Mobster Indicted Over Illegal Gambling

May 29, 2009 - Written by Glen

Chicago has been the home of organized crime since prohibition created a thriving environment for illegal activity. It still continues today, and an arrest was recently made involving Mike Sarno, a member of the Chicago Outfit, who has already served a stretch as a convict. He was indicted along with Mark Polchan, a member of a motorcycle gang, and two police officers who had allegedly aided the two. Charges include operating an illegal gambling ring as well as jewelery heists.

A store front was recently raided, in which an illegal gambling operation was found, as well as a large number of stolen goods awaiting to be fenced. Mike Sarno is alleged to be the ringleader of the gambling operation. It has been said that Sarno was involved in bombing of a legal gambling venue years ago, to diminish the competition. While he was not directly involved, Sarno was allegedly the one who gave the order.

Two Cicero police offers were also taken into custody over these charges. Pending further investigation, the officers may lose their jobs and face a federal grand jury. Dino Vitalo, an eighteen year veteran of the police force, is currently on suspension. "He was sent home on administrative pay leave. That's where he is now. He is off the streets. Town president... indicated that if these charges prove to be true they are sickening and there is no room for such officers in the Cicero Police Department," said Elio Montenegro, a Cicero spokesperson.