Feds: Manocchio missed window for bail

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office said the clock has run out on Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio’s request to spring free on bail.

In a filing Thursday, federal prosecutor William Ferland said Manocchio’s attorneys had 14 days to notify the courts they were going to appeal the decision that kept the 84 year old accused former mob boss locked up.

Manocchio’s attorney Joseph Balliro asked a judge to excuse his tardiness in a motion filed Wednesday, saying he became distracted when a close family member fell ill.

In response, prosecutors said there were other members of Manocchio’s legal team that could have met the deadline.

“It is most unfortunate that Mr. Balliro had to contend with a close family member’s health issue,” Ferland wrote. “That personal setback however, does not excuse attorneys Juliane Balliro or [Edward] Romano from performing the very basic administrative function of filing an appeal.”

Ferland also argues deadlines are looming as the April 23 trial date approaches. A hearing to overturn U.S. District Court Judge William Smith’s decision could slow the court’s progress in hearing the case.

Manocchio has made three unsuccessful attempts at making bail. His lawyers missed the 14 day deadline to file an appeal with the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston.

Manocchio and seven others are accused in a conspiracy to shake down area strip clubs for protection money. One defendant, mob associate Thomas Iafrate, has pleaded guilty for his role in coordinating alleged extortion payments to Manocchio. He was sentenced to 30 months behind bars.

Seven others, including Manocchio and reputed capo regime Edward “Eddie” Lato have pleaded not guilty.

Manocchio has been in federal custody since his arrest in January 2011. He is currently being house at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls.

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