01091992 - News Article - U.S. argues for tougher sentences in gambling case

U.S. argues for tougher sentences in gambling case
Post-Tribune (IN)
January 9, 1992
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U.S. District Judge James T. Moody heard oral arguments Wednesday and then continued the sentencings of Bernard "Snooky" Morgano and Sam "Frog" Glorioso until Jan. 29.

Morgano, 54, of Valparaiso, and Glorioso, 48, of Gary, were among six defendants convicted in August in connection with the crime syndicate's collection of a "street tax" on illegal gambling operations in Northwest Indiana.

At issue at the sentencing hearing Wednesday was Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Thill's motions to increase the offense level under which each defendant will be sentenced.

If successful, Morgano's potential sentence would increase from about six years to about 21 years. Glorioso's potential sentence would increase from about five years to more than 11 years.

For Morgano, Thill is seeking two five-level increases. One is because of the use of a firearm by Anthony Leone, one of the original defendants who pleaded guilty and cooperated with the government. Thill contends Morgano was responsible for Leone's actions because Morgano was his boss.

Dyer attorney Richard F. James, representing Morgano, argued Wednesday that Leone's testimony can't be believed. Leone testified during trial that Morgano was with him in a car when he fired a shot through the window of Gary gambler Franklin Burton's bookstore.

For Morgano and Glorioso, Thill is seeking five-level increases because of the involvement of the crime syndicate.

James and Valparaiso attorney Robert Truitt, representing Glorioso, argued that the new federal sentencing guidelines already have taken into account what the appropriate sentence should be for crimes involving the crime syndicate.

Moody today is expected to hear similar arguments for defendants Sam Nuzzo Jr. of Merrillville and Peter "Cadillac Pete" Petros, formerly of Gary and LaPorte. Moody Tuesday heard arguments on defendants Dominick "Tootsie" Palermo of Orland Park, Ill., and Nicholas "Jumbo" Guzzino of Chicago Heights, Ill.

All six defendants are being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago.