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Philadelphia Federal RICO Charges: Racketeering, Extortion and Conspiracy
Philadelphia Federal RICO Charges: Racketeering, Extortion and Conspiracy
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law designed to combat organized crime activities like extortion, money laundering, bribery, and murder. In Philadelphia, RICO charges are often used to target violent street gangs, drug trafficking organizations, and public corruption.
Background of RICO Laws
RICO was passed in 1970 to help prosecutors convict mob bosses who ordered others to commit crimes on their behalf. The law works by establishing severe criminal penalties for members of an ongoing criminal organization like the mafia or a street gang.
To be convicted under RICO, prosecutors must prove a pattern of racketeering activity connected to an enterprise. The enterprise can be a legal entity like a business, or an association like a gang. The pattern of activity has to include at least two racketeering acts within 10 years of eachother.
Common RICO Predicate Acts
RICO predicate acts are the individual crimes that show the pattern of criminal activity. Common examples of predicate acts alleged in Philadelphia RICO cases include:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Robbery and extortion
- Drug trafficking
- Money laundering
- Bribery of public officials
Prosecutors will often include conspiracy charges, alleging the defendants conspired together to conduct the affairs of the enterprise through this pattern of illegal acts.
Philly RICO Cases Target Violent Street Gangs
Over the past decade federal prosecutors have brought several high profile RICO cases against violent street gangs in Philadelphia. These gangs are involved in drug dealing, shootings, murder, and other acts of violence and intimidation.
For example, in 2015 ten leaders of the Feltonville gang were indicted for a pattern of drug trafficking, murder, and attempted murder. Prosecutors said the gang used violence to dominate their territory in the Feltonville neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Another RICO indictment in 2021 named 14 members of a West Philly gang called Original Block Hustlaz. Prosecutors said they conspired to sell crack, heroin, and guns in the neighborhood around Malcolm X Park.
Public Corruption RICO Cases
In addition to violent street gangs, federal prosecutors have also used RICO charges to take down corrupt public officials in Philadelphia. These cases typically involve bribery schemes where government employees receive cash, gifts, or other benefits in exchange for contracts or preferential treatment.
For instance in 2020, John Brady, the leader of Philadelphia’s municipal electricians’ union, plead guilty to RICO conspiracy. Prosecutors said Brady and his associates embezzled over $600,000 from the union in various kickback schemes.
Another recent public corruption RICO case involved the former Treasurer of Mount Vernon Township, in Philly’s suburbs. She was convicted in 2021 of taking bribes from an insurance broker in exchange for official business from the township.
Penalties for a RICO Conviction
The penalties for a RICO conviction are severe. The maximum sentence is 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000…or twice the amount of money gained from the crime. The sentence can be significantly higher if the predicate acts include violent crimes like murder, or if the defendant has prior felonies.
In addition to prison time, federal prosecutors will often seek forfeiture of assets obtained through the criminal enterprise. This can include cash, vehicles, property, and other valuables derived from illegal activity.
Proving a RICO Defense
Given the complexity of RICO laws and the lengthy prison sentences,, mounting an effective defense is critical but challenging. Typical strategies to fight federal racketeering charges include:
- Attacking the existence of an enterprise
- Disputing the pattern of activity
- Denying involvement in the conspiracy
- Focusing on lack of criminal intent
An experienced federal defense attorney can analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s case…and build a defense strategy tailored to the facts and circumstances of the allegations. But they almost always face an uphill battle against skilled federal prosecutors.
If Facing RICO Charges, Seek Legal Help Now
Given the stakes, anyone facing RICO charges in Philadelphia needs to contact a defense lawyer immediately. An attorney can advise them on the options, and develop the best defense strategy. The longer someone waits, the harder it becomes to avoid a lengthy federal prison sentence.
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