Mob trial jurors ask to review recordings

Posted: January 10, 2013

Jurors deliberating racketeering charges against reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joseph Ligambi and six others asked Wednesday to review some of the hundreds of secret recordings played during the 10-week trial.

The panel of seven men and five women gave no clues about their progress, and ended the day without a verdict. Their requests were specific. They asked to review two exhibits, hear four recordings, and see evidence about who owned video poker machines seized during the FBI probe. They also wanted transcripts of all the tapes introduced at trial.

U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno told the jurors that they could listen to the tapes in court, but not take transcripts into the jury room. He had lawyers prepare a list for jurors to choose which tapes are replayed. Jurors also asked to rehear the testimony of Curt Arbitman, a former video poker vendor who described dealings with the defendants. The request was pending.

Ligambi, 73, is accused of leading a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that included illegal bookmaking, loan-sharking, extortion and other crimes. Defense lawyers say the charges are flimsy accusations based on claims by admitted criminals and mob turncoats trying to avoid prison. - John P. Martin

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