United States Of America V. Tocco

This criminal prosecution pertains to one of six defendants who were tried on charges of conspiracy to conduct and participate in a Detroit-based racketeer influenced and corrupt organization.*fn1 Appellant Jack W. Tocco ("Tocco") was convicted on two counts of conspiracy in violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) ("RICO") -- one for engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one for collection of an unlawful debt (Counts One and Two) -- and one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951 ("Hobbs Act") (Count Six). Both Tocco and the government now appeal -- Tocco from the jury convictions, the government from the sentence imposed by the trial judge.