Prosecutors: 85-year-old Chicago mobster still dangerous, speaks of watching body in grinder
By APTuesday, July 28, 2009
Prosecutors: Wiretaps show mobster still dangerous
CHICAGO — Even at age 85, reputed mobster Sam Volpendesto clearly has a soft spot for the days when Al Capone was boss in Chicago’s mob scene.
Prosecutors released recordings Monday made by a confidential informant in May 2005. They seem to show Volpendesto nostalgic as he talks about “very dangerous” old timers and watching another mobster run a human body through a grinder.
Volpendesto is among seven men charged in a sweeping federal indictment for various crimes.
Volpendesto has pleaded not guilty to a racketeering charge that stems from a 2005 bombing that damaged a video poker company. Prosecutors said it was a warning to stay away from the mob’s gambling monopoly.
A federal magistrate denied bail Monday. Volpendesto’s attorney didn’t return a phone message.
