Philadelphia Mobster Heading to Prison for Role in Illegal Gambling Business

PHILADELPHIA — (Associated Press) - A man who authorities say worked for the Philadelphia mob is heading to prison for his role in an illicit video poker operation.

Forty-three-year-old Eric Esposito is described by federal prosecutors as a foot soldier of La Cosa Nostra. A judge sentenced him Wednesday to 27 months behind bars.

Jurors convicted Esposito in February of illegally running a gambling business at a private social club in South Philadelphia.

Justice Department officials say 13 members and associates of the crime family have pleaded guilty or been convicted as part of their case.

But they failed to nab reputed Mafia boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi, who twice beat charges after a decades-long campaign against him.