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Another Philly wiseguy pleads to racketeering

IT COULD BE WORSE for indicted mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi. His co-defendants are dropping like flies this summer, but at least they're not singing like birds.

IT COULD BE WORSE for indicted mob boss Joseph "Uncle Joe" Ligambi.

His co-defendants are dropping like flies this summer, but at least they're not singing like birds.

Philadelphia mob associate Louis Barretta, 48, pleaded guilty Wednesday to racketeering conspiracy, after last month's guilty pleas of wiseguys Marty Angelina and Gaeton Lucibello. None will testify against Ligambi and seven others scheduled to go on trial Oct. 9.

The indictment does not include any murders, but the racketeering allegations involving bookmaking, extortion and the operation of illegal video-poker machines could carry significant jail time for Ligambi, 73, and other high-ranking mobsters, if convicted.

Barretta admitted making high-interest loans and operating a sports-betting business. He will be sentenced in November.

The only mobster who has flipped so far is Louis "Bent Finger Lou" Monacello. He pleaded guilty last year and will testify for the prosecution.