Mob boss DiFiore devours junk food, wants out of jail

Jefferson Siegel/New York Daily News Bonanno mob boss Thomas DiFiore is trying to get out of jail after his January arrest on exortion charges.

If Bonanno crime boss Thomas (Tommy D) DiFiore was trying to eat his way out of jail, he was done in by Pringles and peanut butter.

DiFiore, 70, has been desperately seeking bail since he was arrested on extortion charges in January, claiming his Type 2 diabetes is raging out of control.

But DiFiore broke a cardinal rule of canny mobsters, leaving a trail of commissary purchases that showed he’s been stuffing his face with junk food high in sugar and carbs.

The damning evidence came when federal prosecutors called in a surprise witness at DiFiore’s bail hearing last month in Brooklyn Federal Court — Dr. Robin Edwin of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Enlarge Eivaisla/Getty Images/iStockphoto Peanut butter Enlarge LISA POOLE/AP A display of Hershey’s chocolate bars are seen on a candy rack, Friday, Oct. 29, 1999 in Boston. Hershey’s announced Friday that problems with a new computer system have disrupted distribution of Hershey’s chocolates, possibly causing a shortage of the candy in some areas for Halloween and maybe Christmas. The famous chocolate company also said the problem has led to lost sales and increased costs. (AP Photo/Lisa Poole) Original Filename: HERSHEY_S_HALLOWEEN_CW9.JPG Enlarge

Dr. Robin Edwin of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn told the court that DiFiore bought Pepsi, peanut butter and Hershey’s chocolate from the commissary, adding that these items ‘would cause his sugars to go up quite high and it would be very hard to control diabetes.’

“In terms of Mr. DiFiore, what items have you seen him purchasing at the commissary based on MDC records if you’re able to comment on that?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicyn Cooley asked in Perry Mason fashion.

Edwin ticked off the gruesome details: Ramen-flavored chili noodles; Hershey candy bars 6-pack; Pringles potato chips; jalapeno wheels; jalapeno squeeze cheese; peanut butter.

DiFiore allegedly washed it all down with Pepsi soda.

The main thing is to reduce the amount of … potatoes, pasta and fries.

“These all would cause his sugars to go up quite high and it would be very hard to control diabetes while they’re consuming these foods,” Edwin said, according to a transcript of the proceeding.

The doctor added that he schooled DiFiore about the benefits of a “plate diet,” in which half the prison grub on his plate should be veggies, a quarter proteins, and the other quarter carbohydrates.

Edwin’s advice would have sent shudders up the spine of Tony Soprano: “The main thing is to reduce the amount of … potatoes, pasta and fries,” the doctor said.

Joe Marino/New York Daily News Vincent Asaro was also arrested in the alleged extortion plot in January. He’s believed to have been involved in the infamous 1978 Lutfhansa Heist.

Federal Judge Allyne Ross rejected DiFiore’s bid for release on $ 4 million bail, ruling that he’s a danger to the community — not mentioning whether he’s a danger to himself.

Defense lawyer Steve Zissou threw cold water on the feds’ food facts.

“The commissary purchases are for other inmates — he does not consume them,” Zissou told the Daily News. “There is an informal barter system in some jails.”

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Pringles chip purchases were another piece of evidence in prosecutors’ claims that DiFiore has been pigging out on junk food and raising his blood sugar. Defense lawyers say he bought the food for other inmates.

Last week prosecutors updated the judge on DiFiore’s condition, reporting that he had a consultation with a dietician and was told what he should and should not eat. Sources said DiFiore has been stocking up on tuna fish since he learned the feds were monitoring his commissary purchases.

DiFiore, of Commack, L.I., is charged with participating in an extortion scheme with co-defendant Vincent Asaro, the Bonanno capo who is also charged with the infamous Lufthansa heist at Kennedy Airport in 1978 immortalized in the film “Goodfellas,” which also depicted mobsters feasting on steaks, lobsters and homemade tomato sauce in prison.

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