05031991 - News Article - Judge revokes Nuzzo bonds - 4 were free in betting case

Judge revokes Nuzzo bonds 
4 were free in betting case
Post-Tribune (IN)
May 3, 1991
http://infoweb.newsbank.com.proxy.portagelibrary.info/resources/doc/nb/news/10852C785B2A3A9A?p=AWNB
A federal judge revoked the bond of four members of the Nuzzo family of Merrillville Thursday after hearing evidence they have continued to operate a lucrative sports-betting operation since being indicted on gambling charges in December.

U.S. Magistrate Andrew P. Rodovich jailed Sam Nuzzo Jr., 45, of 5991 McKinley St.; Arthur Nuzzo, 33, 1841 W. 56th Ave.; Jennifer Kaufman, 37, of Merrillville, and Sandra T. Mynes, 43, of Merrillville. They are the children of Sam Nuzzo Sr., 69, of 1841 W. 56th Ave.

All five were among 15 alleged gamblers and members of the crime syndicate indicted by a federal grand jury in December on racketeering and illegal gambling charges. The charges stem from collection of a "street tax" from Northwest Indiana gamblers.

The evidence that led to the bond revocations was obtained through telephone taps. The information led to the arrests of the four brothers and sisters on Tuesday as well as raids on a horse-betting operation in East Chicago, homes in Griffith and Hobart and a home in California.

The supporting documents, however, remain sealed.

The surveillance is expected to lead to additional charges against the Nuzzos as well as the indictment of additional participants in the sports- betting operation.

FBI agents, headed by case agent Vernice "Bo" Simon, seized $220,657 during the raids. They also took possession of Sam Nuzzo Jr.'s home.

Attorneys for the four defendants asked Rodovich to allow them to remain free on bond. They said removing their telephones would eliminate the opportunity for them to continue in the illegal gambling operation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Thill said, "They were indicted Dec. 18 and that didn't slow them down, not at all. There is nothing short of detention that will slow them down. They will find a way to operate."

The four are being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago pending their July 22 trial. The hearing on Kaufman will continue Monday when additional information will be provided.

Besides the raids on the Nuzzo residences, Simon said the information led to raids at the following locations:

The rear of a building at 817 W. Chicago Ave., East Chicago. Simon described it as a horse-betting operation. Racing schedules and tip boards were confiscated.

The home of Kenneth Wright, 706 N. Elmer St., Griffith. Agents seized $22,000 in cash, a $70,000 bank account, a firearm, and the names of bettors and bookmakers. Wright, who isn't charged, was a court spectator Thursday.

The home of Marlaine Butler, 1415 2nd St., Hobart. Agents seized $3,800 in cash and 67 sports schedules.

The home of James Schipani in California where $19,000 was seized. Evidence indicated that the Nuzzos placed bets through Schipani.

Seized were:
From Sam Nuzzo, agents confiscated $347, two firearms, the home, gambling paraphernalia and three savings accounts totaling $71,000.

Simon said the surveillance indicated that Sam Nuzzo was in charge of a high-stakes Greek dice game known as barbotte. It operated out of a building at 45th Avenue and Cleveland Street in unincorporated Calumet Township. Agents also seized from Nuzzo a business card for Simon's Complete Auto Service at 45th and Cleveland.

Simon said a Lee Mandic dealt the barbotte game. Authorities have said barbotte games gross up to $100,000 a night, with half the take going to the crime syndicate.

From Arthur Nuzzo, agents seized three firearms, two of which were loaded, the telephone number for the horse-betting operation and gambling paraphernalia.

From Kaufman, agents seized $7,950, one firearm and betting materials, including 10 Nevada sports schedule magazines.

From Mynes, agents confiscated $26,560 and betting materials.

Mynes and her husband, Lafe Mynes, operate Hydad's Lounge, 31 W. 80th Place, Merrillville.

Merrillville attorney Thomas Vanes, representing Arthur Nuzzo, asked for his client's release, pointing out that he has been employed for three weeks by International Laborers Union Local 81, currently working on a project at the Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville.