Aleman, Harry-Reputed Mob Hitman Pleas for Leniency and release from custody

Illinois Police & Sheriff’s News

Harry Aleman
Reputed Mob Hitman Pleas for Leniency and release from custody

Affidavit of Harry Aleman in Support
of His Motion for Release Pending Trial
March 1990 [Aleman was on trial for murder of independent bookmaker Anthony Reitinger who refused to a pay a street tax to Aleman through Aleman associate Vince Rizza, who is now in the Witness Protection Program. Reitinger was murdered on Oct. 31, 1975.
Interestingly, Aleman makes no mention in his failed plea for leniency and release from custody of the fact that his uncle was Joseph Ferriola.]

Dear Judge (Ann) Williams:

At my bond hearing before Magistrate Rosemond, my lawyer, Allan Ackerman could not have made a better plea for my liberty. The argument Allan presented to the Magistrate gave him every opportunity to release me with any conditions he felt necessary, but it wasn’t to be.

Now, I appeal to you. Contrary to what the prosecutors said about me, I’m a human being. I am also a lucky man. I have a wife who has stood by my side for 30 years. I have 2 daughters, both married, 2 sons and 6 grandchildren that is my immediate family. I also have 2 brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and brothers and sister-in-laws and my father, who is 75 is still with me. We are all close and all supported me morally while I was away for the last decade. Beyond family, I am blessed with friends in the community, any number of them — more than willing to vouch for my character and reliability (I include as an exhibit to this affidavit a listing of persons who are capable of being contacted regarding the above).

I love my wife and kids and that is my stability and predictability. There isn’t enough money in the world to make me run away from my family. Throughout my years in prison, I survived for my family and they have stood by me never knowing when I was coming home with the 30 year sentence I had. I made parole after 11 years [1977 – 1989] and I came home to 5 more grandchildren and they all know me to love me. When the man of the household is gone, everything starts to disintegrate, but my family remained strong because there is a bond that just kept growing year after year. I can never ever flee and leave my family. If you believe anything at all, believe this.

As for the witness or witnesses, they are under the protection of the government and who can protect better than the government? I am no threat to any witnesses.

Concerning the community, where I live, I still cannot comprehend the meaning of “Danger to the Community.” I have only lived in my community a short while and they accept me as they do my family.

I’m appealing to you as a judge and as a human being and not to forget that all humans in our country should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Today, an allegation is one of our evils, along with the omnipotent news media that can make your name a household word which can affect a potential juror.

I’ll abide by any conditions you make for bond and I’ll keep up my end up until we finish the trial.

Thank you for your consideration.

With respect

Harry Aleman.