Jury Convicts Philadelphia Mob Leader

The head of the Philadelphia mob was convicted Tuesday of murdering his rivals and running extortion schemes and rackets in his day-to-day business.

John Stanfa, 54, stared straight ahead as the forewoman pronounced his guilt on all 10 counts, including murder, attempted murder, kidnaping, illegal gambling operations and other charges.

But the balding, barrel-chested mobster lost his composure when a prosecutor argued that Stanfa should lose his two food businesses and his New Jersey home because he conducted mob business there or bought them with mob proceeds.

“It’s a lie,” Stanfa said, rising to his feet. “I got a mortgage. I didn’t get no money from anyone. Why do they have to lie?”

After the jury deliberated for three hours and couldn’t decide on the forfeiture, the federal judge declared a hung jury on the issue and ended the case. The government said it would not pursue the matter, allowing Stanfa to keep the properties.

Stanfa and associate Frank Martines, 42, could face life in prison for their crimes. Maximum penalties for six other associates convicted Tuesday range from 45 to 80 years in prison. Sentencing had not been scheduled.