Salvatore Rubino, known as “Sal the Shoemaker,” recently pleaded guilty in federal court to various charges related to running an illegal gambling ring that raised money for the Genovese crime family out of his shoe repair store on Long Island. Rubino admitted to having gambling machines in the back of Sal’s Shoe Repair in Merrick, as well as hosting poker games three nights each week, which generated profits that were then distributed to high-ranking members of the mafia. The operation was active from May 2012 to 2021, when the store had to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to Rubino, Joseph Rutigliano, also known as “Joe Box,” was involved in the illegal gambling ring along with four others associated with the Genovese crime family. The illegal activities were not limited to Rubino’s shoe repair shop, as other mobsters were found operating similar operations out of seemingly legitimate businesses across Long Island. These establishments included a gelato shop in Lynbrook and a soccer club in West Babylon, where illegal gambling machines and poker games were secretly being conducted, generating significant profits on a daily basis.
Carmelo Polito, also known as “Carmine,” faced charges for running an illegal online sports betting operation through a website called PGW Lines, in addition to his involvement in the illegal gambling ring connected to the Genovese crime family. Joseph Macario, known as “Joe Fish,” and Mark Feuer were two other individuals who pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and operating other illegal gambling businesses, respectively. The illegal activities of these individuals were carried out to benefit the criminal enterprise of the Genovese crime family, which has a history of inflicting harm on communities for generations.
Despite the guilty pleas of Rubino and the other individuals involved in the illegal gambling ring, they are expected to face lenient sentences as part of plea deals. Rubino could be sentenced to between four to 10 months in prison, with the possibility of facing up to five years behind bars and a fine of $250,000. US Attorney Breon Peace emphasized that law enforcement agencies will continue to enforce laws against illegal gambling activities and work to root out criminal organizations like the Mafia operating within communities. The guilty pleas of Rubino and his associates have brought to light the extent of the illegal gambling operations run by the Genovese crime family, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Long Island.
