Man accused of assault on SI calls alleged victim 'threat to the neighborhood'

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In the event that an accused Staten Island drug lord is released on bail, a judge Wednesday issued a full protection order on behalf of a man who police say was assaulted by the 'accused.

A defense attorney, however, describes the complainant in the case as a “threat to the neighborhood” who has had run-ins with police.

Ettore Mazzei, 61, who already faces charges stemming from a two-year wiretap investigation centered on his commercial and residential properties in Stapleton, was separately charged in connection with the alleged assault incident on 11 may.

His son, David Mazzei, 34, is also charged in the case. According to authorities, he contributed to the violence which began with a verbal altercation with the victim.

A source with knowledge of the investigation said Ettore Mazzei had been trying to evict the man for some time before the altercation.

The defendants both face charges of second- and third-degree assault.

They were arraigned together Wednesday by Judge Ralph Porzio, who set Ettore Mazzei's bail at $5,000, in addition to the bail already set by another judge in the drug case at $3 million. $5 million in cash or $5 million bail.

This would require 10 percent of the bond amount, and/or assistance from co-signers, for Mazzei's release from Rikers Island amid several open cases in State Supreme Court in St. George.

In arguing Wednesday to waive bail for Ettore Mazzei in the assault case, defense attorney Yan Katsnelson noted that the government had already frozen the defendant's assets.

“Any additional bail would basically amount to pretrial detention,” Katsnelson said.

After hearing from both sides, Porzio set bail at $5,000 cash or $5,000 surety.

“Both cases are serious issues and I want everyone to know that I take these issues very seriously,” Porzio said.

He issued a full protection order on behalf of the alleged victim in the assault case, noting the lack of an accidental contact clause.

“He might post bail,” Porzio said.

David Mazzei, who has experience in commercial contracts, appeared in court on his own volition, wearing a dress shirt and his hair neatly slicked back. He was released on his own recognizance.

Porzio also issued an order of protection against David Mazzei on behalf of the same alleged victim. This document, however, includes an exception for accidental contact.

Katsnelson asked prosecutors Wednesday to explain to the complainant that David Mazzei is allowed to come and go to certain properties owned by his father as part of his daily activities.

The complainant, Katsnelson said, who also has reason to be in that area, called police multiple times for false reasons.

Prosecutors agreed to hand over the information.

After the hearing, Katsnelson added that the complainant posed a “threat to the neighborhood.”

“He was arrested several times in this area, harassing other tenants and patrons of the various restaurants,” Katsnelson said. “He was arrested several times by the police that day. »

The case was adjourned until August 5 before Judge Lisa Grey.

Hit in the face

It was about 2:30 p.m. when the elder Mazzei, holding a “blunt object,” struck the left side of the victim’s face, according to a criminal complaint.

Authorities said the two punched and kicked the man “in and around the body.” Then Mazzei allegedly threw him out of a window as the two men continued to beat him.

Ettore Mazzei's lawyer said Wednesday that prosecutors have yet to present “any evidence of wrongdoing.”

“All I hear from the prosecution is a lot of accusations and childish name calling,” defense attorney Mark Fonte said. “I’m waiting for them to replace their words with evidence.”

Drug possession, car stop

As of Wednesday, young Mazzei had two cases open in criminal court.

One of them is charged with illegal possession of a pocket knife and a traffic violation in connection with a traffic stop on April 25.

The other was reportedly arrested in possession of crack cocaine on May 22, the same day police raided several of his father's properties and arrested around 20 people.