An ex-mobster shocked a Brooklyn judge Monday when he announced his resignation from La Cosa Nostra and revealed that he is gay.
“That's the first time I've heard this in court," Federal Judge Weinstein said of the Robert Mormando’s renunciation, according to the Daily News. ”I've asked many Mafia members and they've always refused."
Mormando was being sentenced for his involvement in the 2003 shooting that left Angelo Mugnolo injured on his Howard Beach driveway. Vincent Gotti, the late crime boss John Gotti’s younger brother, ordered the hit because the mobster thought his wife was cheating with the bagel shop owner.
Shortly after the incident, Mormando became a government informant.
Only a select few knew of Mormando’s cooperation until his acknowledgment of being gay Monday, sources said, according to the paper.
"He was summoned to perform an act that he found totally unacceptable afterward," defense lawyer Nancy Ennis said, according to the Daily News.
"He did follow through, but he found the incident to be so disagreeable shortly after that he started having strong thoughts about leaving the mob.
Local
"He was living in hiding, not from law enforcement, but from La Cosa Nostra."
Mormano’s announcement of his sexual preference was the biggest shocker.
"He has been openly gay since he left the mob," Ennis said.
The Mafia is not a supportive of of the homosexual lifestyle as several mobsters who have come out in the past were whacked.
Mormando is not out and proud, but not of his past criminal history.
"As a young kid growing up in Ozone Park, John Gotti was a hero," Mormando explained, the paper reported. "He had cars, power -- I regret that now."
Weinstein asked: "Are you publicly willing to resign that organization?"
"Yes your honor, I already have," Mormando said.
The former mobster faced up to 17 years in prison, but was not sentenced to much time.
