NEW YORK: An accused gangster nicknamed “Vinny Gorgeous” became even more dapper Tuesday when the judge in his murder trial lent him a tie after jailers had refused him one. Vincent Basciano is charged with murder and racketeering, crimes he allegedly committed on behalf of the Bonanno crime family in 2004, according to court documents. Basciano, known for his sartorial style, appeared in Brooklyn Federal Court for jury selection without a tie. His discomfort was quickly noted by Judge Nicholas Garaufis, who lent him his own tie, said defense attorney George Goltzer. The judge had previously allowed Basciano's family to supply him with a suit, socks and shoes for the trial, but a jail employee apparently read the order too literally and refused to permit a tie, Goltzer said. “It's much ado about nothing now,” Goltzer said. “The jail perhaps didn't accept ties but it's been resolved now. It was a simple misunderstanding with the parties that were involved.” He said the judge even suggested Basciano hold onto the tie until the end of the trial.
