Six defendants associated with the Genovese Organized Crime Family have been sentenced for racketeering conspiracy. The defendants, including Genovese Family Captains Nicholas Calisi and Ralph Balsamo, Genovese Family Soldiers Michael Messina and John Campanella, and Genovese Family Associates Michael Poli and Thomas Poli, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl in the Southern District of New York. The sentences signify the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold accountable those who engage in criminal activities as part of organized crime families. This article provides an overview of the various roles within the Genovese Organized Crime Family, the crimes committed by the defendants, and the sentences they received.
Overview
Introduction to the article topic
The article provides comprehensive information on the sentencing of six defendants affiliated with the Genovese Organized Crime Family. It highlights the charges against each defendant and presents details about their individual sentences.
Summary of the sentences given to the defendants
The defendants, including Captains Nicholas Calisi and Ralph Balsamo, Soldiers Michael Messina and John Campanella, and Associates Michael Poli and Thomas Poli, were all sentenced for racketeering conspiracy by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. The article discusses the sentences given to each defendant, along with additional penalties imposed.
Background
Explanation of Genovese Organized Crime Family
The Genovese Organized Crime Family is a part of the nationwide criminal organization known as La Cosa Nostra (LCN) or the Mafia. The article explains that the family operates through entities called “Families” and utilizes crews to carry out its criminal activities.
Structure of the family and its operations
The Genovese Organized Crime Family operates through the hierarchy of its crew structure. Each crew is led by a Captain and comprises “made” members called Soldiers, who are supported by trusted individuals known as Associates. The article emphasizes the roles of Captains, Soldiers, and Associates in carrying out criminal endeavors.
Roles of Captains, Soldiers, and Associates
Captains in the Genovese Family are responsible for supervising the criminal activities of their crews, resolving disputes, and providing support and protection to Soldiers and Associates. Soldiers help carry out the Family’s illegal activities, while Associates participate in various activities and aspire to become made members by demonstrating their ability to generate income or commit acts of violence.
Defendants and Charges
Names and descriptions of the defendants
The article provides the names and brief descriptions of the defendants involved in the case. It introduces Nicholas Calisi and Ralph Balsamo as Captains, Michael Messina and John Campanella as Soldiers, and Michael Poli and Thomas Poli as Associates affiliated with the Genovese Family.
Charges against each defendant
The article highlights the charges brought against each defendant. These charges include extortionate extensions of credit, financing extortionate extensions of credit, collecting extensions of credit by extortion, extortion, operating illegal gambling businesses, and the transmission of gambling information.
Sentencing Details
Sentencing information for Nicholas Calisi
The article presents the sentencing details for Nicholas Calisi, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. It also mentions any additional penalties imposed on him.
Sentencing information for Ralph Balsamo
Similar to the previous section, the article provides the sentencing information for Ralph Balsamo, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. It also highlights any additional penalties imposed on him.
Sentencing information for Michael Messina
The article outlines the sentencing details for Michael Messina, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. Any additional penalties imposed on him are also mentioned.
Sentencing information for John Campanella
The article discusses the sentencing details for John Campanella, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. It also mentions any additional penalties imposed on him.
Sentencing information for Michael Poli
Similar to the previous sections, the article provides the sentencing information for Michael Poli, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. Any additional penalties imposed on him are also mentioned.
Sentencing information for Thomas Poli
The article presents the sentencing details for Thomas Poli, including the length of his prison term, period of supervised release, and forfeiture amount. Any additional penalties imposed on him are mentioned as well.
Investigation and Prosecution
Organizations involved in the investigation
The article mentions the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office as the organizations involved in the investigation. It highlights their contribution to the successful prosecution of the defendants.
Assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
The article acknowledges the assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during the investigation. It recognizes the FBI’s support and its role in ensuring the successful outcome of the case.
Responsibility of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit in the prosecution
The article emphasizes the role of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit in the prosecution of the case. It highlights the unit’s responsibility and its efforts in ensuring a fair and thorough legal process.
Prosecutors in charge of the case
The article mentions Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celia V. Cohen, Rushmi Bhaskaran, and Justin Rodriguez, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Murray, as the prosecutors in charge of the case. It recognizes their expertise and efforts in presenting the case against the defendants.
Conclusion
Summary of the article content
The article concludes by summarizing the information provided throughout the article. It recaps the details of the defendants’ charges, individual sentences, and the organizations and individuals involved in the investigation and prosecution.
Recognition of investigative work
The article recognizes the outstanding investigative work carried out by the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. It commends their efforts in uncovering the criminal activities of the Genovese Organized Crime Family.
Contact information for further inquiries
The article provides contact information, specifically the name of Nicholas Biase and the phone number (212) 637-2600, for individuals seeking further inquiries or information regarding the case or the content of the article.