Trial and Terror: A victim's memory is mugged

A victim's memory is mugged

When Romual Piecyk, a refrigeration mechanic in New York City, found a double-parked car blocking his way on Sept. 11, 1984, he honked his horn. Two beefy men got out of the offending car, slapped him around and grabbed the $325 he was carrying. Piecyk telephoned police, who picked up his attackers in a nearby restaurant.

Justifiably indignant, Piecyk filed charges and told a grand jury what had happened. The jury indicted the arrested pair, John Gotti and Frank Colletta, for assault and robbery. Soon, however, Piecyk was wishing he had just forgotten about the whole episode.

First he got threatening...

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