(The following story by Derek Smith appeared on The News Dispatch website on January 7.)
LA PORTE, Ind. — Three La Porte men involved in the Norfolk Southern train theft conspiracy have entered guilty pleas, but more indictments are expected.
John Patrick, 42, and Victor Montorsi, 33, filed their pleas Monday, while Ryan “Barney” Mrozinski, 30, filed his plea Dec. 31, according to Tony Lee, a spokesman for U.S. District Court Judge Robert Miller Jr.
Patrick’s plea was heard Monday; both Montorsi and Mrozinski are awaiting hearings.
The investigation surrounding the train thefts is far from being closed. It is now entering a second phase, during which more indictments could be made at both the federal and state levels, said a source close to the investigation.
In entering guilty pleas, all three men are entitled to a reduction in the levels of their offenses. Patrick pleaded guilty to count 18 of the indictment, knowingly possessing stolen cigarettes.
Patrick admitted to possessing approximately 1,700 packs, or 340,000 individual cigarettes, in or around April 2008; he also admitted to buying 10-12 cases of Marlboros – with Japanese writing on them – from Philip Montorsi and then selling them. The maximum penalties for his violation are five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and a three-year supervised release period.
Mrozinski and Montorsi both pleaded guilty to count 12, knowingly possessing stolen goods worth more than $1,000, specifically 27 cases of Crown Royal whiskey stolen from a Norfolk Southern train. Montorsi also admitted to stealing items from trains in the Northern District of Indiana and selling them. The items included flat-screen televisions, alcohol and cigarettes. Mrozinski admitted to receiving some of the stolen goods.
The maximum penalties for their violation is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year supervised release period.
Five other individuals are charged in the robbery: John Frederick, Phillip Montorsi, William Montorsi, James Newland and Joseph Phelps, Their trials have been postponed from Feb. 10 to March 16, Lee said.