Mob enforcer Mario Rainone faces at least 15 years behind bars after a federal jury Wednesday found him guilty on a gun charge, the Sun-Times is reporting.
The 60-year-old faces a potential life term for what otherwise might have been a relatively minor gun conviction because of his lengthy rap sheet, which earned him Armed Career Criminal status.
Jurors took just two hours to reject Rainone's claims that the stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver police found in a nightstand in his Addison home back in February 2009 wasn't his.
Rainone — who served 15 years for a 1991 extortion conviction; allegedly threatened to decapitate a restaurateur's children; and spent time in the federal witness protection program — showed no emotion as Judge Harry Leinenweber announced the verdict Wednesday afternoon.
His attorney, Joe "The Shark" Lopez, unsuccessfully tried to convince jurors that the gun might have been placed in the bedroom by someone else.
Following the verdict, he added that the "feds have a 98 percent conviction rate because federal rules guarantee it."
Rainone is due to be sentenced June 5. He faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, May 20 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 16:18:43 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:51:02 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:38:56 GMT
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:20:38 GMT
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-19 22:44:15 GMT
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:20 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:20:58 GMT
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
A man who tried to rob three women with a knife in the River North area Thursday night was apprehended by police who spotted him downtown soon after the crimes.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:59 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:59:20 GMT
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said. The shooting happened about 9 p.m. in the 8600 block of South Ashland Avenue, according to
A 15-year-old boy was killed in a shooting Thursday night in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, authorities said.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:44:24 GMT
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
Police in northwest suburban Park Ridge say a 63-year-old Chicago man conducted a fictitious business that defrauded people in at least four states and they are now looking for additional victims.
