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Bookie Mum At Mob Trial, Jailed For Contempt

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Jul 2, 2007 6:59 pm US/Central

Bookie Mum At Mob Trial, Jailed For Contempt

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CHICAGO (AP) ― A convicted bookie was jailed Monday after declining to testify at the trial of five reputed Chicago mobsters despite earlier receiving immunity from prosecution for anything he might say.

"I respectfully refuse to testify," Joel Glickman, 71, of Highland Park said repeatedly despite warnings from U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel that continued refusal would land him behind bars.

When Glickman proved stubborn, Zagel made good on his promise.

"I'm going to order Mr. Glickman to be taken into custody forthwith," Zagel said. Husky federal marshals then escorted Glickman to the lockup.

Behind the scenes Monday morning, Zagel had given Glickman immunity from prosecution for anything he might say on the witness stand.

Specifically, Glickman was asked if he had ever paid "street tax" to convicted loan shark Frank Calabrese Sr., one of the five reputed mob bosses and followers now on trial on racketeering conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors have told jurors that mobsters extorted money from adult bookstores, bookies and other shady business operations in a fashion similar to the old-fashioned protection racket and called it "street tax."

They have said bookies and loan sharks go hand in hand in the world of organized crime. Bettors who get too deep in debt to their bookies turn to loan sharks who sometimes charge interest as great as 600 percent a year.

Attorney Loraine Ray, representing Glickman, refused to comment.

Calabrese attorney Joseph Lopez told reporters his client and Glickman have not had a relationship since the 1960s or early 1970s at the latest.

"The man made a decision," Lopez said. "Why he made the decision I don't know. But it's his decision. Maybe we'll find out more tomorrow."

Glickman was convicted of bookmaking in 1976 and sent to prison.

He appeared in court Monday, tanned, relaxed and in an expensive-looking black shirt open at the throat.

There was nothing emotional about his manner as he simply refused to testify.

Before sending him off to spend the night behind bars, Zagel told Glickman: "You can end your confinement simply by notifying authorities that you are willing to testify."

With that, Glickman was led away.

(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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