Charles Pasquale Rizzo told the judge today he is 71 years old and has an 11th grade education.
But he made millions with his son Chuck B. Rizzo in a trash company with their name by paying out bribes for no bid contracts to local governments.
The senior Rizzo today pleaded guilty in a reduced case to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud.
The penalty is 5 years in prison but the recommendation is 0-6 months in prison.
Federal Judge Robert Cleland advised Rizzo, it could be higher, you need to be prepared for that, and did he understand?
“Yes, your honor,” Rizzo answered.
The feds have said previously the Rizzos has at least 10 schemes to steal money from the company from 2012 to 2016 to pay bribes while the company was majority owned by a private equity firm in New York.
Chuck B. Rizzo Jr. allegedly referred to that stolen money as OPM, other people’s money.
He’s facing up to 10 years in prison, but could have that cut in half or more based on his cooperation with the feds as they continue their investigation.
Chuck Sr. is set for sentencing in April.
18 people have been charged by the feds in the corruption case centered in Macomb County. So far, most have taken plea deals.
