A federal judge issued a court order allowing reputed Chicago "video poker king" Casey Szaflarski, who is connected to the mob, to attend his daughter's wedding, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The only catch is that he's not allowed to speak with the father of the groom, alleged mob boss Frank "Toots" Caruso Sr.
Toots, reputed leader of Chicago's 26th Street mob, also is the father of the bride's alleged employer.
Anyone who watches crime dramas or mobster films knows that prison is hardly a deterrent to communication from outside associates. Casey Szaflarski is not in prison but under house arrest and probably has access to a well-seasoned Chicago criminal attorney with a catchy nickname.
If he does utter a single word to Frank Caruso, though, the judge warned him that he could go straight to prison. Practically speaking, however, he'll be in good company at the wedding and could probably get away with a simple toast to his new in-law.
Casey Szaflarski was arrested in March on charges of running an illegal gambling operation and put under house arrest; he also wears an ankle monitor. He and seven other men were charged in the federal case, including one man who allegedly ordered the bombing of a business that competed with Casey Szaflarski's.
As part of the agreement allowing the video poker king to attend his daughter's wedding, federal prosecutors will receive a list of everyone in attendance. That is either a standard requirement of such agreements or diligent police work, but cops probably already have a good idea of who the guests will be.
Perhaps most amusing is the Sun-Times' mention of the couple's registries at both Bloomington's and Macy's, where "they still needed a $325 Waterford ice bucket, with tongs."
Related Resources:
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Alternative Sentences (FindLaw)
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Chicago Man Faces Federal Gambling and Tax Fraud Charges (Chicago Tribune)
