Justice Dept. drops charges against reputed Phila. mob boss

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Justice Department has decided not to take a reputed Philadelphia mob boss back to court after he beat two racketeering trials. Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi, 74, left the city’s federal courthouse a free man Tuesday morning, flanked by his brother and nephew.

Two juries have deadlocked on the central racketeering charge while acquitting Ligambi of six lesser courts. A judge on Tuesday dismissed the remaining counts.

In light of the two failed attempts, the Justice Department has dropped its criminal case against Ligambi.

While past Philadelphia mob trials have focused on deadly feuds, this case involved accusations of gambling and loansharking.

Ligambi has been in prison since 2011. His alleged underboss, enforcer and others were convicted last year.

He said he plans to go home and “relax” Tuesday night.