Let's hear what you have to say: Part II

Wow, from "apparently feeling they couldn't wrap up deliberations in a day..." to needing only a couple of hours this morning.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Guilty as charged. That shows the folly of trying to read the jurors' minds.

Having an Italian last name, I know first hand the crazy obsession that so many people have with this trial. These are old men. Harmless, old men. Let them live out their days at home with their families. Italian life is not "The Godfather". Gambling? Maybe. Crazy murders? Not so much.

It's such a shame that after thirty years they finally get to these mobsters that are essentially senior citizens. If they even get sentenced to life, they'll only serve about five years before they die of old age.

Well we'll see. But I don't think the gov proved it's case regarding Lombardo and Marcello.

regarding RICO cases, is it usually a good sign or a bad sign when the jury comes back so soon?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: As we can see from today, it's usually a bad sign for the defendants, when the jury comes back relatively quickly.

All Are Guilty

give them a break they are old and live and let live how many people have you hurt in your life time only God can judge them

WE HAVE GANGS RUNNING AROUND DOING DRIVE BY SHOOTINGS RUNNING DRUGS AND WITH NO SENSE OF ANYTHING.

THOUGH THE MOB WAS AND STILL IS A BRUTAL ORGANIZATION, THEY NEVER RUINED NEIGHBORHOODS OR KILLED AS MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE AS THESE ANIMALS DO NOWADAYS.

IF YOU ENDED UP "CLIPPED" CHANCES ARE YOU WERE SOMEHOW INVOLVED WITH THEM, NOT PLAYING IN YOUR FRONT YARD OR STANDING ON A CORNER. WE NEVER SHOULD'VE CRUSHED THEM..LOOK AT THESE ANIMAL THAT CAME FROM THE MOBS ASHES..

Hallelujah!
Now can we go after all the money these 'family men' gave their kids/grandkids?

We'll need it to build the mass transit system we never got--and the mob profited greatly and some say still profits from tearing up and 'rebuilding' our energy pig of a transit 'system'.

I hope the prosecution goes after all the fur clad women and all the men living on islands. They stole from all of us!

You mean that the jury didn't buy Doyle's story? Oh, no!

How could they find the Indian guilty ? I guess Lombardo was right when he said the G could convict a cheeseburger !

These monsters should be put away forever!

This proves that you don't want people too dumb to get out of juru duty to control your fate

What actual evidence was against Doyle ?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: The actual evidence included several videotapes of Anthony "Twan" Doyle talking in code to convicted loanshark Frank Calabrese Sr. while Doyle visited him in prison.

Doyle checked the police computer regarding evidence used in the mob hit that Calabrese Sr. was interested in.

Doyle answered questions from Calabrese Sr. regarding that evidence.

Doyle appeared to suggest that a mob snitch be dealt with violently.

And Doyle's own testimony when he tried to explain these matters did not appear to go over too well with the jury.

How long do you think the lawyers that failed to get their clients acquitted have to live?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I don't think the defense lawyers have anything to worry about. Given what they had to work with, most of them did fine work.

Once again the feds load up on charges to make any man guilty,
putting a guy 70 + years old is a joke (yea watch the crime rate drop)the guy did his time but some USA wanted to make headlines
no wonder the guy hid he said he wouldn't get a fair trial and he was right.
tony

They are no more guilty then Michael Jackson, O.J. Simpson, or Robert Blake.

The juries all found them innocent and so these men should of been found innocent too. Goes to show you, you just cant get an good jury in Illinois.

when will the american people realize that that the feds will always win wby using a ratfink,

no one is "Above the Law!"

Nice job! Are the Chicago Marcellos relatedto the New Orleans crime family of the same name?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I don't believe they are.

GUILTY!

Thanks, Steve.

i think that this is a REPUBLICAN rouse..these are old men...they had no evidence...only hearsay.....it continues to be a corrupt system..including the federal bench...it is bs.

If only the headline for this story could be the headline for the trial to be for the 5th floor of city hall!

All I can say is I grew up in Cicero in the 60's, 70's & 80's and when "the boys" were in charge....the town was a good place for the "working man" and families to live".

I mean THEY kept everything under control. LOOK WHAT THE TOWN OF CICERO HAS BECOME SINCE THEN AND NOW!!! IT'S ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACES IN THE USA TO LIVE!!

In no way do I condone any of the ruthless killings, crime and other unspeakable acts that any of these men carried out. They have been found guilty and have to pay for their actions.

All I'm saying is that the CURRENT situation IN CICERO, ILLINOIS is MUCH, MUCH WORSE NOW than it was then!!!

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Unless I'm missing something, wasn't Town President Betty Loren-Maltese, who was considered a tool of the Chicago Outfit, in charge of the town in the 1990s?

It's not like the Outfit's influence in town ended in the 1980s.

Also, didn't mobsters steal $12 million from the town of Cicero as part of an insurance scheme?

This was a sad day. These men deserve to be back on the street to enjoy the rest of their families.

I'm not going to conjecture as to the education, intelligence, etc. of the remaining members of the Outfit? But I'll throw this out there:

Steve, any idea if maybe the younger Outfit guys are computer savvy? If so, they might want to comb over and digest every bit of info on the web (DOJ, Suntimes, etc...) pertaining to the Operation Family Secrets trial. That's what I'd do if I were a racketeer, anyway, and introduce new procedures and rules based on lessons hard learned from this debacle.

Seriously--Steve--can we get money from the crooks' families? they stole from all of us--and there's good evidence the mob puts the gang bangers on their payroll. Can we get the money back from the mob?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: That's what the forfeiture portion of the trial is all about.

The feds contend that personal items that the mobsters bought with their ill-gotten cash - say their homes, for instance - should be forfeited as part of their punishment.

Now, the jury or judge can sock the mobsters with large forfeiture judgments, but collecting it is another matter.

These fellow often keep very few assets in their names, for these very circumstances.

Warmbir,

Do you really think that they got the boss with James Marcello's conviction?

It's seems more likely that he's somewhat lower in the hierarchy.

For crying out loud, the Calabrese's refer to him by his actual name--first and last--on tape. In reference to the boss, that has to be a HUGE no-no.

I mean, when talking about DiFronzo, we saw how the brothers touched their noses rather than say his name. In reference to Tornabene, they used at least two or three nicknames. (Out East, the Genovese's weren't even allowed to use Gigante's nickname "the Chin" no matter whom they were talking to. They touched their chins, instead. )

Another rank-related thing: I just read Calabrese's description of the initiation ceremony that occurred in the early eighties.

He said that the number 2 (who I take to mean the Underboss) presides over the ceremony.

According to Nick's testimony, Tornabene had a prominent role in this induction.

Per Frank Sr., that would mean that Alphonse Tornabene was more than a capo over twenty years ago. Doesn't it seem unlikely that Tornabene was either under Aiuppa as a number two...or maybe a number three, under both Accardo and Aiuppa?

At that there were several, very capable heavy hitters with quite a bit of seniority who were alive, healthy, and out of prison. Tornabene a boss in 1983? If that were the case, you’d figure he would have had much more exposure than he has…

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: From the evidence at trial, it certainly appears that James Marcello was a high-ranking member of the Chicago Outfit.

Calabrese refers to a lot of people by their full names occasionally, especially when the person he's talking with can't figure what he means by the code he is using.

In the conversations, Marcello has with his half-brother, Michael, Marcello even refers to himself, subtly, as a high-ranking boss or perhaps, the boss.

In one of the recorded conversations, Frank Calabrese Sr. referred to Al Tornabene as a sleeper, as a mobster who flew well under the fed's radar but was still powerful and important.

I'm not buying it that Frank "The German" Schweihs was too feable to stand trial. How deep was Frank in with Irwin Weiner? Did Frank threaten to spill about Jack Ruby?

I think this is just what they need (justice). for all the money they stole from people that work hard. they should burn in hell all of them. not to mention the people that say that they are all old men now,that maybe but what about the people they murder ?

In a day of gangs, drugs, and an unjust war we are worrying about a few innocent old men.

What a waste of resources by our government. Shouldn’t we be focusing on the guy who lied about weapons of mass destruction which led to thousands of deaths and millions of dollars of contracts awarded to his buddies? Would that be a “mafia conspiracy” if he was Italian?

Isn't No-Nose still out and about? Why didn't the feds get as many as they could in one sweep?

The Outfit isn't going to stop existing any time soon, and these guys know it. Hell, even the feds know it.

With regards to a corrupt system, as a few people have mentioned, wouldn't people say the same if it were the opposite -- that is, innocent on all charges? I know Zagel has a strong governmental bias, but isn't it really up to the jury? They seemed like a fairly impartial bunch, at least from what I saw.

And, I'm sorry if I'm taking liberties here, but Frank Sr. seemed to enjoy the whole trial. Here he is, accused of murders, extortion and the like... and he's laughing!

On my blog I linked to some videos of Dane Placko describing the reactions of the defendants, in which he describes Frank Sr. as smirking, after "The Shark" hid his client's face with a piece of paper. What a class act.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: The orignial indictment charged 14 people. That's not a small amount.

Two died, one was too sick to go to trial, and the rest either pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial.

THE MAN THAT TOOK THEM DONE

These men have lived a long life of money and privilege.

Guilty as charged is payday.

How many people did they order to murdered or did it themselves.

These are just the ones the U. S. Attorney can prove.

How many murders or tortures are they reasonable for?

As a person that put my life on the line, I saw, I listened and then took the stand.

The public should only know, the things these guys and other's did and never paid for in a court of law.

Sure there will be more to take their place. I hope the Government takes them down one at a time, whenever they can.

Where was it written, "outfit" senior citizens don't have to pay for their crimes?

One outfit "Hit Man" that I know started in 1962 and has yet to be tried for one fiftieth of his murders. Remember, you just might be in their way someday.

How many murders are unsolved

If only the public knew. Frank Schweihs started contract killings in 1962.

All over the U.S. he murdered and got away with it.

Who ordered those murders? It's time for the "outfit" seniors to pay for what they did.

Today was a victory for the good guys for a change. Some say it's unfare because of their age. I call it justice.

Let's see now....

Feds demand an anonymous jury..

Ten weeks of testimony and evidence...

Jury gets case Tuesday (6 hours deliberating at best)
Wednesday..another 5 hours and maybe 4 hours on 1/2 day (dictionary) Thursday ...
then a 3 day weekend...and Shazzam !!

Why didn't they just send then to Gitmo in 2005 and save the money ?

Cicero, like the neighborhoods of South Chicago and the East Side, lost their vibrancy when they lost their industrial base starting in the 80's. It's hard to replace the highpaying blue-collar jobs of a Western Electric, Hotpoint and Aldens just to name a few.

I love the people on here making excuses for these scumbags. They all got much less than what they actually deserve. I hope they all rot in hell.

Several points: Yes, I believe these men are guilty.

I also know they're smart and they operate using fear and intimidation, which is why it's so hard to get clear, incontrovertible evidence and difficult to find witnesses who not only are willing to testify but who will live to testify.

That being said, yes, I believe the mob kept other criminal elements in 'their place'. (In a place that's good for the mob, primarily, and other people secondary.)

For example, when riverboat gambling came to the downtown area of my city, the mob cleaned out the gangs that were there so that patrons would feel more secure.

It's not a fact you'll find documented, but the workers at the parking decks, the local cops downtown, the people who worked downtown, the city officials who said "things would be cleaned up" for security but didn't say how ---- people unofficially knew what happened.

And the downtown is great. Still full of illegal activities, just of a different sort and with different people profiting.

I think it's a fairly common observation (born of frustration) that the mob kept a lid on things in their neighborhood, innocent people weren't usually targeted (though, as this case mentioned, if they were in the wrong place at the wrong time or with the wrong person, they got killed, too), and the gangs et all are worse, killing innocent bystanders because of mistaken identify or simply because they can't shoot straight.

But if you or somebody in your family were forced to pay juice loans just to run a legitimate business, would you say, "let's keep the mob in charge because they keep a lid on things"?

Sure you reap the consequences of bad associates, and in this trial we heard about many who were killed that had dealings with the mob.

But not *everyone* affected by the mob is in the mob.

Not everyone killed by them was a supporter of theirs who was threatening to expose them.

For example, how about the woman who testified about the erratic driver she saw in traffic, I believe the car was driving away after the murder of Siefert -- if they'd caused her or anybody else to have an accident, with serious injuries or not, she was affected by the mob.

Many innocent, people are affected by their illegal activities and the intimidation they wield, we just don't hear about it.

Why not say, "let's clean up this bad situation and clean up gangs, too".

This trial doesn't really end anything. Criminals will still engage in criminal activities, the Outfit is still in Chicago, and across the country, but a few of the actions of these 5 people caught up with them.

I'm impressed the jury had the guts to actually stand and said "Yes" in an open courtroom.

Also, I'm not sure why the age of these men keeps coming up.

What does that have to do with anything? If you're guilty, you're guilty.

I'm supposed to boo-hoo they may die in prison, but forget about the lives of people they killed?

That's some sort of backward reasoning, in my opinion.

If they're guilty and sorry, then why no tears, no remorse, no change of lifestyle, no stricken spirit and new lease on life -- just defiance, a feeling of trying to act "dumb" for the jury. (Those who testified in their own defense didn't come off believable.)

I can only imagine that if I was wrongly accused of murder, I'd be alot more emotional in court. If I had commited murder but really turned my life around, I'd be more emotional in court. (Perhaps emotion in court is frowned upon except when shown by attorneys.)

And as a final comment, I'm Italian, I'm cynical of governments and people who have power and authority (power corrupts, you know) .... and I think the verdict was correct.

Let's say you finally scrimp and save enough to open a restaurant based on your grandmother's delicious recipes and one night a couple of wiseguys walk in telling you to give them a piece of your profits every month or else some guy with a nickname like Pepperoni Tony will burn you restaurant down, damage your house and threaten your wife and children.

What would you do?

Hopefully, these convictions will give more people the gumption to stand up to these bullies who make a very comfortable living off honest people's hard work, taxes and pension plans, while preying upon the weaknesses of others.

What are the sentencing guidelines for each defendant? If they are found to not be responsible for a murder, what kind of sentence would be expected?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: If they aren't found liable for any of the murders, they face a statutory maximum of 20 years on the racketeering charges.

Just last Saturday I saw on a news channel a piece regarding Anthony "Little Tony" Zizzo.

Is there any news on his whereabouts now that this is just about all said and done?

And what happened to Michael "Mickey" Marcello, Jimmy's brother? I thought he was on trial also????

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: No news on the whereabouts of Zizzo.

Michael Marcello pleaded guilty in the case and is not on trial.

Reading everyone's comments is cracking me up!

These old men shouldn't go to jail, they should go home and eat.

The photo of "Lombardo getting made" at the restaurant. LOL

What a joke!! It's a bunch of Italian men, going out for a pasta dinner.

Do people REALLY think that whatever these men want done can't be done from inside a jail cell??? Get a clue!!

The dentist, the kid that ratted out his dad? They are as good as gone. Just stupid.

My Dad used to have a saying "What's said in this cup, stays in this cup." meaning...what happens in the family should stay there.

Can you post the photos of the current mafia pigs ruining chicago--and photos of their wives, goombas, you name it?

That way we can avoid helping these horrible people ruin our country any further.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I think I've posted on the blog the photos of some of the men allegedly still playing a role in the leadership of the Outfit, including John DiFronzo, Al Tornabene and Frank "Tootsie Babe" Caruso, among others.

But I'll do a recap soon.

The defendents are guilty as charged, the government proved its case and there is no statute of limitations on murder.

That applies to the actions of the Outfit, the Disciples or the Latin Kings.

Chicago (with no direspect to Johnny Torrio) really knows how to put the organization into crime.

The players knew the rules and that is why they are not astonished by the verdict.

Am I really supposed to be astonished that Joey "The Clown" Lombardo, who is a virtual household name in the Windy City, was convicted of ordering "hits" in the Outfit?

The evidence was a little weak in spots.

For example, "The masked man must have been Lombardo because he used to be a boxer and was light on his feet."

As a juror, I would find this ridiculous.

I also find discrepencies in Nick Calabrese's testimony regarding the death of Petrocelli and the Spilotros and the final forensic reports.

I am shocked the attorneys didn't exploit this and cross-examine him more intensely. There was some room to introduce reasonable doubt.

If the evidence lacked at times, the actor's pretty much buried themselves.

Why Doyle or some other corrupt policeman never destroyed the glove in the thirty odd years that they had the opportunity will remain a mystery.

Why the FBI decided to reexamine the glove will also remain shrouded in mystery.

Why Calabrese never suspected his son of wearing a wire or the visiting rooms of these prisons being bugged and filmed is a mystery.

"Frankie Breeze" motor mouthed himself, and pretty much everyone else, into the convictions by disregarding his own sage advice of speaking in code at all times. He will go down in the annals of the Outfit as one of its greatest fools.

If there are misgivings about some of the convictions, I do understand.

It appears that the Spilotros received what was coming to them. Never once did the brother of the Spilotros offer any remorse about Tony squeezing someone's eyes out with a vice, or taking a blowtorch to a victim's face or an icepick to his genitals.

Michael was best described by many as a bully.

Have any of the Spilotro's made restitution or offered apologies to anyone whose lives the brothers mercilessly snuffed?

I did find some sympathy in my heart for the Spilotro family hearing the testimony about Mike and Tony's last day.

However, the "sanction" which took their lives probably saved many innocent and not so innocent other ones. Former victim's families should consider a civil suit against the Spilotro family holdings.

I also get the feeling that Mr. Siefert may have had a more unsavory past than his family would care to admit.

How does one happen hook up with Joey Lombardo to start a new business? Did Mr. Siefert double cross him by talking to the feds?

It was very poignant reading about the Siefert family's horror and this probably had an even greater impact upon the jury. However, I never did understand that entire business relationship and somehow I doubt its innocence.

Paul Schiro and Jim Marcello have to feel frustrated.

Their charges were lumped in with all of these other murders and testimonies. If their cases would have been tried separately, (without the jury hearing Frank Calabrese and Joey Lombardo impeach themselves or Nick Calabrese burying his brother) they would have stood a greater chance at acquittal. I feel that cases against them were anemic.

Given the explosion of forencic techniques, the tenacity of the FBI and the inundation of electronic trails (via cell phones,emails and ATM'S) I would strongly recommend against racketeering as a promising career for any aspiring young hoods.

I will lay you one non-juiced bet that the "scarpa grande" is hot on the heels of "No-Nose", the "Pizza Man" and the "Doctor".

Boy, what I would give to read Joey Lombardo's memoirs ... but that will never occur. I am sorry to admit that I a looking forward to the "German"s trial. Great job, professor Warmbir.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Thanks for the kind words and the detailed post.

These guys are terrorists. Terrorists born in the United States. They got what they deserved. It should have happened sooner.

If these guys didn't have the "mob" definition behind their name, they would have definately received a more fair trial!

Its a shame how the feds and law enforcement manipulate situations to fit their needs to justify thier actions or "bring someone down" at will. I hope these guys appeal this and get the justice they deserve!

This trail was a waste of tax payers money.

These are a bunch of bad old men who may or may not have killed abunch of other bad people. Who knows what these people they killed might of been capable of.

They aren't like todays gang banger just shotting out a car window and hoping they hit the right guy.

All I know if life, the neighborhood and work were all alot better when these guys were in control.

I attended the trial early on, but struggled with the irony of killers testifying against killers.

I just couldn't feel bad for them and it made me angry watching and listening when the only thing that separated the good guys from the bad guys was a glove.

And then you've got a woman who worked in a strip club who milked Marcello's money for years-- but she decides to "do the right thing?"

Sorry, I'm not sympathetic. Not sympathetic to the Spilotros either.

But I think about all of the time, money and energy the government spent for their moment in the spotlight.

Just a waste when these men posed little threat to the majority of chicagoans compared to the menace of street gangs.

I will say this, as a female sitting in court, it was indicative of today's society. A bunch of ego-centric men showing off in the most well-dressed pissing match to date.

I just couldn't stomach it-- so I stopped going. And I'm disappointed with the outcome.

I have loved reading these blogs and I wish I could have listened to all the testimony from the bookies, pimps and "henchmen".

There must be some great detail on the record as a result of this trial. My question is, when does the book come out Steve?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I'm glad you enjoyed the blog.

As for a book, I've heard a few journalists are interested in writing one.

Right now, I'm just focused on trial coverage and the blog - already two full-time jobs.

Question for Steve Warmbir:
James Marcello is accused in three of the murders listed.

Was there any physical evidence presented during the trial directly linking Marcello to these murders?

And by physical evidence, I don't mean the testimony of Nick Calabrese who happens to be one of the only people involved in this case that actually had physical evidence to prove that he is a murderer.

I am not saying that I believe that Marcello is not involved in organized crime, but when you try to convict someone of three murders, you might want to have some physical evidence.

This jury is a joke.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: There was absolutely no physical evidence linking Marcello to the three murders.

Marcello's attorneys argued the forensic exams in the three murders contradict Nick Calabrese's testimony of how the murders went down. The prosecution completely disagrees.

The prosecution points to James Marcello's evident concern about Nick Calabrese possibly cooperating, as evidenced in the conversations Marcello had in code with his half-brother Mickey when Mickey visited him in federal prison.

The feds also would ask why James Marcello paid Nick Calabrese's family more than $250,000 if Marcello had nothing to worry about if Nick Calabrese talked to the feds.

System is a sham. Schiro convicted?

Since when was hearsay (from a career wiseguy/killer/thief no less) as stand alone evidence sufficient to convict a man in our system?

What a joke. I know this.

Joe Lombardo has more honor, decency, and real word ethics than 85% of the lying 2-faced scumbags who run our local, state, and federal governments.

And as he lived his life with dignity, he gonna do his stretch and die in the joint with dignity.

You released him out of jail, and told him to keep clean and stay above the fray. and thats exactly what he did.

And this is how he is repaid. Typical FED lying and scheming. Frank Calabrese, his big mouth, and his joke of a nuclear family brought a lot of people down.

Caused a lot of loss and suffering. I aint no genie, but you got to figure that at some point, somehow, and some way, someone has got to answer for that. STEVE, thanks for the blog. It was nice to visit every nite. JIMMY CHAGRA has posted his last response. GOD BLESS LUMBY.

Well, I'm surprised that they found a couple of these guys guilty...Lombardo and Schiro seemed to have very little real evidence against them.

Does a guilty verdict for Schiro automatically mean guilty of murder ?

I'm also wondering if the government does go after the money these men have , how can they decipher whats what?

Or will the be content just having them behind bar at their ripe old age?

Its a pathetic retirement for Mr Scully--as he ripens on his front porch I hope he feels a little twinge if guilt knowing he has caused these old guys to die sooner.and for what,SUPPOSEDLY being involved with killing other killers and criminals...according to another killer and criminal ...nice really nice.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: We may find out as soon as Wednesday if the jury thinks Schiro committed the murder, or not. The conviction on the racketeering alone does not address the murder.

As for John Scully, he doesn't need me to defend his career in the U.S. Attorney's office. I think it speaks for itself. I can tell you, without question, he is widely recognized within the U.S. attorney's office and in the legal community as a guy with integrity and a guy who is a true public servant. This is not a guy seeking a lot of attention. He's a guy who does his job.

I understand your comments on killers killing killers, but it neglects one aspect of the trial.

Let me give you three examples: Charlotte Dauber, Arthur Morawski and Donald Renno.

They were innocents. Whatever observers' moral calculus of who deserves their fate and who doesn't in the Family Secrets case - and the opinions vary across this blog - this is the aspect that time and again fails to be mentioned.

Charlotte Dauber had a drug problem and made a bad choice of husband.

Morawski chose the wrong guy to go to the track with.

Renno went with a buddy to sell some pizza boxes at a restaurant.

And for those decisions, they were wiped off the face of the earth.

Steve,how come the murder of Richard Cain was not brought up? It seems there is a lot of written documentation on this and that Lombardo was the triggerman. Ski-masks, shotguns, etc.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: It wasn't addressed at trial, and there have been different theories about Lombardo's alleged particpation in that murder.

Then again there were a number of high-profile mob hits not address at trial in any detail, from Sam Giancana to Alan Dorfman.

TO ALL OF YOU WHO THINK THEY SHOULD JUST BE SENT HOME, THAT THEY DID NOTHING WRONG, AND FEEL SORRY FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE OLD.... GET OFF YOUR A** AND REALLY READ THE TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS.

THESE PEOPLE ARE COLD HEARTED, RUTHLESS, KILLERS! AND IF YOUR FAMILY HAD BEEN TOUCHED BY THEM YOU WOULD BE SINGING A DIFFERENT TUNE. IF YOU HAD A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME WHO WAS KILLED JUST FOR BEING THERE YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.

THIS IS STILL NOT JUSTICE. AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED THEY NEED TO GET THE DEATH PENALTY! AND I WANNA STICK THE DAMN NEEDLE IN THEIR ARMS!

Steve - You have done an amazing job covering this trial. There are numerous murders that were excluded from trial b/c there was nothing physically linking the Ds to the murders i.e. Lombardo's "making" hit of Manny Skar. Supposedly Schwehis has killed more people than we will ever know.

One of his old girlfriends turned up dead and he was supposedly the triggerman on the Dorfman murder.

It will be interesting to see if the G wraps up DiFronzo, Tornabene, Caruso, Andriacchi, Fratto, etc. in Schweihs' proposed trial. When does Ambrose's trial begin?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: All good points. The court docket lists no trial date set yet for the John Ambrose case, but I'm checking into it, and if I get a solid date, I'll put it here.

Are the people of Bridgeport affected by this trial?

Has the verdict had any result there? It was after all, part of the old First ward?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I think certain elements of Bridgeport have certainly noticed the verdict and the possible life sentences four of the defendants could face.

But in the neighborhood as a whole, I don't see how it would have much effect.

A lot of it is going Yuppie with condos sprouting everywhere.

People who stick up for these scumbags are wannabe gangsters, and friends.Oh thier just old men what good will it do. Well if we just found the bodies under Gacys house now,do we let him go because he is old.

These guys have done so much other crap that can't be proven that who cares if they are going to jail on the wrong charges, as long as they are in jail for their crimes.

Steve-
What if anything do you know about the other side of the Ortiz/Morawski murders?

There is a whole nother side to the story. You know the witness that testified for the defense.

Could he have been paid off to do that or is it a possibility that these guys (Calabreese Sr and Nick) didn't do it and are just taking credit for it because they were supposed to do it?

Is it possible Ortiz had 2 different groups after him?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: There was a substantial amount of evidence at trial that Nick Calabrese and Frank Calabrese Sr. were involved in the two murders, including Frank Calabrese Sr.'s own apparent admission on tape.

Soon enough, we'll see what the jury thinks, which is what matters.

I don't know why the Calabrese brothers would take credit for a double homicide since normally, it would guarantee them life behind bars.

Most courtroom observers did not find to be credible the witnesses to the double murder produced by Calabrese's offense.

At first reading of these entries, I was almost shocked at the sociopathic nature of people who are sympathizing with these convicts.

But, then, I realized that these are probably the same people that vote for guys like Rich Daley and Bill Clinton.

In fact, why doesn't everyone petition President Bush to pardon those persons serving life(and death) sentences so they can "spend the rest of their days with their families". God, help us.

I believe there was testimony in this trial that stated to be a fully "made" member of the Chicago Outfit, one must have murdered on behalf of the Outfit.

It seems to me the late Ald Fred Roti is nearly always referred to as a "made" member of the Outfit.

Does this mean he murdered on behalf of the Outfit? If not, technically, he would be considered an associate, not a made guy. Steve, can you clarify this curious contridiction?

Thanks for the blogging - at times I felt like I was actually sitting in the courtroom! I'm sure to read your inevitable book which will surely be one of many to come from this trial. Movies too perhaps...

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I've had the same question in my own mind, and I've never gotten a good answer to it when I've asked about it.

One thing to keep in mind. The Outfit did make exceptions to its rules in making people. One rule was that a person had to be completely Italian, but James Marcello got made, according to evidence at trial, and he's half Irish.

So is the judge denying Doyle's bond? Or is he still thinking about it?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: He's still considering it. Check out the new entry for more details.

I've heard about a couple exceptions to the murder for the Outfit rule to be "made."

Some guys can be made based on their earning ability or their clout.

The example that I find most credible is that the "Wizard of Odds" Don Angelini was a made guy, but never killed anyone.

He was such an amazing handicapper and bookmaker that his earning made him eligible to be made.

Another notable exception is Jimmy DiForti, who was supposedly made in 1988, but was not 100% Italian. This, unlike Marcello, was well-known to Nick Calabrese, whereas Marcello was hiding the fact of his bloodlines.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Once again, very capable points from A Very Capable Guy.

What do you know about Wayne Johnson, the former Superintendent of Police in Cicero? Was he corupt too, or was he really trying to clean up the streets?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Wayne Johnson has a good reputation and is well respected in law enforcment.

Perhaps that's why he didn't last in Cicero that long.

Steve:

I don't want to get a head of myself but, I have looked into post sentencing reports in the past.

It appears these are not public records, however they are reported on in the papers.

I would guess we'll hear a lot more in a few months of crimes they were not charged with.

I for one look forward to this part of the procedings.

I think those in this blog who seek sympathy for these "old men in their 70's" need to be reminded that their victims, innocents and outfit guys never made it that far.

Dauber alone deserved 5 or 6 days in an electric chair for his murders which exceeded in number those involved here but he was killed, along with others, in a cowardly way of avoiding prosecution for unlawful deeds these guys benefited from.

The victims had wives,children and grandchildren who they never saw again.

Any fictional belief that these guys are sophisticated businessmen,clever and smart was put to rest by their idiotic performances on the witness stand.

I've seen 5 year old kids tell better tales!!When you own lawyer has to admit (Lombardo's) that his client "lied" to the jury but was scared into it by the jury hearing his case you have been made a fool of and deserve to be convicted.

There's a bunch of other under IQ'd wise guys waiting to take the place of this group of imbeciles but they too will eventually end up dead or in the grey bar hotel with their none too bright predcesors.

Good Bye and Good Riddance to this bunch and let's get our sights in the next bunch of buffoons who follow them.

Maybe they will at least bury their money in waterproof containers!!!

Steve,

Thanks for honestly and plainly stating that there was "ABSOLUTELY NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE LINKING MARCELLO TO THE THREE MURDERS".

It's interesting to note that the taped conversations between Marcello and his half brother do show concern about Nick Calabrese flipping but the conversations do not include any admissions to committing the murders charged nor does he describe any details of any of the murders in the trial.

Marcello was almost finished with a long prison sentence when he became aware that Nick Calabrese was going to flip to the Feds.

Wouldn’t it be obvious that he would be concerned that Nick Calabrese might be saying what ever the Feds want him to say to make his deal sweeter?

Marcello wanted to do his time, get out and be free.

The feds want him in prison no matter what and Marcello had to know that.

This jury seems like it is just in a hurry to get the trial over. No evidence + no admission on secretly recorded tapes should = not guilty...plain as day.

The question isnt whether the defendants are good people, or career criminals, or sociopaths, or even innocent victims. What is truly pertinent is whether they system is set up and implemented in fair and just fashion.

Whether Mr Lombardo has killed 14 people, whether Mr F Calabrese was a prolific shakedown artist, or whether Mr Marcello participated in the execution of Anthony John Spilotro is irrelevant.

What is relevant is that we support a system that truly believes that defendents are innocent until proven guilty, where the burden of proof and corroboration is on the state, and where juries find guilt or acquit based on evidence, and a fair and structured process.

While in this case, the Defendants are "probably" guilty, or "probably deserve to go to jail" because of their notorious past and associations, the concern of a just soceity is men or women like you and I "who probably dont deserve to rot in jail" are not railroaded by a flawed system.

Im not defending Lombardo, or the rest. But I do have a problem with a system in which the govenment can take a confessed killer and extorntionist and use him as a vehicle to persecute other men.

I dont want my governent shaking hands with the devil to further political aspirations, or please a couple people in some well upholstered office in D.C.

I have a problem with system that employs juries, who in many criminal and civil cases do not possess the education, intelligence, and analytical tools required to process information, instructions, and evidence in complicated cases.

Paul Schiro was likely and perhaps a organized crime figure in the West for many years.

And it is perhaps likely that he somehow may have participated in the murder of Emil Vaci. However, we dont convict people on logical assumption, or in laymen terms, whats most likely.

WE convict in regards of irrefutable physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, motive, etc. I find it very frightening, regardless of the defendant or his past, that the INDIAN was convicted of murder simply because confessed killer and career thug Nick Calabrese said so.

This time its Paul Schiro, career criminal and reputed wiseguy. So it doesnt bother people that he gets the short end of the justice stick. But if next time, its average joes like you and I.

Steve,

I think you have done a great job on reporting this trial. That being said I would like to comment on a couple of things.

First someone asked how this trial affected the bridgeport area,the mob has been there for over 60 years, the people of that area are all the same they our all worried about what there freinds have.

They all worry about what kind of house they have,what kind of car they drive,who has a better city job than they do,and so on!and so on!!!!!

These people our all fake people they talk behind each others back then say Hello neighbor!

Every one knows the ROTIS AND CARUSO have run that area for ever.

Its odd to think that people of this calaber would give up all that fear and I say fear because nobody ever rescepted them they always feared them!

Thats Frank"toots a babe" Caruso and his brother bruno fred,and lets not forget Toots Son Frank Jr.

You know him hes the one who beat Lenard Clark then wanted 3 youngsters too take the rap for him.

When the one boy refused he turned up dead.

People in that area all think that toots a babe is the new boss of the area!!! Just ask anyone who you see there.

But that could not be further from the truth because you forgot about the old boss Joesph "Shorty" LaMantia and his two sons Aldo who is adopted and his other son Rocco "Rocky" LaMantia who is no stranger to trouble he was involved in a murder in 1979 also is noted for his hot temper and quick to pick up his hands when he has to.

Rocky has a very strong presence in that area alot of people fear him as well he could be very violent when he has to be thats why he is not a guy to many people will tangel with.

Shorty is dead,he died in 2004 after serving 5 years in prison for the chinatown gambling case.

He and his son aldo where in the same prison as Frank Calabrese and his son frank jr.

You see the two sons are rumored to be very upset with the caruso klan they feel that toots has over stepped his boundries when he put aldo on the shelf.

It is fact that toots gave shortys son in law the video porker routes and that has the two sons reeling!

There our alot of people in that area who all they do is talk.

Now my next thing is I think that the trial of these old gaurd gangsters is a joke the govt. did not show much physical evidence to warrent guilty verdits across the board.

As for frank calabrese he convicted himself with his big mouth he really should have known better than to talk so much but thats what he gets for not following his own rules!!!

As for his brother Nick he should get just as much time as the rest of them how are the familys of the guys he killed going to feel when he goes free.

I dont think it is fair too the victims familys that he can save his own neck at the behest of the other guys on trial.

The govt. only wanted to clear the books of old crimes, because if they didnt they would not made adeal with the real killer nick calabrese.

Also the govt. would have indited alot more guys who are and were actively involed in the day today operations of the mob.

Lets put this in the proper perspective the govt. had a hard on for frank calabrese for along time.

So steve were do we go from here!!!!! I hope that the govt.gets smart and goes after the real bad guys like toots,sarno,tornabene,difronzo and all the rest of the crews that our out there. Then and only then will the Mob be DEAD!!!!!!

Steve,
Did they have any evidence that Lombardo committed a crime in the last 5 years? Because if they didn't then how can he be convicted of RICO

I believe that is why John Gotti Jr. had 3 mistrials and also why the two cops from New York had their RICO convictions overturned for the mafia murders they committed.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: The prosecution presented the following evidence regarding Lombardo's continued participation in the Outfit.

They didn't have to show a crime. They just had to show his continued membership in the conspiracy.

Pat Spilotro, the brother of slain gangsters Anthony and Michael Spilotro, testified that Lombardo told him in 2002 that New York gangsters were trying to take over part of the Chicago Outfit's businesses.

That's within the 5 year time frame.

The prosecution argued that Lombardo lied on the witness stand in the case to protect the Outfit when he claimed not to know anything about it, including obvious facts such as who certain area bosses were at certain times.

That's within the 5 year time frame.

Those were the highlights.

Lombardo also had a problem with his withdrawal defense.

He claimed he was never part of the Outfit in the first place.

So it's somewhat difficult to argue you withdrew from something, when you claim you were never part of it in the first place.

The question my dear friends isnt whether these gentlemen deserve to be or die in jail.

The Question, truly, is did the cases presented against them merit a conviction. Did the evidence presented against them reflect guilt without a reasonable doubt?

Calabrese: Absolutely. He deserves to be in jail for the next 6 lifetimes. He should feel fortunate that he and his 2 punk kids are still breathing.

Lombardo: No. Beyond heretical jibberjabber with Dr Pat Spiloltro concerning New York "moving in", the government didnt really present evidence that Lombardo was currently participating in any current criminal conspiracy.

All they really presented was evience that Lombardo was a known Outfit figure in 70's and 80's, something Lombardo should have just admitted to, and moved on.

The partial print, and other circumstantial evidence linking him to the Seifert killing is relatively weak and not strong enough to make a murder rap stick.

However, if this low IQ jury was able to convict Lombardo on a relatively weak conspiracy case, you can better believe they're going to nail em on the Seifert Slaying.

DOYLE: dumb. dumb. dumb. How did he think he was going to justify these visits or the relationship. Even without the tapes, why as a former Cop would you want to attract the HEAT? The Video=Guilty...with any jury

MARCELLO: Again, keep it on a legal level.

He's a convicted felon on tape worrying about an acquaintance cooperating with Federal authorites. Very normal.

And a career criminal and self confessed hitman, in an attempt to spare himself the death penalty, testifies on behalf of a government that is very much in favor in keeping mr marcello in jail....regardless of anything else.

And thats it. Thats the evidence against him. Just because Mr Marcello picked up the Spilotros that morning, doesnt necessarily mean he is guilty of their murder.

Schiro: I just dont understand how this got to trial.

If there were any objectivity in this whole process, this charge never makes it past a grand jury.

No tape. No physical evidence. No eyewitness testimony. No personal motive. Nada.

Just Nick Calabrese's testimony. the Same guy who claimed that A.) Infelice was at the site of the Spilotro Hit eventhough the FBI placed Infelice at his home the time of the killing. B) that Joe Ferriola, the top boss at the time was an active and present participant in the Spilotro hit.

Yeah, Im sure the day to day operating boss of the Chicago OUTFIT participated actively and directly in the HITS he sanction. PLEAZE?

These guys were behind the 8-BAll from the get go. Lot of window dressing. Just formalties. They were headed to jail no matter what happened in this trial. Justice, for some people, is fleeting

I'm not sure if there is going to be a direct affect on Bridgeport from the trial....but it's not like these guys won't still exist.

Also, Steve, can you give us more information on the upcoming Ambrose trial?

I never read anything about that.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: A trial date hasn't been set yet for the John Ambrose trial.

He's the deputy U.S. marshal accused of leaking information about star prosecution witness Nick Calabrese to the mob.

Next up is a court hearing on Oct. 25 that Ambrose requested.

He contends that he believed he was in custody when he was questioned Chicago FBI Chief Robert Grant and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and wasn't read his Miranda rights.

So any statements he made should be thrown out.

Prosecutors, of course, disagree.

The hearing will be particularly interesting because Grant and Fitzgerald will likely testify about the circumstances of their questioning of Ambrose.

Steve--seriously--how can we get back all the ill-gotten gains that the the 'meadows and carmellas' let alone the tonys are enjoyin?

Pardon my sopranos motif on a variety of levels. My problem with the HBO show is it made the mob look like nice people.

They stole from our infrastructure with their corruption. How do we get into their piggy banks?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: That's what the forfeiture portion of the proceedings are all about.

The judge or jury will decide how much money the defendants should forfeit from their ill gotten gains.

The problem though is that these individuals rarely have any thing of value in their name.

And you routinely hear how they rarely pay the money they are assessed.

What seems to be lost here is that Nick Calabrese initially tried to protect Jim Marcello when the G confronted him.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: That's correct. Nick Calabrese did lie for James Marcello originally because Marcello was paying him thousands of dollars a month to keep quiet.

I'm sure that you have covered this before, but what exactly did Michael Marcello plead guilty to?

It appears that he has not agreed to cooperate with the government (at least not in this trial), what was his sentence?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Michael Marcello pleaded guily to racketeering conspiracy, running an illegal gambling business, paying Nicholas Calabrese money to not cooperate with authorities and a tax crime.

He has not been sentenced yet but will face significantly less time than his brother.

Nor did he agree to cooperate.

The fact that Nick Calabrese initially tried to protect Marcello does not implicate him in the three murders he is charged for.

And to take it a step further, if it is true that Marcello was paying him $ to be quiet (I don’t know if that was proven in court by a fact other then Nick C's testimony), it still does not implicate him in the murders.

Marcello knew if Nick Calabrese was going to talk to the Feds that he would tell them what they want to hear so they could put Marcello right back into prison after his release.

If I was sitting in prison at the end of a long sentence and knew that a scared rat was going to start talking about everyone to save his own ass, I would (A)Be concerned and would talk about it with my close relatives and friends after it was published in the newspaper and (B) Do whatever was in my financial means to stay on the good
side of the rat while he is talking.

While paying someone to not talk about you to the feds may not be legal, it still is NOT EVIDENCE FOR THREE MURDERS.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: The jury found James Marcello did pay Nick Calabrese hush money as part of its verdict.

What that proves, if anything, is a point of argument.

There was testimony on this from Nick Calabrese as well as the middleman who made the payments.

Well the jury decided and that's that. I'm all for putting bad guys away.

The only problem I have with the prosecution is the deals cut for the ones testifying.

Historically these guys are walking the streets eventually and start a life of crime. I know that cutting deals with one or two guys helps take out the higher ups and take out 5 or 6.

But look at the more famous deals like Hill and Gravano. These guys ratted people out then when they got out on the street they took up where they left off.

I your opinion what do you think of the witnesses in this trial. Do you think they will walk the straight and narrow or will we hear about them again?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I have no idea what the future holds for the criminals who testified.

Some of them have been in witness protection for quite a while and testified that they had gone clean. And the defense brought up nothing to counter it.

This is the first time I've ever heard anything about people coming after Mike Sarno in the courts.

Is there any truth to that Steve? And where is he alleged to have a crew at?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Sarno's name was thrown out in the posting you refer to as among the people the feds should be interested.

Sarno is a Chinatown guy, but there's nothing that's been publicly mentioned that the feds are investigating him.

"Rocky has a very strong presence in that area alot of people fear him as well he could be very violent when he has to be thats why he is not a guy to many people will tangel with."

Your an idiot who knows nothing whoever you are. NO ONE fears Rocky and ANYONE here, even little kids slap him around like a fool.

As for everything else you said, again you really know nothing or is it any of your business.

You obviously know nothing about anything! Keep doing research idiot!

Just to clarify: The jury found all men guilty so far on just the conspiracy charges?

They're still deciding on who, if anybody, will be found guilty on murder charges?

So the complaints here about certain ones being 'found guilty of murder with no direct physical evidence' are a bit premature, since these charges are still being addressed by the jury?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I see someone has been paying attention.

All five of the defendants have been convicted of racketeering conspiracy.

Four of them were not, technically, charged with murder.

The murders were predicate acts, among others such as illegal gambling, extortion, etc., that made up the racketeering counts.

Now, the jury has to make specific findings as to the murders.

Technically, the jurors won't render a decision of guilty or not guilty. They will say the defendants either committed the murders or didn't, as to each murder.

They have to make specific findings because if a defendant is found liable for a murder, it can mean an automatic life sentence.

Frank Calabrese Sr. could have been found guilty of racketeering, and the jury may not have even considered the murders in the first round.

I'm not saying they did this. We don't know yet. But it's possible.

Here's how.

To find someone guilty of racketeering, the jury had to find they committed two predicate acts.

That's it. Only two.

Frank Calabrese Sr. admitted on the witness stand he engaged in loansharking and that he bankrolled a bookmaking operation.

There you have it: he admitted to two predicate acts, he's guilty of racketeering.

Racketeering is an unusual, complicated charge, that even many lawyers don't understand.

Hope this makes it a little clearer.

Lets put this in the proper perspective the govt. had a hard on for frank calabrese for along time.

So steve were do we go from here!!!!! I hope that the govt.gets smart and goes after the real bad guys like toots,sarno,tornabene,difronzo and all the rest of the crews that our out there. Then and only then will the Mob be DEAD!!!!!!

The Mob will never be Dead! There will always be the sons and nephews and younger brothers waiting in the wings to take over.

Its a losing battle, just like the war in Iraq and the war against Drugs.

The gvt is never going to win.

They may win battles but never the war. there will always be some lazy ass trying to make money by what he thinks is the easy way when really it takes more energy to extort money from people then to just work a 9-5 job.

You also have to remember, there is the Mexican Mafia, the Polish Mob, and the Russian Mob too. Its not only the Italians and the Irish.

So get over your self and your theory that one day if the gvt makes enough indictments that it will all be over. It'll never be over.

Steve,
I told you a couple weeks ago this trial is going to make a great movie script. Have you read Nicks plea. A couple years when some people go away he is out

I've never heard of any hostile exchanges between the Irish mob and the Italian mob in Chicago.

Has anyone heard of such instances? Isn't the Chicago Outfit basically in control of all the organized crime in Chicago, which makes it so unique to other cities, families, like New York and Boston?

I've met some of these guys alleged in the case--but never heard or met a person from say...KBG or the Irish mob in Chicago.

Has there been any word that the members still operate out of the Italian American club?

Does the mob, like 26th street, still have a homebase like that?

Are there places in Bridgeport?

The Russian Mob has ties in Buffalo Grove area. They have been taking down their so called massage salons for years.

I'm not too sure the 26th street crew doesn't have ties to Irish affaliates. It wouldn't surprise me or a lot of people on this blog.

Hi Steve,

Great work on the trial and on the blog. I really enjoy reading the user comments and your responses. I have a couple of questions for you:

1. Many comments here seem to take issue with the implication of Schiro in the Arizona murder, based only the say-so of Nick Calabrese. The idea seems to be that Calabrese just threw Schiro's name in the pot to satisfy the government. But is it really that easy to do that?

I mean, if someone is around to defend himself and you're going to "throw in" his name randomly as an accomplice to murder, you'd better be sure you at least know what he was doing at the time, otherwise you're taking a pretty big risk.

What if he wasn't even in town? But I don't remember reading what Schiro's actual defense to the accusation is.

Does he actually attempt to account for his whereabouts or does he just say it's lies?

2. I think Mitch Mars is the coolest name ever for a prosecutor. Is he actually that cool?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Schiro's defense was that Nick Calabrese was lying and threw Schiro into the mix to score points with the feds.

Elsewhere on the blog, I've posted how the prosecution laid out the details in Nick Calabrese's testimony that were confirmed by other witnesses in the case.

As to the coolness question on Mitch Mars, I am at a loss as to how to answer it.

He's well respected. He can be witty in court when appropriate. He's fast on his feet. He once confused the rock band Creed with the suburban town of Crete as he questioned someone during relatively minor testimony.

What does that say about his "coolness"? What does that say about his knowledge of Christian rock?

I leave that question to cultural critics more astute than me.

Steve,

Someone contacted me regarding your blog page on the computor ,they said there were remarks about me.

So I went on the coumputor to see what all the remarks were. I was humored by some of the comments that people have made.

The people who took the time out to sit and type these remarks about myself and family must really need to get a life,the comments about me being feared made me laugh,I thought to myself what do people have to fear me about I dont bother with anyone in that area for the very reason I took the time out to type you this blog and that is they really all our idiots!!!

Espeacily the person named Pius this person sounds like they know me, if so this person has no courage or knowledge about me or anything else, because if he did he would know that I could care less about bridgeport or any of the phoneis that live there including himself.

As far as my brother goes he could care less about toots or anything else that has anything to do with that life style.

I have made some very big mistakes in my life that I am truly sorry for.

So you see steve the one person who talked about the people of bridgeport really hit it on the head when he described these foolish people!!

I only wish that when this pius person sees me that he would be man enough to try and slap me around!!!!!

I also wish people from this area would stop makeing allegations about other people such as frank caruso and others frank dose not even live in bridgeport let alone be the boss of the so called 26th street crew.

This is excactly what I mean about the people from this area there always worried about someone else when they should be worried about their own dirty laundry!!!!

Steve I hope this blog gets posted then the GOOF'S from this neighborhood could read it first hand.

I certainly would not want this jury to be deciding my fate.

Steve, You have done a very good job on this trial,and fair to both sides.

There are alot of people still involved with the power leaving, and the new generation coming in.

Rocky and Aldo,sons of the late( Shorty)LaMantia.

I Know they are having a hard time of giving up ground to there Fathers second in command,but that is the way it is and was pre determined to be.

Toots is a shrewd player and knows what headaches can be. There are people who are commited to Babe like the were to Shorty, everyone knew that Shorty had his secret weapons, and now those same weapns will be passed to Toots.

Nothing really ever changes down here Steve, just the faces and the names,much like a relay race,pass the baton.Some secrets never get told.

"I mean, if someone is around to defend himself and you're going to "throw in" his name randomly as an accomplice to murder, you'd better be sure you at least know what he was doing at the time, otherwise you're taking a pretty big risk"

Wasn't that exactly the case when Nick place Infelise at the Spillotro murders?

Also, Nick was the only person who related that Doyle was ever a juice collector. Didn't he admit on the stand that he never met or saw Doyle before seeing him in court?

I read many things about Rocky Lamantia and none of them are good.

Isn't it a surprise that the same names come up all the time and yet their always, somehow, innocent?

Our legal system is a joke.

Isn't Lamantia the goomba who is always the Bridgeport spokesperson whenever something goes wrong?

Wasn't he on TV when the Leonard Clark case was going on?

Steve, Thank You for posting my response! This blog thing is a really amuseing thing to read!You get to read all these armchair critics comments.

That being said I wish that the people out their that take the time to write about me purchase my new BOOK that will be comeing out early next year!!!

The publicty is great because its FREE!!! They will all get there chance to read it if they purchase it!!!

Then they can make all the fun they want of me as I roll all the way to the BANK!!!!!! STAY TUNED Bridegport and all the surronding areas!!!!

Steve; I would like to say this one last time My brother and I could care less about toots or any of his pals all we want to do is live our own lifes and be left alone from all the bridgeport bantter!!! Good luck to all you wannabes!!!!

For the people saying that these old guys should be let go are crazy if they killed any of your family members you would want them to throw the book at them even if you think there was not enough evidence to convict them this time they got what was coming to them for all the things they did not get caught for and these guys are just another street gang in chicago like the latin kings but these guys are called the PATHETIC ITALIAN OLD MEN GANG WHICH IS THE "OUTFIT" TONY

There is no way that is the real Rocky in the posting.

What could his book possibly be about? Who would publish it?

Why?

What can we learn from this book?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I have no idea what would be in his book, but I can tell you I've confirmed it's the real Rocky LaMantia posting.

How did you confirm it is actually him steve ?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I spoke with him and confirmed it was his entry.

Well Rocky if it is really you, how do you feel about the lifestyle your father led and the things he did? Did he deserve to be in jail?

And if you have no intrest in the Caruso family and the people that surround them and that area why don't you just move away out of state from it all?

You will always be connected in people's minds whether you are or not.

Rocky, everyone still knows you are connected and that you never had the intellect to be "upped." No one trusted you either.

That's why Toots has gotten ahead because he is intelligent and can be trusted.

One more thing, there's a reason why everyone knows Rocky Lamantia's name, and there's a reason why he's never had a pristine reputation--that or anything among his "peers" in Chinatown.

Barry A from Melrose -

"Rocky, everyone still knows you are connected and that you never had the intellect to be "upped." No one trusted you either. ..."

You are a little crumb from Melrose Park like 99% of everyone from Melrose Park - thats all that we know to be true.

I bet your the same person or run with the same group of fools that come down to our part of town looking at our social clubs, bars and restaurants for glimpses of people. Then you say oh, its a "mob hangout".

You know nothing oviously if you are saying that rocky is "connected" - your a bigger fool than he is I guess.

You talk of being "upped" and nonsense about someone you don't know and never met. You are a real fool. Quit watching tv and movies and reading books on "the mob" you fool.

Peter Piper-

Your the fool if you think all of this is not real. Get a life and quit standing up for these scumbags. They could have chosen a different path in life but they didn't, and no matter how old they are or how long ago they stopped doing those things (they haven't) they still deserve to be punished for what they did. They got caught and now they need to pay.

You know nothing oviously if you are saying that rocky is "connected" - your a bigger fool than he is I guess.

And how do you know this if you are not conected? Maybe you should learn from what is happenign here and get out while you still can before something bigger comes and takes you all down.

His father was barely capable; and he's surely not up to task. What could Rocky possibly be writing a book about--how he had that trucking contract taken from him?

Melrose has its own connections; I wouldn't question it. The problem is, a guy like Rocky would never be able to make a living here because he brings too much heat.

I like Rocky Lamantia's use of diction. He spells GOOF'S in all capital letters with a possesive s at the end.

Instead of the plural form of the word goofs, anyway, it's a waste of time to give grammar lessons to someone like that.

Steve, has there been any indication of other mob-related trials developing in the near future?

I haven't read of any court docketts yet?

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: Nothing on the docket, although there's speculation that Frank "The German" Schweihs is on the mend and could go to trial in the spring.

But there's nothing official from the court on that.

Knowing Rocky as well as I do, can I ask you a question Steve ? How many times has he asked you if you could give me the names, url or email addresses of the people writing certain things about him so he can "grab dem guyz and bust their heads".

He should just sit at home and be happy he is not in jail and not worry about running through the neighborhood with transcripts from the Family secrets trial, hey look what so and so said and so and so is beefer

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: As a matter of practice I don't detail my conversations with people, but let me stress that anonymous posts stay anonymous.

That said, there hasn't been exactly a great clamor to find out who certain posters are.

Okay...so these functional illiterates have had their slugging days ended, big deal...the Outfit still lives on...Cook County and the Second City's as corrupt as ever and the rackets thrive, albeit somewhat more covertly than the days of Accardo and Humphreys...what was AMAZING was that the only national media coverage of the Operation Family Secrets trial was in the Sun-Times, and I think that bespeaks to the glib acceptance of corruption in this country these days; while coverage was good, STEVE WARMBIR and the Sun-Times staff need to engage in more thorough going investigative journalism regarding organized crime in Illinois...especially among the ethnic gangs...

Hey steve hows it going,I see that Im still a topic of discussion on your blog page.

It seems that there our alot of people with negative comments about me. Thats ok because these people dont mean the utmost to me.

There proably the same people who when the heat got to hot from the FBI that they sang like cannaries. As far as me running around with trial transcripts yes I have everyone of them, and for good reason too.

I told you people before that I am writting a book,and then you asked what I could be writting a book about. well all I can say is you will have to buy it to find out if your in it...I will say this that Price-Waterhouse will be publishing it.. Yes thats right

I Have already gotten my first advance!!!! The book will be truthful to the best of ability to tell the story I want to tell.. Im sure there will be some people who might be offended,but thats what happens when the truth hurts.

Also my family might be upset, but since my father has passed away no really matters except my imediate faimly and thats my wife and children..So all you guys out there who seem to know me so well maybe there will be a chapter about you.... Also I would like to say that All the negative stuff that has been written about me is really very funny since i never wanted to be a gangster.

I guess when I was younger I thought that was the life I wanted to live but when you have gotten into as much trouble as I have you realize that thats not the life I wanted at all.

My fathers last words to me before he died were son theres too much money out there to be made legit,so stay out of trouble!!!

And you know what he was right..I just wish I would not have caused him and others the heart ache I did.

That being said I cant stop people from talking negative about me they might have their reasons and the again they might just be neighborhod cowards who can hide behind there computors,whatever the case may be you people our really no concern of mine your not my freinds nor our you a standup guy your a coward who slanders people from behind a cloak.

So for all of you people who feel strong and though behind the computor you are the ones who have to look in the mirror everyday not me!!!

This will be my very last entry on this site so chat away I could careless what you say or who you are!!!!

Your all still the shallow people you have always been.

Will there be a chapter on the Rocky Hockey Learn to Skate Program?

Also, will you reflect on your younger days when you were high all the time?

Congrats on the book deal Rock, maybe now you can pay back all those $ tens and twentys you used to borrow off of people for dope. "Never wanted to be a gangster" I nearly fell out of my seat on that one. I mean c'mon

The Rocky Hockey Learn to Skate Program? That's brilliant.

High, yes, and also accused for murder and absolved under the most corrupt judge, Thompson, in the modern history of the United States.

Ironically, this guy has been the spokesperson for Bridgeport for the last few years--ocassionally appearing on TV for interviews about how people shouldn't be racist.

Irony--yes.

Hey Rocky just wondering, in your book you you detail how you used to pull people over as a fake cop (read that in the Sun-Times few years ago) and also how you supposedly got away with murder (also read in the Sun-Times)?

Lastly will you be going into detail on the inner working of the Chicago Outfit (you know the jeans and I love Chicago shirt you wear - figure thats the only Chicago outfit you know).

Let's forget the time Rocky also was so high his father beat him nearly into a concussion. Will he talk about that?

Or the time he decided that being a fake cop was a nice business venture...no wonder, no one wants this guy around their "legal" enterprises.

I knew this guy for 39 years, and I can't get that "I love Chicago" T-Shirt and tight jeans out of my head.

That, or selling residential parking passes around then Comiskey Park to non-residents for $20 a piece. (Never wanted to be a gangster because he wasn't capable.)

I'm looking forward to the hockey program actually.

What's Rocky going to talk about? How his father used to run for coffee and sandwiches for everyone else?

Or how he got a beating from "The Breeze?"

Hi Rocky or Steve,

I'm a little confused because Price-Waterhouse is not a publisher; it's a finance and consulting corporation, and a very large one.

I used to work for them when I lived in Cleveland. I've never heard of them publishing books--unless Rocky plans on giving people financial advice, as in avoiding taxes.

Maybe he confused the name of the company with something with a similar name.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: You're right, The company Rocky LaMantia mentioned is not a publisher.

So Steve,

Is there really going to be a book published, then?

See, if you can get Rocky to reply.

I'd maybe buy it, so long as it didn't talk about putting our money in safety deposit boxes in Switzerland or burrying it in cornfields.

STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: I wear many hats at the Sun-Times, but working as a press agent for Rocky LaMantia is not one of them.

If Rocky wants to reply, he can reply.

He has repeatedly expressed interest in writing a book but if there truly will be one, I don't know.

I am Mr. LaMantia's press agent Max Power.

In response to Tiesha, yes the book will be published. Out publisher, Streetwise has their best men working on it as we speak.

Mr. LaMantia (pronounced: Laah mon-tee-a) is busy at the moment investigating for his book. He could have actually just sold me his computer for $100.

He has someone writing the book for him because unfortunately he couldn't write a book if he was smacked in the head with a Pulitzer Prize.

Max Power
Press Agent to The Stars

I think Rocky already said that he washed his hands of this blog.

One thing I did notice was his consistent attempts at using big words in some of his postings, most of which were mispelled or misused.

All I can say is that if he is writing a book, I hope he has a very good copywriter/proofreader.

He doesn't seem like the type of guy who carries a thesaurus or dictionary around with him, unless he was using it to role dope.

Steve,
If in fact Rocky is writing a book and completes it, he will have officially written one more book then he has read.....

I would buy Rocky's book if he wrote it himself on his "computor."

If his father told him that there was money to be made in a legitimate lifestyle, he should go back to the corrupt way of thinking.

You need to have at least a 5th grade education to try and be successful. Is his book going to be words or just pictures?

Well to begin with you should never believe everything you hear Steve,

As far as the BREEZE goes that is what he is to the T, he blows and always has.

He has never confronted any MAN face to face at least not by himself.I know you have heard of sleepers Steve, not even the know it all and everything BREEZE know's whats up.

Did anyone ever say anything about Rocky's uncle?

A picture book would be great if Rocky can get it done.

It will help morons like the ones writing these dumb entries.

It almost make you think your listening to the rat (the Breeze0

Oh have you ever heard the one were Frank the tough guy big money man got caught shoppliftin a baseball cap.

What a shrewd gangster.

I,m sure tough Frank will do well in Marian Fed pen southern Ill)

By the way it will be the first time tuffy will be in a real joint.Watch your BACK BREEZE!!

Hello all you wondrful followers of rocky,alot of you are very intrested in what I have to say and thats great.

To answer some of your questions yes the book will talk about my drug use over the years a young man on a collison course with death, but luckily I survied those times of despair.

Yes there were alot of times I borrowed 10s&20s to support my drug habbit,and at my lowest point in that period I portrayed myself as a fake cop,witch I was caught and did 18 months on house arrest and 6 years of probation witch I served.

Getting caught was the best thing that happened to me it saved my life.

Also yes I had a hockey program that was very succsesful over the 9 years I ran it,I traveled to russia and trained with the russian olimpic team for 4 weeks.

During that time I produced two boys who went on to play in the NHL and our still playing.

I am alittle confused about me wearing a I Love Chicago T;shirt I dont own one nor did I ever!!!

Also for all of you who keep an intrest in me and my life thank you,even if its all negative.

As far as me reavilling my publisher to all of you do you really think I would jepordize my succses by revealing the real publisher.

Not in a million years there are to many jealous nitwits around to spoil my future success.

My spelling needs work but thats what prof readers our for!!!

Also yes I will be revealing alot of info that is very much true.

For all you so called people who know me for 39 years you know that I always get what I want and all I want from all of you is to keep up the intrest in me.

I said it before and I will say it again your the best publicity I could get for free,you dumbells dont even realize it,but then again how could you ,you people couldnt find a chinamen in chinatown..Oh yeah if any of you were ones who borrowed me 10 or 20 dollars back in the day all you have to do is stop me when you see me and I will gladly pay you back,yeah right!!!

So everyone keep the comments coming because they will surely be in the book..Oh yeah there will also be pictures of some of the players I am writting about.

One last thing guys like goo gotz you got to be a real idiot like I dont know who you are,you use that word so much how could I forget you!

But when you see me in the gas station please dont bother to even say hello you phonie!!

And barry from melrose you have been a punk ever since I have known you,do you still shop at changes on harlem by tommy,tou must because all of you from out there all dress alike you fake Goomba!!!

And leroy if its really you you couldnt even tie your shoes til you were 15,your brother had to do it for you.

And as dig as you our in high school you got slapped around more then a handball.

Hey max since your a power player in the feid of homless people see if you can get me an exclusive interveiw.

Well so long for now keep those entries comming.Last but not least look forward to my own web site and blog page comming soon!!!

Blog page and web site? Wow! Haven't we come a long way since the good old days of swiping VCR's out of the Italian American Club.

Hows this for a suggestion. Instead of writing a book, make a movie. You can be the new Chris Farley. And with the proceeds you get from ticket sales, buy the Club a DVD player.

Perhaps they can find a heavy set homeless man on drugs to play your part. Or maybe just invent a time machine,go back in time 2 years ago, and you can play it.

Give me a break.

Rocky,

you sent 2 kids to the NHL???? I believe it! NHL: National Heroin Lighters

You crack me up.

You can make fun of Leroy all you want, at least he was never a junkie.

I have known the Lamantia's, caruso's, and just about every other family from the bridgeport neighborhood, we all grew up together, went to the same schools, and attended lots of neighborhood functions together for years together. Even played on the "rockey Hockey" team as a kid for a short time. And guess what Rocky did? He coached us kids. He was out there being a coach, yelling at us when we screwed up, and teaching us to play hockey.

Some of this stuff I been reading is a real F-ing joke. Lots of people are real quick to criticize, crack jokes, and say some flat out insulting stuff via the keyboard. Its cowardly. If you personally know rocky, tell him to his face about his past drug problems, how he owes you 10 bucks from 1991, or whatever else is "bothering" you.

Don't express your true feelings about the guy on some internet blog site, tell HIM about it if it bothers you that much. Would you tough guys want your kids reading some crap about how their daddy used to borrow money for junk from people? Maybe you think Rocky is a total piece of garbage, but at least have a little respect for his family. You cant expect any respect for his family out of these "gangster afficianodos" on here who have nothing better to do but surf the net for "gangster stuff"

Did he have issues in the past, sure, everyone has a past, some worse than others. All this talk of mafia, gangsters, etc,is really a joke. Too many people are "fascinated" with "mobsters".

Look at how much money HBO made off the "sopranos". Its a fact, and I tell you what, for those who made fun of rocky about his grammar, education, etc, who knows, if he really is publishing a book, he will sell a ton of them, and laugh all the way to the bank, while you are still searching the net for "gangster info"

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5714819.

Need I say more?

Borrowed $10 back in 1991? are you kidding me? Try like 7 months ago.The guys is a goof.

"Even played on the "rockey Hockey"

- so were you one of the kids he was smoking pot with?

Lets face the facts my friend. The only reason why anyone even put up with this guys crap is because of his father. Your worried about his family/kids seeing him embarassed on here? Why are you worried? He surely wasnt when he tried to play gangster and knock off the pawn shop.

The guy is an invalid. He deserves to be made fun of.

South Side pawn shop raided, mob boss' son arrested
By Chuck Goudie
October 18, 2007 - The politically connected son of a late Chicago mob boss is under arrest on armed robbery charges.

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He has one of the most feared last names in the Chicago Outfit - Lamontia. His name is Rocky and his late father's name was Joe, but they called him "Shorty" for his squat stature. On Thursday, the I-Team learned that Rocky LaMantia is in big trouble.
Witnesses say four men walked into a pawn shop at 647 W. Roosevelt Rd. At lunchtime Wednesday and began smashing display cases with hatchets. They allegedly used the tools to hold off employees and customers and escaped with $175,000 in new diamond rings and gold chains. Among them, according to police: Rocco "Rocky" LaMantia, who has had a history of robbery and drug convictions and beat a murder rap 25 years ago.

LaMantia's lawyer, Joe Lopez, known as The Shark for his vigorous defense of mobsters, said in the pawn shop heist, Rocky is being railroaded.

"My client was there to redeem some of the goods that were previously given to the shop owner and had the money to redeem the goods. While he was there, these other individuals came in and violently attacked the patrons that were there. They violently smashed the cabinets, from my understanding, and took jewelry out of there, ordered my client onto the ground," said Lopez.

Witnesses say LaMantia drove the hatchet-wielding thugs to and from the pawn shop and that the blades were actually left behind. Lopez maintains his client is an innocent victim and a witness.

LaMantia is the son of the late South Side rackets boss Shorty LaMantia and were linked to the city hall hired truck scandal. Rocky LaMantia once had city truck contracts, and his wife used to work in Mayor Daley's budget office, which ran the hired truck program. The LaMantias have not been charged in that case, but Rocky's lawyer said authorities will no doubt try to use his Italian heritage against him.

"Of course they're going to use his family background to dirty him up," said Lopez.

The owner of the pawn shop said Rocky Lamantia had been a customer for six or seven years. LaMantia was arrested when he returned to the shop-after the armed robbery, supposedly to check on the victims.

Forty-eight-year-old LaMantia was a fixture in the gallery at this summer's Family Secrets mob trial. He said he was gathering material for a book on his mob family and even asked if the I-Team's Chuck Goudie wanted to write it for him. It was an offer Goudie refused.

ABC7 News Team

Chuck Goudie, Chief Investigative Reporter, ABC 7 News

Let's see Rocky finish that book now... For someone who was so not a gangster and not wanting the attention look waht he did to hinself now... lmao

lets not forget twan has two kids and im the younger one and im not afraid of nothing so you mess with my dad deal with me