Just like a scene out of the Sopranos, two Connecticut men ran a mob-backed gambling operation -- even breaking a gambler's leg with a baseball bat -- until the G-men caught up with them, according a six-count indictment against the men.
Raul "Sonny" Suner, 48 of Milford, and Phillip John Bauco, 33 of Bridgeport, reportedly told people they had the backing and approval of La Cosa Nostra (yes, the mafia) and took over illegal gambling operations in the Bridgeport area using staples of the mafia: threats, violence and intimidation.
The indictment alleges that Suner, aided by Bauco, also broke a gambler’s leg by hitting him with a baseball bat and tried to slash him with a knife.
The duo allegedly used Phillip John Bauco's business, Auto Town Sales in Stratford, to hold meetings related to the criminal enterprise.
Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Suner is behind bars. He’s been detained since his arrest on March 6, 2008 for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bauco was released on a bond secured by his property. If convicted, the two could be sentenced to a maximum of more than 85 years in prison and fines upwards of $1 million.
