Feds indict 46 in mob sweep, including reputed Philly boss

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four dozen suspects, including the reputed Mafia boss in Philadelphia and an old-school mobster in New York, were arrested today in a massive case charging them with wanting to break knees and commit other crimes that sound like something from a Martin Scorsese movie.

An indictment filed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan accused the defendants of extortion, loansharking, casino-style gambling, sports gambling, credit-card fraud and health care fraud. It said they formed a syndicate operating in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Among those charged was Joseph "Joey" Merlino, the flamboyant alleged head of the Philadelphia mob who is known for beating murder charges in past cases. Also named in the indictment was Pasquale "Patsy" Parrello, identified as a longtime member of the Genovese organized crime family in New York City.

Merlino's longtime lawyer, Ed Jacobs, declined to comment on the allegations, saying he hadn't yet studied the indictment.

Prosecutors said 39 of those charged were arrested today. During the arrests, agents recovered three handguns, a shotgun, gambling paraphernalia and more than $30,000 in cash.