Opinion ID: 515723
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sufficiency of the evidence regarding the extortion of Stewart Color Laboratory.

Text: 13 Armone and Migliorisi each contend that there was insufficient evidence to convict them of extorting the Stewart Color Laboratory. Armone argues that the evidence against him was insufficient because George Yudzevich, the government's primary witness regarding the extortion charges, admitted during cross-examination that he had never discussed business with Armone and that he had no personal knowledge as to whether Armone was aware of the extortion. Migliorisi argues that each of the witnesses who testified against him were not credible, and thus, there was insufficient evidence to render a conviction. As stated above, a defendant who contends that evidence was insufficient to convict him bears a very heavy burden. Neither Armone nor Migliorisi have met this burden. The record is replete with evidence of the structure of the Gambino Crime Family and Armone's role as captain of a Gambino crew. Family protocol required Vitta to receive the approval of Armone, his captain, prior to engaging in criminal activity such as the extortion of a photography lab. In addition, wiretap evidence from the home of Family boss Paul Castellano showed Armone dutifully reporting to his superior that Vitta got Stewart Color Laboratory. Viewing this evidence and the inferences which might be drawn therefrom in the light most favorable to the government, a reasonable jury could fairly conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that Armone was guilty. 14 Migliorisi's argument that there was insufficient evidence to convict him due to the lack of credibility of the witness who testified against him is without merit. In an examination of the evidence to determine whether sufficient proof was adduced for the jury to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, all issues of credibility must be considered questions solely within the jury's province. United States v. Singh, 628 F.2d 758, 766 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 449 U.S. 1034, 101 S.Ct. 609, 66 L.Ed.2d 496 (1980). The jury was entitled to believe the witnesses who testified against Migliorisi, and we will not disturb their finding. 15