The main suspect in the last known mob hit in Chicago will remain in prison after the federal court of appeals in Chicago rejected his legal arguments for his convictions to be reversed.
Anthony "Tough Tony" Calabrese was sentenced last year to 62 years in prison for his leading role in three robberies.
Federal authorities believe Calabrese was the gunman in the 2001 mob slaying of Anthony "The Hatch" Chiaramonti in south suburban Lyons.
Calabrese is also a suspect in the 1997 attempted murder of a Naperville woman.
He has not been charged in either case and is no relation to the two Calabrese brothers who were Outfit hitmen and part of the Family Secrets mob case in 2007..
What do you think is holding up the case on the Chiaramonti murder.
STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: This only speculation, but federal prosecutors wanted Anthony Calabrese to cooperate in that case, and all reports suggest he has refused. And Calabrese is not going anywhere anytime soon with his convictions in the three robberies, so I would be guessing that the feds are no in hurry to charge anyone.
Let's you know how time flies, but, as you know, the Family Secrets Case was actually two years ago, not last year.
It definitely doesn't seem like its been two years.
By the way, what's the source on his nickname? Was it in a court document? It seems like this is the first time I've seen him referred to as "Tough Tony."
I've said it before on this blog and I'll say it again now, the Outfit likes to recycle nicknames. Tony Capezio, Tony Spilotro, even Tony Accardo, they were all also known as "Tough Tony." There's been at least two guys known as "Cherry Nose." There's been a couple of Caesars. There are other examples but I can't think of them at the moment. Of course, some nicknames, such as Cherry Nose, are just too colorful not to use anymore.
Back to the topic, according to the Bureau of Prisons, Tony Calabrese isn't even up for parole until 2061 when he'll be about 100 years old if he lives that long.
STEVE WARMBIR RESPONDS: It's been a while since I've reviewed my notes on the case, but I'll hunt down the source for the "Tough Tony" nickname.
You're right on the nickname winning no points for originality.
And my apologies for the error on the Family Secrets date. It's now corrected.