While cops look for a reputed Genovese capo missing from his union-corruption trial, lawyers for the other defendants say they are being shortchanged by his disappearance.
Gerald McMahon, who represents International Longshoremen's Association Vice President Arthur Coffey, said he will ask Brooklyn federal court Judge Leo Glasser on Monday to declare a mistrial. Coffey is accused of conspiring with the Genovese crime family to be thrust into the high-ranking union position.
Lawrence Ricci has not been in court for more than a week — an absence his lawyer says is involuntary — leading to speculation he has fallen victim to a Mafia-style killing.
The bizarre disappearance has McMahon concerned his client won't be able to get a fair shake from the jury.
"It's really unfair to my guy," he said. "How can this not have an impact?"
Ricci, who is free on $500,000 bail, has not been in court since Oct. 6.
Details here from the New York Post.