Geriatric mob bomber, 87, gets 35 years in prison
Sam Volpendesto, a geriatric bomber for the Chicago Outfit, was sentenced to 35 years in prison Wednesday for bombing a Berwyn business in competition with the mob as well as taking part in a Outfit-connected robbery crew.
Volpendesto, 87, who was brought into a court in a wheelchair, won a Bronze Star for his heroism in World War II, but prosecutors said he came to lead a life of crime when he returned home.
Volpendesto asked the court for mercy but essentially received a death sentence.
“I’m going to die anyways,” Volpendesto said in a raspy voice. “I’d like to go out with a little honor.”
He added: “I never made two cents hanging around them scumbags. I think everyone here knows what a scumbag is.”
Volpendesto was caught on tape bragging about the 2003 bombing and griping about how little he was paid for it, according to testimony at his trial.
His attorney, Beau Brindley, said Volpendesto was punished for not cooperating with prosecutors and said his client retained his honor in the end.
But Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu argued that Volpendesto’s noble service to his country abroad did not give him a license to commit crimes at home.
“He has shown no remorse whatsoever,” Bhachu said.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/7125219-418/geriatric-mob-bomber-87-gets-35-years-in-prison.html
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