A defense attorney for Vito Rizzuto said the reputed Canadian mob boss will not cooperate with U.S. investigators in order to win a lighter sentence for himself, according to a story by Adrian Humphreys of Canada's National Post.
Prosecutors had hinted that Rizzuto (right), 61, was looking for a plea deal. Defense attorney David Schoen refused to comment on any plea negotiations. But Schoen answered "unequivocally no" to a question on Rizzuto's possible cooperation.
Rizzuto was extradited to the U.S. from his home in Montreal to stand trial for alleged participation in the Bonanno Crime Family's 1981 assassination of three underworld figures in Brooklyn. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Former Bonanno Family bigshots Joseph Massino (left) and Salvatore Vitale are expected to testify for the prosecution in Rizzuto's trial. Vitale's cooperation with authorities has been apparent, as he has already testified repeatedly. Massino, who reportedly aided an investigation against Bonanno boss Vincent Basciano, has not appeared for the government on a witness stand yet.Related MobNews posts:
- Rizzuto, dozens more, arrested in Canada mob sweep 11-26-06
- No parole for Canada mob turncoat Simard 10-22-2006
- Canada's Musitanos up for parole today 10-04-2006
- Fugitive mobsters known to be in Toronto 09-22-2006
- Canada's 'godfather' deported 08-18-2006
- Thug-boxer deported from Canada 08-16-2006
- Canada court clears way for Rizzuto extradition 07-22-2006
- Few contenders for Toronto mob boss title 07-21-2006
- Rizzuto extradition decision due Friday 07-17-2006
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