2 Counts Dropped Against U.S. Marshal in Mob Case

Friends of ours: Nicholas Calabrese
Friends of mine: John Ambrose

A federal judge Monday dismissed two counts in an indictment against a deputy U.S. marshal accused of leaking information about a key government witness to the mob.

John Ambrose was charged earlier this year with giving information on the cooperation and movement of witness Nicholas Calabrese to members of the Chicago Outfit while Calabrese was in protective custody.

Ambrose had been charged with federal felony theft and a count alleging he had disclosed information without authorization. U.S. District Judge John Grady found that the counts were not specific enough.

Grady wrote that the government had not adequately described what Ambrose allegedly stole to constitute the theft charge. He also found that prosecutors did not fully outline what information allegedly was taken, denying Ambrose the ability to formulate an adequate defense.

Randall Samborn, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, declined to comment on the decision.

Ambrose remains charged with making false statements in the case.