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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
