Loan-sharking, mob ties lleged at Indian casino

Friday, April 28, 2000 | 11:16 a.m.

MESA, Ariz. -- A loan-sharking investigation led to the suspension of top managers at Casino Arizona in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, according to a news report.

The Tribune, a newspaper serving suburban Phoenix, reported that tribal gaming licenses for two managers and several card dealers were suspended about a month ago amid allegations that casino employees borrowed money from suspected loan sharks.

The newspaper said it learned of the situation from sources close to the investigation who said two other people were banned from the casino after gaming officers allegedly saw them loaning money to employees and customers.

The Tribune said one was Ralph Dipiero, said to have been linked to loan-sharking at the Fort McDowell and Ak-Chin Indian casinos as early as 1995.

A 1995 state Department of Gaming report the Tribune obtained for stories in 1999 alleged Dipiero has connections to the Philadelphia-based Nicodemo "Little Nicki" Scarfo mafia family.

Tribal President Ivan Makil confirmed an ongoing investigation involving activities seen by tribal surveillance officers. He said some casino employees lost their gaming licenses until the matter is resolved.