Mocobizscene- The reputed future boss of a New York City Mafia family argues that his alleged status should not be the basis for his next prison sentence. However, prosecutors maintain that this is exactly why he should be incarcerated.
Theodore “Skinny Teddy” Persico, 60, is set to be sentenced on Friday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. This comes after he pleaded guilty in July to racketeering charges for extorting over $600,000 from the leader of a construction union based in Queens.
In 2021, Persico and the entire hierarchy of the Colombo crime family, including his uncle, Colombo boss Andrew “Mush” Russo, were arrested after a 20-year investigation. Unfortunately, Russo passed away in April 2022 while still awaiting trial.
The defense lawyers recently filed court papers disputing the prosecution’s claims that Persico was on the verge of assuming control of the Colombo family before his arrest.
Joseph Corozzo and Angela Lipsman, the lawyers representing Mr. Persico, strongly disagree with this claim. They argue that the question of whether or not he was in line for a promotion within the criminal organization, and who would have been next in line, is irrelevant when it comes to determining his relevant offense conduct and role in the offense.
The defense team requested U.S. District Judge Hector Gonzalez to consider a sentence below the agreed-upon guidelines of at least four years, nine months for Persico. They argued that Persico should be granted leniency based on his diligent work ethic in running an auto body shop and his deep commitment to his fiancée and other loved ones.
Last week, prosecutors retaliated by asserting that Persico should face punishment on the higher end of the scale, which reaches almost six years. According to prosecutors, every time he has been released from prison, he has promptly and consistently reestablished his connections with the Colombo crime family. This was last observed in May 2020.
Prosecutors also point to evidence supporting their claim that he is the “heir apparent” to lead the Colombo family. They highlight that he received $3,000 from a $12,000 union payoff in June 2021, the same amount that was given to then-Colombo boss Russo.
“According to assistant U.S. attorneys Devon Lash, Michael Gibaldi, and Andrew Reich, Persico’s future role may not be relevant in this case. However, they argue that his past leadership position and personal traits should be considered when deciding the appropriate sentence.”
His unwavering loyalty to the Colombo crime family is evident throughout his entire life.
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