Commish: Genovese Crime Family Illegal Gambling, Murder Business ‘As Old as La Cosa Nostra’
18 members of the Genovese crime family have been charged with racketeering, Conspiracy, attempted murder, extortion conspiracy, firearms offenses and illegal gambling.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara made the announcement late Thursday.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Nassau County Police Department and New York Police Department had 17 of the individuals already in custody as part of “coordinated takedown,” according to officials.
Genovese family “soldiers” including 74-year-old Robert Debello (also known as “Old Man,” “Bobby” and “Grandpa”) and 56-year-old Steven Pastore as well as associates 34-year-old Ryan Ellis (“Joseph Princi,” “Baldy,” “Lazy Eye” and “Zeus”) and 40-year-old Salvatore Delligati (“Jay” and “Fat Sal”) are among those indicted, officials said.
Others charged included Jonathan Desimone, 34, Sypro Antonakopoulos, 31, Michael Vigorito, 35, Frank Celso, 50 and Scott Jacobson, 31.
Jacobson, Celso, Vigorito, Antonakopoulos and Desimone were among those charged in operating an illegal gambling business, officials said.
Officials did not release any additional information or details about the charges, though NYPD Commissioner Bratton William J. Bratton described the activities as a ”racket … as old as La Cosa Nostra.”
Mr. Bharara, who was also responsible for the shutdown of three major online poker companies in April of 2011, praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the NYPD’s Detective Bureau, Criminal Enterprise Investigations, and the NCPD. He also thanked the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for their participation and support in this ongoing investigation.
NYPD Commissioner Bratton William J. Bratton said: “This racket was as old as La Cosa Nostra. From murder for hire to extortion and gambling, there wasn’t a scheme that was off limits to these soldiers and associates of the Genovese family. The mob may be diminished, but it’s not dead, and it requires our continued vigilance. I commend of the FBI, Nassau County Police, U.S. Attorney, and team of NYPD detectives who made today’s arrests possible.”
Acting NCPD Commissioner Thomas C. Krumpter said: “The indictment of these members of the Genovese Crime Family is an example of how partners in law enforcement utilize talented personnel and resources to work together and bring individuals to justice. The Nassau County Police Department is committed to working with our fellow law enforcement partners to ensure public safety.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
