Unjust Extortion Accusations Against Chicago Sweepstakes Business Proven Unfounded Following Mistrial
In a surprising turn of events, the federal trial against Gene "Gino" Cassano and Gioacchino "Jack" Galione, two alleged members of the Chicago Outfit's Elmwood Park and Grand Avenue street crews, ended in a mistrial on unspecified dates. The trial, which was part of a wider investigation into the Chicago Outfit's illegal activities, focused on gambling and prostitution operations.
The trial, reported by The Chicago Tribune, began amidst allegations that Cassano and Galione conspired to collect a debt by extortionate means. Galione was additionally charged with using violence to collect a debt. The charges were in connection with an alleged shaking down and beating up of drug trafficker Luigi Mucerino on Aug. 1, 2016, over an unpaid debt of $10K owed to Cassano.
However, the trial took an unexpected turn when FBI Special Agent David Patch mentioned "organized crime matters" during the trial, potentially prejudicing the jury. This led to the mistrial, and the case may now be dismissed on double jeopardy grounds, as indicated by the defense lawyers.
The investigation, which has been ongoing since 2016, has also focused on two of the Outfit's main revenue streams; gambling and prostitution. Federal wiretaps recorded Cassano in conversation with other members of an alleged offshore online sports betting operation. The late Marco "The Mover" D'Amico, believed to have headed up the Outfit's illegal sports betting operations for decades, was a focus of the investigation.
Despite Elmwood Park's historic deep mob ties, there is no available public information confirming a specific investigation targeting the Elmwood Park and Grand Avenue crews related to gambling, prostitution, or offshore betting operations. The search results indicate that while Elmwood Park has been linked to the Chicago Outfit, there are no recent reports of ongoing investigations into these specific activities.
As the trial collapses, the future of this investigation remains uncertain. The public will continue to wait for further developments in this ongoing saga of organized crime in the Chicago area.
- Gene "Gino" Cassano, a member of the Chicago Outfit's Elmwood Park street crew, was involved in conversations with other members regarding an alleged offshore online sports betting operation.
- Gino Cassano, along with the Elmwood Park crew, is said to be among the Chicago Outfit's main sources of revenue through gambling and prostitution activities.
- The Elmwood Park and Grand Avenue crews, led by Gino Cassano, were allegedly linked to the illegal activities of the Chicago Outfit, including gambling and prostitution operations.
- The Elmwood Park crew, known for its deep ties to organized crime, has been connected to the Chicago Outfit, but there is no public confirmation of a specific investigation targeting them in relation to gambling, prostitution, or offshore betting operations.
