In a major victory for law enforcement, five individuals connected to the notorious Luchese crime family have pleaded guilty to a range of serious charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and running illegal gambling operations. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
The guilty pleas come after years of investigation into the illegal gambling operation known as “Rhino Sports.” This operation, which began in the early 2000s, generated millions of dollars in illicit profits. Operating under the Luchese crime family’s network, it ran an extensive online gambling business, primarily targeting bettors across the country.
The Plea Deal and Its Consequences
One of the latest defendants to enter a guilty plea is Anthony Villani, a soldier in the Luchese crime family. Villani, who has been linked to illegal gambling for over 25 years, admitted to his involvement in the operation. His charges carry the potential for up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, Villani is set to forfeit $4 million as part of his plea agreement. His co-defendants, including Louis Tucci Jr., Dennis Filizzola, James Coumoutsos, and Michael Praino, have also agreed to pay significant sums, totaling around $1 million.
The “Rhino Sports” Gambling Operation
The illegal gambling ring, known as “Rhino Sports,” was run from servers based in Costa Rica. The operation relied on local bookmakers who managed the betting process, handling between 400 to 1,300 bets each week. These bookmaking operations were spread across various parts of the United States and involved members of several different La Cosa Nostra families.
The gambling network was sophisticated, generating substantial illegal profits, and was under the control of organized crime figures tied to the Luchese family. The case has revealed the extent of these criminal activities and the reach of the Luchese family in running such operations.
Law Enforcement’s Response
United States Attorney John J. Durham celebrated the guilty pleas as a “victory for the rule of law,” emphasizing the damage done by organized crime and illegal gambling operations. “These guilty pleas represent a victory for the rule of law over the pernicious activities of organized crime that undermine the safety of our communities,” he stated in the official release.
The crackdown on the “Rhino Sports” operation was made possible through a partnership between federal agencies and local law enforcement. The FBI New York Westchester Organized Crime Task Force played a central role in bringing these criminals to justice. FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy remarked on the changing nature of these operations, stating, “They are less flashy these days—and a lot of that is due to the incredible cunning and tenacity agents and investigators on our FBI New York Westchester Organized Crime Task Force use to pursue members of these organizations.”
The Investigation and Ongoing Fight
The investigation into the Luchese family’s gambling empire is a part of a broader initiative to combat organized crime in the United States. As authorities continue to focus on dismantling illegal networks, there remains a sixth defendant still at large, further highlighting the scope of this operation and the continued efforts required to tackle organized crime.
The prosecution has made it clear that the fight against illegal gambling and money laundering will continue, with law enforcement determined not to lose sight of their mission to protect communities and uphold the law.
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