Gangster makes fed deal to testify vs. ‘Cadillac Frank’

A made member of the New England Mafia has struck a deal with federal prosecutors to testify against his former boss when Francis “Cadillac Frank” Salemme goes on trial for murder next spring at age 84.

Robert P. DeLuca, 72, pleaded guilty one year ago to federal obstruction of justice charges for helping dispose of the body of slain rock club owner Steven A. DiSarro in 1993.

It is expected DeLuca will testify at the onetime godfather’s May trial in U.S. District Court that Salemme asked DeLuca to get rid of DiSarro’s remains after Salemme and his late son strangled him to death in the family’s Sharon home.

DiSarro, then owner of The Channel in South Boston, wasn’t found until last year, when investigators recovered his buried remains from behind a building in Providence. Prosecutors allege that Salemme and Francis Salemme Jr. were secret investors in the Necco Street concert venue.

Salemme’s attorney couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.

DeLuca faces up to 10 years in prison. He was to be sentenced Nov. 16; however, assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak Jr. filed a motion Tuesday asking Judge Denise J. Casper to continue the proceeding to June after, Wyshak anticipates, Salemme’s trial will be over.

DeLuca won’t be the only high-profile mob figure to take the witness stand.

James “Whitey” Bulger’s partner Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi, 83, will testify he accidentally walked in on and witnessed DiSarro’s demise. Flemmi is serving life in federal prison for multiple murders. He was also an informant for the FBI against Salemme.