Opinion ID: 3001485
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Useni’s Ownership of the Grand Palace

Text: In June 1995, Useni purchased the Grand Palace from Shlifka. After the purchase, Useni and Cozzo were in charge of the hall, and they informed the others of the change in leadership. Marotta testified that Cozzo told him that “the heat was on” and that Shlifka was stepping down. Cozzo then told Marotta that he was in charge and, if there were any problems, to contact him. According to Levitanksy’s testimony, Cozzo and Useni also met with him and told him that he should direct any questions about the Grand Palace to them. Additionally, Mariani testified that Useni talked to him and told him that he had bought out Shlifka; going forward, Mariani was to take orders from Useni. Useni applied for a provider’s license shortly after purchasing the Grand Palace. On that license, Useni signed a certification which read: ”I . . . certify that no employee of mine shall manage or operate the games. I also state that I have read the applicable bingo or charitable games rulebook.” Despite that certification, the games continued to be operated the same as they were under Nos. 06-1978 & 06-2107 11 Shlifka’s regime. Carole Johnson, Useni’s girlfriend, testified that, when she asked Useni where the money from the games was going, Useni told her that it was going into a “slush fund” and that he was planning on retiring early. During his ownership of the Grand Palace, Useni hired Cesar Valera to work in the kitchen of the concession area. The kitchen had been Useni’s primary area of responsibility before he purchased the Grand Palace. Valera testified that Useni paid him, like the veterans, in cash and he was not given a W-2.