Feds arrest Philadelphia reputed mob head, others

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The reputed boss of the Philadelphia mob and a dozen others are facing charges following a series of arrests by federal authorities.

Prosecutors charged Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and 12 others they say are connected to the mob with counts including conspiracy, extortion, illegal gambling and witness tampering.

U.S. Attorney Zane Memeger said at a news conference today that the arrests show that federal authorities are still focusing on bringing down organized crime. Memeger was joined by the FBI and law enforcement officials from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Ligambi was sentenced to life in prison in 1989 for a killing four years earlier, but the conviction was overturned and he was released in 1997.