The mayor of Burr Ridge, a Chicago suburb, has announced his decision to return a $2,000 donation from a local restaurateur and social media chef who has been accused of working for an illegal gambling ring.
Responding to inquiries from local news outlet Patch, Mayor Gary Grasso confirmed that he had received donations from the Capri restaurant and the Are We Live nightclub, both owned by Filippo “Gigi” Rovito.
Rovito, who has been associated with the Chicago Outfit by NBC, is currently facing federal charges related to operating an illegal gambling business and conspiracy to collect credit extensions through extortionate means.
Operation Porterhouse Parlay
He was one of 22 individuals arrested by the FBI on April 29 as part of “Operation Porterhouse Parlay,” a long-term investigation that uncovered connections between illegal gambling activities and restaurant networks across Northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago.
Grasso stated that he was unaware of the donations until approached by Patch, and that his campaign had reported them to the Board of Elections and would be returning them.
This is not the first time Grasso has returned funds from Rovito. In 2017, the restaurateur had donated $5,000 to Grasso’s unsuccessful campaign for Illinois attorney general, but the money was returned the following month after questions were raised by a TV station.
Grasso spoke out in defense of Rovito following his arrest, referring to him as a “stellar corporate and residential citizen” with a large following on YouTube. Rovito had even named a dish after Grasso, called “Linguini alla Mayor Grasso.”
Don’t Mention the Mob
In an op-ed for the Chicago Tribune, Grasso criticized the stigmatization of Italian Americans by some members of the media, stating that federal prosecutors did not mention the mafia in court documents related to the case.
The gambling ring in question is alleged to have generated millions through illegal sports betting, video gambling, and loansharking, with members resorting to intimidation and violence to collect debts.
Rovito’s criminal record includes charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and possession of a controlled substance. He is currently out on a $1 million bond.