Informant says he learned about plan to kill mobster

The informant, longtime mob associate John Branco, told a federal court jury that another mob associate, Peter Caruso, approached him Dec. 6, 1996, and said, "John, I'd like to get your permission to kill Herbie Blitzstein."

Branco said he told Caruso to let him know when the crime would be carried out, so he would have the chance to set up his alibi.

The informant testimony came Wednesday in the racketeering trial of Henderson residents Stephen Cino, 60, and Robert Panaro Sr., 57.

Prosecutors claim the two defendants are mafia soldiers who authorized the Jan. 6, 1997, shooting death of Blitzstein as part of a plan to take over his business interests.

Caruso, 59, was accused of paying $10,000 for the killing. He died in January while awaiting trial.

Branco began working as an informant for the FBI in August 1996, secretly recording conversations with suspects in connection with a broad investigation of organized crime in Southern Nevada. The investigation has led to criminal charges against at least 28 people.

During Wednesday's testimony, Branco said he met with Panaro and Cino on Dec. 9, 1996, at a coffee shop, where the men discussed their plan to force Blitzstein out of his loan-sharking business and his partnership with another man in an automobile repair business.

"They were telling me that they didn't want Herbie Blitzstein killed," Branco testified. The witness said he relayed the information to Caruso later that day.

On Jan. 4, 1997, Branco recorded a restaurant meeting with Panaro, Cino, Caruso and Joseph DeLuca, Blitzstein's partner in Any Auto Repair.

Early in the recording, Panaro talks about whispering to Branco and Cino.

Branco told jurors Wednesday that DeLuca whispered in his ear and said, "In about a week, Herbie won't be around anymore." Panaro whispered in Cino's ear at the same time, the witness testified.

By the end of the meeting, Branco testified, he believed the men had agreed on a plan in which they would confront Blitzstein later that day and tell him they were taking over his business interests.

The witness told jurors Caruso pulled him aside after the meeting and said he wanted to burglarize Blitzstein's home before the confrontation. Branco said he met up with the others in the parking lot and told them about Caruso's plan.

Branco said he attended a meeting with Panaro, Cino and another man on the morning of Jan. 6, 1997. At the meeting, Branco testified, Cino said DeLuca had visited Panaro the night before and informed him he wanted to call off the plan.

Later that afternoon, the witness said, Caruso told Branco he had committed the burglary.

Branco said he met with Caruso the following morning, and Caruso told him, "They're going to find Herbie's body."

The witness said he responded by laughing. He said he was trying to make Caruso think he did not care.

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