Reputed Mobsters Guilty in Indian Casino Scheme

Chicago’s reputed underworld boss and the mob’s alleged oddsmaker have been convicted of fraud and conspiracy charges in a failed scheme to take over a planned American Indian casino.

But the federal jury deadlocked on charges against a third reputed Chicago mobster and a San Diego lawyer accused of helping the mob use a front man to apply for a contract in the late 1980s to run the proposed gaming center.

U.S. Atty. William Braniff said this week’s verdicts “have sent a clear message to organized crime everywhere that San Diego is off limits.”

Reputed crime boss John (No Nose) DiFronzo and the others posed as legitimate investors, lied about the source of their money and misrepresented their intentions for the casino in northern San Diego County, prosecutors said.

They also contended that the mob planned to skim profits from bingo and card games while using the gaming hall to launder profits from other illicit activities. The Rincon Tribal Council gave the contract to another group.

DiFronzo, 64, was convicted of conspiracy, one count of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Jurors acquitted him of five mail fraud charges and split on extortion charges against DiFronzo, who was taken into custody.

Donald John (Wizard of Odds) Angelini, 66, was convicted of conspiracy, three counts of mail fraud and two counts of wire fraud. He was acquitted of three other mail fraud charges and was remanded into custody.