Elderly Reputed Mobster Sentenced to 35 Years for 2003 Bombing

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Aug 18, 2011 9:00PM

Sam Volpendesto, 87, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his alleged role in the pipe bomb used in the 2003 bombing of a business in Berwyn that was a rival of the Chicago Outfit. He had close ties to known associates, including Sam DeStefano. When Volpendesto was convicted in December 2010, it was his first guilty verdict, despite having been arrested more than 100 times.

The defense argued that Volpendesto was not involved with the Outfit until after he reached retirement age. They also emphasized his military record as a World War II Veteran. The punishment is essentially a death sentence, since even with good behavior, Volpendesto wouldn't be released until he is 117 years old.

The Sun-Times writes:

Volpendesto wanted to die at home and be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors.

“I’m going to die anyways,” Volpendesto, standing out of his wheelchair, told the judge. “I’d like to go out with a little honor.”

The felony conviction would deny Volpendesto the privilege of a military funeral. Volpendesto said when growing up the gangsters were the "nice guys" giving out candy bars, and his defense team painted a picture of a man loyal to his associates. Prosecutors presented FBI transcripts in which Volpendesto described Sam DeStefano placing body parts into a meat grinder.

The Tribune writes:

In addressing the judge for more than five minutes, Volpendesto delivered a rambling speech as his wife wept.

His voice rose as he denounced co-defendants, some of whom cooperated with authorities, calling them "crumb balls" and blaming them for his involvement in the scheme.

"At the end of my life, I have a bunch of scumbags putting me in this prison," Volpendesto said in a raspy voice laced with a thick Chicago accent.

The Sun-Times points out that Volpendesto will be one of the oldest federal inmates, which has seven inmates in their nineties.