Bonanno captain admits to ordering the torching of a man's car while John Gotti's grandson cops plea deal
Vincent Asaro — who beat 2015 charges in the infamous $6 million Lufthansa robbery at Kennedy Airport — said he didn’t know and never met the person responsible for the road rage revenge.
A “GoodFellas” gangster admitted his role Tuesday in the 2012 road rage torching of a Queens man’s car, raising the likelihood of his death behind bars.
After 82-year-old Vincent Asaro entered his plea, the grandson of late Gambino family boss John Gotti followed the octogenarian into Brooklyn Federal Court and pleaded guilty to driving the arson getaway car.
A none-too-pleased Asaro, his arms folded across his chest, acknowledged calling some mob associates to set the car ablaze after its driver cut the Bonnano family capo off in Howard Beach.
“Another person burned a car at my request,” said Asaro during his court appearance. “I made arrangements with this person to take care of it and it was done.”
Asaro — who beat 2015 charges in the infamous $6 million Lufthansa robbery at Kennedy Airport — said he didn’t know and never met the person responsible for the road rage revenge.
The 1978 heist became a centerpiece of the Martin Scorsese mob class “GoodFellas.”
Asaro acknowledged calling some mob associates to set the car ablaze after its driver cut the Bonnano family capo off in Howard Beach.
Once Asaro finished, 23-year-old John Gotti entered the courtroom to confess his role in the arson and a second co-defendant admitted his participation.
“I agreed with others to set fire to a vehicle in Broad Channel, Queens,” said Gotti, wearing a navy blue prison outfit. “My role was to drive the getaway car.”
Both men were due back for sentencing on Oct. 24, and Gotti is already serving a term of eight years for his conviction for running a $1.6 million oxycodone ring in his Howard Beach neighborhood.
“We’re hoping for a fair and just sentence that not only takes into account his crimes committed, but also factors in his age and health,” said Asaro defense lawyer Elizabeth Macedonio.
John Gotti is already serving a term of eight years for his conviction for running a $1.6 million oxycodone ring in his Howard Beach neighborhood.
Both Asaro and Gotti face up to 20 years in prison.
The feds charged the May-December crime team collaborated in the torching of a Queens man after his car cut in front of Asaro at a red light.
The mob veteran tracked down the driver before reaching out for his fiery revenge.
Asaro made it clear that his long-ago oath of omerta remained in effect when asked by Federal Judge Allyne Ross if he wanted to change lawyers.
Macedonio represents Asaro’s nephew in a separate case, raising conflict of interest issues. Ross said the dual representation could prevent Asaro from cutting a deal to testify against his nephew.
“I want to stay with Ms. Macedonio,” said Asaro after the brief chat. “I used her before and was more than satisfied with her performance.
“I would never cooperate against my nephew. I would never cooperate against anyone.”
Pleading guilty along with Gotti was co-defendant Matthew "Fat Matt" Rullan. The heavyset suspect left the courthouse without speaking to reporters.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/vincent-asaro-john-gotti-grandson-plead-guilty-car-arson-case-article-1.3282579
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