In a surprising turn of events, two alleged members of the infamous Gambino crime family have been granted bail by Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Frederic Block. Diego “Danny” Tantillo, 48, and Angelo “Fifi” Gradilone, 57, are among 10 individuals accused of forcefully entering New York City's garbage hauling and demolition businesses. The prosecution claims that these individuals, referred to as the "younger generation of the mafioso," engaged in acts of theft and conspiracy as part of a criminal organization known as the RICO conspiracy.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Judge Block emphasized that this case is not "anything close" to the level of violence associated with the mob in the past. He drew attention to the fact that even murder suspects have been released on bail in the past, suggesting that these charges do not warrant keeping Tantillo and Gradilone behind bars. "The younger generation of the mafioso are not killing people these days, right?" the judge stated during the hearing.

While Tantillo is accused of threatening a victim in the garbage hauling business with a baseball bat and setting fire to the steps of his house, as well as assaulting a demolition company dispatcher with a hammer, the charges do not directly involve murder. Similarly, Gradilone has a criminal history involving weapons possession but is currently facing charges of theft and RICO conspiracy, which are not classified as violent crimes.

The court order permits Tantillo and Gradilone to spend Thanksgiving at home, albeit under strict house arrest and monitoring measures. The defendants' release was facilitated by their wives and other relatives, who co-signed their bonds amounting to $5 million for Tantillo and $1 million for Gradilone.

In addition to Tantillo and Gradilone, five other individuals charged alongside them have also been granted conditional release, according to a court memorandum. The defense argued that it would be unfair to keep Tantillo and Gradilone behind bars while their co-conspirators were allowed to await trial outside of prison.

Judge Block's decision to grant bail to these alleged mobsters reflects his belief in the importance of a human aspect to the justice system. He expressed his desire to allow them to spend Thanksgiving with their families and questioned why they should remain incarcerated when others involved in the scheme were released on bail.

Despite his experience with mob-related cases, including the sentencing of the late Gambino boss Peter Gotti in 2004, Judge Block admitted that he did not see this particular case as ringing any bells. He suggested that the government's argument, which links the defendants to the Mafia and crimes of violence, does not hold up.

Assistant US Attorney Andrew Roddin countered the defense's claims, arguing that Tantillo and Gradilone were part of a conspiracy willing to resort to violence. However, Tantillo's lawyer, Andrew Weinstein, challenged this assertion, stating that the government's argument was based on using the word “Mafia” to automatically incriminate the defendants.

The allegations against Tantillo include coordinating a hammer attack on a demolition company dispatcher and participating in a plot to threaten a carting company owner with a bat and set fire to his home. These actions, while undoubtedly serious, do not meet the standard of violence typically associated with the Mafia.

As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the defense will address these charges and whether the prosecution can establish a strong case against the accused. For now, Tantillo and Gradilone will have the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families, enjoying temporary relief from the confines of prison.