News Summary
An 82-year-old former mobster, Ralph DeLeo, is facing federal detention after allegations surfaced regarding his plot to assassinate federal officials linked to his prior conviction. A federal judge highlighted concerning evidence including illegal possession of burglary kits and planned attacks against specific individuals. DeLeo’s long history of crime raises serious public safety concerns, prompting ongoing investigations and legal proceedings related to his supervised release from a previous 16-year sentence for racketeering.
Boston — An 82-year-old former mobster, Ralph DeLeo, has been ordered to remain in detention by a federal court judge following serious allegations of plotting to kill federal officials connected to his earlier criminal conviction. District Judge Stacy Neumann stated that there is probable cause to believe DeLeo violated the conditions of his supervised release, which has raised considerable concern over his potential threat to public safety.
Federal prosecutors have presented disturbing evidence suggesting that DeLeo was in the process of planning the assassinations of several federal officials who played a role in his earlier conviction. This alarming development came to light during a hearing regarding the revocation of his supervised release, prompted by an investigation that began in May after law enforcement received a tip-off about the alleged plotting.
Ralph DeLeo was previously convicted of racketeering and received a sentence of 16 years in prison but had been released in May 2024 under strict supervision. The motion to revoke his supervised release includes several serious allegations against him, including lying to federal agents, communicating with known felons, and possessing illegal drugs. These violations paint a troubling picture of his behavior since his release.
Authorities conducted a search of DeLeo’s residence, uncovering burglary kits, marijuana, and paraphernalia related to his alleged plans. Significant items found included a note that referenced silicone masks and printed documents containing sensitive information about a federal prosecutor, a judge, and a retired law enforcement agent. Investigators also discovered that DeLeo had performed online searches to gather personal information concerning these federal officials.
Judge Neumann expressed particular concern regarding DeLeo’s alleged threat to the safety of specific individuals, citing the nature of the evidence as a valid basis for his continued detention. Although DeLeo’s attorney attempted to challenge the credibility of the informant who initiated the investigation, the judge dismissed these assertions, labeling the allegations serious and holding weight given DeLeo’s historical behavior.
Background on Ralph DeLeo
Ralph DeLeo has a notorious criminal history that traces back to the 1970s, including convictions for armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, murder, and numerous counts of violent crime. Historically, he served as a street boss within the Boston mafia, illustrating his long-standing ties to organized crime. Notably, DeLeo has attempted to escape custody several times, previously successfully eluding law enforcement while committing additional crimes during his time as a fugitive.
The incidents leading to this latest legal action are intricately tied to DeLeo’s tumultuous past. His behavior has raised alarm bells over the potential for further criminal activity, suggesting a deeply ingrained pattern of violence and criminal intent. Even though DeLeo’s attorney argued that health complications might render him harmless, the judge ruled that there was no evidence to support the notion that his condition would diminish his capacity for harmful actions.
Current Legal Standing
The next steps in DeLeo’s case hinge on the upcoming hearings which will address the motion to revoke his supervised release. As the situation develops, concerns regarding public safety continue to elevate, underscoring the complexities of managing individuals with a long history of violent criminal behavior. Federal prosecutors are likely to pursue further measures to ensure that DeLeo cannot pose a risk to the federal officials in question.
As the judicial process unfolds, the implications of Ralph DeLeo’s actions serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in effectively monitoring individuals with ties to organized crime and violent histories.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Mobster Ralph DeLeo Ordered Held Behind Bars in Murder Plot Case
- MassLive: Former Boston Mafia Street Boss Accused of Plotting to Kill Federal Officials
- Boston Globe: Mafia Street Boss Ralph DeLeo Murder Plot
- Wikipedia: Ralph DeLeo
- Google Search: Ralph DeLeo
