Reputed mob boss appeals Florida fraud sentence

ATLANTA – A reputed South Florida captain of the Gambino crime family is asking a federal appeals court to overturn his nine-year prison sentence for real estate fraud.

Vincent Artuso's attorneys asked the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday to reverse his conviction because prosecutors lacked enough evidence to convict him of fraud and racketeering charges involving a scam that cost ADT Security Services Inc. at least $11 million.

Federal prosecutors counter that video recordings, court testimony and audiotapes contained more than enough evidence to prove Artuso was involved in the scheme.

Prosecutors said Artuso was a "made member" of the Gambino family and directed a Palm Beach-based Mafia crew. They asserted he was present in 1985 when former Gambino boss Paul Castellano was slain, allegedly on rival John Gotti's orders.