Bronx gangster Vincent Basciano must remain in strict solitary confinement because there is evidence he tried to conduct criminal activity - such as murder - while in jail, a federal judge ruled yesterday in Brooklyn.
The decision by Judge Nicholas Garaufis to keep Basciano under tight security at the federal detention center in Sunset Park was another blow against the Bonanno crime captain in his long-running attempt to get free of the restraints.
Under the "special administrative measures" first imposed on Basciano in September 2006, he is now allowed one telephone call a week with his lawyers and two family visits a month. Originally Basciano, known as "Vinny Gorgeous," didn't have family phone privileges or visits under the order.
Basciano, 48, was placed under the tight conditions after federal prosecutors alleged that while in jail he prepared a "hit list" that contained the names of Garaufis, Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Andres and three witnesses. Basciano contended that the list was actually part of a Santería ritual designed to get him good luck at his criminal trials.
Recently Basciano's attorneys disclosed that two additional lists had been found, which contained more than 20 names and a magical incantation - evidence the lawyers said that the Santería explanation was true. Yesterday, defense attorney Ephraim Savitt said he will ask Garaufis to reconsider the ruling.
Savitt said Basciano's solitary confinement was preventing him from helping the defense team prepare for his August death penalty trial.
Garaufis was sympathetic regarding difficulties the jail conditions posed for his access to his attorneys and legal mail.
"If problems persist, defense counsel should so advise the court," said Garaufis.
