Brooklyn, NY – A soldier within the notorious Luchese organized crime family, along with four associates, have entered guilty pleas in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, admitting to their involvement in a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that included racketeering, money laundering, and operating an illegal gambling business.
The pleas were accepted in proceedings held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto, marking a significant development in the government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime operations in the region.
Details of the Guilty Pleas
The central figure in the case, Luchese soldier Anthony Villani, pleaded guilty on January 31, 2025, to charges encompassing racketeering, money laundering, and illegal gambling. As part of his plea agreement, Villani consented to forfeit $4 million in illicit gains.
Four of Villani’s associates also previously entered guilty pleas in connection with the illegal gambling operation. Michael Praino pleaded guilty to illegal sports gambling on January 10, 2025. James Coumoutsos admitted guilt to illegal sports betting on January 21, 2025, the same day Dennis Filizzola pleaded guilty to both illegal sports betting and money laundering. Louis Tucci, Jr., pleaded guilty to illegal sports betting on January 27, 2025.
Collectively, these four co-defendants have agreed to forfeit an additional approximately $1 million, bringing the total forfeiture amount in the case to approximately $5 million.
The “Rhino Sports” Operation
According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, the defendants were involved in operating a large-scale, illegal online gambling business known as “Rhino Sports”. This operation had been active since the early 2000s, primarily focusing on the New York metropolitan area.
The illegal enterprise generated millions of dollars in illicit profits annually through its extensive network of illegal sports betting activities.
Potential Sentences and Outstanding Defendant
The guilty pleas expose the defendants to substantial prison sentences, depending on the specific charges to which they admitted guilt.
James Coumoutsos and Michael Praino each face maximum potential sentences of up to five years in prison for their roles in illegal sports betting.
Dennis Filizzola faces a potential sentence of up to five years for illegal sports betting, in addition to a maximum of up to 20 years for the money laundering conviction.
Anthony Villani, having pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering, and illegal gambling, faces the most severe potential penalty, with a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.
A sixth defendant connected to the case remains at large, according to law enforcement officials.
Prosecution Details
The case is being handled by the Organized Crime and Gangs Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorney Antoinette N. Rangel is in charge of the prosecution.
Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian is handling forfeiture matters related to the case, overseeing the recovery of the approximately $5 million in assets agreed upon by the defendants.
The guilty pleas underscore the persistent efforts by federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime and disrupt their illicit financial operations that undermine legitimate economic activities.
