PHILADELPHIA—A federal court jury is once again deliberating the 52-count racketeering case against alleged leaders of the Philadelphia mob following replacement of a sick juror with an alternate.
The Philadelphia Inquirer ( http://bit.ly/WeZNoM) says U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno told the panel Wednesday that “deliberations must begin anew” on the reconfigured panel.
Defense attorneys unsuccessfully urged the judge to wait another day or until next week before dismissing the ill juror.
The six defendants include 73-year-old reputed boss Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and alleged underboss Joseph “Moussie” Massimino.
Ligambi is accused of overseeing a criminal enterprise that controlled illegal gambling, loan-sharking and extortion rackets across the region.
Defense lawyers say the case is based on weak evidence and questionable testimony from people looking to make deals with prosecutors.
Source: ldnews.com