Five members of an organized crime syndicate, including three from Westchester County, have pleaded guilty to federal charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn.
The members operated under the auspices of the Luchese crime family, managing an illegal gambling operation known as "Rhino Sports" across Westchester and the Bronx since the early 2000s, which generated millions in illicit profits annually.
- Anthony Villani, 60, from Elmsford, a captain within the Luchese family, admitted to charges of racketeering, money laundering and illegal gambling.
- Luis Tucci, 61, from Tuckahoe, pleaded guilty to illegal sports betting.
- Dennis Filizzola, 61, from Cortlandt Manor, confessed to illegal sports betting and money laundering.
The other two guilty pleas were not detailed in the release.
A sentencing date has not yet been set, and one additional defendant associated with this case remains at large.