Guilty plea for mob 'CFO'

THE SELF-DESCRIBED "CFO" of the Philadelphia mob has pleaded guilty to racketeering and illegal gambling rather than face a retrial.

Anthony "Ant" Staino had been convicted of two loan-sharking counts at a sweeping mob trial this year. But the jury acquitted him or deadlocked on most counts.

The jury also deadlocked on the central racketeering charge against reputed mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi and his nephew, George Borgesi, who will be retried.

Staino, 55, of Swedesboro, N.J., entered his plea late Thursday.

Prosecutors say the racketeering plea covers witness intimidation and other violent mob activities.

But defense lawyer Gregory Pagano insists his client did not use any violent means.