Mob enforcer Mario Rainone faces at least 15 years behind bars after a federal jury Wednesday found him guilty on a gun charge, the Sun-Times is reporting.
The 60-year-old faces a potential life term for what otherwise might have been a relatively minor gun conviction because of his lengthy rap sheet, which earned him Armed Career Criminal status.
Jurors took just two hours to reject Rainone's claims that the stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver police found in a nightstand in his Addison home back in February 2009 wasn't his.
Rainone — who served 15 years for a 1991 extortion conviction; allegedly threatened to decapitate a restaurateur's children; and spent time in the federal witness protection program — showed no emotion as Judge Harry Leinenweber announced the verdict Wednesday afternoon.
His attorney, Joe "The Shark" Lopez, unsuccessfully tried to convince jurors that the gun might have been placed in the bedroom by someone else.
Following the verdict, he added that the "feds have a 98 percent conviction rate because federal rules guarantee it."
Rainone is due to be sentenced June 5. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:28:58 GMT
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Members of the Board of Education will likely vote Wednesday to shut down dozens of schools, but sources tell FOX 32 News that at least a few on a list of 54 proposed closings will likely be spared.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:20:15 GMT
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 01:42:36 GMT
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
In Englewood, Altgeld Elementary is shutting down, but staying open. Wentworth Elementary is moving there and taking over, making everyone unhappy about something.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:08:47 GMT
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Jenn Gibbons embarked on a two month trip around the perimeter of Lake Michigan to raise money for the non-profit organization she founded for breast cancer survivors called Recovery on Water, or ROW.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:42:17 GMT
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
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