At the recommendation of federal prosecutors, the head of Philadelphia’s crime family was released from custodyFriday.
Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino , was released on $5 million bail awaiting trial, but has been ordered to remain on house arrest and wear an electronic monitor, the Sun Sentinel reported. Merlinois accused of playing a role in an alleged health care fraud scheme.
The mob boss will carry out his house arrest in Boca Raton, Florida, where he moved after serving nearly a dozen years in prison on a separate racketeering conviction in Philadelphia, according to CBS Philly. He’ll be permitted to leave his house to work on renovations at a South Florida restaurant bearing his name, andto meet with lawyers, attend medical appointments and religious services, and travel to Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey andNew York.