WIDE-RANGING SWEEP: Joseph Chirico (left) is one of 62 alleged mobsters arrested Thursday...
February 10, 2008 -- One of the 62 reputed Gambino wiseguys busted by the feds last week dished up political campaign money along with the oysters and rigatoni at his popular Brooklyn eatery.
Joseph Chirico, 63, owner of the Marco Polo Ristorante on Court Street in Carroll Gardens, last June gave $4,950 to Borough President Marty Markowitz, who is said to be weighing a mayoral run in 2009.
Chirico also donated to the 2009 campaigns of two Brooklyn City Council members - Vincent Gentile, a former prosecutor, got $500; and Bill de Blasio got $250.
He's given generously to other politicians over the years, including a total of $750 to the 2001 and 2005 campaigns of City Comptroller William Thompson Jr., and $450 to Assemblyman Peter Abate (D-Brooklyn). In 2001, he gave $2,000 to unsuccessful public advocate candidate Stephen Di Brienza.
He's given generously to other politicians over the years, including a total of $750 to the 2001 and 2005 campaigns of City Comptroller William Thompson Jr., and $450 to Assemblyman Peter Abate (D-Brooklyn). In 2001, he gave $2,000 to unsuccessful public advocate candidate Stephen Di Brienza.
In all, he's donated $10,300 to politicians since 2001, city and state records show.
Chirico's name is nothing new to the city's mob-busters, who say he's long been known as a low-level made Gambino soldier.
Chirico's name is nothing new to the city's mob-busters, who say he's long been known as a low-level made Gambino soldier.
Gambino mobsters allegedly shook down actor Steven Seagal for $350,000 in 2001 at another Chirico-owned restaurant, the famed Gage & Tollner in Downtown Brooklyn. Gage & Tollner shut down in 2004 after 125 years of operation.
And at Gambino boss Peter Gotti's 2003 federal racketeering trial, a prosecutor displayed photos of Chirico attending a wiseguy's wake.
And at Gambino boss Peter Gotti's 2003 federal racketeering trial, a prosecutor displayed photos of Chirico attending a wiseguy's wake.
But Markowitz expressed surprise at the allegations against a man he called a friend.
"I know there are many people who live two lives, but I'd be shocked if this winds up being true. He is such a caring man," said the Brooklyn beep, who is barred by term limits from seeking re-election.
"I obviously am unaware if Joe is involved in any of the allegations being leveled against him, but I do know he has been a great friend, a partner for many Brooklyn events and a prince among men," Markowitz said.
"I know there are many people who live two lives, but I'd be shocked if this winds up being true. He is such a caring man," said the Brooklyn beep, who is barred by term limits from seeking re-election.
"I obviously am unaware if Joe is involved in any of the allegations being leveled against him, but I do know he has been a great friend, a partner for many Brooklyn events and a prince among men," Markowitz said.
"He has done too much good for Brooklyn for me to be wishy washy when it comes to speaking about his character. I always stand by my friends and I pray he is ultimately proven innocent."
An aide to Thompson, also mentioned as a candidate for mayor next year, said the campaign was reviewing Chirico's contributions.
Last week's indictment charges Chirico with extortion and extortion conspiracy for his alleged involvement in funneling extortion payments to another alleged Gambino soldier, Jerome Brancato. He's not accused in any of the indictment's eight murders.
An aide to Thompson, also mentioned as a candidate for mayor next year, said the campaign was reviewing Chirico's contributions.
Last week's indictment charges Chirico with extortion and extortion conspiracy for his alleged involvement in funneling extortion payments to another alleged Gambino soldier, Jerome Brancato. He's not accused in any of the indictment's eight murders.
Marco Polo, which Chirico opened in 1983, is popular with judges and lawyers from the nearby Brooklyn courts.
Additional reporting by Brad Hamilton, Stefanie Cohen and Murray Weiss
rich.calder@nypost.com
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