Accused Philly Mob Leader's Lawyer Gives Closing Arguments
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A mob lawyer giving closing arguments says informants have been "playing the FBI" as the government pursues a mob racketeering case in Philadelphia.
Defense lawyer Edwin Jacobs is making closing arguments in the trial of reputed La Cosa Nostra boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and six others.
Jacobs says many government witnesses were involved in the same loansharking and sports betting alleged in the case.
He says it's clear they want to avoid prison and have axes to grind against the defendants.
Jacobs argues that one mob turncoat even made fun of the defendants' women.
There are no murders or shootings alleged in the case, although prosecutors say the Ligambi group threatened violence to maintain control.
The anonymous jury is expected to begin deliberations Tuesday after a three-month trial.
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