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News and Features about Organized Crime, Mafia and La Cosa Nostra taken from National and Local News Sources. In an attempt to get you this type of coverage in a timely manner we can not be responsible for the content of the following material. |
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1-28-00 Judge 'Parts' From Agnello Case. January 28, 2000 By KIERAN CROWLEY, New York Post A Queens judge yesterday recused himself from a bail hearing for Dapper Don John Gotti's son-in-law, saying he'd bought auto parts from him -- and then another jurist slashed the suspect's bail. Carmine Agnello's lawyer, Marvyn Kornberg, appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Arthur Lonschein to argue that Agnello's $10 million bail should be reduced in the racketeering case. But Lonschein said he had to step down -- because he'd bought auto parts from Agnello after sending him to jail more than 20 years ago. "I know Carmine Agnello, I know him professionally," Lonschein said. Agnello was not in the courtroom. The judge said he first met Agnello in court in 1978 or 1979 -- when Agnello was arrested on a gun-possession charge. Lonschein sentenced Agnello to seven months on Rikers Island and did not see Victoria Gotti's husband until 10 or 12 years later, when the jurist went into Jamaica Auto Supply, not far from the courthouse, to buy auto parts. Lonschein said Agnello greeted him by saying: "Hello, judge." "Who are you?" Lonschein asked. "I'm Carmine," Agnello replied, reminding Lonschein about his case. "It's OK, judge, don't be alarmed -- I've got nothing against you. You did what you had to do," Lonschein said Agnello told him. Agnello also "happened to be a neighbor of mine and knew what kind of car I drive," Lonschein said. "I suppose he wanted to assure me that he knows who I am and where I live." Two years ago, Lonschein said, he recused himself from sitting on another case against Agnello. Kornberg then argued for bail reduction before Supreme Court Civil Judge Charles Thomas, saying the $10 million price was too high for the level of the felony his client is accused of committing. Agnello was busted Tuesday after an elaborate sting operation in which he allegedly threatened his rivals if they didn't do his bidding. He faces charges of corruption, arson, coercion and conspiracy. In addition, his business and assets including a $5.5 million Long Island mansion he shares with his wife and three kids -- all totaling $20 million -- were seized by the Queens district attorney's office. Prosecutor Gerard Brave argued the high bail was to prevent Agnello from fleeing a case with overwhelming evidence that could put him in jail for 25 years. He cited Agnello's "considerable wealth and the power of the criminal organization of which he is a member." But Thomas -- calling the $10 million "inflammatory" -- agreed to cut the bail to $2 million. Still, Agnello must remain in jail until at least today, when prosecutors are expected to challenge the use of the defendant's bail-bond company, claiming the firm does not pay up when suspects jump bail.
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