Reputed Philadelphia mafia boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino continues to get his ducks in a row in preparation for his upcoming battle with the feds.
Merlino was hit with multiple charges including racketeering conspiracy after he was busted along with several other alleged mobsters and associates the feds claimed were part of an East Coast LCN Enterprise. According to a recent report, Skinny Joey has hired noted mafia lawyer John Meringolo to represent him in the upcoming racketeering trial. Meringolo has previously represented New York Mafia members including former boss John “Junior” Gotti and acting capo Greg DePalma. They 55-year-old Merlino has said all along he planned to take on the feds to trial after passing up a reportedly sweet plea deal which would have put him behind bars for less than two years.
“Joey Merlino”
Merlino and his new high-powered attorney seem to be betting on the possibility that an internal probe into potential misdeeds by two FBI agents and supervising agent in the case have compromised the majority of the evidence against him. Prosecutors warned that these agents may have had inappropriate interactions and mishandled evidence collected John Rubio a cooperating witness. Rubio went to work for Merlino after getting permission from his former boss Genovese captain Pasquale “Patsy” Parrello and during that time collected most of the evidence against him according to court documents. The defense may also be betting that the government doesn’t want to expose to many dirty details of what may have happened with this evidence and the mishandling of their informant.
Merlino could have pleaded guilty to lesser crimes like illegal sports betting and health care fraud had he taken the plea offer but according to sources, he is worried about the potential ramifications had he done so. Even though it would have ensured a reduced sentence Joey was worried that the feds could haven then recharged him in both New Jersey and Flordia where they claim some of the illegal sports betting took place according to a source in the NY Post report. This could prove to be a very interesting trial depending on how much of the evidence against Merlino makes its way to the courtroom. The feds also noted that during the investigation Merlino was allegedly working in earnest to rebuild the Philly mafia family although no other Philly mobsters were charged in the case. Joey Merlino could face up to 20 years behind bars if he is found guilty.
I am kind of shocked that Joey isn’t going with Jacobs who has been his guy for a while now. Guess maybe he felt he needed to bring in a bigger gun to add to his advantage here and guard against any even remotely possible missteps. Interesting too that he was worried about the feds coming at him in other states had he plead guilty, add a bit of a new dynamic in his decision making here it seems. Would think they could have somehow negotiated that into a potential plea agreement but perhaps not.
Something doesn’t add up..joey can do 2 years Standing on his head but he won’t take this cupcake deal??? I thought it was because of the heavy cash ???? penalty the feds wanted like 200.000 payment from Joey…but there is more to this story than meets the eye…Attorney Jaccobs is First class Lawyer and Joey switches Lawyers?? Granted his new attorney is major league big hired gun attorney but this puzzle about Joey and the case are missing pieces..Joey can’t win betting Football or gambling in casinos but skinny Joey has great luck in his court cases….Lets see what happens when Joey rolls the dice ???? ???? this t
Bit surprised at the lawyer change as well like u mentioned this new guy is the “hired gun” most high profile guys want to have but Jacobs was a solid lawyer as well and someone Joey is def way more familiar with. Will be very interesting to see what the evidence actually contains and looks like at trial if the feds are actually able to present it all.
i am shocked why get rid of Jacobs he is one of the best lawyers I have ever seen very expensive but worth it he saved merlino in 2001 and 2004 ligambi at the recent trials. Only reason I can think of Jacobs not taking this case himself is that the trial will be in New York he might not want to do the trial he is getting old Jacobs now I have heard rumours before he is not in the best of health who knows.
Meringolo is also an good lawyer we will have to see what happens I still believe joey should have taken the plea like everyone else but he has made his decision and we don’t know the full facts of the case yet the trial will be interesting
Right, have to figure it is something on Jacobs end of things as to the decision to hire a new lawyer because as u mentioned Jacobs is very good and has served Merlino very well in the past. No matter how shaky the feds case may seem it is still taking some real risk going to trial and I tend to agree that his best and safest move was probably taking that very good plea offer, but as you said we will see how this shakes out now.
The Evidence is not Credible, Chain of Coustody issues. The Informant is not Credible, He is a lying thief, he stole $500,000.00. No Recharge because of the 5th Amendment Double Jeopardy Clause, nor shall any person be suject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb…
The feds tried to trick him but Joey ain’t Stupid !He’s gonna walk !
Certainty not Faith fact not fiction .I know alot of people laugh and poke fun but it’s cool .Stand you’re ground Joey .I faced life in prison a few times .I put my faith my “certainty “my belief my trust in God and walked .In the new testament I know nobody believes that anymore but St Paul was in Prison and An Angel came and opened the door for him and he walked right out and right passed the guards .Not only did they not believe it they didn’t even see it happen .But it happened anyway .I believe that .Believe that man .Those Roman guards never knew what hit them .Niether did the Egyptians .
Credo Ancora nei miracoli e Dio sta Ancora facendo loro !!!!
Can someone explain to me how an Alleged Mob member can afford these high priced Lawyers. I think @JohnGrant213 or someone else did,but i just can’t remember/find this. Just wondering b/c some even though filing Taxes don’t seem to have Financial wherewithal to afford these types of Lawyers. Anyway it just seems even w/Fed “hardon” for Merlino they seem to always “screw” up.
Their bluffin!!!Feds are bluffin!!!They keep screwin up cuz they got nothin!!!But lies from people who will say ANYTHING THAT FEDS WANNA HEAR !TO SAVE THEMSELVES FROM GOD KNOWZ WHAT !NOTHIN THEY GOT NOTHIN!
Ya got nuthin!!!!!
Im pretty sure Mob bosses aren’t supposed to take plea deals