A reputed Mafia associate pleaded not guilty Tuesday to federal charges that he was part of a scheme to deceive gaming mogul Steve Wynn and state regulators by hiding his financial stake in the Everett property where Wynn plans to build a resort casino.
Charles A. Lightbody, 54, of Revere, entered his plea in US District Court in Boston and was released on $50,000 bond, according to court records.
“He looks forward to presenting a very vigorous defense and demonstrating that he committed no wrongdoing,” said his lawyer, Timothy R. Flaherty. While the case is pending, Lightbody, whom prosecutors have described as a known associate of the New England Family of La Cosa Nostra, cannot leave Massachusetts.He must abide by a 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, have no contact with potential witnesses, and submit to electronic monitoring, according to court records and the office of US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.More coverage
Since December 2012, Wynn has paid FBT Everett Realty, the partnership that owns the land, $100,000 a month to preserve his option to buy the property.
Wynn recently won the sole Eastern Massachusetts casino license and now plans to purchase the land for $35 million.
Lightbody, a convicted felon, and two codefendants allegedly covered up Lightbody’s stake in the property, fearing that if his presence were known, it would jeopardize Wynn’s chances of getting the license.
The state’s gambling law bars criminals from profiting from a gambling facility.
Lightbody contends through his lawyer that he sold his interest in FBT before the partnership reached its option agreement with Wynn, which was finalized on Dec. 19, 2012, according to court records.
Prosecutors say that Dustin J. DeNunzio, a codefendant, backdated records in July 2013 to falsely show that Lightbody agreed to transfer his stake to the third defendant, Anthony Gattineri, in August 2012, in exchange for a $1.7 million promissory note.
The Globe initially reported on Lightbody’s ties to the property last November.
DeNunzio, 37, of Cambridge, and Gattineri, 56, of Winchester, have also pleaded not guilty to federal charges and are free on bond.
All three men face related charges in state court. Arraignment dates have not been set.
Andrea Estes and Milton J. Valencia of the Globe staff contributed to this report.| < Prev | Next > |
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