Philly Mob Boss Seeking Bail

Defense lawyers argue that "Uncle Joe" Ligambi's only serious conviction is for gambling, not violence.

Alleged Philadelphia mob leader Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi is seeking bail Wednesday in a sweeping indictment that charges him and 12 others with illegal gambling, loan sharking and other underground activities.

Defense lawyers argue in court papers that neither Ligambi nor his co-defendants are charged with any violence. They say his only serious conviction, for gambling, is two decades old.

Federal prosecutors charge in the indictment that the La Cosa Nostra members focused on making money, not killing off rivals. But they say the mob under Ligambi nonetheless intimidated people
through the threat of violence to recoup business debts.

The 71-year-old Ligambi has been in custody since his arrest in late May. A federal judge will hear arguments on bail Wednesday afternoon.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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