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John Drummond / CBS 2
CHICAGO (CBS) ― The government on Thursday afternoon released a partial list of witnesses against the mob. The mafia turncoats and others could help convict a dozen alleged crime syndicate figures.

CBS 2's John Drummond reports on the names of some who were secret until now, over fears they would be harmed.

Some of the defendants, such as Joey "The Clown" Lombardo, could be facing life in prison if the jury finds government witnesses credible.

In the revealing new government document, Lombardo is alleged to have been a ruthless syndicate boss who called the shots, and fired some of them.

An FBI informant says Lombardo was the triggerman in the Grand Avenue slaying of Richard Cain, the one-time chief investigator for the Cook County Sheriff. And sources say Lombardo in 1976 tried to shakedown movie distributors doing business in Chicago.

Twenty-five years ago suburban trucking executive Michael Cagnoni was killed by a remote control bomb. Thursday night the first explanation for his grisly demise was offered. According to the document, Cagnoni was being shaken down for thousands a week. He complained about the extortion and his 1978 Mercedes was blown to smithereens.

Twenty-five years ago suburban trucking executive Michael Cagnoni was killed by a remote control bomb. Thursday night the first explanation for his grisly demise was offered. According to the document, Cagnoni was being shaken down for thousands a week. He complained about the extortion and his 1978 Mercedes was blown to smithereens.

"I remember an undercover conversation we had with an unwitting informant back in 1983 we offered him a little bit he wanted a lot and now he's got nothing," sad Jim Delorto, a former Federal agent.

Cagnonoi was summoned to a meeting at the Hyatt Hotel in Rosemont to meet top outfit boss Joey "The Doves" Aiuppa and Teamsters official Dominic Senese.

"Cagnoni went to all the Hyatt meetings with a briefcase full of money. He complained (he) wanted to stop paying in cash," the document says.

He ended paying with his life instead.

Tom Breen is the lawyer for one of the accused – reputed mob boss James Marcello.

"There are certain government witnesses who will attempt to damage our clients," he said. "Hopefully their credibility will be in question and hopefully the damage will be minimal or perhaps not at all."

Among those expected to testify is one-time mob enforcer James LaValley who was recorded by the FBI working over a hapless gambler.

Another mob turncoat expected to take the stand is Frank Cullotta, a one-time aide to Las Vegas syndicate chief Tony Spilotro.

Red Wemette, a former Old Town adult book store owner, helped the government put away mob terrorist Frank "The German" Schweihs.

Convicted jewel thief Bobby "The Beak" Siegel has turned his black hat for a white one.

The 64-page government document outlines the so-called "Family Secrets" case and the star witnesses.

Some names, however, were not released, their identities blacked out like double agents for fear they could face outfit retribution.

One top attorney for the defense though takes a different view. Joe Lopez described the government's array of witnesses as " a lot of deadbeats."

The document released Thursday provides an inside look at how the outfit operates here in Chicago. It's not pretty but Uncle Sam says it's the real McCoy.

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