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FBI Agent: Mob Boss Discussed Casino Link

CHICAGO, Illinois – As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times: "The alleged day-to-day boss of the Chicago mob was heard on videotape more than two years ago discussing organized crime's possible involvement with the proposed Emerald Casino in Rosemont, an FBI special agent testified Tuesday.

"The agent's testimony was immediately assailed by attorneys for Emerald, Rosemont and even former Chicago Ald. Edward Vrdolyak, who surfaced as 'the V guy' in an FBI transcript of the conversation between reputed Outfit chief James Marcello and his brother.

"In a telephone interview late Tuesday afternoon, Vrdolyak denied ever being linked to the Rosemont casino deal. He surmised that the transcript, which became public just a few hours earlier during a session of Emerald's gaming license revocation hearing, reads 'like two dopes talking to each other about things they don't know anything about.'

"…Emerald tried to build a casino in Rosemont, but the Illinois Gaming Board in 2001 rejected its plans in part because two allegedly mob-linked investors were involved in Emerald's ownership. Since then, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has accused Stephens, 77, of being associated with allegedly mob-linked people and attempting to exert control over Emerald. Stephens has denied those claims…"

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