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Pocono News Section
Reputed Mob Boss Sentenced to 9 Years in Jail
Reputed Mob Boss Sentenced to 9 Years in Jail - Monday, November 24, 2008 at 5:45PM EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- A reputed mob boss has learned his fate in connection with a significant money laundering investigation. A judge sentenced William “Billy” D'Elia of Hughestown Monday morning in Scranton's federal court.
D'Elia was given a sentence of 9 years in prison. That's the minimum that's allowed under federal sentencing guidelines. The judge says D'Elia's community service work, failing health and cooperation in another high profile case all factored into the sentence.
62-year-old William D'Elia is no stranger to headlines. Monday morning the reported head of the Buffalino crime family was sentenced to 9 years in prison in federal court. Assistant U. S. Attorney Gordon A. D. Zubrod said, “I thought it was a just and appropriate sentence. I think the judge struggled with all the factors he needed to deal with."
Earlier this year D'Elia admitted he took part in a money laundering scheme involving $600,000 in drug money. He also said he tried to set up the murder of a co-conspirator.
Right before he was sentenced, William D'Elia apologized not only the court, but he apologized to his family. In a very raspy voice, he said he is truly sorry for his actions.
Two of D'Elia's daughters and his wife testified on his behalf right before sentencing. They said D'Elia is a good person whose health is declining. They also said their family has been shattered since his arrest in 2006.
Also for the first time in open court Monday, D'Elia's lawyer admitted he's cooperating in the case against Mount Airy Casino owner Louis DeNaples and Reverend Joseph Sica.
Exactly what information he's given up has not been released, but if he cooperates fully D'Elia could have his sentenced reduced. “If the District Attorney tells the U. S. Attorney that he provided substantial assistance in the DeNaples & Sica cases, then the U. S. Attorney will make a representation, or a recommendation, to the court that he thinks is appropriate," added Gordon.
As for whether this part of the case is closed, the Assistant U. S. Attorney says, “It never closes. It’s just one more step in the process.”
D'Elia has 10 days to the sentence. Court officials say he will also get credit for nearly two years of time that he's spent behind bars since his arrest in 2006. | | |
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