In recent weeks, five individuals associated with the Luchese crime family have pleaded guilty to various charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and illegal gambling. The pleas were entered in a federal court in Brooklyn before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto.
Among those pleading guilty was Anthony Villani, a soldier of the Luchese crime family. Villani admitted to charges of racketeering, money laundering, and illegal gambling. As part of his plea agreement, he will forfeit $4 million. His co-defendants are set to pay an additional $1 million in forfeiture.
The group operated an illegal online gambling business known as "Rhino Sports," which has been active since the early 2000s. The operation generated millions annually under the protection of the Luchese crime family throughout New York City.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, emphasized the significance of these guilty pleas: “These guilty pleas represent a victory for the rule of law over the pernicious activities of organized crime that undermine the safety of our communities.” He highlighted that such businesses require enforcement and protection from mob rivals who pose threats of violence.
James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI's New York Field Office, noted: “Our investigations involving members of the Five Families don't make the same headlines as they have historically. However, the men pleading guilty in this case illustrate how entrenched the traditional mafia are in their noxious and familiar criminality.”
According to court documents, Villani has been involved in significant gambling operations for over 25 years across Bronx and Westchester, New York. These operations were linked with multiple organized crime families. Villani managed "Rhino Sports" since at least 2004 using servers based in Costa Rica and employed local bookmakers affiliated with La Cosa Nostra families.
Villani's associates included Louis Tucci Jr., Dennis Filizzola, James Coumoutsos, and Michael Praino—all of whom have pleaded guilty to related charges. They face varying prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years depending on their specific offenses.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section with assistance on forfeiture matters by Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian.
