Trial of Alleged Luchese Family Leaders Begins
A racketeering trial began Wednesday for 22 reputed Luchese crime family members who prosecutors charge represent virtually the entire leadership of the organization’s New Jersey operations.
Defense lawyers protested unusually tight federal court security measures, including 12 armed marshals and a video camera, which they said created a “carnival atmosphere” that could prejudice jurors against their clients.
U.S. District Judge Harold Ackerman denied their motions to order a halt to the security measures. Instead, he ordered only minor alterations.
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