Updated news on the Gambino, Genovese, Bonanno, Lucchese and Colombo Organized Crime Families of New York City.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Reputed Genovese Associate Arrested


An alleged multi-million dollar sports betting ring has been busted in NYC, and among the 11 suspects are a reputed Genovese family mob associate and a retired New York City police officer. The press release from the Queens County District Attorney's Office states:

District Attorney Brown said that, according to an 86-count indictment filed in Queens County Supreme Court, the gambling ring promoted illegal sports betting in Queens County and elsewhere. The top two defendants – Michael Mildenberger, 71, and James Rossi, 49, a reputed Genovese crime family associate – are alleged to be co-bookmakers of the operation. It is alleged that they used an offshore wireroom located in Costa Rica which was accessible through a toll free telephone number and the website www.perfectwager.com. All of the defendants are charged with enterprise corruption. In addition, they are variously charged with first-degree promoting gambling, third-degree money laundering and fifth-degree conspiracy. Included among the defendants is Joseph R. Sofia, 63, who is a retired New York City police officer. It is alleged that Sofia acted as an "agent" who gave bettors access codes, collected payments and set limits on the amount they were allowed to bet.

Queens District Attorney Brown further stated that "the participants often use threats, intimidation and even physical force to collect debts."

http://bitterqueen.typepad.com/files/queens-country-district-attorneys-office-press-release.pdf



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