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Former Canonsburg Businessman Waives Racketeering Charges to Court

Vincent LoCastro, former owner of All Pro Auto Mall in Canonsburg, waived his right to a preliminary hearing on racketeering charges Wednesday.

By Amanda Gillooly Email the author August 9, 2012


A former owner of All Pro Auto Mall in Canonsuburg on Wednesday waived his right to a preliminary hearing on racketeering charges.

In exchange, charges were withdrawn against two of Vincent LoCastro's family members who had been implicated in the alleged crimes, according to the Washington County District Attorney's Office.

Racketeering and theft charges had been filed in May against LoCastro, 57, and three others.

LoCastro, of 203 Spartan Dr., Bethel Park, was charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, two counts of criminal conspiracy, 18 counts of theft by unlawful taking and 18 counts of defrauding secured creditors.

He waived his right to a preliminary hearing before district Judge David Mark Wednesday—sending the case to Washington County Court.

If convicted on all charges, LoCastro could face up to 206 years in prison.

“Filing of criminal charges under Pennsylvania’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act is a rare event due to the complex nature of these types of cases," said Washington County District Attorney Eugene A. Vittone when the charges were announced.

"The Pennsylvania State Police investigation exposed the fraudulent car financing scheme by the LoCastros conducted through All Pro Auto Mall in Canonsburg," Vittone had said in a news release. "Hundreds of hours of police work were invested in this case. For their dedication, I commend the diligent efforts of the state police in this investigation.”

Charges were withdrawn against Joseph Bruce LoCastro, 26, 203 Spartan Dr., Bethel Park, son of Vincent Locastro. He had been charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and two counts of criminal conspiracy.

Nicole LoCastro of 203 Spartan Dr., Bethel Park, daughter of Vincent Locastro—had been charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and two counts of criminal conspiracy. Those charges were also withdrawn.

Frank LoCastro of 151 Carol Dr., McMurray, brother of Vincent LoCastro—who was charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, two counts of criminal conspiracy, 32 counts of theft by unlawful taking, 32 counts of defrauding secured creditors and one count of unsworn falsification to authorities—also waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/former-canonsburg-businessman-to-stand-trial-on-racketeering-charges



http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/locastro-brothers-waive


8/10/2012 3:31 AM

LoCastros waive preliminary hearings

The former owner of All Pro Auto Mall in Canonsburg and his brother have waived their right to preliminary hearings on racketeering and theft charges stemming from a car financing scheme.

Vincent LoCastro of 203 Spartan Drive, Bethel Park, and Frank LoCastro of 151 Carol Drive, McMurray, appeared Wednesday before District Judge David Mark. Their cases will proceed to Washington County Court.

Vincent LoCastro, 48, is charged with two counts each of corrupt organizations and criminal conspiracy and 18 counts each of theft and defrauding secured creditors.

Frank LoCastro, 57, is charged to two counts each of corrupt organizations and criminal conspiracy along with 32 counts each of theft and defrauding creditors. He also is charged with unsworn falsification.

The men are accused of falsely securing high-end vehicles from dealerships in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey and Maryland between Dec. 23, 2008, and Feb. 9, 2009, according to court documents.
The LoCastros then defaulted on more than $400,000 of loans. Some of the vehicles were recovered, but others were not, investigators said.

Vincent LoCastro’s son and daughter, Joseph Bruce LoCastro, 26, and Nicole LoCastro, 21, were initially implicated and charged in connection with the scheme. However, the charges against them were withdrawn at the same time Vincent and Frank LoCastro waived their cases to court.