Chicago, IL - A federal juice loan extortion case, with ties to a larger probe of the Chicago Outfit, ended on Monday, March 25, 2024 when prosecutors announced they were dropping the charges. 

Gene ‘Gino’ Cassano, 55, and Gioacchino ‘Jack’ Galione, 47, were indicted in 2021 on charges of conspiring to collect a debt through extortion. Mr. Galione was also charged with using violence to collect a debt. The case revolves around the assault of Luigi Mucerino on August 1, 2016, inside Mr. Galione's garage in Addison, IL. Prosecutors claim that the assault was motivated by a $10,000 juice loan that Mr. Mucerino obtained from Mr. Cassano but failed to repay.

Cheronis & Parente LLC, the defense attorneys, admitted to the jury that Mr. Galione punched Mr. Mucerino in the face that night, breaking his nose and shattering more than a dozen bones in his face. However, they denied that the assault had anything to do with the collection of the loan, an element that prosecutors needed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The trial ended abruptly on March 9, after three days of testimony. An FBI agent testified that he was assigned to investigate organized crime, a term U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman had explicitly barred, to avoid prejudicing the jury. 

Judge Coleman granted the U.S. attorney’s office two weeks to decide whether it would proceed with another trial. The hearing on Monday, March 25th, lasted only about a minute. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau made an announcement that the charges were being dropped, but without providing a specific reason.

In a written statement, Mr. Galione’s attorney, Damon Cheronis, said they were “pleased with the result.” The attorney added, “The case is over and Mr. Galione can move forward with the rest of his life.” 

Attorney Damon Cheronis serves as a managing partner at Cheronis & Parente LLC. Based in Chicago, Mr. Cheronis collaborates with a team of skilled attorneys who are dedicated to presenting complex and challenging cases to a jury in an innovative and fearless manner, all for the benefit of their clients. Cheronis & Parente LLC is renowned for their aggressive and creative approach to motion practice during trials and negotiations.

Cheronis & Parente LLC attorneys excel in criminal defense and are dedicated advocates for justice and the rule of law.The Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyers’ approach combines thorough legal research, aggressive representation, and a deep understanding of both federal and state legal systems.

This victory is not just a testament to their legal prowess but also to their commitment to defending the rights of individuals against formidable odds. It reinforces the importance of legal representation in complex criminal cases and the impact of experienced attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes.

About Cheronis & Parente LLC

Cheronis & Parente LLC focuses on trial work in violent drug crimes, corruption, and federal white-collar crimes. They handle appeals before the 7th Circuit and other U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, as well as Illinois Appellate Courts and the Illinois Supreme Court. The team adeptly manages all processes, from investigation to trial, while promoting early intervention whenever feasible.

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Name
Cheronis & Parente LLC
Contact phone
312-663-6147
Contact address
140 S Dearborn St Suite 404
City
Chicago
State
IL
Zip
60603
Country
USA
Url
https://www.cheronislaw.com/