There was a startling development Tuesday in the big mob trial under way in Center City.
A FOX 29 undercover tape subpoenaed by federal authorities and played in court sparked the disclosure of a threat to kill well-known Philadelphia disc jockey Jerry Blavat.
The video, which has been aired on FOX 29 many times, shows purported mob boss Joe Ligambi arguing with government witness Lou "Bent Finger" Monacello on the front porch of "The Uncle" Ligambi's South Philly home.
In court on Tuesday, Monacello told the jury in Ligambi's racketeering trial that the tape captured the two men discussing a threat to kill Blavat. Ligambi apparently blamed the DJ, who goes by the nickname of "the Geator with the Heater," for a less-than-flattering story about Ligambi in Philadelphia Magazine.
Ligambi and six others are on trial for racketeering and gambling. Monacello is the government's key witness in the case.
Monday, December 10 2012 10:59 AM EST2012-12-10 15:59:51 GMT
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino's move to South Florida has created some waves in organized crime circles just north of Miami, where he now lives.In Monday night's Mob Talk, FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser
Tuesday, September 25 2012 10:47 AM EDT2012-09-25 14:47:43 GMT
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Alleged local wise guys are heading to trial, and that will expose undercover FBI recordings. FOX 29's Dave Schratwieser and the Inquirer's George Anastasia have the tale of the tapes.
Monday, September 17 2012 10:40 PM EDT2012-09-18 02:40:52 GMT
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Mob boss Joe Ligambi and 14 others face federal racketeering charges in a case loaded with secret FBI tapes, government informants and tales from inside the local organized crime family.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:17:37 GMT
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Lots of traffic and police activity, police cameras are everywhere. But that didn't stopped this armed robber from calmly walking into a Dunkin Donuts on camera Monday afternoon and sticking the place up.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:18:27 GMT
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:02:59 GMT
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:36:19 GMT
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy." With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy."With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:37:38 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:35 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:49:38 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:45 GMT
Thursday weather looks spectacular with mostly sunny skies and low humidity levels. A light jacket may be needed early in the day with lows in the 50s, but under sunny skies temperatures climb into the low 80s. Along the coast highs top out in the mid 70s. Winds will be out of the WSW 5-10 mph. High 83. Low 58.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:01 GMT
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag! A study done by the "Ready To Glow" campaign says that simple things like a smile from a stranger or being told "I love you" makes
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag!
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:05:26 GMT
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing jueveniles hoping that someone will recongize them and know thier whereabouts. The following information is directly from a
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing juveniles hoping that someone will recognize them and know their whereabouts.
