Mobster Tossed into Solitary

Calabrese held in isolation after alleged threats to prosecutor

By MATT BARTOSIK

Updated 2:08 PM CST, Wed, Dec 3, 2008

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Convicted mob criminal Frank Calabrese Sr. may be over 70 years old, but the FBI still considers him such a threat, they have placed him under a very strict lockdown.

Since his conviction in last year's "Family Secrets" trial, Calabrese has been part of the general inmate population at the Metropolitan Correctional Center. But just last month, the FBI used "special administrative measures" to cut him off from the outside world. In fact, the isolation measures are so tough, they are usually reserved for terrorism cases.

Calabrese has been cut off from fellow prisoners and can only be visited by three immediate family members. The FBI can now also bug his cell and listen in on all conversations with family and attorneys. His access to mail, media, and religious services are all heavily restricted.

The reputed Chicago mobster's defense attorney, Joseph Lopez, had to sign a form swearing he would not pass on any communications.

"If he has hemorrhoids, I can't tell his wife," Lopez remarked to the Sun-Times.

Federal agents believe Calabrese is still running "the business" from behind bars. Sources say the feds have new information that the influential mobster was recently overheard talking of threats against prosecutor Marcus Funk, whom he had threatened once before in open court. Because he has a habit of speaking in code, the extreme security measures are an attempt to stop Calabrese from communicating any orders to hitmen on the outside.

He is scheduled to be sentenced December 11, but due to recent developments, this could be delayed. He faces life behind bars.