Feds Drop Case Against Reputed Mob Boss Who Twice Beat Gambling Charges

PHILADELPHIA (Associated Press) — Federal prosecutors say they won't seek to retry a reputed Philadelphia mob boss who twice beat charges in a gambling and racketeering case.

Joseph Ligambi could have faced a third trial after jurors acquitted him last week of witness tampering while deadlocking on three other charges. But prosecutors filed a motion Monday seeking to dismiss the remaining counts. A judge still has to sign off.

Ligambi's attorney, Ed Jacobs,  says he expects his client to be released from a federal detention center Tuesday.

The Ligambi case largely involves the collection of small gambling debts and loans, and the operation of video poker machines at neighborhood bars. Ligambi was indicted in 2009.

Prosecutors won convictions against Ligambi's reputed underboss, enforcer and several others.