Chicago sweepstakes operator finds racketeering charges dropped after mistrial
Federal prosecutors in Chicago on Monday dropped racketeering charges against two people allegedly robbed after a "chaotic mistrial" earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune first reported.
Sweepstakes Sponsor Gene “Gino” Cassano, 55, and his partner Gioacchino “Jack” Galion, 47 Galione was charged in court with conspiring to collect debts through extortion. Additionally, Garrione was accused of using violence to collect debts.
This is linked to the alleged extortion and beating of drug dealer Luigi Mucerino, who was attacked in Gaglione's garage on August 1, 2016. Prosecutors allege Muserino borrowed $10,000 from Cassano but failed to repay it on time, causing Muserino to become angry.
Defense attorneys did not deny that Gallione broke Muserino's nose and shattered more than a dozen bones in his face. However, they deny that he did so on Cassano's orders and for the purpose of extortion.
Don’t mention the Mafia
The trial collapsed last month after FBI agent David Patch unexpectedly testified that his job was to investigate "organized crime issues."
That prompted U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman to dismiss the lawsuit and declare a mistrial. This is reasonable because this wording would put the jury at a disadvantage compared to the two defendants.
Lawyers for Cassano and Garrione accused prosecutors of "trying to find ways to give this case the appearance of organized crime from the beginning."
However, the charges against the couple are part of a larger federal investigation into Chicago Outfit road crews at Elmwood Park and Grand Avenue, according to court documents. Of particular concern are the group's two main sources of income: gambling and prostitution.
As part of the investigation, the FBI has been listening in on organized crime elements within the organization since 2016. One of the targets was a relative of Joseph "Joe Gargos" Gagliano, a well-known Elmwood Park capo and Mafia gambler, the Tribune reported.
The late "mover" Marco D'Amico is also at the center of the investigation. D'Amico died in 2020 at the age of 84. He is believed to have led the organization's illegal sports betting operations for decades.
Offshore Sports Betting Offers
According to statements from some rather hesitant witnesses at the trial, Cassano was also a former bookmaker but he also ran a legitimate business.
According to court documents, Cassano was recorded talking to other members of a suspected offshore online sportsbook.
Federal prosecutors gave no specific reasons Friday for dropping the charges, though defense attorneys said they would file a motion to dismiss the case on double jeopardy grounds if the trial proceeds.
Read also:
- Steve Wynn told Nevada lawmakers he supports a "broad-based corporate tax."
- Stanley Ho expands Macau casino empire
- Macau casinos rely on boxing to boost punches
- 22 locations announced for 2013-2014 WSOP Circuit
Source: www.casino.org
