Wednesday, December 05, 2007
La Cosa Nostra Not Playing Well in the South
Mike Huckabee pulled close to Rudy Giuliani in the national GOP presidential polls Sunday. He regales crowds with very funny Hillary jokes and Jesus jokes. Rudy has plenty of great material too, but Mafia jokes have a limited appeal in South Carolina
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Secret Golf Dome Tapes
A businessman, contending he got muscled out of his suburban golf dome and lost millions of dollars, secretly recorded the mayor of Bridgeview once and the mayor's right-hand man several times, and has testified before a federal grand jury as part of an FBI investigation into the allegations.
Fresh details of the FBI investigation into Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek and the circumstances surrounding businessman John LaFlamboy losing his golf dome are revealed in a recent court filing that's part of a civil lawsuit LaFlamboy brought in federal court.
The filing reveals LaFlamboy secretly recorded Landek once for the FBI in July 2000 and recorded the mayor's assistant, Steven Reynolds, about six times in 2003 or 2004. The hulking Reynolds died in March in Phoenix, Ariz., after mixing alcohol with prescription medication.
LaFlamboy also revealed in a deposition he gave in October that he testified before a federal grand jury investigating his allegations. No one has been charged in the investigation.
LaFlamboy sued Landek, Reynolds and others in federal court in 2005, contending he was harassed and threatened into selling his share of the World Golf Dome. Village officials wanted to use the site to lure a professional soccer team to town.
LaFlamboy contends he lost millions of dollars and says one of the men threatening him was former Chicago Police Officer Fred Pascente, who was banned from Las Vegas casinos in 1999 for alleged connections to the Chicago mob.
Now, the defendants in the lawsuit want the judge to order the FBI to turn over a copy of the secret recordings LaFlamboy made, so they can hear what's on the tapes. The FBI has opposed releasing the recordings.
"We motioned for the tapes held by the government, because we are confident they will help further vindicate our clients in this case," said Ed Burke, an attorney for the Village of Bridgeview. "We are not afraid of the truth."
Landek did not return phone messages requesting comment.
LaFlamboy's lawyer, Michael Ettinger, said he, too, is eager for the tapes to be released and is confident in his client's case. LaFlamboy says in his deposition the mayor acknowledges on tape that he received money characterized as a bribe in the lawsuit, according to a source familiar with his deposition.
"We welcome the release of the tapes," said Ettinger.
Thanks to Steve Warmbir
Fresh details of the FBI investigation into Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek and the circumstances surrounding businessman John LaFlamboy losing his golf dome are revealed in a recent court filing that's part of a civil lawsuit LaFlamboy brought in federal court.
The filing reveals LaFlamboy secretly recorded Landek once for the FBI in July 2000 and recorded the mayor's assistant, Steven Reynolds, about six times in 2003 or 2004. The hulking Reynolds died in March in Phoenix, Ariz., after mixing alcohol with prescription medication.
LaFlamboy also revealed in a deposition he gave in October that he testified before a federal grand jury investigating his allegations. No one has been charged in the investigation.
LaFlamboy sued Landek, Reynolds and others in federal court in 2005, contending he was harassed and threatened into selling his share of the World Golf Dome. Village officials wanted to use the site to lure a professional soccer team to town.
LaFlamboy contends he lost millions of dollars and says one of the men threatening him was former Chicago Police Officer Fred Pascente, who was banned from Las Vegas casinos in 1999 for alleged connections to the Chicago mob.
Now, the defendants in the lawsuit want the judge to order the FBI to turn over a copy of the secret recordings LaFlamboy made, so they can hear what's on the tapes. The FBI has opposed releasing the recordings.
"We motioned for the tapes held by the government, because we are confident they will help further vindicate our clients in this case," said Ed Burke, an attorney for the Village of Bridgeview. "We are not afraid of the truth."
Landek did not return phone messages requesting comment.
LaFlamboy's lawyer, Michael Ettinger, said he, too, is eager for the tapes to be released and is confident in his client's case. LaFlamboy says in his deposition the mayor acknowledges on tape that he received money characterized as a bribe in the lawsuit, according to a source familiar with his deposition.
"We welcome the release of the tapes," said Ettinger.
Thanks to Steve Warmbir
Monday, December 03, 2007
Junior Blasts the Government
John "Junior" Gotti lashed out at the government, saying a report that he has cooperated with investigators put him and his family at risk -- including the danger that he might "get one in my head."
"My family lives in fear as a result of that," the son of late Gambino crime family boss John Gotti said Tuesday.
He was apparently referring to a New York Post story last year in which unidentified sources said he had considered becoming an informant and had told prosecutors about crimes he and others had committed.
Gotti, who was on trial when the story was published, said an FBI agent was behind the claim -- which he denied -- and "should be brought up on charges."
"What happens next?" he asked. "Does it make it all better if I get one in my head? ... Does it make it all better if I'm found in the street?"
He offered to take a lie detector test on live television if the agent were charged. FBI spokesman James Margolin declined comment.
Gotti spoke after a hearing in White Plains federal court on an unrelated tax matter.
Probation officials claim Gotti violated the terms of his 2005 release from prison after serving six years for extortion by failing to pay $202,364.17 in taxes.
Judge Stephen Robinson had previously forbidden the Probation Department from sharing Gotti's financial information with criminal prosecutors.
On Tuesday, prosecutors requested free access, claiming Gotti had lied on some forms. But Robinson refused, saying probation officers must first show the judge that they have reason to believe a particular document might asked been filled out falsely.
Gotti could be sent back to prison if the judge determines he violated the terms of his release by not paying taxes.
Gotti's lawyer, Charles Carnesi, predicted outside court that even if Gotti were found to be in violation, any prison term would be suspended because of jail time Gotti served during unsuccessful prosecutions.
Gotti was tried three times in Manhattan on racketeering charges for an alleged plot to kidnap Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.
The trials in 2005 and 2006 ended in hung juries and mistrials, and federal prosecutors announced a year ago that they were giving up.
However, Carnesi pointed out another Post story from Monday that reported, again from unidentified sources, that Gotti was likely to be charged with at least five murders thanks to "Mafioso pals" trying to get leniency. "We don't expect that there will be any charges, and if in fact somebody is so misguided as to bring charges on the basis of liars and murderers who are looking to get themselves out of jail, then we'll address them at that time and we have every confidence that we'll be successful as we have been in the past," Carnesi said.
"My family lives in fear as a result of that," the son of late Gambino crime family boss John Gotti said Tuesday.
He was apparently referring to a New York Post story last year in which unidentified sources said he had considered becoming an informant and had told prosecutors about crimes he and others had committed.
Gotti, who was on trial when the story was published, said an FBI agent was behind the claim -- which he denied -- and "should be brought up on charges."
"What happens next?" he asked. "Does it make it all better if I get one in my head? ... Does it make it all better if I'm found in the street?"
He offered to take a lie detector test on live television if the agent were charged. FBI spokesman James Margolin declined comment.
Gotti spoke after a hearing in White Plains federal court on an unrelated tax matter.
Probation officials claim Gotti violated the terms of his 2005 release from prison after serving six years for extortion by failing to pay $202,364.17 in taxes.
Judge Stephen Robinson had previously forbidden the Probation Department from sharing Gotti's financial information with criminal prosecutors.
On Tuesday, prosecutors requested free access, claiming Gotti had lied on some forms. But Robinson refused, saying probation officers must first show the judge that they have reason to believe a particular document might asked been filled out falsely.
Gotti could be sent back to prison if the judge determines he violated the terms of his release by not paying taxes.
Gotti's lawyer, Charles Carnesi, predicted outside court that even if Gotti were found to be in violation, any prison term would be suspended because of jail time Gotti served during unsuccessful prosecutions.
Gotti was tried three times in Manhattan on racketeering charges for an alleged plot to kidnap Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.
The trials in 2005 and 2006 ended in hung juries and mistrials, and federal prosecutors announced a year ago that they were giving up.
However, Carnesi pointed out another Post story from Monday that reported, again from unidentified sources, that Gotti was likely to be charged with at least five murders thanks to "Mafioso pals" trying to get leniency. "We don't expect that there will be any charges, and if in fact somebody is so misguided as to bring charges on the basis of liars and murderers who are looking to get themselves out of jail, then we'll address them at that time and we have every confidence that we'll be successful as we have been in the past," Carnesi said.
No More Snow Plowing at UIC for Alleged Mob Firm
A reputed mob-controlled company no longer holds a snow-removal contract at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
UIC officials say D&P Construction declined to bid for the contract -- after revelations surfaced during the "Family Secrets" mob trial last summer that reputed mob boss John "No Nose" DiFronzo took part in a double murder.
D&P, which has had numerous snow-removal contracts with UIC since 1998, on paper is run by Josephine DiFronzo -- the sister-in-law of John DiFronzo and the wife of Peter DiFronzo, who is purportedly a chief lieutenant to his brother John in mob affairs.
Authorities have said the two DiFronzo brothers really control the firm.
The new contract was awarded to a small minority-run company called Total Property Management and Engineering Services in September, according to UIC records.
D&P "did not submit a bid," said UIC spokesman Mark Rosati.
Rosati said university officials did not ask D&P to give up its contract.
Doing so would be illegal, he said.
When asked whether UIC officials were pleased that D&P and its alleged mob ties decided to move on, he declined comment.
Josephine DiFronzo did not return calls.
Although the school never witnessed nefarious tactics, an internal 2003 FBI memo alleged that D&P "obtained contracts through illegal payoffs or intimidation."
D&P made headlines in 2001 after the Illinois Gaming Board criticized the company for hauling trash from the site of what was intended to be a Rosemont casino.
From 2003 to 2005, D&P made nearly $500,000 for snow removal at the university.
Thanks to Leonard N. Fleming
UIC officials say D&P Construction declined to bid for the contract -- after revelations surfaced during the "Family Secrets" mob trial last summer that reputed mob boss John "No Nose" DiFronzo took part in a double murder.
D&P, which has had numerous snow-removal contracts with UIC since 1998, on paper is run by Josephine DiFronzo -- the sister-in-law of John DiFronzo and the wife of Peter DiFronzo, who is purportedly a chief lieutenant to his brother John in mob affairs.
Authorities have said the two DiFronzo brothers really control the firm.
The new contract was awarded to a small minority-run company called Total Property Management and Engineering Services in September, according to UIC records.
D&P "did not submit a bid," said UIC spokesman Mark Rosati.
Rosati said university officials did not ask D&P to give up its contract.
Doing so would be illegal, he said.
When asked whether UIC officials were pleased that D&P and its alleged mob ties decided to move on, he declined comment.
Josephine DiFronzo did not return calls.
Although the school never witnessed nefarious tactics, an internal 2003 FBI memo alleged that D&P "obtained contracts through illegal payoffs or intimidation."
D&P made headlines in 2001 after the Illinois Gaming Board criticized the company for hauling trash from the site of what was intended to be a Rosemont casino.
From 2003 to 2005, D&P made nearly $500,000 for snow removal at the university.
Thanks to Leonard N. Fleming
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Former Head of FBI's Chicago Field Office Organized Crime Unit is New Chicago Police Chief
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, Jody “J.P.” Weis, announced his retirement from the FBI. After 22 years of dedicated service to the FBI, Mr. Weis will leave to assume responsibilities as the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“Jody has been a great asset to the FBI for 22 years and will be missed,” said Director Robert S. Mueller III. “We wish him luck with his new assignment.”
Mr. Weis entered on duty with the FBI in January 1985. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Weis was assigned to the Houston Division, Corpus Christi Resident Agency, where he was assigned to reactive crimes. Mr. Weis later transferred to Houston, where he investigated terrorism, narcotics, and violent crime matters. Mr. Weis also served on the Houston SWAT team and as a bomb technician.
In November 1992, Mr. Weis was promoted to the FBI’s Bomb Data Center, and in October 1994 he was transferred to the Violent Crimes/Fugitive Unit. Mr. Weis was selected for the violent crimes squad in Phoenix, Arizona, in January 1996, and during his tenure in Phoenix, he also supervised domestic terrorism, international terrorism and civil rights squads.
Mr. Weis was appointed Assistant Special Agent in Charge in charge of the Chicago Field Office in June 2002. In this capacity, Weis managed the white collar crime, organized crime, violent crime, and administrative programs. In March 2003, Mr. Weis was promoted to the position of Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Mr. Weis was also selected as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Administrative Services Division after the reorganization of OPR.
In May 2005, Mr. Weis reported to the Los Angeles Field Office, where he served as the SAC over criminal operations. Mr. Weis provided oversight on all violent crime, drug, major gang, white collar crime, and public corruption investigations. He also supervised 11 Safe Streets task forces and oversaw criminal investigations in 11 resident agencies.
In May 2006, Mr. Weis was appointed SAC of the Philadelphia Field Office, where he managed one of the FBI’s largest field operations. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Mr. Weis oversaw the Fort Dix terrorism investigation and launched the “Step Up, Speak Up” campaign, a joint public and private initiative to encourage witnesses of violent crimes to come forward and protect others from becoming victims. Mr. Weis also supervised the pilot project “PinPoint,” which combines mapping software with intelligence in an effort to enhance law enforcement investigations on federal, state and local levels.
“Jody has been a great asset to the FBI for 22 years and will be missed,” said Director Robert S. Mueller III. “We wish him luck with his new assignment.”
Mr. Weis entered on duty with the FBI in January 1985. Upon completion of training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, Mr. Weis was assigned to the Houston Division, Corpus Christi Resident Agency, where he was assigned to reactive crimes. Mr. Weis later transferred to Houston, where he investigated terrorism, narcotics, and violent crime matters. Mr. Weis also served on the Houston SWAT team and as a bomb technician.
In November 1992, Mr. Weis was promoted to the FBI’s Bomb Data Center, and in October 1994 he was transferred to the Violent Crimes/Fugitive Unit. Mr. Weis was selected for the violent crimes squad in Phoenix, Arizona, in January 1996, and during his tenure in Phoenix, he also supervised domestic terrorism, international terrorism and civil rights squads.
Mr. Weis was appointed Assistant Special Agent in Charge in charge of the Chicago Field Office in June 2002. In this capacity, Weis managed the white collar crime, organized crime, violent crime, and administrative programs. In March 2003, Mr. Weis was promoted to the position of Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Mr. Weis was also selected as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Administrative Services Division after the reorganization of OPR.
In May 2005, Mr. Weis reported to the Los Angeles Field Office, where he served as the SAC over criminal operations. Mr. Weis provided oversight on all violent crime, drug, major gang, white collar crime, and public corruption investigations. He also supervised 11 Safe Streets task forces and oversaw criminal investigations in 11 resident agencies.
In May 2006, Mr. Weis was appointed SAC of the Philadelphia Field Office, where he managed one of the FBI’s largest field operations. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Mr. Weis oversaw the Fort Dix terrorism investigation and launched the “Step Up, Speak Up” campaign, a joint public and private initiative to encourage witnesses of violent crimes to come forward and protect others from becoming victims. Mr. Weis also supervised the pilot project “PinPoint,” which combines mapping software with intelligence in an effort to enhance law enforcement investigations on federal, state and local levels.
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