Reputed Springfield mob figure admits to loansharking

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --A reputed mob figure who witnessed the assassination of Mafia kingpin Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno pleaded guilty in a high-profile federal loansharking case, admitting he helped shake down a pizza shop owner.

The plea deal for former city employee and restaurant owner Frank Depergola, 48, was finalized Thursday in U.S. District Court in Springfield, averting a trial. Prosecutors said Depergola pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of extortionate debt collecting.

Depergola and co-defendant Armando L. Botta, 31, also of Springfield, were indicted last year for extorting loan repayments from Westfield pizza shop owner Leone Daniele between 1996 and 2003. Daniele, who prosecutors said eventually decided to become a federal witness, taped discussions about illegal gambling with several mobsters, including Depergola and Botta and Bruno.

Daniele has been relocated by the federal government. However he was prepared to testify at Depergola's trial, prosecutors said.

Depergola, owner of the now-defunct Angelo's restaurant in Springfield's South End, could receive between 2 and 2 1/2 years in prison at his sentencing in October, according to Judge Michael A. Ponsor.

FBI agents have said Depergola worked for the New York City-based Genovese crime family, which had been locally operated by Bruno until his slaying in November 2003.

Bruno, 58, was fatally shot as he was getting into a car in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society after his weekly card game.

Depergola was with Bruno when he was shot, authorities have said.

Police have charged Frankie Roche with Bruno's murder. Roche has pleaded innocent to the charge.