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- Bond was secured by four signatures and backed by $200k in cash
- Ralph “The Undertaker” Balsamo got his name from running a number of funeral homes
- US Attorney painted Balsamo as a violent coke-snorting felon and flight risk
- Attorneys for Balsamo won out with their own description of Balsamo as a loving family man who, on Tuesday, blew kisses to family members seated in the courtroom
46-year-old mobster Ralph “The Undertaker” Balsamo was released from prison Tuesday on a $1 million personal recognizance bond, secured by four signatures, and backed by $200,000 in cash or property.
Balsamo, who got his name from owning funeral homes, had previously served 97 months on a gambling conviction, possession of drugs and obstruction of justice.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Kramer painted “The Undertaker” as a repeat offender who, it was noted in court, refused to take a urine test the morning of his most recent August 4 arrest. She referred to him as a violent criminal who regularly binged on coke and would be a flight risk if released.
Balsamo's lawyer, Lawrence DiGiansante, made Balsamo look like a saint and the judge apparently agreed. He was portrayed as a blue-collar mama’s boy with a wife and two sons. DiGiansante also noted that his client works two legitimate jobs and long hours.
He also pointed out that the case was related to gambling and supposed healthcare fraud as opposed to a more violent crime.
Despite being granted the release, Balsamo is still facing upwards of 20 years behind bars.
The gentle mobster blew his family a kiss as he was being led out of the courtroom.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
