If Ed Vrdolyak has not been assigned a new judge yet for his resentencing, I discovered the judge he had better pray for U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall. Her Honor cited former Governor George Ryan’s sentence when she decided to give “The King of Melrose Park” (what a wonderful turn of phrase Mr. Scott Drury) Vito Scavo six years. I thought ‘old softy’ – Judge Gothschall – would use Ryan’s sentence of six and a half years as her own guideline after I heard the sentences she handed down to some of Scavo’s cohorts.
Unfortunately for the citizens of the Northern District, Gothschall miscounted the correct amount of time. Ryan received six and a half years, which is why I predicted exactly that before court yesterday morning in an answer on one of my message boards. Too bad our misfortune is Scavo’s good fortune (which seems to be normal), as he will serve 6 months less than what George Ryan was sentenced to serve (although I am confident that Obama will commute Ryan’s sentence very soon as I have indicated in my article on the matter dated, January 14, 2010).
Of course, we know Scavo was sentenced to six years. He received a $5,000.00 fine, which he will pay out of the stacks of cash he made with Outfit heavy Joey DeVita. While Scavo accesses his illicit cash fortune, he will also pay Allied Waste Company a measly $12,600.00 in restitution and $3,000.00 in other court related costs.
98 Comments
Postscript:
Defense attorney Tom Breen mentioned that Scavo helped catch a serial killer (this statement was made in mitigation). I thought to myself, what serial killer came from Melrose Park? I suppose that is why the name of this mystery serial killer was not mentioned. My guess is that Scavo illegally left his police post in Melrose Park to drive over to the Gacy crime scene in the late 1970’s. Perhaps Scavo helped one of the real police officers on the Gacy case fetch a donut or something like that, as Scavo gawked at the gory crime scene (I suppose that could be considered ‘help’).
The mention of serial killer was ironic because Scavo actually worked for serial killer John DiFronzo thru the Joey DeVita, Buddy Ciotti and Carmie Bastone faction, relating to the protection of Outfit video poker machines.
Scavo was an Outfit guy first, then a cop, do I have that right?
I believe a while back, an anonymous reader named exclamation point (“!”) said that some junior Outfit murdered 2 people in Melrose Park, and that Scavo squashed the investigation, or threw it off or something like that. You thought “!” was mostly credible.
Joe, do you believe that !’s statement about the murders with reference to Scavo could be true?
I meant “junior Outfit enforcers,” sorry.
Maybe Tom Breen meant Scavo “Helped a serial killer?” If so, that seems like it would be counterproductive for a mitigation argument.
In my opinion, Tom Breen does not seem like the skillful attorney he is reputed to be. Then again, he did lose 22 of 22 counts for Scavo.
Does anyone know if the rumors I have heard that Tom Breen is a cocaine addict are correct (be advised, I am referring to allegations – I am not suggesting that Breen is a drug addict, yet)?
Dear Joe,
Do you think that 6 years in prison is really fair. I mean nobody has ever proved that Scavo was linked to the Outfit.
For the crimes that he was convicted of, I would have sentenced him to no more than a couple of years. Afterall, he served and protected his community for all those years. I have a lot of respect for police officers. They risk their lives for us every day.
Furthermore, if I were the judge, I would have been a lot harder on him when it came down to the financial aspect of his punishment. I think less prison time and more financial cost would have been more appropriate, and I think Scavo would have preferred it this way. Freedom is the most valuable commodity that there is. I would rather loose hundreds of dollars than loose even of day of my freedom, but I guess he should of thought of that before commiting those crimes.
Dear Butch,
I am not exactly sure when Scavo began working with the Outfit.
I do not know a thing about the murders ‘!’ mentioned.
I do know that Buddy Ciotti and Joey DeVita told me they made Scavo the chief of police because Scavo ‘helps by squashing investigations’.
Dear Joe,
Does the Outfit still murder people? Do you suspect that there are (disappearances) murders other than LaValley, Zizzo, and Chiaramonti that the public is not aware of and that law enforcement is not aware of because of people in law enforcement like Scavo?
Dear Harlem Playboy,
Do I think 6-years in prison for Scavo is fair? Yes, very much. You are correct; no one has proven in the court of law that Scavo is linked to the Outfit. Please keep in mind, he was not charged with being ‘linked to the Outfit’ – therefore, it was not necessary to prove.
Harlem, do you know Scavo personally? I do. I can say, based on my direct experiences with Scavo, he was not a good cop! His ‘being a cop’ is why he was brought to justice in the first place – he was being a bad cop. Again, I think 6-years are extremely fair.
As to Judge Gottschall – it appeared to me that she was allowing her emotions to guide her judgment, which almost never amounts to a reasonable outcome (in this case for America).
Dear Bip,
Yes, the Outfit still murders people. Does the church still collect money? Some things never grow obsolete.
Scavo constantly updated Buddy Ciotti with sensitive law enforcement communications, among many other things.
I remember one time Buddy was desperately looking for someone via Scavo’s ability to access LEADS to the point that an outside law enforcement agency stepped in inquiring about the number of searches pertaining to the same person. I know the name of the subject very well. Trust me, Scavo is not a good cop – he never was a good cop. Heck, he was not even a good ‘corrupt cop’. Vito is simply not a good person.
Scavo is a gangster, simply put.
That is what it sounds like you’re saying.
Dear Bip,
When I refer to a gangster as such, it is because I believe the person is a ‘made’ member of the Outfit – I do not believe that Scavo is a ‘made’ member. Can we agree to call him a super-affiliate?
Gimma K,
Gimma T,
Gimma F,
What does that spell?
Keep the Faith!
Sincerely,
A Harlem Playboy
Dear Joe, Please do not take offense to that. I was just trying to make you smile with my little cheer. They say that laughter is the best medicine.
Dear Joe,
Please take a closer look at this dumb comment posted by one of the usual suspects. I don’t think this thread would suffer very much if you removed it. Boy oh boy, is it out of left field or what? You’re old blog was “Keys to Faith” not “Keep the Faith.” God help us.
Joe,
You mentioned that you and Vito had a telephone conversation once in which he asked you to stop exposing him. Did he call you, or did you call him? What were the circumstances?
Do you believe Pitassi is as much of a super-affiliate?
Is John DiFronzo influential in Melrose Park?
Joe, do you think Vito will lose his penison ?? Is he married ?
Dear Nature,
A third party might have connected us, via phone. I was trying to get an interview with him.
Pitassi has to be a super-affiliate. You cannot be chief of Melrose Park any other way, sad to say.
John and Pete DiFronzo both have a strong power-base in Melrose Park.
Dear Tom,
Scavo’s pension is gone. Yes, he is married with adult children. Be advised Scavo bought his wife a new Cadillac recently, so do not be worried about her. She will be okay.
Joe
When you lose your pension do you at least get the money you put in ?
Dear Tom,
That is a good question. State pensions allow a pension refund in some cases. Pensions like Scavo’s might be decided by the local police board. My hunch is that Scavo is out the money all together. If I am wrong, he could receive as much as 100-grand back. Again, my hunch is that he is out.
Dear Joe,
Did you hear about the adult bookstore in Melrose Park that Robert Urbinati’s wife owns. I think its called 15th Avenue Adult books. It has a party room in the back that has been reported to be some sort of sex room. I’m thinking that it could be linked to the ‘outfit.’
Dear Paul,
I am aware of the bookstore. I heard from a reliable source that the father of one of Mayor Serpico’s brothers-in-law is a partner in the store, which has not come out yet (if correct). I would like to further add that I have not had the time to verify this information – I will soon. In the meantime, consider what I have said as a mere allegation.
maybe you should learn you facts before you print things about the outfit, pensions, and vicky. stick to what you know like hanging with jo’s like danny and wife beating. btw, how have you stayed out of jail
Dear Barry,
Who is Danny?
Dear Barry,
Furthermore, I have shared my history throughout several articles via KTF Media Group. I was convicted and sentenced to probation on a case that occurred when I was a teenager. Shortly after that incident, I was convicted and sentenced to conditional discharge on a different matter. I have not been convicted of a crime since 1994. I am sorry for the embarrassment that I caused my family. I am fortunate that my old criminal cases did not rise to the level of incarceration. I learned from my mistakes and I am a much better person today. I contend that the first case in which I sustained convictions for was the product of circumstances perpetuated by two police officers that have engaged in unlawful conduct, which forced them off their department. Nonetheless, I am still sorry for the embarrassment it caused my family. Again, my old criminal cases did not rise to the level of incarceration. I have nothing pending in the criminal division of any county court house in America today. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the traffic division. However, be advised my drivers license is clear and valid, as always. Oh, and there are a couple of my lawsuits that I am dealing with, which are mostly covered via KTF Media Group.
My history can be reviewed best in the article by Alex Sharp called ‘An Interview With Joseph Fosco’.
Please be advised that you are dangerously close to experiencing how I would react to libelous claims made against me. Unlike the guilty individuals that I report on, I am an innocent person, since 1994, and I will gladly file a lawsuit against anyone that spreads libelous information against me. I will gladly use subpoena power to trace the IP address of anyone that spreads libelous information about me, not to mention, I will remove it from this site immediately. I realize that swiftly removing libelous information will decrease the damages substantially; however, I will welcome a moral victory instead. Unfortunately, for the guilty party, he or she will have to spend money on attorneys at the very least.
My advice to you is to check your information again, and recheck it, make sure you know exactly what you are talking about, because I will stand up for myself and use the court system to defend myself against libel. Keep in mind; if you turn out to be a newsmaker, I am here to report on it. Thank you.
Joe,
This Barry is way out there and way out of line …. I like your statement back
Joe, what is Harlem Playboy up to? Did you notice the 12:47 PM comment? I believe he may be mocking this site, even though he says to not take offense. If you recall he was badgering you with Nick Gio questions. I do not think he could have been serious about those; instead, I think he was entertaining himself. Be advised.
whos danny??? how many dannys have u been with in the last couple of days. i noticed when i said to check ur facts on the outfit, pensions and vicky u didnt mention these in that long retort. talk about libel. the “girl” who they tried to set up was arrested because her car was used in a multiple aggravated battery incident in which she said she was the only driver. then, against the advice of her lawyer, she chose not to answer questions and instead stay in jail. so, she had a lawyer, didnt take his advice, chose to stay in jail, and sue and get a settlement. what a country.
Dear Jimmy,
I simply ignore the comments that appear as if they are insincere. Thanks for your comment. However, I am not certain that Playboy is insincere.
HOW DARE YOU, BARRY!
WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR INFORMATION? FROM A HOMELESS CRAZY PERSON?
THAT IS A STRONG ALLEGATION THAT YOU MADE ABOUT JOE, AND I NOTICED THAT YOU DIDN’T DARE BRING IT UP IN YOUR SECOND COMMENT PROBABLY BECAUSE JOE SCARED YOU!
DON’T YOU DARE SAY UNTRUTHS ABOUT JOE FOSCO WHO HAS HAD ENOUGH TROUBLE IN HIS LIFE WITHOUT YOU MAKING STRONG CLAIMS AGAINST HIS CHARACTER THAT YOU DON’T BACK UP!
HOW JOE WOULD KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT YOU SUGGEST IS WELL BEYOND ME, YOU GOSSIP!
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE OUTFIT AND SOMEONE NAMED ‘DANNY’ AND WIFE-BEATING?
YOU LITTLE SNEAKY JERK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Barry,
I have been with three different Danny’s in the last week. I bumped in to two at Scavo’s hearing the other day. Are you following me?
Barry, my description of the events that caused Melrose Park to pay the ‘victim’ a cash settlement is correct. If Melrose Park feels that I am wrong, they are free to file a libel complaint against me – I believe that Melrose Park will not find issue with my statements in this thread. Thank you.
Dear Readers,
I find it interesting that people falsely accuse me of being wrong or dishonest in my assertions against rich and/or powerful people and/or cities and towns. The sources that I report facts on are extremely capable of defending themselves in court under libel. In fact, they could possibly win simply by outspending me and paper-working me to death – despite the reality that I am being honest and truthful in my articles and other threads. However, none of these individuals or entities is willing to take that step. I say it is because they are as guilty as charged. Some say that it is because KTF Media Group and I are a joke. Joke or no joke, our ratings are growing everyday. Tens of thousands of people visit KTF on a weekly basis. No joke here.
Dear How Dare You,
Thank you for the support. If I have scared Barry, I am sorry. It was never my intention to scare him. My intention was to make it perfectly clear that I am not hiding like the people I report on. If someone reports on me, my advice is that the person (or people) had better be able to back it up so the jury lets them off after I file a lawsuit. Barry is warned, not threatened. Do not pass libelous information about me and expect that I will treat it as a joke. I am as serious as a heart attack, and I am not reluctant to sue anyone that harms me in any way shape or form.
Ok Barry, or anyone, what is “jo’s like Danny” mean?? And DARE I think you are right about Barry backing up his claims…which he didn’t. Although I don’t know what you mean when you say,”How would Joe know anything about what you suggest,” I’m not sure what you are referring to. It seems as far as the “girl” is concerned, Barry seems to know more about and in different detail from what Joe knows. So, that part seems far from gossip. And, very sincere. I mean fair is fair.
Dear Betty,
I have put my entire identity our there. Barry has not. My identity has been confirmed, Barry is a ghost. I charge the Village of Melrose Park for being responsible for the false imprisonment of a victim (via the direction of then Police Chief Vito Scavo), which Melrose Park paid punitive damages. The answer is simple, if I am wrong, let us hear the mayor correct me, if the town is unwilling to sue me for libel – which they are unwilling – it is because I am being truthful and they know it.
Dearest Joseph,
I am not mocking your site. I do NOT care about Nick Gio. I am a dedicated reader here and I even refer this site to many friends because I truley feel that it is good reading. Moreover, I think that Joe and Alex are good journalists.
Jimmy the wallet, look at what I’ve done. An older article entitled Mr. Michael J. Magnifichi is extremely dated with nearly zero comments. I’ve gotton everyone involved with my cute nickname and interesting perspective. Now, I ask you, why would someone do that if they weren’t being genuine?
Joe, I saw that comment posted by someone at 1:55. I know it is a very serious thing, but it appears to be a bunch of nonsense. If it were me, I simply wouldn’t care about what that idiot says. As always Joe, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Have a good day.
Dear Barry,
I just realized that Scavo has possibly misinformed you. Scavo misinforms well. When he is not masterminding a way to put money in his pocket or sabotaging and incriminating a political/personal opponent/enemy, he is misinforming people to cover-up his dirty deeds.
Barry, you were clearly unaware that a cash settlement was paid to the victim until I mentioned it in this thread.
In order for the victim to collect the award, she had to sign a secrecy agreement, which allowed Scavo to make whatever excuse about the well-known incident to the public. The victim cannot speak about it without having to pay back the money. Unfortunately, for the Village of Melrose Park, Vito Scavo is the person that initially informed me about the settlement. Scavo inadvertently informed me by informing Buddy Ciotti whom I was sitting with at the time. Current Melrose Park Mayor, Ronald Serpico, corroborated Scavo’s statements (about the settlement) at Tom’s Steak House, in a different conversation with Ciotti and Joey DeVita, which I was also present.
Again, if my information is incorrect, Mayor Serpico, please say so. And, be advised, you can sue me for libel. Mr. Mayor, We both know I will not be sued and you will not publically address this issue, right.
Dear Joe,
Quick question for you. Do you know if Scavo would ever be able to become a ‘made member’ if he desired or is there some kind of rule in the mafia rulebook that states that nobody from law enforcement can become made.
Do you think that when he gets out of prison, that he will become a made member since he probably won’t be in law enforcment anymore?
yikes, didnt mean to cause so much strife. ok joe, you arent going to talk about danny (btw betty, its j.o. ask any male friend) thats cool. it doesnt deserve the ink anyway. maybe i was misinformed about ur personal life. got it. sorry DARE. but, im confused about the settlement thing. did vito scavo “initially” tell you about the settlement or did you hear it from ciotti. now i know ciotti is dead but i tried to look up joey devita and couldnt find anything. who is he. and maybe serpico and the village signed the same agreeement and cannot talk about it either. i heard about it from someone thats still alive and in a lot of detail, thanks betty. i dont want to get into a pissing contest with u. i just think there are a few stories out there and the only ones who can verify anything cant talk. agreed? now, why do you think scavo will lose his pension. didnt ryan keep his. oh, and tell your reliable source on the bookstore he’s wrong. or she. i dont want the wrath of DARE coming down on me again
WHOA. I LIKE READING STUFF HERE BUT I NEED A SCORECARD TO KEEP UP. FIRST OF ALL JOE WHO ARE THE “TWINS” IM SURE THAT MY THOUGHT IS WAAAAAAY OFF. LOL. DIDNT SOMEONE ELSE GET SENTENCED TO THIS WEEK. CHERVONE OR SOMETHING. HEY HOW DARE YOU DOES IF BARRY GOT HIS INFO FROM JUST A HOMELESS PERSON AND NOT A HOMELESS CRAZY PERSON WOULD THAT BE TRUE THEN. AND BARRY TAKE A LOG OFF THE FIRE. ITS A FRIENDLY SITE HERE WITHOUT GETTING PERSONAL. AND BETTY ITS J-G -FF DO YOU WANT TO BUY A VOWEL. THERE I THINK IM CAUGHT UP. KEEP IT UP JOE
Sorry everyone, my wife just told me not to type in caps. I really wasnt yelliing
oops. I forgot Harlem Playboy. Netflix called and wants its copies of Goodfellas and Casino back.
FOR SHAME, HAL AND BARRY!
I UNDERSTAND SARCASM. BELIEVE ME. DON’T EVEN TRY TO PRETEND I DON’T OR THAT YOU WILL EVER DEFEAT ME.
TEST ME TO SEE HOW FAR I WILL GO TO DEFEND MY OWN HONOR AND THE HONOR OF JOE WHO IS TRUTHFUL AND EXPOSES CORRUPTION! JOE IS ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT A PUBLIC SERVICE VIA KTF MEDIA GROUP.
BARRY ACCUSED JOE OF THE ACCUSATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. THAT IS RIGHT OUT!
HAL, I DON’T EVEN UNDERSTAND YOUR COMMENT TOWARDS ME, YOU NUISANCE. MAYBE YOU CAN CLARIFY (YOU ARE SUCH A NUISANCE!)
I TRUST THAT THIS IS THE END OF YOUR PERSONAL ATTACKS!
GROW UP AND GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE ATTACKING ME VIA THE INTERNET!
PLEASE IGNORE THE STATEMENT “FOR SHAME” IN MY PREVIOUS COMMENT. I INTENDED TO SAY “SHAME ON YOU.” MY APOLOGIES.
DEAR HAL AND BARRY,
IF YOU TWO WERE ALIVE DURING PROHIBITION, YOU PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE SIDE OF AL CAPONE, OR IN THE MOB!
Dear Harlem,
Scavo will never be ‘made’. I will go to the library later, check the mafia rulebook, and get back to you.
Dear Barry,
Scavo initially told me about the settlement.
Joey DeVita is alive and well. He lives in Lake Delavan, Wisconsin and Phoenix Arizona. Search ‘Joey DeVita’ on this site. I have an article on him if you are interested in knowing about him.
Ryan did not keep his pension.
Scavo’s judge mentioned his pension is gone at the sentencing hearing.
Dear Hal,
I do not remember the family name of the ‘twins’. They were some young kids (brothers) that used to get in trouble a lot in Melrose Park about 10-years ago. I think some other codefendants of Scavo’s were handed small sentences.
joe, thanks for the info on devita. i believe that ryan kept any government pension he had before he was governor. hal, the twins names are legendary in melrose. but,if joe isnt going to mention it, i wont. but joe’s right, it was like 10 years ago so it doesnt matter. oh, and DARE, turn the page on what i said about joe. i apologized for it. but, who attacked you personaly. i think hal was trying to be funny. i got it. and what makes you think i wasnt alive during prohibition and im not for big al. joe, when you find the mafia rulebook let me know what it takes to “whack” someone. thats another joke DARE. btw joe, what do you think a fair sentence for scavo should have been.
Joe –
You should try to get in touch with Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt (UChicago). Their books (along with Venkatesh) focus a lot on the economics of basic crime in Chicago, and their findings are very interesting.
Why not study the economics of The Outfit? Any exposure is more exposure.
DEAR BARRY,
IT TAKES A CERTAIN KIND OF PERSON TO STOOP TO THAT LEVEL IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE FACT THAT YOU APOLOGIZED DOES NOT MEAN YOU’RE CAPABLE YOU TAKING THE HIGH ROAD! YOU NEED YOUR HEAD EXAMINED, YOU SINISTER!!!
THERE IS SOMETHING SO SO SINISTER ABOUT YOU, AND I’D LIKE TO WARN JOE NOT TO TRUST YOU! JOE, BE CAREFUL!
TRY THAT ON FOR SIZE, BARRY!!
in college, my girlfriend worked at a pizza place on villa ave. in villa park.
some brothers own it, one of whom is also a melrose park cop.
when she saw vito scavo in the news the other day, she was like, “i know him from the restaurant. he’s such a nice man.”
hHey now. How did i get lumped in with Barry. i made a little joke and now DARE is mad at me too. thanks Barry. but DARE, come on. How was your honor attacked. I admire your defense of Joe, but it looks like Joe can handle himself. This isnt all about you DARE its Joe’s thread. You cant be so thinned skinned. I was going to jokingly say that you might want to break the prozac in half, but you might take that the wrong way. So I wont. Anyway Joe, i heard that the Supreme Court is soon going to strike down the Honest Service law. I heard that will change the convictions on some counts of the people you talk about and many others. Whats the scoop??
I just read your post lilo. Now are those the brothers known and the “twins”
well well. i go to panera, order a potato soup bread bowl, log on and what do i c. DARE is upset again. u complain about personal attacks and im sinister, i need my head examined, im not to b trusted. (sorry hal for bringing u into this) who are u, joe’s mother (i realized i may have insulted your mother, joe…sorry)so DARE either move on or move out. no hal, neither of the twins are or were cops. and i agree with lilos girl. i believe vito scavo is nice. i heard even the judge said he was to be commended as a police chief before sentencing. everyone has their own opinion.
You know who else is supposed to be nice is Carl Dote–restaurateur. Now there’s information out there that has him as “a veteran street man” and running an illegal gambling enterprise.
Big deal–him and half of the Western Suburbs.
Joe
Watched a show on channel 11 called check please and they had Danny’s Deli on boy that Carl has a face for radio
Type o on deil sorry
joe,
i realize that even though you’re in a hairy situation as far as safety, re: the Outfit, but whenever you’re off the blog for a protracted period of time, your readers worry that something has happened to you.
Dear Barry,
My information on Ryan’s pension is affirmed here:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/2058647,ryan-pension-supreme-021910.article
However, thank you for attempting to help.
Please note, “Whack” is a New York word – “Knock down” is Chicago’s version.
Dear Anon,
Thank you for the advice and support.
Dear How Dare You,
Thank you for your support.
Wow Bill, I thought I was a drama queen. I would have expected that comment from DARE. Even though I’m new here, from what I read, Joe’s safety isn’t an issue. After all, the pen is mightier than the sword, right. I’m getting confused with this older comments/newer. I’m wondering Joe, who is Scott Fitts and George Zito??? Are they prosecutors??
Dear Lilo,
I was talking to an old retired server the other day that used to wait on Richard Speck the killer. She does not believe he was guilty of anything because of how nice he was in the restaurant.
Im sure she thought Speck was nice because she was in a waitress uniform and not a nurses. Hey Tom J where is this deli. Does that Dote guy tell old mob stories like Rocky told old fight stories.
Dear Hal,
Yes, the SC is expected to strike down the ‘honest service’ statute. Scavo may be affected by this, however, not completely affected by it. Scavo will not escape the tax end of it. I would not be surprised if he escapes the extortion charge on appeal. The judge made several appellate points on that issue at his sentencing hearing, which is odd. For that alone, I hope the government appeals the sentence. Scavo may have a little time shaved off his sentence after the SC strikes the ‘honest service’ statute. US Attorneys will have to work a lot harder in the near future. The ‘honest service’ statute, which is under the fraud statute allow the prosecutors a great deal of latitude in building a case. The US Attorneys Office will lose that benefit very soon. I am glad. I mean no disrespect to the US Attorneys Office, but the law was vague. The people count as much as the U.S. Attorney’s Office does. Now, the prosecutors will have to work much harder to build a case against someone – I say raise their salaries.
I agree with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on a vast majority of their cases. However, I believe the Scavo case was overblown, for what they had on him. Do not get me wrong, Scavo is bad news; however, what they had on him was not much. I think they could have built an entirely different case against him. Perhaps they will. I do not agree with the Conrad Black case. Look at this article by the National Post: http://conrad-black-news.newslib.com/story/2483-3202516/
I do not agree with the George Ryan case, entirely. The sentence is ridiculous. Do you recall, I publically requested a commutation for George Ryan last month? http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/home/2010/01/14/will-president-obama-commute-george-ryan%e2%80%99s-prison-term-or-will-the-supreme-court-do-it-for-him/
It now appears that his wife followed my example. I am confident he will receive it.
If you Google the SC’s view of the honest services statute, you will find it interesting.
Dear Tom,
Indeed, a face for radio, lol.
Dear Bill,
Thank you for your concern.
Dear Betty,
Scott Fitts
George Zito was the whistle blower on the Scavo case. He was a Melrose Park police official that felt scorned by Scavo. Fitts is the agent that initiated the federal investigation leading up to the search warrant on the MPPD.
George, if you are reading, please contact me at jfosco@ktfmediagroup.com, perhaps we can discuss a sequel for Mr. Scavo.
let me answer your questions betty. scott fitts was the lead federal investigator for the scavo case. and, he was also indicted by the feds during the investigation with 10 counts of his own for running a false prostution ring while he was police chief in grant park a town in downstate illinois. it is rumored that he set up the scavo thing to take the heat off of himself. george zito was a lieutenant in melrose who was the initial witness in the scavo case. again, its rumored that zito went to the feds in an effort to take the heat off his wife who stole money from the melrose park little league. although george zito gave a lot of testimony, because he is an habitual liar, he never testified at the trial because the feds knew he would blow their case. read the links below. joe, im assuming you didnt know these things. otherwise, you never would have thanked these two.
http://blogs.pioneerlocal.com/proviso/2009/06/investigator_in_scavo_case_ple.html
http://cbs2chicago.com/investigations/melrose.park.little.2.702795.html
Dear Barry,
Obviously, I was writing my previous comment while you were writing yours – I finished first, ha-ha. I was aware of Fitts and Zito’s history. What you fail to understand, whistle blowers like Zito are often tied to the scandal they are blowing on. I am not suggesting that is the case here. However, you must understand, Zito merely blew a whistle – the fact that Zito had an alleged dirty relative is irrelevant to the Scavo case. The point is the whistle was blown and the Scavo case was opened. In other words, if law enforcement stopped listening to whistle blowers, we would not catch as many criminals. Example: I have been convicted of some crimes from when I was a teenager. If a burglar broke in to my home, should I lose the ability of notifying the police about the burglary?
As to Fitts, yes, it appears he was involved in some criminal activity himself. However, Scavo committed crimes as well. Are you suggesting that if you shoot me in the head tonight, and the officer that arrests you for shooting me eventually commits a crime in an unrelated matter, you should go free? Barry, if so, your logic is starting to make me wonder if you are really Vito Scavo.
Dear Betty,
Why don’t you ask Joe if he thinks his safety is an issue?
So I’m confused, Zito & Fitts are both good and bad guys?
OK votive I’ll bite..Joe do you think your safty is an issue?
Dear Betty,
I guess you can say that about Fitts. However, I do not know that Zito is part bad. I am sorry if my example caused people to think Zito is a wrongdoer.
Yes, I do think my safety is an issue.
opps typo should read “safety”
Hahaha. Did you think he was writing these articles because he doesn’t have anything better to do? Betty, Joe answered your question, 7:27 p.m. Be advised.
*Yawn*
Well, I’m going to go back to drinking and doing drugs.
I GOOGLE-IMAGED “MAYOR + DES PLAINES + IL” AND IT YIELDED THIS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/rampagebmx/ngbbs450c0a1d6b03b.jpg
JOE IS THIS THE MAN YOU MET?
Dear Blah,
That is lovely.
thanks
Joe one of the readers wanted to know where Carl’s place is don’t want to step on your toes , would you like to tell Hal ….?
Joe,
Also if I was Vito and my lawyer went 0 for 22 on the counts I would want a refund sure he payed a pretty penny for a a Breen ……! What due you think the bill was ?
Dear Tom,
Whichever reader wants to know where Carl Dote’s place is located, the address is linked in the following article:
http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/home/2010/02/16/late-don-stephens-rolls-over-in-his-grave-as-des-plaines-mayor-publically-celebrates-with-chicago-outfit-bookmaker/
I would guess that Breen’s fee ran Scavo somewhere around 200 to 300 thousand. Keep in mind that Scavo has a fine, court costs and restitution that come to roughly $20,000.00. And there is the case of the seizure hearing next week. I would guess Her Honor will forfeit somewhere between 250 thousand and 500 thousand dollars – probably closer to 250 because she has been sympathetic toward him. If Her Honor could avoid forfeiting anything, I would not be surprised if that is what she does.
Joe, your reporting and predictions are extremely accurate and reliable. Do you think Mayor Ron Serpico will ever be indicted?
Dear Frank,
Thank you for the compliment. I investigate my subjects very well prior to taking out my pen. If i am not sure about something, I do not cover it. I am not sure about Serpico so I will not cover him. I do know a great deal of gossip about Serpico, but I do not report on gossip – although it comes up in the comments – usually not my articles.
I might begin investigating Serpico.
Dear Frank,
Come to think of it – I do know something relating to Serpico that could inspire me to write an article. However, it will not push him toward an indictment. In fact, I might make the piece my next article.
i see villa park, lombard, and addison are mentioned periodically on your website.
jim used to live in dupage, i think. there used to be gambling events at the carlisle dinner and banquet hall on butterfield road in lombard. demito was raided for gambling and some biker club the “fugawi’s” beat the daylights out of some clown a while back. makes me think of cicero and the outlaws bombing. addison is crawling with mob guys maybe because of the teamsters presence (BIG ups facility there).
are there still mob rackets in these communities? to what extent?
i know centracchio used to run dupage but he’s long dead.
actually, the outlaws bombing that was ordered by sarno and volpendesto happened in berwyn.
or was it ordered by marcello? i ask because the business that was bombed was competing with mickey’s M&M
Dear Du Page,
There are quite a bit of wannabees in Du Page – especially up and down Lake Street.
Rudy Fratto played Outfit boss in Du Page for many years.
Yes, Centracchio had interests in Du Page County as did Louie the Mooch – both are dead (Louie has been dead over 20-years). I would imagine some of the top level Du Page wannabes might be kicking some action in to the Cicero guys, which would give the wannabes a sense of feeling like the real thing. And it would give them the appearance of being the real thing.
Dear Du Page,
Let us simply say the bombing was an Outfit order.
cool. thanks.
who are the du page wannabes? and does rudy fratto own demito? i understand that the lady owns it on paper, but that it’s an outfit joint. or used to be, anyway. how about the carlisle?
Dear Du Page,
I really think Debbie owns the bar (or is it spelled Debby?).
Fratto owns nothing.
The wannabees are in those private clubs up and down Lake Street – they play cards all day. Actually, there is only one gangster that is seen in those places – Magnafichi (although I believe he is retired).
Instead of calling Lake Street out just name the place.
I do not know the names of these places; I do not visit that area. However, I hear things about the area. Frankly, I do not wish to waste my time on the subject.
Dear Frank,
After further thought, I believe that directing readers to a piece that I published in the past would suffice about Ron Serpico.
I have not heard from Serpico on the matter outlined in the following article (it would be nice to hear from him):
http://www.ktfmediagroup.com/home/2008/09/08/crimes-against-the-state-melrose-parks-victimization-at-the-hands-of-pusher-mds/
Dear Frank,
Please be further advised that I have received credible evidence in support of my assertions that federal and state law enforcement agencies are addressing my complaints relating to the Serpico piece that I have directed you to above.
Please review this letter:
http://ktfmediagroup.com/joefosco/idfpr1.png
Thank you, Joe, for your replies and links about Ron Serpico. The links which include your extensive efforts concerning some of Serpico’s activities have important information I have never seen before. I hope all of your readers will check out these valuable links.
The links suggest that the proper authorities and investigators may actually have something to work with in order to develop a viable legal case.
Dear Frank,
You are quite welcome.
i grew up on the sin strip. i was never bothered by any buisness men. one perv tried to pick me up when i was 12, one of the buisness men asked me if that perv tried to get me in his car. i said yes, and i never seen that perv again, after he was disiplined. ive got nothing but fond memories of old school buisness men
Dear Vince,
A large number of gangsters have done good things for good people over the years. However, nothing changes the fact that gangsters are called gangsters for a reason – they commit serious crimes in our community.
why gangsters and not curupt buisness men, gangsters now are charcterized as street gangs, mainly kids. it doest make what crimes have been committed any less. it just puts a correct label, if one is needed, or to specify to what type of criminal.
hi-ya, excellant post.