Alleged mobsters indicted in $15M marijuana ring

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Stephen Gallo, 64, was the primary distributor and seller in New York and used another defendant’s plumbing business to store and process the product, authorities said.

The rotund defendant – who required two sets of cuffs behind his back to handle his girth – was arraigned in Manhattan Supreme Court and pleaded not guilty to a slew of charges including criminal sale, tax fraud for not reporting the illicit income, promoting gambling and conspiracy.

Gallo allegedly sold and delivered large quantities of marijuana to 10 codefendants and flooded the streets with drugs.

Foley said that the investigation began with wiretaps of Gallo’s phone and a bug of his car after he sold marijuana and oxycodone to undercovers on separate occasions.

Frank Parisi, 60, who works for Parisi Bakery, which has been in his family for four generations, was an alleged distributor.

Parisi also appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors said that 20 pounds of marijuana were seized during a search of his apartment above the historic bakery on Elizabeth Street.

Gallo and Parisi were also charged for participating in an online gambling scheme that netted $1 million, according to court papers.

Michael “Mickey Boy” Paradiso, 76, an alleged capo in the Gambino crime family with a long rap sheet, was dragged into court on a conspiracy rap.

“You’re going to break my arms with these cuffs,” said the reputed mobster, smiling, as he was led to the defense table.

He was allegedly caught on wiretap complaining about another co-defendant owing him cash related to marijuana sales, Foley said.

Another alleged distributor in the operation, William Oliva, 55, was busted with a handgun and air pistol, officials said.

“Whether the alleged offer was marijuana, pills, or a return on bets placed through an unlawful gambling operation, the defendants developed a comprehensive system of monetizing illicit activities and trade,” said DA Cy Vance Jr. in a statement.
“Profiting on unlawful conduct will not be tolerated in New York.”