Rincon-related mobster DiFronzo dies

Investigation led to Silberman money laundering

Author

By Don Bauder

Publish Date

June 1, 2018

Mayor Susan Golding and Dick Silberman outside U.S. courthouse, San Diego, 1989.

One-time reputed Chicago mob boss John “No Nose” DiFronzo died at 89 May 28, according to the Chicago Tribune.

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Chris Petti. Silberman was picked up by the Feds on a wiretap of San Diego mobster Chris Petti's phone, asking Petti whether he could use someone to launder drug money.

In 1992, a number of mobsters were indicted for conspiring to gain control of the Rincon casino in Valley Center to use it for skimming profits and laundering money. DiFronzo was one who was indicted, along with long-time Chicago/San Diego mobster Chris Petti. Controversial San Diego attorney Nicholas DePento was indicted for allegedly submitting proposals that used front men to conceal the mob’s interest. (DePento’s record with the California Bar shows that he is still active with no prior discipline.)

The mobsters were caught largely through wire taps. Those taps caught former San Diego financier Dick Silberman in a money lauindering deal, and he was also indicted and convicted. He spent time in prison and moved to Northern California.

A Harrah’s casino is now at the location.