CHICAGO (AP) — The reputed mob boss known as "Joey the Clown" lived up to his nickname Tuesday, making wisecracks in court as he pleaded not guilty to conspiring in the slayings of 18 people.
"Joey," whose real name is Joseph Lombardo, had spent nine months on the lam from federal agents before the hearing. Federal Judge James B. Zagel asked if he had seen a doctor lately.
"I was supposed to see him nine months ago, but I was — what do they call it? — I was unavailable," rasped Lombardo, who appeared in an orange prison jumpsuit and leg irons.