By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 11 – Charged with demanding bribes to join the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Salvatore Tagliaferro has begun trial before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Paul A. Crotty.
On April 21 Inner City Press up in the courtroom published: "day ended as witness described planning with Tagliaferro, in Brooklyn, to charge $600 fees "into our pockets... Our motive? To make some money." 2 big guys laugh."
On April 28: "TAGLIAFERRO, the president of Local 926 chapter of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (the “Union”), was found guilty today in Manhattan federal court of honest services wire fraud, conversion of union assets, and conspiracy, in connection with his involvement in a scheme to solicit cash bribes from hundreds of prospective members in exchange for union membership. The jury convicted TAGLIAFERRO today following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty. TAGLIAFERRO is scheduled to appear for sentencing before Judge Crotty."
It was pushed to September 8 and Inner City Press went and live tweeted it here:
Now at sentencing of Tagliaferro for his Carpenters Union corruption @SDNYLIVE . Inner City Press covered the trial. Now his lawyer says charging him for Union's legal fees would be unfair.
Defense: He unionized more people than anyone. He had plans to run for Union President. Probation would be enough. AUSA: Let's talk about the victims -as Mr. Rosenberg didn't. The Union was a victim. We seek $290,000 [approx], from Mr DeFalco too.
Tagliaferro (sobbing) I wish I'd never trusted John DeFalco. I did not know that animal was taking money. Only the District Council has a problem with me. I stood up to corruption. I am innocent. (Slamming defense table).
Judge Crotty: I think the jury was correct. I was a member of the Teamsters. I sentence you to 60 months, two years of supervised release. Forfeit $296,400. Restitution of $145,065.33.
On December 6 the US Attorney's Office submitted opposition to any extension or stay pending appeal. They snark, "portions of Tagliaferro's motion appear to be taken verbatim from his prior submission to this Court."
Jump cut to December 11, 2024 when Judge Loretta A. Preska, to whom the case was reassigned, ordered Tagliaferro released, time served: ORDER REGARDING MOTION FOR SENTENCE REDUCTION PURSUANT TO 18 USC 3582(c)(2) re as to Salvatore Tagliaferro. It is ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and the defendant's previously imposed sentence of imprisonment of 60 months is reduced to Time Served (Signed by Judge Loretta A. Preska on 12/11/24)"
This case is US v. Tagliaferro, et al., 19-cr-472 (Crotty)
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