Genovese Crime Family Captain Gets 30 Months In Prison: FBI

BROOKLYN, NY — A former acting captain in the Genovese organized crime family was sentenced on Friday to 30 months in prison, federal prosecutors said.

Carmelo Polito, also known as "Carmine Polito" was sentenced for racketeering in connection to operating an illegal gambling business at the Gran Caffé in Lynbrook, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace announced.

Polito, 64, of Queens, also attempted to extort someone who owed him money stemming from a separate online sports betting business, prosecutors said.

"The cards did not favor Carmelo Polito's illicit gambling parlor or his extortionate methods,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Dennehy. “His illegitimate business and death threats financed the operations of two crime families.

Polito is a longtime, inducted member of the Genovese organized crime family.

As detailed in earlier court filings, for years, numerous members and associates of the Genovese
and Bonanno organized crime families operated several illegal gambling operations, the U.S. Attorney said. The Genovese and Bonanno families jointly operated a lucrative illegal gambling parlor concealed inside a coffee shop called the Gran Caffé in Lynbrook.

Polito is the first person sentenced in this case and a related case against four members and associates of the Bonanno organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra.

Awaiting sentencing are:

• Joseph Macario, 69, (also known as "Joe Fish"), of West Islip
• Salvatore Rubino, 60, ("Sal the Shoemaker"), of Bethpage
• Joseph Rutigliano, 65, (also known as "Joe Box"), of Commack
• Mark Feuer, 61, of Oceanside