In this episode of Mob Talk, we get an inside look into the upcoming trial against alleged Philadelphia mafia boss Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino.
Mob experts George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser give us some new information and take a look at the current status of the upcoming trial. The feds busted 46 defendants last year in the so-called East Coast LCN Enterprise case and touted it as a major blow against organized crime. Dave and George detail how this case has continued to fall apart leading to almost all of the defendants being offered and accepting plea deals. Joey Merlino could end up being the last man standing as he refuses to take any plea offer and is determined to take this case to court.
There are a lot of questions and accusations flying around about the handling of John (JR) Rubeo the cases key witness including potential misconduct by federal agents. Rubeo was wired up in both New York and Florida recording hundreds of hours of conversations between these alleged mobsters and associates. According to some new information from the guys, Rubeo made trips to Philadelphia during his time as an informant and hung out with Philly mobsters but was not wired up for those leading to even more unanswered questions. Besides Merlino, no other members of the Cosa Nostra family in Philly were charged in the indictment. The inconsistencies surrounding Rubeo may end up dooming the case against Merlino if, in fact, the feds decide to go all the way and go to trial. Check out this episode of Mob Talk for the rest of the story! Another great episode from two of the most respected mob experts in The City of Brotherly Love.
