9 plead not guilty to gambling charges
Post-Tribune (IN)
January 5, 1991
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/resources/doc/nb/news/10852BC8A9D18DC2?p=AWNB
Nine alleged gamblers and reputed members of the crime syndicate pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court Friday on charges including racketeering, extortion and illegal gambling.
The nine are among 15 defendants named in a December indictment. It culminated an eight-year investigation into the crime syndicate and the ''street tax" it extorted from longtime gamblers in Lake and Porter counties.
The reputed leader of the organization is Dominick "Tootsie" Palermo, 72, of Orland Park, Ill., the street boss for the south side of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
U.S. Magistrate Andrew P. Rodovich ordered Palermo and two others held without bond two weeks ago.
Appearing Friday were:
Bernard "Snooky" Morgano, 54, of Valparaiso, the alleged street boss for Northwest Indiana who reported to Palermo.
He is charged with racketeering and extortion. He was represented by Dyer attorney Richard F. James.
Sam "Frog" Glorioso, 48, of Gary, an alleged collector of the street tax, is charged with racketeering and extortion. He was represented by Merrillville lawyer Arlington Foley.
Sam Nuzzo Sr., 69, of Merrillville, is the alleged operator of the sports- betting business in Northwest Indiana. He is charged with illegal gambling.
Nuzzo's sons, Arthur Nuzzo, 33, and Sam Nuzzo Jr., 45, both of Merrillville, are charged in connection with the alleged sports betting operation.
Arthur Nuzzo is charged with illegal gambling and Sam Nuzzo Jr. with racketeering and extortion. Gary attorney Scott King represented Sam Nuzzo Jr. and Merrillville lawyer Thomas Vanes represented the other two Nuzzos.
Sandra T. Mynes, 43, and Jennifer Kaufman, 37, both of Merrillville, are charged with illegal gambling in connection with the alleged sports betting. They are Sam Nuzzo's daughters. They were represented by Merrillville attorney Martin H. Kinney.
Ned M. Pujo, 51, and Yolande Pujo, 55, of Portage, are charged with illegal gambling. They were represented by Merrillville lawyer John Kelly.
Entering not guilty pleas along with Palermo last week were Nicholas ''Nicky" Guzzino, 49, of Chicago Heights, Ill., and Peter "Cadillac Pete" Petros, 56, of Cicero, Ill. He was a longtime LaPorte resident.
Each is being held without bond. They are charged with racketeering and extortion.
Anthony J. "Potatoes" Ottomanelli, 60, of Portage, is charged with illegal gambling. He was released on bond after pleading not guilty last week.
Steve Sfouris, 55, of Munster, the longtime operator of barbotte, a high- stakes Greek dice game, is charged with racketeering. He has fled to Greece, the FBI said.
Anthony Leone, 51, of Valparaiso, is charged with racketeering and extortion. He is in prison serving an eight-year term for running an illegal lottery.
U.S. District Judge James T. Moody is expected to set a trial date next week for all 15 defendants.
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