Genovese Capo Carmelo Polito Sentenced for Illegal Gambling

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Genovese Capo Sentenced for Illegal Gambling on Long Island

A significant development in the realm of organized crime occurred this past Friday when Carmelo “Carmine” Polito, a former acting capo of the Genovese crime family, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. His conviction arose from racketeering charges linked to an illegal gambling operation based in Lynbrook, Long Island.

illegal gambling
Image by PIRO4D from Pixabay

Polito, 64, entered a guilty plea on April 5 for running a gambling parlor disguised as Gran Caffé, a gelateria and coffee bar in Lynbrook. This establishment was indicative of a much larger network of illegal gambling venues across Nassau County, which prosecutors assert was a coordinated effort involving both the Genovese and Bonanno crime families.

Profits from Illicit Activities

According to court documents, the gambling locations operated “joker poker-type gambling machines,” along with various poker games, yielding over $2,000 daily for the mob.

  • Joint Operations: Prosecutors reported that starting in May 2012, the Genovese and Bonanno families collaborated on a profitable illegal gambling operation.
  • Revenue Sharing: Polito and co-defendant Joseph Macario, representing the Genovese family, negotiated a profit-sharing agreement with Anthony Pipitone of the Bonanno family, ensuring both families reaped financial benefits.

Additionally, Polito acknowledged his involvement in running an illegal online sports betting operation known as PGWLines, and he was notorious for employing threats to extort debtors who failed to repay their dues promptly.

Mobbing Threats

In chilling testimonies, prosecutors detailed that Polito resorted to intimidation tactics, with threats like “I’ll break your face” and ominous implications of violence against debtors who defaulted.

“The cards did not favor Carmelo Polito’s illicit gambling parlor or his extortion methods,” commented FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Dennehy after the sentencing. His illegal finances were a lifeline for the operations of two crime families.

Indictments of Others

The sentencing of Polito marks a significant point in a broader crackdown, as he is one of five individuals indicted by federal authorities in 2022, facing charges such as racketeering and attempted extortion. Other indicted individuals include:

  • Joseph Rutigliano (aka “Joe Box”)
  • Salvatore Rubino (aka “Sal the Shoemaker”)
  • Mark Feuer

Furthermore, Nassau County Police Detective Hector Rosario faces charges for allegedly facilitating raids on rival underground gambling operations in exchange for kickbacks from organized crime.

Conclusion

This case underscores the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime and illegal gambling operations. With individuals like Carmelo Polito facing justice, there lies hope for better regulation and a decrease in crime-related betting operations in the region. As the story evolves, the implications may ripple across New York’s anti-gambling strategies.