Philly mob figure pleads guilty in ‘Delco Nostra’ case

South Philadelphia mob associate Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello pleaded guilty to gambling and obstruction of justice charges in Delaware County Common Pleas Court this morning.

The charges against Monacello grew out of a Pennsylvania State Police investigation dubbed "Operation Delco Nostra."

Monacello, 43, was one of the primary targets of the probe, which centered on mob-linked bookmaking and loan-sharking and culminated with the arrests of 16 defendants in July 2008.

Most of the other defendants have pleaded guilty.

Monacello, described as the point man for jailed mob leader George Borgesi's lucrative Delaware County gambling network, faces from 11.5 to 23 months in prison.

He is scheduled to surrender Jan. 5. The judge recommended immediate eligibility for work release.

Monacello also faces conspiracy and assault charges in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court in a case stemming from the same investigation. That case is expected to go to trial next year.