FBI Arrests Alleged Mobsters Accused of Running Organized Criminal Enterprise in NYC, Philly
Federal law enforcement recently arrested dozens of individuals accused of having ties to powerful mobs in New York City, NY.
According to federal officials, the suspects who were placed under arrest by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are connected to four different Italian mafia families believed to have run organized crime operations throughout NYC and the Philadelphia area for many years. All of the mob families were reportedly subsumed under the East Coast LCN Enterprise, which authorities have described as an “organized criminal enterprise” that perpetrated numerous crimes.
A total of 46 suspects were arrested in raids conducted by FBI agents in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. While carrying out the raids, law enforcement reportedly found multiple firearms and gambling paraphernalia. Police also reportedly seized more than $30,000 believed to be proceeds from illegal activities.
The alleged ringleader of the criminal organization is Pasquale “Patsy” Parrello, a man accused of running the NYC operations of the Genovese organized crime family. Another prominent suspect arrested by police in connection with the alleged mafia organization is Joseph “Joey” Merlino. Prosecutors previously charged Merlino with murder in Philadelphia, but he avoided conviction in that case.
The criminal charges against the suspects include arson, illegal gambling, racketeering, illegal firearms trafficking, aggravated assault, and even fraud crimes like credit card fraud and health care fraud.
Diego Rodriguez, the head of the FBI’s New York office, said that the suspects charged with assault had used violence to intimidate victims who owed money to the crime family. The suspects also allegedly carried out retaliatory attacks against victims who crossed them.
In one instance, a suspect allegedly committed arson by setting a car on fire because the vehicle was owned by a man who worked for a competing gambling operation.
Most of the suspects who were arrested by police managed to secure their releases by posting bail amounts of $300K each. However, at least a few of the major suspects in the case were remanded to correctional centers without bail amounts.
For additional information, read the PIX11.com article, “Complete List of 46 Suspected Members of NYC Crime Families Arrested.”
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in New York, you need to talk to a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately. The experienced criminal defense lawyers at the LaDuca Law Firm can help you fight your criminal charges. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation at our office in Rochester, NY.
