Vittorio "Little Vic" Amuso, an 88-year-old former crime boss, is requesting compassionate release from federal prison after serving over three decades of a life sentence. His legal team recently filed a motion citing his advanced age, significant health issues, and exemplary prison record as justification for a reduced sentence.
Amuso's attorneys argue that his deteriorating health, including severe arthritis, failing eyesight, and loss of all his teeth, necessitates a more compassionate environment. They maintain that his medical needs are not being adequately addressed within the prison system. Furthermore, they contend that granting his release would not undermine the severity of his past crimes or deter similar offenses in the future.
The court filing also includes testimonials from Amuso's children and grandchildren, who describe him as a devoted Catholic and a supportive father and grandfather despite his incarceration. They emphasize his consistent communication with them over the years and his continued role as a trusted family figure.
Amuso's plea for compassionate release follows a trend of similar requests from aging mafia figures under the First Step Act of 2018. Convicted in 1992 on 54 counts, including nine murders, extortion, gambling, and labor corruption, Amuso was sentenced to life without parole. Even while imprisoned, he continued to be implicated in alleged Lucchese family conspiracies. His conviction followed closely on the heels of John Gotti's life sentence for leading the Gambino crime family.
Key testimony in Amuso's case came from Alfonse D’Arco, a former lieutenant and close associate, who became acting boss while Amuso was in hiding. D’Arco's cooperation with authorities provided substantial insight into the inner workings of the Lucchese crime family.
