77°F
weather icon Cloudy

Jury acquits felon, 2 others in Everett casino land deal

BOSTON — A federal jury has acquitted three men accused of trying to hide a convicted felon’s ownership stake in land Wynn Resorts wants to develop into a casino in Massachusetts.

Charles Lightbody and two codefendants — Anthony Gattineri and Dustin DeNunzio — were acquitted of wire fraud and conspiracy charges Friday.

Prosecutors alleged that they tried to conceal Lightbody’s stake in 33 acres of waterfront land in Everett by forging property and bank records to make it look like Lightbody — a reputed mob associate and felon — was no longer a co-owner.

The state’s casino law bars felons from profiting from gambling operations.

Wynn renegotiated the land sale from $75 million to $35 million after Lightbody’s role was revealed.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST