or something like that.

Hey Pussyhands you got alotta action going on this week?

I took the train to Aycee the other day on a Monday and I had a free room at the Borgata so I used it and it was sooooo dead, it was really strange and i know it was a Monday after the holiday but flat out dead, took the jitney around to caesars, they had a deal if you sat down for a total of 30 min at slots you get some free room deals, it was dead, have not made it to the revel yet but it looks awesome, i read how its broke too. I am not a super high roller so I am not sure but I do know that the casinos in mississippi have weekend junkets where they pay air and room for you to get to their casinos i am guessing they do in aycee too but I am not in that money bracket of losing at the casinos yet

We didn't like Revel at all. Too modern looking, too spread out...and for my husband..no smoking ANYWHERE in the entire casino.
We did pick the worst possible time to go try it out, though. It was when they first opened and JayZ and Beyonce were performing that night, and Obama had taken his girls to see the concert. Now, i'm not saying anything, but picture a blonde/blue eyed girl and her guinea husband in the middle of that crowd. AHEM.

How can there be no smoking there anywhere at all, that's horrid I can't gamble without a smoke and some scotch to dull my mind

Haha thats funny I bet he was pissed off. Hova can get annoying hes gotten to cocky and if your not into hip-hop I could see it giving you a migraine. "Hey Guru..you kno I owe u for this one holla"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=gbwOUZoUI0o&NR=1

Here there's video's like this and the fed's wasted all their time and resources on gambling.

I was there the same weekend. I liked it but it was definitely a different experience going the weekend of the Beyonce concert. But I heard pretty good things about it. I am going to check it out again. Heard they aren't doing great though.

Oh, I think I saw you. You were the other white guy there.

Honestly, besides the smoking thing for my husband, it's not really a true gambler's casino. We don't go to AC for concerts and all that. We go to gamble, and that's not really Revel.

We didn't like Revel either. Personally i think the Borgata is still the best place to go in AC.

Our beloved plawrence used to love it there from the time it opened. He used to ask me to go there with him but I always thought it to be too antiseptic and "cold". I used to enjoy Bally's and got to the point where they'd comp me for everything (meals and rooms), but I haven't been to AC in years.

I don't know if I could sit at the slots without smoking.

I was only at the revel that one time so I will give it another shot. I didn't realize the smoking thing. A lot of people I talked to were turned off after that first weekend. They definitely are trying to cater to more then just gambling there. Which at this point I think they have to with casinos being everywhere. I guess they gave it a try. I also like the Borgota the best but I dont like how its not actually in AC. I rarely stay in AC cause my family has a house in margate but if I was spending the weekend I would rather stay on the strip.

Borgata is obviously the top overall place from the food to the rooms and ambience and the buzz that is there on weekends, I have never been to AC when they had a big fight on so I can't compare that, but a friend of mine swears by the Tropicana and loves the hotel and everything there. Kind of sad the wild west was shut down when i was there. I like parxx casino and track in bensalem, havent won anything there but had fun

That's us. Tropicana. We're up as far as you can go regarding status, comp, etc. VIP with the picture on the comp card and all that lol. So, it's hard to switch casinos at this point. But we do venture out to other casinos time to time; that's when we tried Revel, but we won't go back. My husband is high strung to begin with, try telling him he can't smoke when he's gambling. lol
Not only that, but, while at Revel, he went outside to smoke, and some skinny little twit told him he had to go all the way at the end of the casino, to close to the boardwalk. Smoking is not even allowed in front of the casino. Well, that's all it took, I knew it was coming...long story short... we left.

dont you hate when people tell you you cant smoke.lol. about a year ago i nearly stomped the shit out of some guy for the same thing. i was enjoying a stroll along that walkway up near bk heights. the one that over sees some drydocks and the harbor. i was on the phone with my wife .lol. and some sniviling stuck up little shit dressed up like a wanna be ivyleague professor taps me on the shoulder.he says 'theres no smoking on the promanade,sir'. i told him to take a walk and when he didnt i told him to 'fuck off'[with my wife still on the phone].lol. he tells me to put out my cigarette or he would 'inform the police'.lol!. i hung up my phone,flicked my cigarette at his shirt and belted him in the fuckin nose.lol. i got over him to apply some shoe leather to the back of his head but some 'well-to-do' hipsters pushed me off him. didnt get in no trouble either.lol. didnt stop the missus from biting my head off for getting in a fight at my age.lol.

lmao! Inform the police over a cigarette? haha

Well, I don't smoke, but i admit it really doesn't bother me (other than his health), but he also doesn't smoke in the house, during meals and is not a chain smoker, etc. Anyway, I understand where you're coming from. If you're in a designated smoking area, then that's that. When we're in a casino and we're in the designated area and I hear somebody make a comment about his smoke, I flip out on them. They got 3/4 of the casino as it is, so move.
But, yeah, outside is outside, I don't get it.

And I'm with your wife. You guys are getting too old for this fighting shit. Last year he popped a guy in the nose at Lowe's for taking his shopping cart. Blood everywhere and again...long story short....we left. Shit's getting old. Like me.

Some years ago I was standing in front of my office building, smoking a cigarette. The building was on Broadway (NYC) and there was a lot of people walking on the street. I was minding my own business when a little old lady approached me and shook her finger at me. She asked me, "Didn't your mother ever tell you that shouldn't smoke?" It kind of pissed me off, and I quickly replied, "Didn't YOUR mother ever tell you that you shouldn't talk to strangers?"

And then you offered her some candy if she would help you find your lost pet?

^^^ Never mind that. Sometimes Pinot Grigio doesn't make me as witty as I think I am when I re-read my posts.

lol.i agree one hundred percent. i mean techinacally [i know i cant spell give me a break] you cant smoke in any nyc parks, colleges, restaurants, bars, etcetera. but come on. on the 'promenade'?lol. its like smoking in central park. plus it was windy. i was sitting on a bench minding my business. fuck that guy he got what he deserved. i only wish i could have put my cigarette out in his retina.

thats funny at lowes.lol. ive never hit a guy at lowes.lol. my best 'public' lack of judgement.lol, had to be about twenty years ago a friend and i got into a fight with a car load of kids in there twenties outside a liquor store in nassau. lol. i did get arrested for that.lol. i still remember these cops had me sitting at this desk in what looked like a squad room of somekind while they surrounded this tv set where they were playing the tapes from the liquor store cameras. i remember some plain clothes guy walks over and pats me on the back and tells me im a mean son of a bitch.lol. thank god the judge understood that by repeatedly kicking one kid in his gut i was only doing my civic duty.lol.and he let us all plead to assault. thank god all he did was look at the incedent report and not the tapes. i would still like to see those things.lol. probably in some cops basement to show his buddys at next weeks poker game.lol.

but i get where your coming from with the anger problems. ill be the first to admit i can be 'a little high spirited' at times.lol.

What a boring a trial it cracks me up I wish one of the loud mouth reporters would make the public aware of the money spent on this stupid case. Albo seems to be quite a jerkoff they give him $25K to move what's that going to last him a month if he's lucky with all the bad habits he has?

That would be an interesting situation....

I am started to get swayed on this trial. Could some of these guys actually get off? I wonder when they are going to bring evidence against Scoops?

The Tropicana ain't bad. I actually had one of my luckiest nights at the tables there. They have the IMAX Theatre too. Bunch of us got a nice buzz on and checked it out, they had a pretty cool 3d show there that day.

But the Borgata is still my favorite place to go when we're in AC. Didn't care for Revel at all. The place can't even pay it's bills yet and i read the other day they need another infusion of cash to meet it's financial obligations. The prices there are a joke too. I'll stick with the Borgata.

Watch Scoops get off and everyone else go away for 7 - 10 years that four-eyed fat ass has diarrhea of the mouth

Give it time, just wait till the feds unleash all the Nicky Skins tapes...



As of now, I still say guilty across the board ESPECIALLY for Borgesi.

What are talking about Don?? All the skins tapes are done??? You guys have no clue what your talking about. Now SPMOB is starting to get swayed. No shit. I told all of you guys to wait until all the evidence is out. And as far as Speedy Petey Albo, he lied to the FBI, that's y they didn't put him on the stand. There is nothing more on scoops! It's amazing that they can charge my brother with bookmaking n a poker machine when curt the guy who is running the machines doesn't even no him. Not to mention they have presented absolutely no evidence that my brother is a bookie. Here's the best. The gov gets this "so called" gambling expert on the stand and this idiot says that if you bet on a game, that your part of a bookmaking operation. So that means the gov should lock up every person in the world that bets. What a retard. N furthermore, they caught FBI agent (not even mentioning his name) in 3 lies on the stand. This case is a bunch of bs n they no it!!

Not guilty across the board.

This case was obviously rushed due to not having any murder evidence. Most reports from GA state that the jury looks bored during most of this, I've hear from people that went to the trial this is the case also. The rats have spent more time bad mouthing the other rats than they have the defendants it appears from all the reports I read. From a friend of one of the defendants who has been there in court often most of the jury are minorities and they do not seem to pleased when they hear the government is giving these informants money to gamble.

not guilty across the board is what im hoping for and maybe the feds can lock up some real criminals that are shooting up our streets...this case is about $100 gamblers who cant pay and some video poker machines, give me a break

poor Borgesi the guys been in the can for 10 plus and they keep saying the same stuff from the 1st trial...i hope all these guys walk

not to mention all the man hours and money it took to pay for this disgrace of a trial...a couple of NY wiseguys just walked because the informants were liars and they couldnt be called...sound familiar? i hope the same thing happens...i dont think these guys are choir boys but c'mon this whole trial has been a joke and the DA and State Polce should be ashamed of themselves for this mockery

What about Ligambi? Isn't he a "real" criminal in your opinion? Don't know about the others, but isn't this one a murderer for sure?

No he's not. His case was overturned in 1999.

I know it was, but do you actually believe he's innocent?

Whether he is or not who cares I don't think a lot of guys made good decisions back then and they either spilled their guts or took it at the chin. They could get away with it but never kept in mind that their is no statue of limitations on murder. I give him credit for raising his kids right and steering them away from the streets.

Skins was out recording for two-three years on the streets. Only thing that has been reported from his tapes is what the feds released to the public pre-trial as a warning shot. You guys dont think that with the access and the names this guy recorded the feds dont have much more juicy tapes by skins? As of now from what we know, Skins got Merlino, the Philly fam including the Jersey branch, John Gambino and crew, and Dinunzio in New England. It has already been said that the feds are finalizing other cases based on these tapes.To my knowledge (almost 100% sure) they have NOT played the Nicky Skins tapes at this trial as of yet. Why do you think that this trial is expected to last another six weeks regardless of the xmas holidays?

I still say guilty across the board, remember gambling, bookmaking, joker poker is ILLEGAL. They are going to be found guilty of something at least, regardless of they beat the RICO charge.

Just out of curiosity, what trial are u following?? The skins tapes are 100% done n over! I was in court n heard them already. How can u say guilty across the board?? All of the evidence isn't even presented yet?? U just sound stupid! SPMob said the same thing in the beginning. Oh their all guilty. The FBI agents are the nail in the coffin. Now he's changing his mind and saying some people are gonna walk. Like I said, come to court n listen to what's going. N this trial is not lasting another 6 weeks. If the DA is done presenting by this Thursday then this case will be over before Xmas.

innocent and not guilty are 2 different things and who cares like was stated above joe was in s philly working and raising his family both families and prospering...a ton of money spent by the government for what appears to be not much of a case

so they all ready played the tapes at trial and the philly paper and george a. blog big trial.net didnt write about the 5 hours meetings between the top gambino's and the top philly guys? this guy scoop must be sleeping at the table. i would think it would be a all day affair of these tape recordings about the structure of the familiys caught by there own voice proving there members by there own words, so the jury heard them and no one wrote anything but what the fbi leaked at a pretrial hearing 6 months ago. i thought george was wating to write a book just on the transcript of the meeting you never hear families meeting in groups like that nowadays. they wrote about joker poker for days and bent finger bum, and 5 dimes on the phillies.weak. atleast at the trial up nyc they had a serial killer boss who flipped come out to have the guy walk out a free man, massino never getting out and if he cant convict joel waverly there gonna kick his wife out to the street.

I wasnt in court and just know what has been reported in the media, since the coverage has been spotty at best for this trial then thats that. Since you said you were at the trial and they already played all the Skins tapes (which hasnt been talked about in the media). Anastasia and Dave S said its expected to last another six weeks so I am going off of that, I dont live in Philly so I cant attend the trial like you said you have done. If the tapes arent played at a later date then I know you were actually there, remains to be seen. People claim stuff on these boards all the time, look at imamobguy.

I still say guilty, Bent Finger Lou's testimony particularly against Borgesi was devastating. Regardless of how anybody on these boards feels about the charges, gambling, loan sharking, taking over another joker poker company, ripping off union health care funds is ILLEGAL. Let me say it again, it is ILLEGAL. These guys are going to be found guilty, just watch. The only thing that they might be found not guilty on are the RICO charges, specifically connection to a pattern of racketeering activity related to an organization, that's it.

The thing is the feds had enough to take Ligambi down in 2001, two years after he took over for Merlino on the street. The feds CHOSE to let Ligambi stay on the street. They didn't take him down in the hope that somebody else would flip and pin some murder charges against these guys but so far that hasnt been the case.

I'm curious about Bent Fingers testimony against Borgesi. From what I read he is referring to things that happened with Borgesi before he went away over 10 years ago but as far as him running things for him after that, Borgesi is in jail and his phone calls are recorded but was there any tapes of him speaking with Bent Finger?

My friend ws at the trial and heard the Steffanelli tapes testimony and he said it was very damaging against the Philly guys.

Lou visited him in jail and was Borgesi's point person out on the streets, there was also a flipped Bonanno associate (bank robber) in jail with Borgesi who told the feds what Georgie told him

The guy who was in jail with George wasn't called cause he robbed 7 banks when he got out of jail. Not to mention he was caught in lies. Crooked toes testimony made no sense. He said he ran shit for George but only visited him 12 times in 8 years. Does that make sense?? N the fixer put everything right back on crooked toe. Fixer who was crooked toes boy said everything was his not George's. George has been in jail for 13 years in West Virginia. There was also another witness Mario Comorte who said crooked toe ran everything not George. GAs blog started after the skins tapes. Oh n by the way do u no that it's NOT a crime to be a made member. Trust me my brother is walking out the door in the next 2 weeks. They have presented absolutely no evidence on scoops. See what happened was GA reported that the skins tapes said things that really weren't said. GA reported many things that weren't true. Beating the Rico charge is the only thing we care about. The other charges are really nothing.

The machine company was bought LEGALLY! Wanna see the paperwork? If gambling is illegal then the whole world should be locked up. Come on r u serious with that one? Ripping off the union huh? Do u no that joe got that company the biggest account they have? Probably not. Like I said I don't have to prove I was there to u. N ur right loan sharing is a crime but don't forget there's a five year statue of limitations on that.

southphilly. whos your brother?

you can message me if you dont want it out there.

Come on you can't figure it out?

lol.i dont know any philly guys.out side of n.o. who i met about twenty five yrs ago. but he wasnt with philly yet.

he says who is brother is in earlier posts

only took me twenty minutes to figure out how to do it.lol.but i got it now. doesnt matter though, bc outside of ligambi i dont know who any of those fuckin guys are.

Doesnt matter about the whole world, what matters is whats the law period. Joe had a no show job at that union according to the owner. The company was bought for a substantially lower price than what it was actually worth because of pressure from the mob. There is no statute of limitations on loan sharking if it is tied to racketeering activity, why do u think you always read about NY guys going to jail for loan sharking from the 90s or 2000s?



According to him, Damion Canalichio.



So your saying one of the most respected mob journalists out there blatantly lied? He's a journalist, lets be serious here. We all read those wiretap transcripts that were publicly released and know what was said. You cant cross-examine tapes.

The most damaging testimony and evidence has been against Borgesi so far, if they all get off and Borgesi is found guilty and flips, which is a big if but what the feds want to happen. You can rest assured they will all be retried only this time add a few murders into the mix. Borgesi and Ligambi hate each other so maybe Georgie wants to get one over his old uncle? Kind of like Leonetti and Scarfo...

I could defintely see that happening

Merlino himself told me the Borgota is the best Hotel in AC and I should check it out : )

LOL Anastasia loves those guys... I told Merlino I liked Anastasia... his response was Anastasia is fair but definatley not considered a cool guy

Joey won't be going back to Philly anytime soon to live or be acting boss, he is happy in Boca and laying low. If anything he'll write a book, get the movie deal and do some gambling. No matter what he says i'm sure he gets a share of the casino income from his cousin chubby joey and his mom

whats he doing for cash now

probably the same thing junior gotti is doing. just being himself.

lets get this straight. I don't think ALL of these are just going to get up and walk out the court room when this thing is over. But the evidence in this case is not nearly as good as other cases I have followed. And as for informers, its a shit list of chracters. Nothing like in the past...at least for Philly. It could go either way for me.

And if I am honest... i hope they get off for what they were charged for.

So many people hope they get off... With Ligambi having at least 4 murders on him (D'Alfonso, Turchi, Martorano, Casasanto) I mean, they were no angels, but doesn't 4 seem too high a number to let him walk?
Of course, you can say I have no proof it was him, but as far as I know many people from Philly who have their sympathies on Ligambi's side still have no doubts he was actually responsible for these 4.
I don't know, maybe this gambling case is really a joke like some people say, but in my opinion it's clear it's just an excuse to put them away for some serious crimes they weren't able to prove.

I am not trying to provoke people who sympathize with Ligambi and his men, I am just expressing an opinion.

He wasn't charged with Murder

And he may not have sanctioned the turchi hit. The gongs brothers may have acted alone on that one to Kiss Uncle Joes old white ass. But either way my point is about the charges, not what they may or may not have done

I know, I mean they are prosecuting him for gambling because they haven't got evidence for a murder case.

But wouldn't it have been stupid on their part to kill a high-ranking member without asking the boss for permission?

Yea and guess what....the older brother is dead. Hence the older Gongs murder you mentioned. But I am not sure either way.

And Turchi wasn't loved by Joe at this point. so he wasn't a high ranking as he had previously been. He may have had him killed but who knows. Theres a few theories out there.

Yes I know that but my question was were there any tapes of George Borgesi talking to Damion during those prison visits? I doubt that, his testimony is all hearsay. I'm pretty sure officials monitored all his visits from all family and friends. Why also would Borgesi risk doing this through an low level guy instead of when he got visits from made members like Uncle Joe, Phil Ligambi, his brother Anthony and any of the other made men who had to visit him during his time in prison?

Dont think Caprio mentioned this in his recent testimony, lucky for Ligambi.

Ligambi was implicated in the 1999 murder of Ronald Turchi by former Philadelphia hitman Peter "Pete the Crumb" Caprio. In court Caprio has testified that Ligambi told him Turchi was murdered due to his relationship with former boss Ralph Natale. "We dimed Ronnie out to teach Ralph a lesson," Caprio claims Ligambi told him.

Licata jokes with Ligambi about the 2003 gangland murder of John “Johnny Gongs” Casasanto in South Philadelphia, which remains unsolved. Licata laughs and tells Ligambi, “At least we finally got to get him!”



No tapes of Borgesi and Damion.

You answered your own question. A visit from an associate wouldn't be under as much scrutiny and surveillance as a visit from a made member especially a guy like Ligambi.

So I hear EJ's cross-examine of Crumbs seemed pretty solid.

I think Agent Harris, of Sopranos fame, might be saying…

"we're gona win this thing!!!"

how many charges does each defendant face and what is the most serious?

Listening to the rat who testified about general day to day dealings of the current Philly Mob seems like real tin-pot stuff, no one making much other than Joe and a few others, I really believe they will be done in the next 20 years.

Nicky I know your interested in the Philly Mob. The guy that tried shaking down Williard Rouse which brought down Scarfo..Leland Beloff his son died today or killed himself I'm sure you find some articles on it ..salute

Thanks man, sure dapper will have it up on his blog soon enough

agreed spmob

From reading between the lines, I think they have lost the jury. Who wants to be there daily for 12 weeks on bookmaking and video poker machines charges. This should have been tried in weeks, not months.

Many reports claim some juriors are not interested, drawing in their notebooks and close to knodding off throughtout the day. Plus, most of the snitches have serious issues and have named called each other.

I can see them all walking as the jury makes a statement to not waste are time and put our lives on hold for this.

It's different if they have murder plots on tape, making ceremonies and stuff stories are made of, but all they have is some guys that can pay a few hundred dollars in debts and given the time to raise the money.

multiple agencies, surviellence teams, wiretaps sat on 24.7,tailing guys around the clock...say a dozen cops, making [at least] fifty grand a year plus another twenty in overtime.for what? eleven years?i am awful at math, but thats about eight,nine mil just man hours alone.to catch what? hell catching them on four murders isnt even worth that. plus equipment, court costs, das salaries, pay for jury duty,bailiff,wpp for scumbag informants. are mob cases really worth that much? take out the 'family', the 'lcn' aspect, and what is it?a loose patern of racketeering based on slot machines and unpaid debts.

you sound like a mobster pleading his case, fact is most of the surveillance is very high tech nowadays (recorders in rolex watches) which doesnt require as many manhours or agents as it did in the past.

Didnt look too good for Ligambi, Staino, or Mousie today in court.

"Joseph Procaccini, a major video poker machine vendor in the Philadelphia area, told a federal jury Tuesday that mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and two of his top associates forced Procaccini and a business partner to give up their control of a highly lucrative poker machine distribution network back in 2001.

"If we didn't deal with them they were just going to take it and we'd be left with nothing," Procaccini said when asked how Ligambi and his associates took 34 video poker machines assigned to 20 different locations. "We would get hurt if we didn't play ball with them...They said if we did, they wouldn't bother the rest of our business."

Dressed in a gray, sharkskin suit, black shirt and gray tie, Procaccini, 53, spent two hours detailing what authorities have charged was the extortion of his buisness, M&P Vending, by Ligambi and co-defendants Joseph "Mousie" Massimino and Anthony Staino.
In what may have been the most damaging testimony to date in the two-month-old trial, Procaccini said he and his business partner met with Ligambi and Massimino in May 2001 to dicsuss a business proposal. The meeting, Procaccini testified, was set up by Joseph Malone, a South Philadelphia bar owner and the father-in-law of mobster Steven Mazzone."

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/12/the-philadelphia-mob-made-us-offer-we.html

rooting for the hometown mob?

Dapper, that testimony looks like the best for the feds and worst for the philly guys it is from 2001 and alleges violence or intimidation by 3rd party heresay, but it does bolster the govts case of a criminal organization especially if they were able to determine the company that paid the vendors was actually linked to uncle joe and etc.

the thing with the 3rd party you say, the joker poker company was directly involved in the negotiations with ligambi and co, so they arent really a third party, the guy testifying met directly with the top guys of the family, thats devastating testimony, and best believe the feds have all the documents/checks/agreements to back it all up.

i still say bent finger lou hurt borgesi, not the other guys as much but he did hurt george.

i suppose im biased.lol.

Yeah that spyware is expensive if you buy it as a civilian for a hobby or a small business but if the government is paying for it, its a drop in the bucket.

George is screwed and so is Joe at least Joe's family has some cake. Mousie will continue to operate shit from prison..he's use too jerking off to cum-stained playboys that have been passed up and down the block

agreed, complete waste of time...i think this whole trial is a joke and i hope they beat all the charges, i am especially rooting for Georgie....guys been in the can for over a decade.

Yesterday was the best day for the prosectution by far. I hate to route for the "home team" but if thats what it sounds like, I guess I am. But its just based on the charges that were brought against them. Besides yesterday, I haven't seen much of anything for the prosecution.

This home team and stuff is it like root for these guys like their the Yankees snd Georgie is Mickey Mantle.SPOB you did a 360 what changed your mind.

I know I know. I am kind of in the middle here. I think they go away for something but until yesterday I thought the eveidence against these guys for the crimes charged really sucked. The informants sucked to. But we will see. I guess I would like to see a better case. Maybe the Feds can get them on some real shit next time around and we can have something bigger. lol. I dont know which way to go.

To spmob, other "supporters":

The way I see it, the power vacuum left by middle management and uncle Joe in the can is only going to bring worse criminal elements to South Philly and beyond. Why don't the Justice Department take a more rational approach here.

While an 'eager for headlines' prosecutor could stand to gain a little good press putting Uncle Joe away for 7+ (escentially a death sentence); he stands to lose alot more. If this thing blows up in Uncle Sam's face, further mafia prosecution may become harder in the future. Think about it, next time around a Judge may be more reluctant to sign off on a wire tap or a warrant.I can see it, "The last time I authorized this it took 10 years. And all you could come up was a RICO that's a glorified bookie case."

My advise to the USJD is, Don't play your hand til you got something good. At least better than this.

To those who claimed in this thread that the Nicky Skins tapes were already played during the trial, you were right. I just confirmed they were played in the beginning, no hard feelings if I didnt believe you. Recently, it has become the norm with people claiming this and that which were later proven untrue on this forum.

"Licata's voice bounced all over the courtroom during the opening days of testimony back in late October. He was the principal speaker in a secretly recorded mob meeting at La Griglia, a North Jersey restaurant where members of the Philadelphia crime family met with leaders of the Gambino organization in May 2010 to talk about business.

The taped conversation, made by Nicholas "Nicky Skins" Stefanelli -- a cooperator who later committed suicide -- was described by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Labor as a meeting of "the board of directors of organized crime."

Licata's attorney, in his opening, begged to differ.

"This was just a bunch of geriatric gangsters talking about the old days," said Christopher Warren. "

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/12/scoops-licata-is-forgotten-gangster-at.html

Given today's developments, as of this very moment this is my prediction for verdicts (obviously the trial is not over).

Guilty
Ligambi
Staino
Mousie
Georgie
Canalichio
Battaglini

Not Guilty
Licata

For the hundredth time, I don't follow Philly too closely. But just from reading the trial transcripts, I'd have to say that Ligambi looks fucked. We'll see. It shouldn't be too long now.

so the max he's getting is like 14 years?

Sometimes a lot of this does seem weak but what I keep going back to is why did Angelina and Lucibello and a few others take plea deals.That tells me their lawyers didn't think they could beat it.If these guys are found innocent wouldn't you be mad if you were Angelina or Lucibello.I mean some of the charges may vary but its all basically the same charges unless I'm missing something.Lucibello already beat a case [1995 Stanfa Trial] without a lawyer.

Dapper seriously did you just say Fazzini Not Guilty??? He plead guilty in October?? Please don't give your prediction for the Super Bowl...

Oops your absolutely right, i completely forgot. i updated my prediction. I think the lack of sleep/too much work is getting to me.

and for the superbowl i predict a giants repeat (if not then redskins)

look at the guy nicky santora in nyc his co de romanello walk out like a champ he's probaly made as shit in the mdc and now gets 2 more yrs tacked on to how much time he's doing now. i hope the guy scoops walks cause its bullshit he's locked up awaitng trial. whats he get if he walks, the guys old. look at the bosses in the 80tys they got bail on multi murders.even chin went to trial from the street 1997 12 murders. this guy scoops is locked up for getting a guy a no show job thats weak. if he walks does merlino make him new underboss or consig, tony caponigro. i was wrong to i thought some reporter would have wrote all the wire tape stuff with the gambino's.

like to hear what is going to be said about this from the s philly posters

http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/12/on-trial-for-gambling-but-targeted-for.html

Didnt look too good today for Damion with his voice being heard all over the recordings in court...

It didnt look too good for Uncle Joe today and it sounds like it will be just as bad next week for him...

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/12/uncle-joe-and-tony-soprano-are-garbage.html

I agree

Put a fork in him, he's done!

Make your own prediction for the outcome of the trial on our poll on the left side of the site www.fivefamiliesnyc.com

Hey Dapper just wondering if you were in the same courtroom as me the day these tapes were played? Probably not! So because my brother was on a wiretap, it didn't look good for him? He coulda been talking about a Ham sandwich n u would say it didn't look good for him?? My brother didn't say anything wrong! There was no criminal activity going on. I'll say it again, this case is a joke, put together by a bunch of over Zealous FBI agents n Proscutors!!

Correct me if I am wrong but didn't your brother say something along the lines of, "I wanna crack his head open" when referring to Ralphie. And you and I both know nothing good goes on at the Ward.

Doesn't help that he was already doing something like five years when this indictment came down. And correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Damion already have something like four serious priors already?

I'm not judging your brother, SP13. I'm not even a Philly guy; I'm a Bronx guy. I'm just trying to look at this objectively because you're treating Dapper unfairly. Because the truth is, things don't look so good for your brother right now.

I understand what it's like to have family in that courtroom. Believe me when I tell you that. I know how frustrating it can be. But Dapper didn't say anything out of line.

I know he has had at least two priors and I believe both have been drug convictions but let me know if that is incorrect. SP13 I like hearing your side of what is going on in court. But dont have your south philly shades on when looking at this case. I agree that some of these agents and prosecutors are over zealous but it doesn't take much these days to take guys down on Rico.

You are correct that he said that but that don't mean anything. Nothing happened to Raphie. There was no crime. Remember folks there is no violence in this case, absolutely nothing. Words are just that.... words.

Ok but let's play devils advocate for a second. When the junkie Mike Orlando got on the stand n picked out the wrong people, n fell asleep on the stand, n admitted to being on xanix n oyxi's, I don't remember anyone saying, wow it looked really good for Damion today. N yes Dame is coming off of a 5 year sentence but that's done. He committed a crime n was sent to jail. It's over. People down here listen to this idiot reporter George Anastasia n believe everything he says.

Actually, a lot of people I talk to said that when Orlando was on the stand it was good for the defense when he picked out the wrong guy. There were some crap informants I will give you that. But the prosecution is saying that the threats of violence and cosa nostras past violence forces people to pay back or do something for them. Listen, do I agree with some of what you say? Yes I do. But its not that hard for the prosecution to prove their case. Dame was on tape talking about those poker machines to. I think these are BS gambling charges for the most part besides Ligambi but the govermnment usually doesn't lose cases like these and they probably have enough. It could go good for the guys but its not likely.

I agree with SPMob. I don't think they have as good a case against dame as they do others, but he is on tape talking about the machines. I think they probably get him on that charge but it wouldn't surprise me if he got off. He and scoops seem to have the weakest cases against them. That said, these blanket racketeering charges usually have things that stick.

this case is a joke

That's exactly what their problem is. The Feds have a better than 90% trial conviction rate with those charges. But time will tell. It won't be long now.

I say guilty for Ligambi, Moussie, Staino and Borgesi. Not guilty for Licata and Damon. At this point anyway

What about Gary?

Not sure about him

Gary is on tape talking a lot of business. Seems like he is in trouble on the gambling charge.

Another poster on the other side found audio recording of the pm session of the trial on 12/7, it is real good you can download it here

http://www.mediafire.com/?8w8g88qddnea8tu

fbi agent talking about executing a search warrant on staino's car, testimony on teamsters benefit fund for ligambi etc

Thank you pizzaboy, your absolutely right.

Fact is southphilly13, Damion is on tape openly talking about making collections of debts for "Ant and Joe's money", also talking about joker poker machines in bars, this proves the existence of the racketeering/criminal enterprise which is the balls behind RICO charges. No need to take out your frustrations on me, so fall back and calm down.

You dont need violence, just the threat or the historical reputation of it works just as well to get people to pay which is what happened and what the feds are arguing that happened in this case.

I completely agree with you. Their case against Damion and Licata isnt as good as it is against the others, but there is a case.

No need to take out your frustrations on me, so fall back and calm down.... Lmao! I'm not frustrated!

True of just go to Philly.com or google beloff Philadelphia and
articles come up it's interesting since its a name from the past.

[b][/b] At DAP you need to step up on these boards maybe some of the mods could promote you to acting boss till Don Cardi gets back.. IVY LEAGUE was demoted to a solider or might be put on the shelf this week IVY and IMAMOBGUY will have to go see the ruling panel of the Genovese Family later this week

Ivy decided to leave the life, imamobguy was chased out the neighborhood for running his mouth on stuff he shouldn't have been talking about. Me as Acting Boss? I hoped the day would never come.

Anybody know who said that last line?

Tessio: Barzini's people chisle my territory and we do nothing about it. Pretty soon there won't be anyplace in Brooklyn that I can hang my hat.
Michael: Try and be patient.
Clemenza: I'm not asking for help, Mike, just take off the handcuffs.
Michael: Be patient.
Clemenza: We gotta protect ourselves. At least give me the chance to recruit some new men.
Michael: No. I don't want to give Barzini any excuse to start fighting.
Tessio: Mike, you're wrong.
Clemenza: Don Corleone, you once said the day would come when me and Tessio could form our own families. Until today I would never think of such a thing but now I must ask your permission.
Don Corleone: Well, Michael's head of the family now and if give his permission then you have my blessing.
Michael: After we make the move to Nevada you can break off from the Corleone Family and go off on your own. After we make the move to Nevada.
Clemenza: How long will that take?
Michael: Six months.
Tessio: Forgive me, Godfather, but with you gone me and Pete will come under Barzini's thumb sooner or later.
Clemenza: And I hate that Goddamn Barzini. In six months time there won't be nothin' left to build on.
Don Corleone: Do you have faith in my judgement?
Clemenza: Yes.
Don Corleone: Do I have your loyalty?
Clemenza: Yes, always Godfather.
Don Corleone: Then be a friend to Michael. Do as he says.
Michael: There are negotiations being made that are going to answer all of your questions and solve all of your problems. That's all I can tell you right now. Carlo, you grew up in Nevada. When we make our move there you're going to be my right hand man. Tom Hagen is no longer Consigliari. He's going to be our lawyer in Vegas. That's no reflection on Tom it's just the way I want it. Besides, if I ever help who's a better Consigliari than my father. That's it.
[Everyone except Hagen leaves]
Tom Hagen: Mike, why am I out?
Michael: You're not a wartime Consigliari, Tom. Things could get rough with the move we're making.
Don Corleone: Tom, I advised Michael. I never thought you were a bad Consigliari. I thought Santino was a bad Don, rest in peace. Michael has all my confidence as do you. But there are reasons why you must have nothing to do with what's going to happen.
Tom Hagen: Maybe I could help.
Michael: You're out, Tom.

Let's get all the facts straight! Let's just not write stuff just to write or everyone can just call themselves George Anastasia, Pro Tabloid government whore. Fact #1 there's no evidence on Damion Canalichio with poker machines the owner testified on stand that the machines belonged to Marty Angelina. Fact #2 Michael Orlando got on the stand and admitted he was never threatened by Damion. Fact #3 the defense is calling an Ex State Trooper as a bookmaking expert, he relieved all 10,000 phone calls of Damion's not just the 300 reviewed by the government expert. He came to the conclusion that Damion Canalichio is not a bookmaker, he is nothing more than a bettor. There are all the facts. I'll even give you one more $10,000,000.00 in 10 years and all these guys will be found not guilty.

@ SB25 Haha GA is a whore! Finally someone who's knows what they are talking about. I've been trying to tell these people that the evidence is BS against Dame! They all listen to GA. Yesterday we got another history lesson from the 70s n early 80s. Today the prosecution is going to talk about prohibition lmao! What a joke! Seriously how many times are they gonna recall the same 2 FBI agents??

this case is a farce, like I said...I hope they all get off

Good day for the defense today! No show job count: SQUASHED! Intimidating the Photographer count: SQUASHED!

Prosecution will rest tomorrow the 12th. The Jury is still waiting on the trial for a Mob case. South Philly guys should be home with their families by January 4th, 2013. This case has been ALL BS since indictments and the Jury sees right through it. Its a shame these guys sat with no bail offered. On the other hand, Sandusky sat home on house arrest..

I'm excited to hear about Philly too but I had a quick question... whatever happened to Ralph Perna, Cetta and their sons in that Gambling case a few years back? Sentencing???

Sandusky got bail not once... But twice for Raping 9 kids.

http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/12/prosecution-rests-in-mob-trial.html

Prosecution Rests in Mob Trial
The prosecution ended its case Wednesday against mob boss Joe Ligambi and six co-defendants where it began two months ago, playing a taped conversation made by mobster-turned-informant Nicholas "Nicky Skins" Stefanelli.

The conversation, featuring Stefanelli, Louis "Big Lou" Fazzini and Joseph "Scoops" Licata, was recorded in October 2010 at a meeting at the American Bistro, a restaurant in Belleville, N.J., just outside of Newark. Licata, 71, is a co-defendant in the ongoing trial. Fazzini, 45, pleaded guilty earlier this year.

A North Jersey-based capo with the Philadelphia crime family, Licata has been the forgotten man in the case. His name has seldom been mentioned by witnesses who the prosecution has used to tie Ligambi and the other co-defendants to gambling, extortion and loansharking operations at the heart of an alleged racketeering conspiracy.

But as he had been on another Stefanelli tape played back in October at the start of the trial, Licata was the principal speaker and center stage at the American Bistro meeting, commenting on the historyof the crime family, former mob boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo and Philip "Crazy Phil" Leonetti, Scarfo's nephew and underboss who became a cooperating witness.

The prosecution apparently hopes that another history lesson, in Licata's own words, will reinforce the allegation that he is part of the racketeering conspiracy. Specifically, he is charged with engaging in sports betting and with arranging a no-show job for Fazzini with a North Jersey union.

The snippets of conversation played Wednesday, however, had little to do with those charges.

Instead, Licata is heard complaining about problems during the Scarfo era and about Leonetti going bad. While not directly blaming Scarfo, he is heard telling Stefanelli and Fazzini how Scarfo "left the nephew there, that rat that buried all them guys."

Ironically, mention of Leonetti at the trial coincides with the publication of a new book, "Mafia Prince," written by Leonetti and Scott Burnstein, a Detroit-based organized crime reporter. In fact, U.S. District Court Judge Eduardo Robreno, in dismising the jury for the day Wednesday, cautioned members of the panel not to read anything about the case and made a specific reference to a recently published "book" without mentioning Leonetti by name.

"It is what it is," Stefanelli, a soldier in the Gambino crime family who had begun wearing a wire for the FBI in 2009, said in reply to Licata's lament.

Stefanelli committed suicide early in 2011 and has never testified. Dozens of tapes that he made, however, figure to surface in cases still being built by the FBI in New York and North Jersey.

The Ligambi trial is the first time any of Stefanelli's tapes have been played in public.

Licata also critized the late Saul Kane, a top Scarfo associate, who he said "was brainwashing" another mobster to whom he was sending letters in prison. The tone and tenor of Licata's comments seemed to focus on turmoil and discontent with the Scarfo regime.

In a brief cross-examination of FBI Agent John Augustine, Licata's lawyer Christopher Warren pointed out that Licata was talking about events that occurred in the 1980s. Warren has argued that the Stefanelli tapes and Licata's comments on them have no relevance to the ongoing trial.

He has described his client and the others picked up in those conversations, including Ligambi and several members of the Gambino crime family, as "a bunch of geriatric gangsters talking about the old days."

In fact, Licata underscored that point when he told Stefanelli, "They're all my friends, the originals. All my friends from 25 years ago."

The prosecution also played several other tapes recorded in Philadelphia during the Ligambi investigation, although defense attorneys seemed unclear what points were being made.

On one recorded in late April 2004, co-defendant and mob underboss Joseph "Mousie" Massimino has a discusson about who was coming to dinner for Mother's Day. In another there is talk about "fried meatballs."

Massimino's lawyer, Joseph Santaguida, referred to the "meatball" tape when prosecutors moved to enter the conversations into evidence. He also said that an unknown male who in another phone call told Massimino his grandson "wanted to meet the underboss" was clearly joking.

Co-defendant Damion Canalichio was heard on other tapes from 2006 talking about how he had gotten drunk at a wedding reception, had little recollection of what he had said or done and worried if he had offended anyone. Told by an associate that Marty Angelina was aware of what had happened, Canalichio said he wasn't concerned about Angelina.

"Marty's fuckin' worst drunk than me," he replied.

Angelina is another defendant in the case who pleaded guilty prior to the start of the trial.

The jury is in recess now until Tuesday when the defense will begin presenting its evidence. Closing arguments are scheduled for Jan.3 following a break for the holidays. Lawyers are expected back in court Thursday to argue Rule 29 motions seeking to have the charges dropped for lack of evidence or the prosecution's failure to prove the allegation. Robreno has not indicated when he will rule on those motions, but is likely to do so before Tuesday.

Co-defendant Anthony Staino, 54, said as he left the federal courthouse (Staino and alleged bookmaker Gary Battaglinii are the only defendants free on bail) that while he thought some of the motions had merit, he doubted any would be granted.

The last piece of evidence shown to the jury Wednesday before the prosecution rested was a video surveillance tape made by the Philadelphia Police Department's Organized Crime Unit. The tape showed Ligambi and others entering the Saloon, a South Philadelphia restaurant, for what authorities said was a mob Christmas party on Dec. 17, 2009.

Police Officer Cynthia Felicetti, who worked the surveillance detail, identified the individuals she saw going into and coming out of the restaurant that night. She said she and her partner were tailing Ligambi and Staino. Staino drove to the Saloon and, over the course of the next three hours, she said, they watched and video-taped mobsters entering and leaving the restaurant. The tape shown to the jury included shots of Ligambi, Staino, Fazzini and Licata.

Others seen that night, she said, included Angelina, Massimino, Gaeton Lucibello (who also pleaded guilty pre-trial), Steven Mazzone, Michael Lancelotti, Frank Narducci Jr. and the late Frank Gambino.

Felicetti said everyone was well dressed.

In his cross-examination, Ligambi's lawyer, Edwin Jacobs Jr., said the Philadelphia Police Department "was on it like three quarts of paint" when they saw Ligambi and the others heading for the restaurant for what he described as a "holiday party."

Keeping with a theme he has established throughout the trial, Jacobs implied that Ligambi and the others have been targeted not for anything they've done, but rather for who they are.

Jacobs asked Felicetti if is weren't true that "this was a group of nicely dressed, Italian-American men going to a popular restaurant during the hollidays?" The police officer conceded that that was an accurate description.

She also noted that while conducting her surveillance she saw a member of the Philadelphia Parking Authority ticket Staino's car because he had parked it too close to a fire hydrant. The ticket was introduced as evidence.

Staino apparently paid the fine.
Read more at http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/12/prosecution-rests-in-mob-trial.html#5O5bHu5JomP8uvGg.99

Ligambi may be the only one to go down on the fraud charge of the insurance fraud if the defense doesnt clear that up, just dont see what has been proven against the others except that one heresay evidence of bent lou claiming borgesi threatened someone

Im listening to the trial now. Its fuckin great.

If this case was full of bullshit charges then the other defendants wouldnt have copped plea deals before trial, think about it..

at this point I would be really shocked if they were all found not guilty, but there are a few guys who can walk away beating these charges.

Hopefully we know by Christmas.

Well said Dapper Don.

JerryB from the other forum uploaded some more trial testimony for the dates of 10/31 thru 11/2 on the case including the Nicky Skins tapes and FBI agent Jack Garcia, you can download it here

http://www.mediafire.com/?l9601vxsic6kcv...0f4x1cx26yor116

ive listened to most of it already:

- joe grande was planning on taking over the philly fam with the backing of scarfo jr and sr, scoops

-lucchese fam (scarfo jr) was trying to recruit members/rackets, etc

- stevie mazzone is consig, they were waiting for him to get off supervised release to make dom grande and sonny mazzone

- a bunch of the scarfo era guys (joe grande, narducci bros, charlie iannece) were mentioned in the meeting with ligambi and john gambino, seems most of them are back in the game

- mousie was making some cash with tony proto from the gambinos

-they talked about the admin over the past few years which from my understanding looked like this

official boss- skinny joey
acting boss/official underboss- ligambi
acting underboss- mousie
consig- mazzone
capos - mikey lance, angelina, and scoops

- scoops has a big mouth talking about joey shooting scarfo jr, cursing vic amuso/the lucchese fam, and complaining about mousie doing business in his area to ligambi

Now that nicodemo was taken in for a mob hit today,if the jury hears about this news, this throws the whole defense argument of "no violence, etc" out the window.

Any way you slice it, the murder today is not good news for those on trial. Their only saving grace is the prosecution rested their case, but lawyers are slick maybe the judge can grant them an extra day to go at it. I wonder if the judge will mention something about this murder at the trial, I dont remember but I thought the jury was being sequestered for this trial?...

Wow this is great stuff thanks Dap.

I listened to this on my way home from the office, i encourage everybody to take a listen priceless stuff on these tapes, i thank jerryb from the other side for uploading them, he got them from PACER

This puts a whole new spin on the inner workings of the Philly Mob. Scarfo guys are active and two New York families have dealings with them. There was a recent article from Capeci about why Philly guys love Steven Crea, what was that about?

apparently crea while he was acting boss and amuso was still official was stalling in making nicky scarfo jr into the lucchese fam,finally amuso sent word from the can to "get it done" and scarfo jr was made as a favor to scarfo sr who was prison buddies with amuso, the philly guys like licata were on the tapes talking about how crea did everything he could to stall it and they respected him for that

They don't sound like they liked Nicky Jr. that much. I heard that kid's an idiot and a brat.

Jr is a HUGE money maker thats for sure.


Licata was telling this whole story to the Gambinos and was asking the Gambinos for their support in this issue with the Lucchese fam (this was back in 2010) cause the fact they made nicky jr as a favor to nicky sr who was never getting out the can still pissed off the philly fam, licata called amuso a bitch, the gambinos just listened and didnt take sides.

From what I gathered listening to the conversation, it sounds like the Gambino's kind of yawned and let the issue resolve itself. Crea was forced to make the kid? He's the boss after all he can make his own decisions.

well amuso was still the official boss at this point (amuso proposed scarfo jr in 98, he was officially inducted in mid-1999) and crea was just acting

Oh right. Forgot that Crea was only acting at that point. Got the time period mixed up.

Another day the prosecution appeared stupid and without any base for a trial. Between no evidence and Eddie Jacobs skills in court the prosecution has no shot! But what's new in the case? Eddie Jacobs had been on top since opening statements. Scoops should be going home tomorrow after the decision is rendered on the filing of the Rule 29 if not, the judge is on his charade. It should be granted for the Rico too. Special Agent Augustine (they are all special, it's not just a title) testified that nothing on the tapes states that things are going to the top. George Anastasia should have been seated next to the prosecution during this whole trial. Not one of his reports posted indicated that the defense even had one good day. When in fact, the defense never had a bad day since day 1. Like I said from the beginning NOT GUILTY across the board.

dap im having a hard time could you type aliitle more when i down load to much shit happens. i read in mafia prince that philip narducci is the real strong one. i'll keep trying.

i got it, skip over the first one its fat fbi jack its dumb. but part 2 it gets good guess theres more guy for the top spot. grande and narducci its gonna get bad like montreal and scoops is a boss just running the show being fat wit glasses dont mean shit. all the young scarfo guys are running shit i think. wow people hate scarfo sr.

wow this olando kid who took the stand sounds like he's gonna o.d. on the stand, this is classic this kid is high as a kite wow thw d.a. went bottom feeding for this bum its a must listen. not oxy its roxacet same fucking thing . you can do xanys of the stand, i drink 2 nati's eat a xani and im sleeping in the street. kid just stealing getting high now he gets a section 8 voucher and a check for life, nice,

The FBI is so desperate these are the types of people they got on the stand. N this is the main guy against my brother? What a joke. We left court on a Friday n Orlando was suppose to get back on the stand on Tuesday. The DA says oh he went to the hospital n he'll be back on Thursday. He went through withdraw over the weekend. He said he was on 20mg of oyxi something n 10mg of xanix. He picked out Gary wrong 3 times on 2 different days lmfao! He was such good friends with my brother that he called him by the wrong name the whole time he was on the stand. There's nothing funny about this case but this kid was high as shit. I was my ass off at this junkie. He dipped out on the stand. Did u get to the part where we played a tape of him saying he bought a shotgun? They were sick when we played that tape. N ur right he gets to live for free.... Nice!

SP13 do you know if nicodemo had some kind of pill or drug problem because what he is being accused of and the way they found him seems pretty stoopid

It's about the jury at this point, do they look interested or are they just going through the motions..??

It's really silly they have to listen and hear testamony from things that happened 10, 15 and 20 years ago.

We all know who these guys are and what they do...What does Christmas Party attendance have to do with anything, plus the testimony that one of them got a parking ticket, lol..

If I was a juror I would be pissed they were wasting my time on this...

AZ guy you are right taking them away from their jobs, not sure what the federeal jury system could be paying ppl these days but it cant be much

Why would you ask that? Seems like a random question. IF, and that's a big if, nicodemo had anything to do with this, it could be for any number of possibilities. This hit may not have been sanctioned but that doesn't mean it wasn't planned. The police are looking for one to two other people the story says, who may or may not be involved. Three people sounds like a planned hit, not spur of the moment. This may truly speak to the state of underworld affairs. If he feels like he can do this during a mob trial he is either the stupidest, or ballsiest, person I have ever seen. Either way, we don't know yet what happened.

Having balls is one thing, but copping a sneak on a guy while your boss is on trial is quite another (if that's what happened). Years ago you'd get dead for something like this. Today they'll probably give the guy a reality show.

Im going to hold off bashing until we know some more info. This could be a number of different things. It does seem stupid but I am going to wait until we have (if we get) more info. At this point my only emotion is SHOCK.

Agreed

That's exactly what I mean. This would have never happened before 1980 when Bruno was killed. That's the sad shape things are in today.

A federal judge said he would individually question the 15 jurors in the federal racketeering trial of seven alleged Philadelphia mobsters when court resumes Tuesday to see if they have been exposed to news coverage of this week's apparent mob hit that killed Gino DiPietro.

The shooting of DiPietro, 50, just before 3 p.m. Tuesday in South Philadelphia, brought an element of surprise to the trial of Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six underlings as it ended its eighth week of testimony with the conclusion of the federal prosecutors' case.
The jurors were not present in court on Thursday, a day reserved for lawyers for the seven alleged mobsters to argue motions for judgments of acquittal, a usual move once the prosecution's case has ended. U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno said he would rule on the motions on Tuesday when the trial resumes.

But before judge and lawyers ended Thursday's trial session, Ligambi's lawyer, Edwin Jacobs, brought up the DiPietro killing and how it might affect the trial jury.

Jacobs told Robreno he was worried because DiPietro's name had been mentioned in trial testimony and various media reports were speculating on a link between the shooting and the trial.

"I think it's incumbent upon the court to say something about being exposed to this," Jacobs said.

Despite weeks of testimony, DiPietro's name may very well be familiar to jurors. One of the last wiretapped conversations prosecutors played for the jury involved DiPietro and the speaker the jurors heard was Ligambi co-defendant Damion Canalichio.

It was Robreno who suggested that he call the jurors individually into his chambers as they arrive on Tuesday morning to determine if they knew anything about DiPietro's killing and, if they did, whether they could still fairly consider the evidence against the seven.

Organized-crime expert George Anastasia, a former veteran Inquirer reporter now blogging about the Ligambi trial for the Internet site BigTrial.net, said that if DiPietro's slaying is linked to the Philadelphia mob or any of the seven defendants, it would undercut the defense's theory of the case: a nonviolent, modern organized crime family far removed from the storied days of violence and hitmen.

Anastasia said DiPietro, a convicted drug dealer, was rumored to be cooperating with law enforcement. Philadelphia police are questioning reputed mob soldier, Anthony Nicodemo, 41, about the shooting although Nicodemo has not been charged.
Assuming there are no significant problems arising from jurors exposed to the news reports about the shooting, Robreno said the defense would begin its case late Tuesday morning. Based on the defense lawyers' assessments, Robreno said he expected the defense cases might end as early as Wednesday afternoon.

After the end of testimony, the jurors would hear closing arguments from the prosecution and defense lawyers, get instructions in the law from Robreno and then begin deliberating on a verdict.

http://www.fivefamiliesnyc.com/2012/12/judge-to-question-trial-jurors-about.html

If the mobsters are found guilty in this case, their lawyers can later use the argument of the jury been exposed to this latest news coverage as basis of appeal. This tactic, or similar tactics, has been used before numerous of times by others.

Can they ask for a mistrial because of this?

And I am ready to say how stupid this is. In philly, you only have to have a plate on the back of your car and not the front like in jersey. At bare minimum use a different plate, get rid of the gun, something....

hahhah...i agree with you and the judge is supposed to ask on Monday if anyone read or learned about this and then it will be up to him....I would like to know what all those that are part of the family or family of the defendants are saying about this. Love to hear what Damion C's brother has to say

Jeez, ever since the murder of Bruno, the hits have just become dumber and dumber and dumber. Scarfo was a crazy fuck, Joey was just an incompetent, major egoistic fuck face and now Ligambi was doing a good job bringing the family up again and this fuck Nicodemo goes and messes it all up at the worst possible time ever! I guess the Philly mafia has always been destined to earn itself the reputation of being an ultra-violent dysfunctional family...

Like I posted yesterday, they may get a mistrial without even asking. And that's hardly good news. Bail will continue to be denied. The Feds will work on flipping this idiot Nicodemo. Meanwhile, if they do, you can be sure that a couple of old murders will be tacked on to the gambling case that had "no violence."

In short, they're done. It's all over but the shouting for the current Philly administration. The only remotely interesting question at this point is whether or not this can reach Joey. If someone can offer that poor bastard up on an ancient murder charge, his life may just become a movie yet.

Pizza, I was thinking about that yesterday. They would love to flip someone now that they got this guy charged with Murder and he could bring down a lot of people. Hes the only true hitter in Philly and He has a lot of info. And we all know their number 1 target is Joey. This could possibly be the nail in the coffin for whatever structural organization they have left. And if thats the case, its about time they made a good movie about the philly mob.

I know he's a New York guy, but you guys have to put your tails between your legs and beg Scorsese to direct .

To be honest, I would love nothing more. Scorsese is just the man! I dont have a hatred for NY like others. I love the city. Just hate the sports teams lol :)I use to get to NY a lot more and stay with my boy in Yonkers but as time moves on I get less chances to get up there just to hang out.

Yeah, I think you and I pm'd about Yonkers awhile back??

I'm a Bronx guy for 53 years, but I always had a lot of family up that way. But to be honest, Yonkers---and no offense to your friend---has changed drastically recently. Most of the Italians have bolted for the suburbs further north. I was in Cross County last week to do some shopping and I was absolutely shocked at the decline of the surrounding area.

Yea you and I did dicsuss that. I told you where he lived and you said that was one of the last remaining good areas. His house is actually really nice and in a nice area but like Philly, its pretty close to a real bad area. Most of his family is from the bronx though. His family owns a auto show...Last name Dibona. I think the auto shop is in Yonkers though.

He lives in East Yonkers, I remember that. His little area reminds me of Jersey, he lives like in a little development.

Right, I remember now, over by Palmer Road. That part of Palmer by Bronxville is still very nice. But that's almost more Bronxville than Yonkers. Big, big money in Bronxville.

But the other side of Palmer Road, that runs towards Saw Mill River Road? I wouldn't walk through that area after dark on a bet today. And it's a shame, too. It used to be very nice. But like I always say, things change .

One of the farthest-fetch ideas as to why the Nicodemo shooting happened when it did could be maybe not everybody wanted to see these guys walk.Maybe some thought the prosecution failed to deliver so somebody said lets make these guys[defendants] look violent.Let's face it if these guys go down somebody moves up.Why they picked the victim they did,who knows.I don't believe that theory well Dipetro was talking to the authorities about the Johnny Gongs hit or the Mazzuca Hit.Even if he was you know right darn well one of these good Mob lawyers would punch holes in the testimoney portraying the guy to be a drug-dealer and whatever.Unless its a higher-up talking about old hits there's probably no credability amongst the associates with lenthy criminal records,so it wouldn't make sense to kill him for talking,not only that but the guy wasn't trying to get a shorter sentence or aanything,he was already a free man.Doesn't make sense.

The jury should see these guys had nothing at all to do with the shooting. The FBI watched these same guys for 10 years and there hasn't been any violence associated with them what so ever. For reporters to fabricate stories stating that DiPietro was on tape in court us nonsense! He was never mentioned in the 12 weeks of trial. However that's what who're reporters do..the LIE! The guy damion was talking about on the tapes was Nicodemo not DiPietro funny how it was immediately twisted around to make a story in the paper. This guy has never been brought up in the case. Damion doesn't know this guy (trust me) let alone talking about him on the phone.

agree phillybella....these guys walk in a few weeks...the whole thing is a waste of time...nothing seems to relate to the other, i dont see the rico sticking...this is actually unamerican of what the feds are doing.

i mean yur talking about poker machines in coffee shops and some 70 yr old guy has a job at a waste mangment place but he doesnt show up...who gives a shit.

Cheech you are exactly right not one thing relates to the other. This 10 year investigation and they have nothing. The Feds had no choice but to bring it now and hope something sticks. We are still waiting to hear if the judge will throw out the Rico which is a complete joke, especially when damion and Georgie have been away for half of this investigation and others in the case already plead out on their charges.

That's a great way to word it. The government in Philadelphia is F'd up. There are a lot of young people in Law Enforcement and the DA's Office state and federal that are trying to make a name for themselves I was at CJC(Criminal Justice Center yesterday) where state cases are held. The one DA goes to a colleague this a Kangaroo Court, its ridiculous the amount of money wasted..and the amount of money some of the accused have to spend on attorneys and specialists.

Is that even illegal? As long as it's not a public company i would think the owner could give a job to whoever he wants even if you don't have to do anything. I think he might have a problem with the health benefits him and his family received but i'm not sure on the law about using a union funded plan.

It's the same everywhere, DickNose. Or I should say it's the same everywhere there's Italian American OC. New York, Philly, wherever. They're never going to let up. Ever.

@Giancarlo I agree like the private sector in white collar jobs a lot of the time do not have to explain themselves for why this person is working for them and what not because it is "PRIVATE" but considering that industry has a lot of oversight on it, I would think that's why they're making a big fuss over it. I mean it is expensive getting your trash picked up nowadays.

interesting conspiracy theory

trial will continue for Uncle Joe and the boys in Philly Fed Court

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaki...lleged_hit.html

I have a question that some senior posters probably could answer... All the guys that took pleas would they have to okay that with the their alleged boss (Ligambi) or Fazzini get permission from Scoops is that part of the rules?

Okay so these boards seem pretty convinced Uncle Joe and company are going down for the count. That leaves South Philly with 30+ made guys out on the streets, right? How's the power vacuum going to fill at the Captain and upper management level?

Well, we're getting ahead of ourselves. But wouldn't it be some shit if a few of the geriatric old Scarfo guys ended up running shit again?

Ever see "Tough Guys" with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas?

30 made guys on the street? That seems a little high. Especially after this trial is over.

There is def NOT 30 active made guys on the street, a few years back when Ligambi and crew were out on the street there was around 20 active made guys out on the street according to the state police, there is probably around 15-20 or so currently out, whether they are active or not is another story

The Scarfo guys could very well take control with Ligambi and crew in jeopardy of going away, in his new book Leonetti said that Phillip Narducci is a very serious guy to look out for in the future, he just got released after serving 25 yrs in the can.

Dicknose, I doubt thats the case anymore. Plea deals have been the wave of the future since the 90s. In the past Gotti didnt allow people to take pleas, and the Westside killed Lawrence Ricci because he refused to accept a plea deal. There have been a few historical exceptions, but nowadays I think accepting a plea deal is the norm if you can get one regardless if your mob superiors approve or not.

http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/12/defense-scores-points-at-mob-trial.html#more

Defense Scores Points at Mob Trial
It was a good day for the defenseTuesday in the racketeering trial of mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six co-defendants.

So good, in fact, that mob underboss Joseph "Mousie" Massimino, a co-defendant, joked about going home. One of five defendants being held without bail, Massimino, during a break in the trial, asked Assistant U.S. Attorney John Han, "Can you give me a ride John?"

Massimino, Ligambi and the three other defendants held without bail will have to wait at least until January to find out if they walk out of the Federal Detention Center next door to the U.S. Courthouse. Jury deliberations are expected to begin on Jan. 7 following a recess later this week for the holidays.

But the defense camp was decidedly upbeat after Tuesday's court session which included testimony from one witness who blistered key government informant Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello and another witness who raised serious questions about whether a mob meeting at a North Jersey restaurant back in May 2010 was anything other than a bunch of guys getting together for lunch.

"I think we had a really good day," said one defense attorney.
The trial resumes Wednesday with U.S. District Court Judge Eduardoi Robreno taking up the issue of whether a highly publicized mob hit in South Philadelphia last Wednesday impacted the jury. Robreno privately questioned each of the 17 jurors (there are five alternates) before the start of Tuesday's session.

Nine jurors said they had heard about the shooting, but only one indicated that the news might have affected his ability to remain impartial, according to courtroom sources. The defense is deciding whether to ask that the juror be replaced by an alternate. Robreno intends to take up the issue before the defense continues presenting its witnesses.

Testimony could conclude later in the day.

Ligambi, Massimino and their co-defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy in a case built around bookmaking, loansharking, extortion and illegal video poker machines.

The key defense witness called Tuesday was Jerry Davis, 54, a one-time South Philadelphia neighbor of Monacello.

Monacello testified for the prosecution earlier in the trial, tying Ligambi and co-defendant George Borgesi, Ligambi's nephew, to gambling, extortion and loansharking rackets.

The defense has argued that Monacello, 45, a key Borgesi associate, lied on the witness stand. They contend that he was acting on his own in the criminal underworld while using his mob connections, particularly his ties to Borgesi, to advance his own money-making operations.

Davis, who lived next door to Monacello on South 18th Street before Monacello moved to Vetnor in 2011, said he frequently socialized with the mob figure who he described as "vicious" and vindictive.

He said after Monacello was indicted along with Ligambi, Borgesi and the other defendants in May 2011, he told Davis that he would "do whatever it took" to get out from under the charges. Monacello was at first denied bail, but was released in July 2011 after agreeing to cooperate.

He relocated to Ventnor after being freed.

Davis said he met Monacello around 2005, about the time authorities allege Monacello was running Borgesi's gambling and loansharking operations in Delaware County. Borgesi, 49, was serving a 14-year sentence for an unrelated racketeering conviction at the time.

Davis described several drinking sessions he said he had with Monacello in the basement of Monacello's home. Monacello, he said, favored a shot of Crown Royal whiskey chased with a glass of beer. Davis said the more Monacello drank, the more he talked about Borgesi, Ligambi and mobster Martin Angelina.

Monacello, he said, boasted that he could use "Borgesi's name to get anything he wanted."

He said Monacello told him that "he hoped (Borgesi) would never come home from prison." He also said Monacello "hated" Ligambi and wanted Angelina "dead."

From the witness stand Monacello admitted most of that to the jury, but insisted that whatever he did in the underworld was on behalf of Borgesi and often with Ligambi's blessing.

Davis, speaking in a quiet, firm voice, said Monacello frequently complained about the leadership of the crime family.

"Nobody knows what they're doing," he said Monacello would say after a few drinks. He also said Monacello told him that he, Monacello, should be the boss of the organization.

Monacello has been described as a mob associate, but not a made or formally initiated member of the crime family. During his testimony, he told the jury that he often found himself caught in the middle of underworld disputes between Borgesi and Ligambi involving gambling and loansharking issues.

Borgesi, who was about to be released from prison for the earlier racketeering conviction when he was indicted and ordered held without bail in this case, clearly felt that Davis' testimony supported his contention that Monacello had fabricated stories about him.

"See, I told you," he said during a break.

Whether the jury sees it that way, however, is the only issue that matters. After two months of testimoy and evidence, it is clear that the case against Borgesi depends almost entirely on Monacello's testimony.

The defense also appeared to undermine a key piece of evidence against Joseph "Scoops" Licata, a North Jersey mob figure whose connection to the overall racketeering conspiracy has been tenuous at best throughout the trial.

Among other things, the prosecution has alleged that Licata was a key participant in a mob meeting at a North Jersey restaurtant, La Griglia, in May 2010. Authorities have described the lunch meeting, attended by Ligambi, Licata, co-defendant Anthony Staino and several members of the Gambino crime family as a meeting of the "board of directors of organized crime."

The meeting was secretly recorded by a mob informant who wore a body wire to the session.

But Tuesday Chris Tocci, the manager of the Kenilworth restaurant, testified that the lunch meeting took place in the main dining room and within earshot of other patrons. Under questioning from Licata's lawyer, Christopher Warren, Tocci said he had offered to set the party up in a private room, but that Licata and the others declined.

"They said they wanted to eat in the main dining area," Tocci said.

Warren then introduced as evidence photos of the main dining with dozens of tables and the private room where the mobsters could have met. The point Warren made visually -- and one he is expected to expand on verbally in his closing argument -- is that if the mobsters wanted privacy to discuss criminal business the private dining area would have made more sense.

In his opening argument, Warren, along with several other defense attorneys, argued that the prosecution had stitched together a series of unrelated charges and events to create a criminal conspiracy where none existed. The meeting at LaGriglia was one example.

During what authorities have said was a four- to five-hour lunch meeting, the food ordered by Licata, Ligambi and the others included seafood salad, cajun calamari, grilled filet mignon, yellow fin tuna, Chilean sea bass, chicken with broccoli rabe and diver scallops, according to the bill.

One mobster also ordreed the cod lunch special. Another had a half plate of linguine. And there were two orders of broccoli rabe with sausage and two orders of fricassee. Desserts included fresh berries, cheesecake and shortcake. They washed it all down with seven bottles of mineral water (at $7 each) and five bottles of wine, four 2005 Mocali (at $65 per bottle) and a 2001 Biondi Santi for $200.

The bill came to $902 with tax. Tocci said the bill was paid in cash. There was no indication of how big a tip the mobsters left.
Posted by George Anastasia at 6:09 PM
Trial: Philadelphia Mob Trial


Read more at http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/12/defense-scores-points-at-mob-trial.html#a5sirSOI42frbrKV.99

Looks like a good day for Ligambi and co...doesnt matter if they beat this case IMHO. If I was one of them I would be sweating bullets thinking whether or not Nicodemo is going to flip and if he did when the feds would file a new indictment... if he doesnt flip and they also beat this case, then they are one lucky SOB's thats for sure. Just for the record, I still think guilty across the board with only a a chance for Licata to come off scott free.

I agree and the other thing as someone on here has stated, who is gonna be the first to flip on the earlier murder case once the rumors start flying if and when nicodemo decides to cooperate...if they get him as a death penalty case..it will get hot in philly