Russo testified that in 2009 or 2010, he and Colombo family member Anthony Stropoli wanted to start a valet parking business in New Jersey together. (Tr. at 121-23.)
The choice of business and location was based on the fact that Stropoli already operated a wholesale seafood business selling to restaurants in New Jersey. (Id. at 122.) Russo contacted an individual he knew as “Anthony,” who operated a valet business on Staten Island, to get advice. (Id.) When Russo went to meet “Anthony,” the defendant was there. (Id. at 122-23.) The defendant asked Russo how he and Stropoli would like it if the defendant opened a seafood business. (Id. at 123.) The defendant further told Russo to make his life easier by “giv[ing] us the valet” and putting “our” (the defendant’s and “Anthony’s”) valet business in the restaurants that Russo intended to approach, while “you guys” (Russo and Stropoli) “sit back and collect a check.” (Id. at 124.) Russo then obtained valet business for “Anthony” and the defendant from an Italian restaurant in Red Bank, New Jersey. (Id. at 124.) Russo and Stropoli never opened their own valet business because they did not want “problems” from the defendant. (Id. at 124-25.)


Guess Jerry Langellas nephew is still in the game