FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- A convicted Florida mobster who once swore he would not help prosecutors will soon be out of prison because he cut a deal with federal prosecutors.
On Wednesday, prosecutors in Fort Lauderdale federal court recommended Renaldi "Ray" Ruggiero's 14-year sentence be cut in half because of his "cooperation with the government," The Miami Herald reported.
In 2007, Ruggiero, now 78, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy for his role in criminal activities in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Defense lawyers asked that an additional six months be shaved off his sentence because of recent health concerns.
The judge agreed to both requests.
"In light of Mr. Ruggiero's health conditions, I don't know that serving an additional six months is going to really make that much difference," said U.S. District Judge James Cohn. "I think the punitive aspect and the deterrent aspect of the court's sentence have been accomplished."
