Jan 27, 2010 Article by Joseph Fosco | 366 comments

Mobster, Extortionist, Tax Evader And Murderer Rudy Fratto Is Sentenced To Prison

Making the decision to go to court today and witness Rudy Fratto’s sentencing hearing was difficult. A good part of me wanted to witness justice. However, another side of me was unsure about the idea of going. I thought my presence might make Rudy’s family uncomfortable. I have been publishing some rough articles on Fratto and knew his family would not like to see me today. However, the hurt my family and I have sustained from the tragedies Rudy Fratto helped bring in to our lives over the past several years ultimately made me decide to drive all the way to the federal courts building today and witness justice.

Upon arriving at the courtroom door, I addressed the Assistant United States Attorneys to congratulate them on a job well done. While doing so, Rudy Fratto interrupted us and told the prosecutors that he was not going in the courtroom if I am allowed in. One of the prosecutors advised him to speak to his attorney about it. Art Nasser, Rudy’s attorney, immediately informed Fratto that “we cannot keep him out – it’s a public courtroom.” At which point Fratto decided to make false and baseless assertions against me in front of the prosecutors in his distorted attempt to discredit me. Apparently, Fratto foolishly thought I was going to be testifying against him today.

As I entered the courtroom, I noticed roughly 20 elementary students seated. The students appeared to have Catholic school uniforms on. I have no idea why they were there. However, I wonder if Fratto orchestrated their appearance in a despicable attempt to win favor with the Catholic judge? If so, it did not work.

The hearing began by Rudy’s oldest son, Rudy III, making a compelling argument to keep his dad out of prison. I feel bad for his kids. Next up, Rudy’s son Sam approached the podium to address the court, however he was too choked up and decided to hand the judge his speech instead. After Sam attempted to speak to the judge, Rudy’s daughter Jeannine addressed the court – her story seemed sincere.

Then Kim, Rudy’s wife (a.k.a. Ma Barker), approached the podium and began crying. She read off a shopping list of reasons why Rudy should stay home, citing she had two mini-strokes recently and broke both of her feet. At one point, she told the judge she is now going blind. Rudy (the defendant) was the final family member to address the court. In Rudy’s speech, he touched on the shopping list of reasons his wife read off, especially the part where his wife is going blind.

Art Nasser did a great job of arguing that prison was not the right sentence for Fratto. In fact, I wonder if Fratto would have been sentenced to home confinement if he and his wife had kept their mouths shut today. Nasser explained that Rudy’s home would go in to foreclosure if his client were sent to prison. I could not help but think that Rudy’s wife Kim is a shoplifter and she can afford to pay the bills by selling the items she steals.

One of the prosecutors made a compelling argument by explaining that Fratto made the decision not to pay his taxes – it was not the result of an accident. It was pointed out that Fratto explained on a financial aid application for his son’s college tuition that out of the 100,000 dollars in income for that year, Fratto had to account for the portion he would have to pay the IRS. Fratto outright failed to pay anything for that year. This point proved that Fratto knew exactly what he was doing by not paying his taxes. In fact, Fratto did not begin paying his taxes until he was caught.

The judge took a great deal of time explaining as to why he was going to sentence Fratto to prison and not home confinement. His Honor eloquently pointed out that Fratto is a good dad, but he broke the law. It was not as if he failed to pay taxes for one year. In fact, he decided not to pay for seven years. His Honor felt it would not be a good example to potential scofflaws if Fratto were not sent to prison. At one point, the judge referred to the letters he received about Fratto’s character. The judge said Rudy appears to have good friends. I hope he was not referring to the DiFronzos and Cerones.

Speaking of the Cerones, Fratto is close friends with the father of Judge Jill Cerone Marise. Does anyone know if Cook County Judge Jill Cerone Marise submitted a letter of character on Fratto’s behalf?

District Court Judge Mathew F. Kennelly sentenced Rudolph C. Fratto, Jr. to one year and one day to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was ordered to turn in on April 28, 2010. I believe His Honor will suggest that Fratto spend his time at Oxford Federal Prison in Oxford, Wisconsin. Fratto was not required to pay a fine, because the judge thought he could not afford it. However, Fratto is required to pay $140,000.00 in restitution. Art Nasser hinted that he would seek an additional three months for his client to remain free before turning in.

After the hearing, all of us emptied out to the hallway. At that time Rudy Fratto, Jr. threatened me by saying, “I know where you live – wait. You are dead.” Three of his children (Rudy III, Janell and Jeannine) made similiar threats – although I consider his sons threats to be idle. However, his daughters’ threats concern me because of the kind of men I remember them to associate with. Unfortunately, I grew up with Janell and Jeannine. I have noticed the many different men in their lives over the years – none of them good (except for one). For all of their sakes, I hope their threats remain hollow and do not go into action.

I understand today was an emotional day for the kids. Perhaps they deserve a pardon for their threats. However, today was mere child’s play for a murdering gangster like Rudy Fratto. His threats I am taking extremely serious. I am confident that video and/or audio recording devices that probably exist in the hallway of the 21st floor in the court building can support my assertions in this article. On my way to the elevator the name calling directed at me by the Fratto family rose to some fierce levels. Their low-blows were all false and unsubstantiated ridicule. I would like to respond by saying, “I did not put your father in prison. He did that himself.” All I did was come to court to witness the fate of a man that took part in destroying my life and torturing my family.

Rudy’s next indictment should be around the corner – I hope.