Philadelphia Mobsters Go on Trial Thursday

Written by :

Gilbert Horowitz

Published on :

17 October, 2012

Opening arguments will begin Thursday in the racketeering trial of reputed mob boss Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and six others. The trial is expected to last for up to 12 weeks.

A final group of alternative jurors were selected on Wednesday.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

The racketeering conspiracy case includes charges of gambling, loan-sharking and extortion. In addition, Ligambi is accused of defrauding a Teamsters Union health fund of more than $200,000 in medical and dental expenses for himself and his family.

The charges stem from what prosecutors allege was Ligambi's no-show job at a South Philadelphia trash hauling company.

Ligambi, 73, is being tried along with reputed mob members Joseph "Scoops" Licata, 71, Joseph "Mousie" Massimino, 62, Anthony Staino, 54, George Borgesi, 49, and Damion Canalichio, 42, and mob associate Gary Battaglini, 51.

The prosecution is expected to call several former mob members and associates who are now cooperating witnesses. Other testimony will come from FBI agents, undercover operatives and victims of alleged mob extortions and shakedowns.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com

Crime

Gambling News

Arrested Salt Lake City Utah Bank Robbery Suspect Claims He Was Coerced, Owed $19K in Gambling Debts by Accomplice

Fidel Ybarra says he was forced into committing the crime by Thomas Domingo Bustos, 31 while Brelyn Sanchez, 37, also allegedly participated.

Sarasota Florida Establishments Latest in State to Be Hit By Gambling Raids

Three alleged illegal gambling establishments in Englewood, Florida are the latest to be hit by gambling raids in the state that have thus far resulted in more than 184 illegal gambling arcades being shut down over the last year.

Another Arrest Warrant Issued for Disgraced Nevada Sports Handicapper Vegas Dave

David Oancea, known to his social media followers as Vegas Dave, was found in contempt of court once again after the social media influencer failed to show up for court proceedings in a protracted civil case in which he owes debtors tens of millions of dollars.

Feds: Hammond Indiana Area Alleged Gambling Ring Operator Sent Witnessess Death Threats From Church

James "Jimmy the Greek" Gerodemos took video of flaming memorial candles in the back of a church, candles to honor the dead, and then sent the video to degenerate gamblers who owed money to his bookies, according to court filings.