Local News in Brief : Guilty Plea in Mob Case
The son of an alleged Mafia “street boss” pleaded guilty Tuesday to helping distribute cocaine in a mob racketeering and extortion ring that prosecutors said used strong-arm tactics to protect its turf.
Michael Gelfuso, 36, a movie set builder from Burbank now being held at Terminal Island federal prison, pleaded guilty to two federal counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine. He faces sentencing March 28 before U.S. District Judge Ferdinand Fernandez.
His father, Luigi Gelfuso Jr., faces trial March 1 with 12 other men alleged to be members or associates of the Los Angeles Mafia family.
Michael Gelfuso pleaded guilty to charges that he was present on two occasions when cocaine was delivered to a government informant, said his attorney, Errol Stambler. In exchange for Gelfuso’s guilty plea, the government agreed to drop two other drug counts and two counts of racketeering, Stambler said.
Michael Gelfuso denies any involvement with the Mafia, Stambler said. “Seriously, he doesn’t feel there is such a thing as the organization,” the attorney said. “Those people were friends over many years.”
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