Mobster pleads guilty to racketeering after poolside relaxation while on the run.

A Powerful Mobster Pleads Guilty to Racketeering After Poolside Escape

In a stunning turn of events, Ralph DiMatteo, the third-most powerful member of the notorious Colombo crime family, has pleaded guilty to racketeering charges. This comes over a year after a now-infamous photo was taken of DiMatteo relaxing in a pool while on the run from federal authorities.

DiMatteo, who was once the Colombo family’s consigliere, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Brooklyn. The charges against him include extortion, conspiracy, and money laundering, all of which took place between 2020 and 2021. Notably, one of the charges involved a plot to threaten a high-level union official.

The case against DiMatteo and 13 other defendants was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. In a press release, the office described the charges as a serious blow to the entire administration of the Colombo organized crime family.

A Poolside Photo and a Dramatic Escape

Just before the charges were announced, DiMatteo fled to Florida, according to The New York Post. His son then posted a photo on Twitter that showed DiMatteo lounging in a pool, seemingly unbothered by the impending legal trouble. The image went viral, capturing the attention of the public and law enforcement alike.

Eventually, DiMatteo turned himself in to the authorities. In court, he reportedly appeared in a dark blazer, dark blue shirt, and a dark green tie.

The charges against DiMatteo and his associates are extensive, including labor racketeering, extortion, money laundering, and loansharking. The indictment alleges a long-running effort by the Colombo crime family to infiltrate and control a Queens labor union.

Accusations of Money Laundering and Extortion

DiMatteo stands accused of laundering money from the labor union’s health care benefit program to benefit the Colombo crime family’s leaders. Additionally, he is alleged to have used extortion, including direct threats of bodily harm, to manipulate the union’s management and secure decisions that favored the Colombo family.

If convicted, DiMatteo could face a prison sentence ranging from 41 to 51 months. His sentencing is scheduled for October.

Among the other individuals charged in this case are Andrew “Mush” Russo, the boss of the Colombo crime family, Benjamin “Benji” Castellazzo, the underboss, and a member of the Bonanno crime family.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn Kasulis, who announced the charges, described the defendants’ actions as a ruthless pattern of control and intimidation. She also revealed that the defendants were involved in drug trafficking.

Threats and Profanity-Laced Rants

One particularly shocking example of the alleged crimes involves Vincent Ricciardo, also known as “Vinny Unions.” Prosecutors claim that Ricciardo, 75, threatened to kill a senior labor union official in a profanity-laced rant. According to a recording, he brazenly stated that he would shoot the official in front of his wife and children.

The FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge, Michael Driscoll, emphasized the significance of these charges, stating that they expose the underbelly of the crime families in New York City. He assured the public that law enforcement is determined to bring these criminals to justice.

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