LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- The prosecution has rested its case against reputed mob chieftan Anthony Spilotro and nine other men charged with running a burglary, arson and extortion ring called 'The Hole in the Wall Gang.'
The jury was sent home after Wednesday's final witness testified and told to return Monday, when the defense is expected to begin calling witnesses.
The government alleges Spilotro directed the other defendants in a criminal enterprise specializing in burglary, racketeering, arson and extortion. Law enforcement officials dubbed the ring the 'Hole in the Wall Gang' because entries into many victims' homes and businesses were made by smashing holes through walls and roofs.
Spilotro and the others were named in a 17-count 1983 indictment.
The government charges that Spilotro, called by law enforcement officials the overseer of organized crime activities in Las Vegas on behalf of the Chicago mob, gave his permission to the gang's organizer and in return, collected a share of the ring's proceeds.
Strike Force attorney Lawrence Leavitt spent Wednesday questioning FBI agents and police officers who kept gang members under surveillance.
The government's key witnesses in the trial have been federally protected witnesses Frank Cullotta and Salvatore Romano. Defense attorneys, in their cross-examinations, have accused the pair, both admitted criminals, of being professional witnesses who will say whatever the government wants them to say.
Cullotta, an admitted mob hitman and boyhood friend of Spilotro in Chicago, testified he was one of Spilotro's lieutenants and paid a street tax or fee to Spilotro in order to operate the gang.
Cullotta became a federally protected witness in 1983 when he was faced with a possible life term as an habitual criminal.
Romano, faced with a lengthy prison term following a burglary arrest in Tucson, Ariz., agreed to infiltrate the Las Vegas crime ring for the FBI.
His tip to federal agents led to the breakup of the organization and the arrests of most of the defendants during an abortive break-in at a furniture and jewelry store July 4, 1981.
U.S. District Judge Lloyd George the defense would probably complete its presentation by the end of next week. The judge said final arguments likely would take two days and the jury will be given the case during the week of March 24.
