Georgia, a person who knows the history and workings of RICO cases, discusses the concept of Rico charges, their dual use in dismantling the mafia and targeting communities of color, the power of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), and the nuances of proving a RICO charge in Georgia.
Rico charges have the power to tie together multiple criminal acts into one charge, making it a formidable tool in dismantling criminal organizations.
Proving involvement and intent is crucial in establishing a pattern of racketeering activity under Rico, allowing for the association of multiple criminal acts with a single charge.
Deep dives
Overview of Hood Politics and Rico Charges
In this podcast episode, the host delves into the convergence of hood politics and the Rico charge, using the example of Trump's case in Georgia. The host highlights the irony that the law used by Rudy Giuliani to take down the New York mob is now being utilized in Trump's legal situation. The host explains that Rico, which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, was enacted in 1970 to prosecute organized crime. Rico allows the prosecution to tie together various criminal acts into one charge, making it a powerful tool to dismantle criminal organizations. The host emphasizes the fear and severity associated with Rico charges, as everyone involved is considered guilty of all the crimes associated with the organization.
Understanding Rico and Its History
The podcast provides an overview of Rico and its history. Rico was enacted in 1970 as Title IX of the Organized Crime Control Act. It was designed to combat patterned infiltration of legitimate businesses by organized and non-organized criminal activities. The podcast mentions that the name "Rico" may have been inspired by a character in a 1930s gangster film. Rico allows the prosecution to establish a connection between different criminal acts and prove the existence of a criminal enterprise. The podcast references the successful use of Rico against the Hell's Angels and the Genovese family. It highlights the nationwide jurisdiction and the punishments associated with Rico violations, including fines, imprisonment, and civil damage actions.
Application of Rico Charges in Trump's Case
The podcast focuses on how Rico charges apply to Trump's case. The host explains that to successfully charge Trump under Rico, the prosecution needs to prove that he was the organizer, calling the shots, and using his resources to further his own interests. The host points out that these actions, if proven, would establish a pattern of racketeering activity tied to interstate commerce. The podcast highlights the significance of proving Trump's involvement and intent, as Rico allows for the association of multiple criminal acts with a single charge. The host also discusses how snitching often occurs in Rico cases, as defendants faced with multiple charges start providing information to earn leniency.
Implications and Severity of Rico Charges
The podcast emphasizes the implications and severity of facing Rico charges. It compares the fear and respect associated with Rico charges to the fear instilled by street gangs and gang injunctions. The host highlights the irony of Rudy Giuliani, who used Rico to dismantle the New York mob, now facing a Rico charge himself. The podcast underscores that Rico charges strike fear into the hearts of individuals because everyone involved is considered guilty of all associated crimes. The host discusses the power of Rico charges and how they are instrumental in taking down criminal syndicates. It concludes by mentioning Trump's potential legal battles in multiple states under Rico charges.
