Alleged mobsters plead not guilty to extortion, gambling
June 3, 2008
Ashley Kindergan - The Record (Hackensack N.J.)Issue date: 5/29/08 Section: Real News
"I would have to at least be privy to some discovery before I can come to any conclusions," said Gerald Fusella, attorney for Charles Russo, 75, who is charged with participating in an illegal gambling business.
All 23 defendants have been released on bail since their arrest in May. Some are living under house arrest, while others are free to travel within the state. The bails ranged from $50,000 bonds to a $1 million bond backed by real estate holdings from Merola.
Merola and associate Charles "Buddy Musk" Muccigrosso, 68, are accused of using Cataldo to get jobs working on the Goethals Bridge. Cataldo also allegedly helped them deceive the company running the site into thinking they were working more hours than they actually were.
Another scheme targeted retail stores. At Merola's behest, India Fugate allegedly tried to use her position as a customer service associate at Lowe's in Paterson, N.J., to steal personal information that customers gave her when they applied for store credit cards and pass it on to Merola.
The reputed mobsters also allegedly conspired to create fake bar codes for merchandise that allowed them to buy products at a low price and sell or return the item later at or above full value.
Nine defendants face only one count of running an illegal gambling business. The indictment says these men were responsible for collecting debts and paying out winnings as part of an illegal operation in which sports and casino-style bets were placed online or by phone.
A trial date will be set after motions come in, Wigenton said.
All 23 defendants have been released on bail since their arrest in May. Some are living under house arrest, while others are free to travel within the state. The bails ranged from $50,000 bonds to a $1 million bond backed by real estate holdings from Merola.
Merola and associate Charles "Buddy Musk" Muccigrosso, 68, are accused of using Cataldo to get jobs working on the Goethals Bridge. Cataldo also allegedly helped them deceive the company running the site into thinking they were working more hours than they actually were.
Another scheme targeted retail stores. At Merola's behest, India Fugate allegedly tried to use her position as a customer service associate at Lowe's in Paterson, N.J., to steal personal information that customers gave her when they applied for store credit cards and pass it on to Merola.
The reputed mobsters also allegedly conspired to create fake bar codes for merchandise that allowed them to buy products at a low price and sell or return the item later at or above full value.
Nine defendants face only one count of running an illegal gambling business. The indictment says these men were responsible for collecting debts and paying out winnings as part of an illegal operation in which sports and casino-style bets were placed online or by phone.
A trial date will be set after motions come in, Wigenton said.
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