Feds indict 46 in mob sweep, including reputed Philly boss

NEW YORK (AP) — Declaring that the Mafia is not just the stuff of movie scripts, federal prosecutors have charged nearly four dozen people with being part of an East Coast crime syndicate, including an old-school mobster in New York and a reputed mob chieftain in Philadelphia who has been pursued by the government for decades.

The indictment, unsealed Thursday in New York City, accuses the defendants of a litany of classic mafia crimes, including extortion, loansharking, casino-style gambling, sports gambling, credit card fraud and health care fraud.

Among those charged was Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, the flamboyant alleged head of the Philadelphia mob who has repeatedly beat murder charges in past cases, but served nearly 12 years in prison for racketeering.

[...] named in the indictment was Pasquale "Patsy" Parrello, identified as a longtime member of the Genovese organized crime family and the owner of an Italian restaurant in New York City.

Investigators said the conspirators got corrupt doctors to bill insurers for unnecessary and excessive prescriptions for expensive compound creams in exchange for kickbacks.