Update: Prosecutor says D'Elia sentence could be reduced if he helps in DeNaples case

SCRANTON - Reputed mafia boss William D'Elia was sentenced Monday to nine years in prison, but he could reduce that sentence even further if he provides "substantial" assistance in the prosecution of Mount Airy Casino owner Louis DeNaples, a federal prosecutor said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod said the government has agreed to file a motion seeking the additional reduction, dependent upon how helpful D'Elia is in aiding Dauphin County prosecutors in the pending perjury cases against DeNaples and his longtime spiritual adviser, Rev. Joseph Sica.

DeNaples and Sica are awaiting trial on charges they lied to state gaming investigators regarding each man’s alleged ties to organized crime.

D’Elia pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit money laundering and attempted witness tampering.

 Authorities said he helped a drug dealer launder money to make it appear as though it was legitimately earned. He was out on bail on that case when authorities said he attempted to have a witness in that case killed.

D'Elia's sentence, imposed by Judge Thomas I. Vanaskie, is already the low end of the sentencing guidelines, which called for D'Delia to serve anywhere from 12 to 15 years in prison.

D'Elia's attorney, James Swetz, had asked Vanaskie to go outside the guidelines, which are advisory, and sentence D'Elia to seven years in prison.

Speaking on his own behalf, D’Elia apologized for his crimes and the harm it has caused his family. His wife, Ellen, and two daughters also spoke on his behalf, describing him as a devoted father and grandfather. Vanaskie said has no doubt they were genuine in their comments, but he had to weigh their feelings against the seriousness of the crimes.

Vanaskie said he was particularly troubled by the fact D’Elia committed new crimes, including money laundering and the attempted “hit” on a witness, while he was on bail.

“I have a defendant in this case who, after placed on pre-trial release, continued to commit crimes,” Vanaskie said. “You can’t be laundering money while you are on pre-trial release. That’s a very serious matter.” For the complete story read Tuesday's Times Leader

Posted 11:20 a.m.SCRANTON - Reputed mobster William D’Elia was sentenced this morning to nine years in federal prison on charges of witness tampering and conspiracy to commit money laundering