FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2008
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/MA
CONTACT: CHRISTINA DiIORIO-STERLING
PHONE: (617) 748-3356
CHIRSTINA.STERLING@USDOJ.GOV
ALLEGED UNDERBOSS OF THE NEW ENGLAND FAMILY OF LA COSA NOSTRA
AND TWO OTHERS NAMED IN FEDERAL BRIBERY SCHEME
Boston, MA... United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan; Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New England Field Division; Tyrone G. Barney, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office, and Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis, announced today that CARMEN S. DINUNZIO, age 50, ANTHONY F. D’AMORE, age 55, and ANDREW MARINO, age 42, have been indicted on a federal charge of conspiracy to bribe a state official in connection with a proposed sale of materials to a project related to the Central Artery Tunnel Project, otherwise known as the “Big Dig”. The indictment was the result of an undercover investigation and does not allege any wrongdoing on the part of any public officials.
The indictment, and a detention affidavit filed with the Court, allege that DINUNZIO is the underboss of the New England Family of La Cosa Nostra (“LCN”). It is alleged that, in 2006, DINUNZIO, D’AMORE, and MARINO conspired to bribe a state official to obtain a lucrative contract to provide 300,000 cubic yards of “loam” (i.e., soil composed of sand, silt, manure, and clay) to the Massachusetts Highway Department for use on the Big Dig. It is alleged that, in connection with the bribery scheme, DINUNZIO and D’AMORE paid $10,000 to a person who they believed was a Massachusetts Highway Department inspector capable of ensuring that they obtain the lucrative loam contract but who was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement official.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stated, “This investigation should act as a reminder to anyone bidding on publicly funded projects, including the Central Artery Tunnel Project, that we will vigorously pursue anyone who seeks to bribe a public official. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that bidding processes are fair and above board, and that the most qualified and cost-effective bidders are properly considered for these projects.”
Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New England Field Division said, “Organized criminals reach into many sectors of society. They are opportunistic in nature and seek to corrupt for the purpose of obtaining power, influence, and monetary gains. Coordinated law enforcement efforts enhance the ability to disrupt and dismantle infrastructure and leadership in these organizations. The FBI will continue its vigorous efforts to dismantle the LCN in New England.”
Tyrone G. Barney, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation stated that, “The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in public corruption cases is to identify, investigate and prosecute not only public officials who may be corrupt but to pursue those who choose to bribe public officials. Those who engage in illegal activities through violations of either tax or money laundering statutes can expect our complete and full attention. IRS-CI welcomes the opportunity to pursue these important investigations with our law enforcement partners.”
If convicted, each of the defendants are facing a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
The indictment resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Boston Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Levitt and Natashia M. Tidwell of Sullivan’s Organized Crime Unit.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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