Lawyer for Joseph Cammarano Jr, Reputed Acting Boss of Bonanno Crime Family: Looking like a mobster doesn't mean he's guilty!

An alleged mafia boss in New York City should not be convicted just because he looks like a mobster, his attorney has said.

Joseph Cammarano Jr, who is said to be acting boss of New York's Bonanno crime syndicate, faces up to 40 years in prison on racketeering charges.

Cammarano, 59, appeared in court with slicked-back hair, a spotted suit and a silver ring. But his lawyer, Jennifer Louis-Jeune, pleaded with jurors to ignore his 'central casting' appearance, the New York Post reported.

She told the federal court in Manhattan: 'Looking like you stepped out of a central casting in a mob movie doesn’t make you a part of one of these groups. 'Don’t be distracted. Don’t let what you have seen in movies or on TV or whatever you have heard about the mafia cloud your judgement.'

Asked if he looked like a gang boss, Cammarano joked: 'No, but I've got the map of Italy on my face'.

Prosecutors told the court in their opening statement that Cammarano had committed 'crime after crime'.

Another former Bonanno mafia member gave evidence for the prosecution, telling jurors about a meeting where Cammarano had been chosen as the new boss.

Cammarano was one of 10 people indicted last year for their alleged links to the New York crime syndicate, although many of them have since accepted plea deals.

The Bonanno ring is one of the so-called Five Families which dominate organized crime in the city.

The indictment also listed the gang's colorful nicknames including 'Joe C' for Cammarano and other members including 'Grumpy', 'Porky' and 'Joey Blue Eyes'.

Cammarano himself is accused of being the 'acting boss' of the Bonanno crime gang.

Thanks to Tim Stickings.