Philly mob 'CFO' pleads to racketeering, gambling; avoids retrial after jury deadlock

PHILADELPHIA — The self-described "CFO" of the Philadelphia mob has pleaded guilty to racketeering and illegal gambling rather than face a retrial.

Anthony "Ant" Staino had been convicted of two loan-sharking counts at a sweeping mob trial this year. But the jury acquitted him or deadlocked on most counts.

The jury also deadlocked on the central racketeering charge against reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and his nephew, George Borgesi, who will be retried.

The 55-year-old Staino, of Swedesboro, New Jersey, entered his plea late Thursday.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that some terms remain in dispute, to be hashed out at his July 17 sentencing.

Prosecutors say the racketeering plea covers witness intimidation and other violent mob activities.

But defense lawyer Gregory Pagano insists his client did not use any violent means.

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