Philly Mafia Trial Update: Jury Reaches Partial Verdict

After twenty one days of deliberations the jury in the Philadelphia mafia trial against reputed Philly mob boss Joseph Ligambi and co-defendants reaches a partial verdict today. The jury convicted three of the six defendants which included alleged underboss Joseph “Mousie” Massimino, soldier Damion “Dame” Canalichio, and associate Gary Battaglini on trial with Ligambi on racketeering charges. The jury acquitted reputed capo Joseph “Scoops” Licata of racketeering conspiracy his only charge.

The jury has so far found alleged boss Ligambi not guilty on five of the charges against him and remain undecided on four other charges which includes the main charge of racketeering conspiracy. Judge Eduardo Robreno instructed the jury to resume deliberations on the remaining counts that they were still undecided on. Robreno told the jury early on in the day that they did not have to reach a unanimous verdict on every charge before returning a verdict on some of the charges if they wished or they could wait until end of deliberations and return all of the verdicts at once.

Defense attorneys urged judge Robreno to take a partial verdict and send the jury home or to inform them of this option. They need to know that they have the option to say we’re done said Paul Hetznecker lawyer for George Borgesi. But prosecutors urged the judge to give the jury a little more time and that suggesting to them that quitting is an option would be coercive.

Source: aboutthemafia.com