‘Bobo’ among accused mobsters arraigned

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Nearly two dozen accused mobsters and associates were paraded before a state judge Wednesday after a grand jury indicted them for their roles in a massive gambling ring.

The Rhode Island State Police broke up the alleged mob-connected operation last spring.

Among those pleading not guilty was longtime mob enforcer Frank "Bobo" Marrapese. The 68 year-old accused mobster is facing seven counts including RICO conspiracy and extortion. State Police say Marrapese used threats and intimidation to carry out various crimes in his role in the alleged gambling ring.

Investigators identified Vincent "Tootsie" Tallo as the alleged ringleader of the operation. Tallo was by far the most imposing presence in the court room, towering over defense counsel and the prosecution. State Police said they have dozens of wiretapped conversation that reveal Tallo running the gambling operation and allegedly dealing drugs.

• The complete list of those indicted

Two high-ranking reputed mobsters accused in this case did not appear in court: Edward "Eddie" Lato and Alfred "Chippy" Scivola didn't make the trip from the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls. They are being held awaiting trial in a separate federal case that also accused the reputed former boss of the Patriarca crime family Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio. The 84 year-old Providence man is not charged in the state gambling probe.

Also in Wednesdays' line-up was Thomas "Red Ball'' Hartley, 75, of Johnston. Hartley – a long-time mob associate – is charged with three counts of conspiracy.

One defendant, Christopher Disanto was a no-show, forcing Judge Daniel Proccacini to issue a warrant for his arrest. Disanto is charged with two counts including organized criminal gambling and bookmaking.

Most who went before the judge posted bail except for Marrapese who was shipped back to the ACI where he spent much of his adult life. His arrest in the gambling ring was a violation of his parole. He was released from prison in 2008 after serving nearly 30 years for the gangland slaying Richard "Dickie" Callei.

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim