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.
Okay so they have Rubeo wired up all over the place yet when he makes trips to Philly and hangs out with plenty of guys on the feds watch list he isn’t wired up. This case and esp Rubeo is all kinds of shady and it sure seems like the feds are going to have a hard time in court defending some of this conduct. Whether that is enough for a jury to say well we can’t convict a guy with all this will be very interesting. As George and Dave said if this thing does end up in court we should get some very interesting tidbits and details about not only Merlino business but others as well.
Rubeo will fold under Attorney Jaccobs Cross examination…if this case goes to trial..And we also may have situation like Roger Vella years ago in that Rubeo has a fascination with joey Merlino and has fallen under man crush as roger vella did when he choked as a Federal witness years ago when joey was on trial…..no way does joey get convicted…but I worry there might be. Another new Rat in south philly …which could spell trouble…but I’m my opinion ..Jacobs wins joey s freedom on this case hands down
I think the feds know there is a better than average chance he won’t make for a good witness but they are blinded by the fact that they have had Joey in their sights since he got out and cant stand the idea of walking away from any chance even a small one of getting a conviction. It seems like they would rather lose and be embarrassed than to not take this shot.
Agreed. The Feds have their own. Obsession with skinny joey ..they will never take joey out of their crosshairs.But Joey Merlino does. Not give a DAMN….Joey. Will be joey right. To the end …..Joey is a survivor…Hate joey or like him , compared to Nicky Scarfo son. Nicky Jr …joey is brilliant compared to scarf Jr..the Moron…