LUCHESE FAMILY ACTING CAPO AND SEVEN OTHERS ARRESTED

MICHAEL J. GARCIA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and MARK J. MERSHON, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced today the arrests of eight individuals on gambling and narcotics charges. According to four Complaints filed in Manhattan federal court: ANTHONY CROCE, an Acting Captain in the Luchese Organized Crime Family, MICHAEL PRELLI, GARY MEDURE, GEORGE MILLER, MARIO SANTUCCI, and MICHAEL BARBIERI were involved in a conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, in violation of federal law, from August 2008 through November 2008. If convicted, CROCE, MICHAEL PRELLI, MEDURE, SANTUCCI, and BARBIERI face maximum sentences of five years' imprisonment.

In separate Complaints, JOSEPH PRELLI, ANTHONY PENA, and JAMES DEPASQUALE are charged with being involved in a conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. If convicted, JOSEPH PRELLI, PENA, and DEPASQUALE face mandatory minimum sentences of five years' imprisonment and maximum sentences of 40 years' imprisonment.

CROCE, MICHAEL PRELLI, MEDURE, SANTUCCI, BARBIERI, JOSEPH PRELLI, PENA, and DEPASQUALE were arrested this morning by FBI agents. GEORGE MILLER remains at large. Mr. GARCIA praised the work of the FBI in this investigation. This case is being prosecuted by the Office's Organized Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys JOHN T. ZACH and STEVE C. LEE are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 08-302 ###