Government links biker bombing to Outfit

CHICAGO The U.S. Attorney's office for the Northern District of Illinois filed a memorandum requesting that Mark Polchan and Samuel Volpendesto's bond be denied because they have a history of violence including blowing up several Berwyn businesses using a pipe bomb in 2003. According to the government, C & S Coin Operated Amusements which leased vending and video machines, was targeted by the Chicago Outfit because it competed with the Mob's $13 million illegal gambling operation.

Individuals cooperating with the government identify Polchan, 41 of Justice, as a ranking member of the Criminal Outlaws Motorcycle Club Northside Crew and a member of the Chicago Outfit. One informant recorded a meeting with Volpendesto, 84 of Oak Brook, where he confessed to the 2003 bombing and said he was not happy with his payment, according to prosecutors. Authorities say Volpendesto also talks on undercover tape about an unnamed individual referred to only as the "Large Guy." The government refers to that man as Outfit Member A, who worked for Outfit boss Johnny "Apes" Monteleone.

Federal prosecutors claim Polchan and Volpendesto have long ties to organized crime and long rap sheets. Polchan was arrested at least fourteen times in a 22 year period for burglary, assault, battery and possession of a firearm. Two arrests ended in convictions. Volpendesto has been arrested for deceptive practices, battery and domestic battery. All were dismissed according to prosecutors, who add that he "has not let age slow him down when it comes to crime."

Both men face 35 years to life imprisonment and fines up to $750,000. A detention hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S I-TEAM REPORT: ABC7 INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER CHUCK GOUDIE LOOKS INTO THE LONG, SECRETIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE OUTLAWS MOTORCYCLE CLUB AND THE OUTFIT, ALSO KNOWN AS THE CHICAGO MOB.
WATCH "DOUBLE O ALLIANCE," WEDNESDAY NIGHT ON THE ABC7 NEWS AT TEN.