The Associated Press

Wed, Jul 30, 2008 (1:18 p.m.)

A reputed Gambino crime family captain pleaded guilty Wednesday to running a Queens gambling ring that took in almost $10 million over two years in bets on college and professional sports, prosecutors said.

Nicholas Corozzo pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption, according to the Queens district attorney's office. The 68-year-old may face up to 15 years in prison at his sentencing in state court, which is set for December.

Corozzo's lawyer and nephew, Joseph Corozzo, didn't immediately return a telephone call for comment.

The Queens case was announced last February along with a sprawling federal indictment against Nicholas Corozzo and 61 other accused Gambino associates, but the charges are separate.

The federal case, which is ongoing, alleges Corozzo ordered the Jan. 26, 1996, slaying of a rival mobster, resulting in the death of the intended target and the bystander. Corozzo has pleaded not guilty to federal racketeering, extortion and murder charges.

A Queens judge has set bail for Corozzo at $1 million, but federal authorities are already holding him without bail.