There was a startling development Tuesday in the big mob trial under way in Center City.
A FOX 29 undercover tape subpoenaed by federal authorities and played in court sparked the disclosure of a threat to kill well-known Philadelphia disc jockey Jerry Blavat.
The video, which has been aired on FOX 29 many times, shows purported mob boss Joe Ligambi arguing with government witness Lou "Bent Finger" Monacello on the front porch of "The Uncle" Ligambi's South Philly home.
In court on Tuesday, Monacello told the jury in Ligambi's racketeering trial that the tape captured the two men discussing a threat to kill Blavat. Ligambi apparently blamed the DJ, who goes by the nickname of "the Geator with the Heater," for a less-than-flattering story about Ligambi in Philadelphia Magazine.
Ligambi and six others are on trial for racketeering and gambling. Monacello is the government's key witness in the case.
Monday, December 10 2012 10:59 AM EST2012-12-10 15:59:51 GMT
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Tuesday, September 25 2012 10:47 AM EDT2012-09-25 14:47:43 GMT
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Monday, September 17 2012 10:40 PM EDT2012-09-18 02:40:52 GMT
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:13 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:13:23 GMT
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
These Crime Scene Investigators have processed thousands of gruesome crime scenes over their careers, but what they saw inside Doctor Kermit Gosnell's abortion clinic back in 2010 was a nightmare.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 20:54:35 GMT
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
"Kermit Gosnell at some point became a monster." District Attorney Seth Williams shot straight from the hip as he spoke for the first time since abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was found guilty this
Monday, May 13 2013 7:02 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:02:49 GMT
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
She wanted to spend Mother's Day with her children and new granddaughter. Instead, she spent it at a hospital and on the couch after she says she was attacked near the Frankford Transportation Center.
Thursday, May 9 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-09 21:09:22 GMT
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Two-and-a-half years after she was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her former boyfriend, Diane Corado's body has been found and positively identified.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
