AVALON PROBE Lawyer explains job to the FBI

Perfette didn't return to work after the FBI raided his siblings' house and seized more than $400,000.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- FBI agents investigating possible wrongdoing at Avalon South Golf Course are not concerned that a convicted gambler worked at the facility for several years, an attorney says.
Maridee Costanzo, a lawyer representing Tony Joy Jr., who operates the city-owned course, said agents asked about Joseph Perfette's employment.
"We sat down with them and explained the situation, and they were satisfied," Costanzo said.
Length of employment
Costanzo and Joy said Perfette worked at the course from 1992 until September. Records show he earned $225 a week.
According to Vindicator files, Perfette, of Avalon Drive in Howland, pleaded guilty in 1990 to federal gambling charges. The FBI said Perfette had ties to organized crime figures in Cleveland and Youngstown.
He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. He also pleaded guilty in 1990 to making false statements on his 1988 income tax return.
Joy said Perfette picked up trash and collected balls from the course and range. He said Perfette never asked for a raise and was a good worker.
"He was laid off in September at the end of the season, and normally he would come back in May, but he didn't this year for some reason," Joy said.
No return after raid
Costanzo said Perfette didn't want to return to the course after agents seized $455,000 from his brother and sister's home in a raid June 6.
Agents said they believe the money belongs to Joseph Perfette.
"That was the final straw for Joe, and he didn't want to cause any problems for Tony. Joe Perfette has been more loyal to this golf course than the city officials. The mayor won't support his own asset," Costanzo said, noting Mayor Hank Angelo has chosen not to have a golf outing at the course this year.
Angelo could not be reached.
"Tony also was told by city workers that city officials said it would be a conflict of interest for them to golf here," Costanzo said. "It amazes me that city officials would try to put a city-owned golf course out of business."
Joy, who has operated the course since 1989, said business has been down this year.
Joy and the city are in a legal battle.
The city wants Joy to be removed as operator, contending he owes back rent and taxes. Joy has sued, saying the city breached his contract.
A hearing is scheduled for July 11.
sinkovich@vindy.com