Former Philadelphia Mayor’s Daughter Spared in Mob Gambling Case
PHILADELPHIA - (Associated Press) — The daughter of a former Philadelphia mayor is likely to go free in the latest gambling prosecution of her husband, who admits running a global sports betting ring.
Joanna Mastronardo, daughter of the late Mayor Frank Rizzo, will have a banking charge dropped if other defendants plead guilty to racketeering and gambling charges.
Her husband, Joseph "Joe Vito" Mastronardo Sr., and son, Joseph F. "Joey" Mastronardo, pleaded guilty on Friday.
A federal judge said Tuesday that he will drop her case when they are sentenced.
Prosecutors say Joseph Mastronardo and his brother, John, had operations online and in several countries. John Mastronardo says he will plead guilty on Thursday.
Authorities found $1 million in cash buried outside Joseph Mastronardo's estate near Philadelphia.
He's been convicted of related charges twice before.
