The alleged Colombo crime family acting boss Andrew “Mush” Russo was sentenced to 33 months in prison on racketeering charges.
But he was also given credit for time served which means he will be out of prison and back on the streets of New York in May. Russo was one of the 127 alleged mobsters rounded up in the major Mafia takedown back in 2011. He was facing up to 41 months in prison but like many aging mobsters, he used various medical ailments as a plea for leniency. Despite being caught on tape vowing to put the Colombo family back together defense lawyers claimed that Russo was a peaceful family loving man. An argument not agreed to by prosecutors who reminded everyone that organized crime organizations are not community services and its main purpose is to make money by any and all means through criminal activities.
But Brooklyn federal judge Kiyo Matsumoto after handing down the lenient sentence said that Russo had a great family referring to the relatives in the court room which prompted a round of clapping. Russo is one of few Colombo family leaders who will be finding their way back to the streets as many of them remain behind bars. The feds have dealt a major blow to the Colombo leadership over last couple years with help from a array of turncoats from with in the family. Even with one of its hierarchy headed back to the streets it will be a tough road back if the Colombo family is to once again rebound and regain some of its dwindling power base.
