Extortion case gets judge's OK to proceed
An Essex Superior Court judge has declined to throw out extortion and other charges against the alleged head of the Boston mob.
On Wednesday, Judge David Lowy rejected Carmen DiNunzio's argument that prosecutors presented insufficient evidence to the grand jury for an extortion charge. The judge also rejected the contention that prosecutors presented "improper and prejudicial" testimony to the panel.
Lowy wrote in a 14-page decision that "the defendant's argument that the grand jury proceedings were impaired is without merit."
In addition to the extortion charge, DiNunzio, 50, of East Boston, faces charges of organizing and promoting an illegal gambling operation, and conspiracy to violate the gaming laws.
Prosecutors were pleased with the decision, said Stephen O'Connell, a spokesman for the Essex district attorney. DiNunzio's lawyer, Anthony Cardinale, declined to comment, saying he had not reviewed the judge's decision.
DiNunzio was arrested late last year outside a social club in the North End. If convicted, DiNunzio faces up to 15 years in state prison.
Prosecutors said they have been investigating mob-related extortion of bookmakers since 2001.
DiNunzio, the owner of Fresh Cheese in the North End, was dubbed "The Big Cheese" by police and the media, but after a court hearing last month he said, "Nobody calls me that. . . . They call me the Cheese Man because I sell all kinds of cheese." 