Jurors delivered a split verdict after a two-week trial and two days of deliberations.
Emilio FuscoNEW YORK - Emilio Fusco was acquitted of the 2003 murders of organized crime boss Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno and police informant Gary Westerman after a two-week trial in federal court in Manhattan.
Jurors deliberated for two days, convicting Fusco, 43, of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit extortion and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. He conceivably faces a maximum sentence of 45 years but will likely receive a lesser penalty.
The murder acquittals were a major victory for Fusco, of Longmeadow, however, since those carried potential life sentences and he was tried by the power base of the U.S. Justice Dept. in the southern district of New York.
Prosecutors had argued Fusco was a made member of the New York-based Genovese crime family and a key player in a gamut of mob conspiracies including the murders, shakedowns of business owners in the Greater Springfield, Mass. area and widespread marijuana dealing.
Fusco's defense lawyer countered that the government's entire case was built on "rats" looking to curry favor with prosecutors. Clearly, the jury was not entirely convinced by the prosecution's witnesses.
Fusco embraced his lawyer, Richard B. Lind, when the jury delivered its verdict late Wednesday afternoon. After the verdict, his wife, Jenny Santos-Fusco, said she was moved beyond words.
"This is the right thing. He's a good man," she said, her eyes filling with tears.
More details coming on MassLive and in The Republican.