By Howard Koplowitz
“This is something that came out in court,” said the spokesman, Robert Nardoza.He declined to go into further detail about the plea deals, which were offered to all but two defendants Ð reputed Gambino hitman Charles Carneglia, charged with four murders, including three committed in Queens, and alleged Gambino captain Nicholas “Little Nick” Corozzo, charged with two murders.Corozzo, who was also indicted on state charges by Queens DA Richard Brown for allegedly running a gambling ring in the borough, was said to be a fugitive who has yet to be captured by authorities.”We don't comment on pre-negotiations or plea offers,” Nardoza said.Scott Leemon, the attorney for Vincent Gotti, who is charged with murder conspiracy and attempted murder and is the younger brother of former Gambino boss and Howard Beach resident John Gotti, could not be reached for comment.Other attorneys representing some of the 60 defendants said they believed the plea deals were offered by the government to make the sweeping case less cumbersome, according to Newsday.The 82-count indictment naming 62 people, including 50 alleged members of the Gambino crime family, came out of a joint investigation by the U.S. attorney's office and authorities in Sicily.Among those named in the indictment were reputed Gambino acting boss Jackie “Jackie Nose” D'Amico, alleged acting underboss Domenico Cefalu and reputed consigliere Joseph “JoJo” Corozzo.Joseph Corozzo, Jr., an attorney representing his own father in the case, told Newsday that he “threw [the plea deal] in the garbage” because he disputed the government's indictment that his father was dealing drugs.”If they want to drop the drug charges, then I will talk to them,” he said.Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
