Former mob boss Salemme could be home by Christmas

By Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff

After more than three years in jail awaiting trial on federal charges of lying and obstruction of justice, former New England Mafia boss Francis "Cadillac Frank" Salemme is poised to plead guilty under a deal that could make him a free man by the end of the year.

"I think there comes a time when it makes sense to move on," Steven C. Boozang, one of Salemme's three lawyers, said today after details of the plea deal emerged during a hearing in US District Court in Boston. "We're hoping to have him home by Christmas."

Salemme, 74, has agreed to plead guilty to a two-count indictment that charges him with making false statements and obstruction of justice after he began cooperating with investigators in 1999 in a probe into the FBI's corrupt handling of longtime informants James "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi.

However, Salemme will not admit to allegations in the indictment that he watched his son, Frank, strangle South Boston nightclub owner Steven DiSarro in 1993, then helped him dispose of the body. The younger Salemme died two years later of lymphoma. DiSarro's remains have never been found.

"He 100 percent denies any involvement in DiSarro's disappearance and presumed murder," Boozang said. He added that Salemme has yet to sign the agreement, but he is expected to do so within the next couple of days.

Assistant US Attorney Fred Wyshak said the government was confident it could have proved all of the allegations against Salemme if the case had gone to trial.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, Salemme faces a sentence ranging from 51 months to 63 months. Prosecutors said they would recommend a five-year prison term. With credit for the time he's served, plus earned good time, Salemme could be released between December and next February.

US District Judge Richard G. Stearns, who is presiding over the case, set an April 14 sentencing date for Salemme.

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