Opening Statements Made in Chicago Mob Bombing Trial

Federal prosecutors say an explosion at the building housing a video poker-machine distributor is at the heart of the trial of a reputed mob boss and his alleged cohorts.

In an opening statement Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Donovan says Michael "Big Mike" Sarno and his alleged crew wanted to send a message to C&S Coin Operated Amusements not to encroach on Sarno's turf.

Prosecutors say as a result of the 52-year-old Sarno 's orders to bomb the Berwyn offices of the video game distributor in 2003, the company's Berwyn offices were destroyed.

Sarno and four others have pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering charges.

Donovan says he will make the case against Sarno and his four co-defendants with evidence from witnesses, wiretaps and a bug planted in a Cicero pawn shop.

The defense will give opening statements Monday.

Thanks to KWQC