A Gambino captain, soldier and four associates copped 11th-hour pleas yesterday in Brooklyn federal court, admitting they ripped off phone and Internet sex customers to the tune of half a billion dollars.
Prosecutors said the six defendants – who were set to go on trial yesterday – advertised free 1-800 numbers offering services including adult entertainment, horoscope readings and telephone dating – then slapped the callers with $40-a-month charges for “voice mail.”
Gambino soldier Richard Martino, 45, of Tuckahoe – the accused mastermind of the scam, pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud, as well as threatening a British porn baron in London following a business dispute. He could serve as much as 10 years in prison when he’s sentenced in May by Brooklyn federal Judge Carol Amon. He’ll also face a $15 million forfeiture and restitution that could total $75 million.
Prosecutors said Martino kicked up some $30 million from the telephone scam to Gambino capo Salvatore “Tore” LoCascio, who pleaded guilty to money laundering.
He’ll face a sentence of up to 7 1/4 years in jail and a $4.7 million forfeiture.
But sources said LoCascio, 45, would seek a reduction in sentence because his wife is severely ill with multiple sclerosis.
Associates Zev Mustafa, Andrew Campos, Thomas Pugliese and Daniel Martino – Richard’s brother – also admitted wrongdoing, as will USP&C, the corporate entity they used to carry out the telephone scam.