Gotti defense may be aided by tape

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The son of late New York Mafia don John Gotti may be helped by a secret recording made by a police informant, his attorney says.

The tape made in 2006 by Lewis Kasman, during a conversation with alleged Gambino crime family consigliere Joseph "Jo Jo" Corozzo, indicates that John "Junior" Gotti, 44, had left organized crime behind, The New York Post reported Wednesday. The recording will be presented as defense evidence at Gotti's trial on federal racketeering charges, said Gotti's lawyer, Charles Carnesi.

On the recording, Kasman 50, reportedly tells Corozzo of a business deal in which he is wary of Gotti taking part of the profits.

"I told you to forget about that, forget about that," Corozzo says.

"But you know that's in my head with this kid," Kasman says, again referring to Gotti.

"I know, but I told you last time," Corozzo says. "You gotta forget about that. He's gone. He's forgotten about."