Pocono News Section

How Did DeNaples MaKe His Millions?

How Did DeNaples MaKe His Millions? - Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 5:17PM EST

? Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 @05:17pm EST

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Louis DeNaples built an empire on trash. The Dunmore, Lackawanna county native is reported to be a multi-millionaire a hundred times over.

He made his money from business junk yards and salvage operations. Some label him one of the biggest real estate holders on the east coast. The 67-year-old has extensive connections throughout northeast Pennsylvania. The University of Scranton, the Roman Catholic Church and a countless list of agencies and philanthropic organizations call DeNaples a friend.

In 2006, DeNaples came out on top in an intense casino licensing process and was awarded the right to own and operate the Mount Airy Casino and Resort. The slots opened in October with his life-long friend, Scranton Diocesan priest father Joseph Sica was by his side.

Despite repeated inquiry by the media, both men dashed questions about connections to organized crime.

Earlier this month, father Sica was arrested and charged with perjury for allegedly lying about a reported long-standing relationship with the reputed mob boss, the late Russell Bufalino.

Sources tell us both DeNaples and Sica were last seen together as recent as this weekend at a fundraising event at the Scranton Radisson Hotel for the Diocese of Scranton.