January 22, 2022 — Philadelphia mafia associate Daniel (Cozzy) Castelli pleaded guilty to drug and racketeering charges in federal court this week as part of the same case that brought down leaders of the Bruno-Scarfo crime family. The 68-year old Castelli has agreed to do five years in prison by copping the plea deal. His son-in-law is reputed Philly mob bookie Raymond (Ray Wags) Wagner, considered by the FBI a confidant and sometimes driver for Philly mafia don Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino, who avoided indictment in the case.
Castelli worked closely with key Merlino lieutenants in the conspiracy, including his underboss Steven (Handsome Stevie) Mazzone and rising-star capo Domenic (Baby Dom) Grande, to take back the Atlantic City rackets on behalf of the crime family. Mazzone and Grande have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. Grande is scheduled to go to trial in April.
*FOXPHILLY29 and Mob Talk Sitdown’s Dave Schratwieser broke this story Thursday.