Colombo mini-boss 'The Claw' gets leniency amid union crackdown
A federal judge in Brooklyn has pardoned a so-called "Colombo crime family" second-in-command and former illegal gambling boss because of his failing health.
In July, 86-year-old Benjamin "Claw" Castellazzo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. These are tied to his long-standing attempts to dismantle Queens’ unions and take control of its health care plan.
He was one of 14 people charged in September 2021 in connection with the scheme. Among those arrested were ten Colombo members and associates.
Castrazzo was sentenced to 15 months in prison on Monday, although prosecutors asked for more than two years.
Castellazo's attorney, Ilana Haramati, argued that a long prison sentence would worsen her client's health, which includes heart problems and that he must take "a range of medications." She claimed that a federal prison sentence "would effectively become a death sentence."
Prison will be the "death penalty"
Prosecutors wanted to know why Castellazzo's health problems only surfaced when he was in the dock charged with his latest crimes.
"The defendant brings up his medical condition every time he appears in court in this county," complained Andrew Reich, an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn.
The older, wiser guy had a long criminal record, dating back to the 1950s, when he was jailed for stealing tractors.
PIZZAGATE
Castellazzo was last in court in 2013, when he pleaded guilty to racketeering charges related to the theft of a pizza sauce recipe.
In that case, Castellazzo accused Bonanno employees of stealing recipes from a famous pizzeria in Colombo, Brooklyn. Rival groups subsequently used the recipe when opening their own restaurants, and Castellazzo believed the Colombos deserved "royalties." He was sentenced to 63 months in prison.
"I can honestly say on your behalf that you will never see me in this court or any other court again," he told the judge at the time.
In 1995, Castellazzo was convicted of operating an underground casino that offered craps and sports betting and engaging in digital fraud.
In the mid-1970s, he was sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a heroin importation and distribution ring.
According to NJ.com, Castellazzo got the nickname "Claw" because his claws were everywhere.
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Source: www.casino.org
