FBI could have prevented Al Bruno's death, reputed mob boss' son says

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The son of reputed Springfield mob boss Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno is publicly saying that the FBI could have prevented his father's death.

Victor Bruno held a news conference Thursday at Adolfo’s , the Worthington Street restaurant he named after his father, who was shot to death outside the Mount Carmel Society Social Club in 2003.

Bruno told 22News that he plans to file a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department, claiming the FBI knew his father's life was in danger and did not prevent it.

“One may call it incompetence or something far more sinister, I have my own view on the matter” Bruno said.

“The FBI knew my father’s life was in danger. Yet, they took no steps to adequately notify him other than a brief, informal, and impromptu meeting by Special Agent Cliff Hedges when my dad was eating pizza.”

Bruno also expressed his anger that Anthony Arillotta, who was convicted in connection with the reputed mob boss’s murder, received a plea deal and will likely receive a shortened sentence.

“Anthony Arillotta was the leader of this criminal enterprise to assassinate my father. Of that, there is no question; and he should receive the maximum sentence for the planning and execution of my father,” Bruno said, adding that he is upset Arillotta could be released from prison as soon as next year.

Arillotta recently testified against Emilio Fusco, who was acquitted in federal court of murder charges in Bruno’s death.

In 2011, Freddy and Ty Geas of Westfield, as well as Arthur Nigro of New York were convicted of Bruno's murder . Admitted trigger man Frankie Roche took a plea deal that spared him the death penalty.