Sentencing of convicted Genovese organized crime family member Emilio Fusco temporarily suspended

U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel suspended an already lengthy hearing because Fusco needed an additional interpreter.

NEW YORK — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily suspended a sentencing proceeding for Emilio Fusco, of Longmeadow, a Genovese organized crime family member convicted of racketeering conspiracy and other crimes after a three-week trial in April.

Emilio Fusco

Fusco was acquitted of the 2003 murders of onetime Springfield Mafia boss Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno and low-level criminal associate Gary D. Westerman. Prosecutors have nonetheless continued to argue Fusco was culpable in the slayings along with gangsters in Western Massachusetts and New York, and are seeking a 45-year prison sentence.

Fusco, an Italian native, has been using an interpreter throughout two years of court proceedings. U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel suspended an already lengthy hearing because Fusco needed an additional interpreter.

The sentencing will resume in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday.