RUBEO GETS HAMMERED IN COURT

I like many others was waiting for the cross examination of mob rat John Rubeo, and today offered that and then some. Today's testimony in the USA. vs. PARELLO trial(Merlino) John "JR" RUBEO was cross examined by Merlino's attorney Edwin Jacbobs.

Prior to the cross the Government finished up asking Rubeo about a few things.  Read close because this is going to be really important.  Under oath, Rubeo admitted to the following:


1. He admitted that he made $509,000 dollars from the FBI while an informant.
2. He admitted to assaulting someone who owed him money.(Against his agreement)
3. He admitted to lying consistently to the FBI, his handlers, and the Prosecution(AHA)
4. He admitted to beating his wife(against his agreement)
5/ He admitted to having an affair(against his agreement)
6/ He admitted to black mailing the FBI because he felt he wasn't get paid enough
7. He admitted that he totally wiped or "factory reset," his phone to hide evidence(AHA)
8. He admitted that he continuously committed crimes while under the watch of the FBI(AHA)
9. He admitted to selling drugs which he said was "against mob rules."
10. He admitted to breaking into a doctors home, stealing $30K in money orders(AHA)
11. He acknowledged that Joey Merlino "never committed a threat or act of violence.
12. He admitted that he broke the law, which is why he was remanded into custody(AHA)

*Keep in mind all these things took place while he was under the FBI's watch, and under his agreement which means he VIOLATED all the terms of his agreement.


Those points above are huge.  Not just huge because they prove what a garbage pail Rubeo is, but also show the court that he's at best, untruthful.   If he's going to lie about one thing, why not them all?  The majority of the facts today covered the Costa Rican Offshore Gambling(CRIS) business which Rubeo worked directly for and alleged Merlino was aware of and a part of.  For the record Rubeo became an informant in 2012.  He's been taping Merlino, Parello and anyone else for years.  The testimony today was concerning "CRIS."

CRIS is the Costa Rican offshore bookmaking business mentioned above.  Ruebo was collecting money owed to "CRIS", for the measly sum of $700.00 per week.  He admitted under oath that while he was supposed to kick up to Genovese Captain Patsy Parello, he refused.  He simply "lied," to Patsy about it.  Rubeo worked for Mickey, who was the owner of "CRIS."  He would collect sums ranging from $40,000 to $300,000 and more.  At one point Mickey sent a messenger to JFK with a suitcase of $300,000 which was meant to cover winnings via "CRIS."  Rubeo would end up collecting close to $400,000 after paying out the winners.  The problem is, the money went missing.   What compounded the issue is that "CRIS" believed that Rubeo had in fact stolen the money.  The reality is, he probably did.  Rubeo tried to place the blame on someone he knew for 30 plus years who was also involved in the bookmaking scheme.

To make matters worse, Parello was notified of the issue with the money.  Rubeo stated in court this morning he was an associate of the Genovese crime family and the Philadelphia mafia which was met with scoffs and sighs.  He said he was to directly report to Patsy Parello, but as long as Patsy was getting a taste of his money all was good.  "CRIS" was upset and sent feelers out to the Bonanno crime family down in Florida.  It created an atmosphere of anger and suspicion around Rubeo.

At some point Rubeo was fearing for his life, as he admitted today he felt he would be killed for the accusation of stealing $300,000. He reached out to Joey Merlino on the phone for help.  Patsy's stance was just pay them a bit here and there.  It didn't make Rubeo feel safe, which is how Joey Merlino enters the equation.

Rubeo called Merlino begging for help.  He and Joey had known each other for about three years prior and had some minor dealings together, however thus far it seems like a stretch as to how close they really were.  Merlino offered to help his friend get out of trouble.  Merlino called people and tried to get the bookmakers and "CRIS" to back off.  If not, Rubeo likely would have been killed. According to Rubeo, Merlino made calls and there was sit down over the issue, and Joey then told him that "it was handled."  The problem with that testimony which was torn apart was that Rubeo when questioned couldn't recollect what the content of the tapes were.  "Uhh, maybe, I don't recall. Perhaps,"   Merlino's attorney questioned Rubeo, saying "Joey was your friend. He came to your defense.  He helped you get out of a serious problem didn't he?"   Rubeo responded "yes."  Jacobs continued, "He didn't threaten anyone.  He didn't use violence.  He simply placed a call right?"  Rubeo frustrated replied "yes."

Jacobs would then question Rubeo as to why on these recorded calls if Joey was deeply rooted into the bookmaking business why every time he asked Joey about the situation Joey would tell him "look, offer to pay them something, or tell them your broke.  Pay something."   Joey at not time from the transcripts was tough or hard on Rubeo.  He just wanted the issue resolved and didn't want to be a part of a problem Rubeo brought on himself.

One of the other interesting tidbits was how Rubeo explained how he was "made," then just an "associate."  In some calls he claimed he was an associate, and yet told others in circles he was a made member of the Genovese's.  What got lost in translation a bit, is the disdain Rubeo has for Merlino.  Let's be honest here, Merlino protected Rubeo, got him out of a jam.  How does Rubeo repay him?  He rats.

At one point Jacbobs asked Rubeo to clarify what a rat is, what a rat does.  Without missing a beat Rubeo described himself to a tee.  "We tell on other people to get out of trouble.  To lessen our charges,"  Jacobs continued to jab a bit.  "So you're saying Merlino, never once used violence or made a threat right? You were the one surrounded by gangsters is that your testimony?  Rubeo furrowed his brow and said "Him, he's the gangster. "  Jacobs sighed and Rubeo clamored "Joey Merlino is the gangster."

One thing is really clear.  The government won't be able to stick charges of gambling and bookmaking on Joey.  It was obvious just from the transcripts and testimony that Joey didn't take profits from the gambling enterprise.  Transcripts proved that Joey Merlino had no idea what "CHRIS" was, and even Rubeo admitted that Merlino had no clue what it was until he explained it to him and begged for Joey to save his life.

 I have seen a lot of trials, but never one where the evidence just doesn't match what someone is accused of.  Granted their are many charges here, but there is no way the gambling/bookmaking charge sticks.  Joey if nothing else did the guy a favor in keeping him alive.  What proves that is direct testimony that a GPS unit was put on Rubeo's car by mob guys allegedly to track him.  It was universally accepted among all that either the mob or benefactors from "CHRIS" were going to kill him.  Displays of text messages sent to Rubeo also proved he was a dead man walking and in legitimate danger.

While the insurance fraud wasn't discussed much, one thing is worth noting.  If Merlino and company were getting kickbacks from this sort of thing, why wasn't the doctor who was prescribing the cream indicted to? There is a lot more to come with this trial for certain....

In final, my take is this.  Rubeo is a scumbag.  Not only was he the lowest on the totem pole, but this is a guy who directly said he was taking drugs and hallucinating while locked up.  He said he was much better after given Xanax, but he was also coming off an apparent addiction to drugs.  I found it very hard to believe his testimony, and I found it impossible to find any complicity on Merlino's behalf at least in the gambling portion of the indictment.  One thing I noticed was his venom for Merlino.  He seemed to have it out for him, and one has to ask why.  Joey did everything to help the guy and the guy just turned around and ratted everyone out to save his own ass from a jail cell.  If anything, Rubeo came off as someone admitting his wrongs, which could help the governments case, but then again when you go back up to the top and see the 12 things I put in, I don't see how he's likable or someone who can be trusted in telling the truth.  Once a liar always a liar.   As this moves forward it will be interesting to see how much further agitation Rubeo shows.  He was a tad cocky and arrogant for a shit heel wearing a blue prisoner jumpsuit. So far for Merlino though?  He's winning.