The 76-year-old reputed godfather of an organized crime family has pleaded guilty during his federal racketeering trial because of declining health, his lawyer said Jose Miguel Battle Sr. is awaiting sentencing for serving as the boss of "The Corporation," a crime ring that authorities said operated in New York, Florida and Latin America over four decades.
But Battle suffers from kidney and liver failure, diabetes and cardiac problems, his lawyer said.
"He's just very sick," said attorney Jack Blumenfeld. "This way, he can die at home rather than in jail."
Battle faces 20 years to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy if he lives long enough to be sentenced. He was set to be released from a federal detention center on a $1 million bond.
Battle and five others were accused of committing five murders, four arson attacks resulting in eight deaths, and more than $1.5 billion collected from drug trafficking, bookmaking and numbers rackets.
Battle pleaded guilty on April 27; his trial began in March.
Mr. Corleone is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately.
