Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
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MoLarryCurly
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Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
The state made a gambling and loan sharking case today against the gambinos. Some new names and some familiar names were mentioned. No articles yet.
You know I could have worked for U P fucking S and made more money then this....
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Can you mention any names?
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MoLarryCurly
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Laforte-Matera-Anthony -Palladio
You know I could have worked for U P fucking S and made more money then this....
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Nadu says some Genovese and Colombos were picked up in this as well. 17-19 arrests total.
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TommyGambino
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Same LaForte from the par funding case?
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Still no news outlets reporting
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MoLarryCurly
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
No Eddie a cousin, and I think another laforte as well. Staten islanders. A few people were in federal parole as well. 22 guys all together everyone made bail from what I heard.
You know I could have worked for U P fucking S and made more money then this....
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
‘Criminal enterprise’ involved mob soldiers, Staten Island pizza man, retired cop, officials allege
https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/202 ... llege.html
https://www.silive.com/crime-safety/202 ... llege.html
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Looks like the guy that was clowned on the Reddit was right
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Ivan
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York State Attorney General’s office unsealed an indictment Tuesday charging nearly 20 individuals in connection with a mob-run gambling and loansharking network that operated across Staten Island and New Jersey.
Authorities allege the “criminal enterprise” was led by Gambino crime family soldiers John Laforte, 56, of Staten Island; Anthony Cinque, 40, of Edison, N.J.; and John Matera, 54, who oversaw several Gambino associates and other participants.
All of the defendants were arraigned at the Staten Island Courthouse on Tuesday, three at a time, before Justice Lisa Grey. It took about three hours to hear bail arguments from an army of defense attorneys, many of whom stated they were aware of the impending charges for the past year after authorities executed search warrants in May 2023.
The gallery was buzzing with the families of several defendants, and representatives from Empire Bail Bonds tasked with the families’ hopes of same-day release for the defendants.
“We’re gonna get you out, Eddie,” said a woman working for Empire as defendant Edward Laforte, John’s brother and an alleged associate, was escorted out of the courtroom by members of law enforcement.
Charges listed specifically to different groupings of defendants in the sprawling indictment include enterprise corruption, promoting gambling, criminal usury and conspiracy.
Grey set bail for John Laforte, Edward Laforte, Cinque and Matera at $500,000 bond each. And each put up their homes as collateral and were released from custody ahead of an upcoming hearing.
The case was adjourned to Aug. 13 in state Supreme Court, St. George.
AG: ‘A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE’
Members of the Gambino crime family delved out hundreds of thousands of dollars to loansharks at a fee, then the loansharks gave out loans at criminal interest rates and the expectation of fast, consistent returns, officials said.
Authorities said that from June 2021 to July 2023, the crew loaned out a principal amount of approximately $500,000.
Additionally, Edward Laforte managed an illegal gambling website, ubet1288, according to court documents. The site, officials said, took in $22.7 million in sports bets over a two-year span. Several of the co-defendants held bet “sheets,” turning over a certain amount of profits while keeping some for themselves, depending on their role within the organization, authorities said.
Ledgers seized by authorities indicated customers owed anywhere from a few thousand to $20,000 at a time, Assistant Deputy Attorney General Joseph Marciano submitted Tuesday in court.
Proceeds from the loansharking and gamblings debts, he said, were used to pay out winners.
One individual who won more than $800,000 had a “system” which at one point was discussed among members of the crew, according to the wiretap investigation.
On another occasion, a conversation with a Gambino associate indicated that a person had quickly racked up $20,000 in debt, and may not be able to pay.
Officials said John Laforte was described at one point in an intercepted conversation as a “celebrity” and “made for this life.”
Cinque owns a car dealership in Edison, N.J., where he would in some cases collect earnings as a course of illicit business, court documents allege.
Edward Laforte was allegedly aided by his common-law wife, Amy McLaughlin, and stepson, James Miranda, in maintaining his books and making dropoffs and pickups.
In another intercepted conversation between Edward Lafore and Miranda, the former said, “you were made for this.”
Matera previously was convicted of racketeering conspiracy in connection with the murder of Frank Hydell, 31, who was killed in front of the former Scarlett’s strip club in South Beach in 1998, Advance records show.
“You have to throw them a bone sometimes and hope they throw you a lot of bones back,” Matera was allegedly overheard telling an associate in regard to the business.
Said Marciano: “He exited prison and walked right back into his old life.”
Several defense attorneys, in arguing for lower bail Tuesday, said their clients have familial ties and obligations that would prevent them from fleeing the area.
‘NO ONE WAS THREATENED’
Defense attorneys Tuesday combatted the criminal enterprise charge, saying it was at worst an illegal gambling operation, adding that the alleged crimes were devoid of any violent acts.
“These so-called victims all love (Edward) Laforte,” said Manhattan-based lawyer Mathew Mari in regard to those receiving the loans. “He’s a gentleman.”
“No one was smacked, no one was threatened, no one was hollered at,” said Mari.
One attorney argued the interest rates alleged by authorities in their investigation were not much higher than those of banks.
During a break in the proceedings, a veritable feast was dished out in the hallway among families of the defendants, drawing the ire of court officers.
PIZZERIA ENTERPRISER
Daniel Bogan, 42, a co-defendant and alleged Gambino associate, would sometimes conduct mob-related business out of his Eltingville restaurant, Frank and Danny’s pizzeria, the prosecution said in court Tuesday.
His lawyer, John Rapawy, told the court his client has five children, is a Staten Island resident and has shown no signs of fleeing the area.
Additionally, said Rapawy, “there were no specific conversations regarding gambling” in what was presented by the state.
RETIRED NYPD
Also named as a defendant and Gambino associate was Frederick Falcone Sr., who officials said was a retired NYPD officer.
His attorney, Mark Fonte, in responding to the prosecution’s bail request, noted that his client was at the Ground Zero site and had since been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Aware of the charges coming down, Falcone Sr., 66, was waiting for police Tuesday morning on his front stoop alongside his son, Frederick Falcone Jr., added Fonte.
“Running from this case is a death sentence,” said Fonte, referring to a treatment plan his client is prescribed to at Sloan Kettering. “His entire family is on Staten Island.”
Grey ordered he be placed on supervised release.
“With the city rampant with violence, the Attorney General’s office devotes its resources to taking down non-violent individuals,” Fonte said in a statement released after the hearing. “There isn’t even a hint of violence in any of these charges. New Yorkers deserve better.”
Other defendants charged in the indictment, ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s, are as follows:
Charles Fusco, Giulio Pomponio, Robert Carter, Arthur Geller, Louis Palombo, Arthur Geller, Daniel Scarabaggio, Daniel Shah, Vincent Ricciardi and Frederick Falcone Jr.
District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued a statement commending what he described as a multi-pronged investigation.
“While sports betting may be legal in the state of New York, operating an off the books multi-million dollar gambling enterprise, engaging in blatant usury and intimidation, and sinking countless New Yorkers into crippling debt is not,” said McMahon.
“Illegal gambling is by no means a victimless crime and these 17 defendants, including nearly a dozen Staten Islanders, stand accused of raking in tens of millions of dollars from our neighbors while engaging in brazen loansharking and mortgage fraud.
I commend our partners in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, NYPD, Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General for their incredible investigatory efforts and commitment to holding these individuals accountable in the courtroom.”
Authorities allege the “criminal enterprise” was led by Gambino crime family soldiers John Laforte, 56, of Staten Island; Anthony Cinque, 40, of Edison, N.J.; and John Matera, 54, who oversaw several Gambino associates and other participants.
All of the defendants were arraigned at the Staten Island Courthouse on Tuesday, three at a time, before Justice Lisa Grey. It took about three hours to hear bail arguments from an army of defense attorneys, many of whom stated they were aware of the impending charges for the past year after authorities executed search warrants in May 2023.
The gallery was buzzing with the families of several defendants, and representatives from Empire Bail Bonds tasked with the families’ hopes of same-day release for the defendants.
“We’re gonna get you out, Eddie,” said a woman working for Empire as defendant Edward Laforte, John’s brother and an alleged associate, was escorted out of the courtroom by members of law enforcement.
Charges listed specifically to different groupings of defendants in the sprawling indictment include enterprise corruption, promoting gambling, criminal usury and conspiracy.
Grey set bail for John Laforte, Edward Laforte, Cinque and Matera at $500,000 bond each. And each put up their homes as collateral and were released from custody ahead of an upcoming hearing.
The case was adjourned to Aug. 13 in state Supreme Court, St. George.
AG: ‘A CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE’
Members of the Gambino crime family delved out hundreds of thousands of dollars to loansharks at a fee, then the loansharks gave out loans at criminal interest rates and the expectation of fast, consistent returns, officials said.
Authorities said that from June 2021 to July 2023, the crew loaned out a principal amount of approximately $500,000.
Additionally, Edward Laforte managed an illegal gambling website, ubet1288, according to court documents. The site, officials said, took in $22.7 million in sports bets over a two-year span. Several of the co-defendants held bet “sheets,” turning over a certain amount of profits while keeping some for themselves, depending on their role within the organization, authorities said.
Ledgers seized by authorities indicated customers owed anywhere from a few thousand to $20,000 at a time, Assistant Deputy Attorney General Joseph Marciano submitted Tuesday in court.
Proceeds from the loansharking and gamblings debts, he said, were used to pay out winners.
One individual who won more than $800,000 had a “system” which at one point was discussed among members of the crew, according to the wiretap investigation.
On another occasion, a conversation with a Gambino associate indicated that a person had quickly racked up $20,000 in debt, and may not be able to pay.
Officials said John Laforte was described at one point in an intercepted conversation as a “celebrity” and “made for this life.”
Cinque owns a car dealership in Edison, N.J., where he would in some cases collect earnings as a course of illicit business, court documents allege.
Edward Laforte was allegedly aided by his common-law wife, Amy McLaughlin, and stepson, James Miranda, in maintaining his books and making dropoffs and pickups.
In another intercepted conversation between Edward Lafore and Miranda, the former said, “you were made for this.”
Matera previously was convicted of racketeering conspiracy in connection with the murder of Frank Hydell, 31, who was killed in front of the former Scarlett’s strip club in South Beach in 1998, Advance records show.
“You have to throw them a bone sometimes and hope they throw you a lot of bones back,” Matera was allegedly overheard telling an associate in regard to the business.
Said Marciano: “He exited prison and walked right back into his old life.”
Several defense attorneys, in arguing for lower bail Tuesday, said their clients have familial ties and obligations that would prevent them from fleeing the area.
‘NO ONE WAS THREATENED’
Defense attorneys Tuesday combatted the criminal enterprise charge, saying it was at worst an illegal gambling operation, adding that the alleged crimes were devoid of any violent acts.
“These so-called victims all love (Edward) Laforte,” said Manhattan-based lawyer Mathew Mari in regard to those receiving the loans. “He’s a gentleman.”
“No one was smacked, no one was threatened, no one was hollered at,” said Mari.
One attorney argued the interest rates alleged by authorities in their investigation were not much higher than those of banks.
During a break in the proceedings, a veritable feast was dished out in the hallway among families of the defendants, drawing the ire of court officers.
PIZZERIA ENTERPRISER
Daniel Bogan, 42, a co-defendant and alleged Gambino associate, would sometimes conduct mob-related business out of his Eltingville restaurant, Frank and Danny’s pizzeria, the prosecution said in court Tuesday.
His lawyer, John Rapawy, told the court his client has five children, is a Staten Island resident and has shown no signs of fleeing the area.
Additionally, said Rapawy, “there were no specific conversations regarding gambling” in what was presented by the state.
RETIRED NYPD
Also named as a defendant and Gambino associate was Frederick Falcone Sr., who officials said was a retired NYPD officer.
His attorney, Mark Fonte, in responding to the prosecution’s bail request, noted that his client was at the Ground Zero site and had since been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Aware of the charges coming down, Falcone Sr., 66, was waiting for police Tuesday morning on his front stoop alongside his son, Frederick Falcone Jr., added Fonte.
“Running from this case is a death sentence,” said Fonte, referring to a treatment plan his client is prescribed to at Sloan Kettering. “His entire family is on Staten Island.”
Grey ordered he be placed on supervised release.
“With the city rampant with violence, the Attorney General’s office devotes its resources to taking down non-violent individuals,” Fonte said in a statement released after the hearing. “There isn’t even a hint of violence in any of these charges. New Yorkers deserve better.”
Other defendants charged in the indictment, ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s, are as follows:
Charles Fusco, Giulio Pomponio, Robert Carter, Arthur Geller, Louis Palombo, Arthur Geller, Daniel Scarabaggio, Daniel Shah, Vincent Ricciardi and Frederick Falcone Jr.
District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued a statement commending what he described as a multi-pronged investigation.
“While sports betting may be legal in the state of New York, operating an off the books multi-million dollar gambling enterprise, engaging in blatant usury and intimidation, and sinking countless New Yorkers into crippling debt is not,” said McMahon.
“Illegal gambling is by no means a victimless crime and these 17 defendants, including nearly a dozen Staten Islanders, stand accused of raking in tens of millions of dollars from our neighbors while engaging in brazen loansharking and mortgage fraud.
I commend our partners in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, NYPD, Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General for their incredible investigatory efforts and commitment to holding these individuals accountable in the courtroom.”
EYYYY ALL YOU CHOOCHES OUT THERE IT'S THE KID
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Poor John Matera can't catch a break. Only got out in 2022.
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johnny_scootch
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Frank & Danny's pizza sucks.
Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
But Portnoy gave it a 7.6!
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TommyGambino
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Re: Gambling and loan shaking arrests made today
Matera must have been made in the last two years