At Chicago Oufit boss Michael “Large Guy” Sarno’s racketeering trial, federal prosecutors alleged that a mob connected gang of jewel thieves who were part of a violent crew bossed by “big guy” Sarno, committed dozens of burglaries and armed robberies from 2001 to 2004, and netted jewels and merchandise valued at nearly $2 million. Writes Andy Grimm, chicago tribune
Porfiro Villallobos had worked at Marry Me Jewelers for 19 years, but the morning of Aug. 25, 2003, marked the first time his boss had asked him to open the store on his own.
Villallobos was to wait for a New York salesman who had stored about $1 million worth of jewelry at the La Grange Park store over the weekend.
Prosecutors allege that a gang of jewel thieves who were part of a violent crew led by reputed mob boss Michael “The Large Guy” Sarno also was waiting for the salesman.
On the witness stand Tuesday at Sarno’s racketeering trial, Villallobos said the salesman, Isaac Genuth, was walking from the store to his car carrying two briefcases loaded with precious stones when a van screeched to a stop in front of the store and a gunman with a nylon stocking over his face leaped out of a side door. Genuth threw one of the cases underneath his car, then struggled with the robber.
“I heard the wheels (of the van), and Isaac start yelling,” Villallobos said.
To read More Click here: Robbery victims testify in trial of reputed mobster Michael Sarno – chicagotribune.com
