Associate of Reputed NJ Genovese Capo Pleads Guilty
Patsy “Uncle Patsy” Pirozzi, 73, of Suffern, N.Y., confessed his involvement with the Genovese crime family crew allegedly headed by “capo” Joseph Lascala during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark.
Pirozzi and Lascala, 81, of Monroe Township in Middlesex County, were arrested in May 2012 and charged along with a dozen other alleged members and associates of Lascala’s crew.
Priozzi was described in court documents as an associate of the crime family who reported directly to Lascala and assisted him in carrying out the crew’s racketeering activities, including illegal gambling, the collection of unlawful debt and cargo theft.
The crew used a website, Beteagle.com, based in Costa Rica through which bettors placed wagers on football games and other sporting events. Unpaid gambling losses were converted into debts with exorbitant interest rates, followed by threats of violence if they were not quickly paid off, authorities said.
One of the defendants, Jose “Joe” Gotay, 75, of New Milford, owned a Jersey City warehouse that he and members of the crew used to store and distribute stolen goods, including cases of Italian wines, authorities said.
Lawyers for Lascala and Gotay are currently in plea negotiations, according to court documents.
As a result of his plea, Pirozzi faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing was scheduled for Feb. 6.- See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/news/Associate_of_reputed_North_Jersey_mafia_captain_pleads_guilty_to_federal_racketeering_conspiracy_charges.html#sthash.Wtu0AEX6.dpuf
LaScala looks good in that photo for an 81 year old.
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