Joe Bonanno Jr. Pleads Guilty

Joseph Bonanno Jr. pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of making a false statement in exchange for the government’s agreeing to drop four charges contained in an indictment alleging a cocaine conspiracy.

Bonanno, 39, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Leland C. Nielsen, who will sentence him June 10. As part of the agreement, the government will recommend a four-month prison term for Bonanno, who served prison time in the 1970s on an extortion conviction. Bonanno, son of mob leader Joseph Bonanno Sr., was allowed to remain free on bond until sentencing.