Salemme prepping for spotlight in murder trial

Francis “Cadillac Frank” Salemme, former godfather of the New England Mafia, will make his first public appearance in a decade next month when he’s hauled into court to help prepare for his federal murder trial.

The 84-year-old Salemme has been biding his time in prison, poring over discovery in his case, according to his longtime lawyer. “He’s very dialed in and getting ready for trial, looking forward to having his day in court,” attorney Steven Boozang said. “He’s doing very well — healthy.”

U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs yesterday ordered Salemme and his co-defendant Paul Weadick, 62, brought in next month for several housekeeping matters ahead of the start of jury selection on April 30.

Salemme and Weadick are accused of murdering Steven A. DiSarro, owner of the now-defunct South Boston concert venue The Channel in 1993 because DiSarro knew Salemme and his late son Francis Salemme Jr. shared a hidden financial interest in the club during a time when father and son were the targets of a mob-crushing federal investigation.

DiSarro, 43, was missing for 23 years until his remains were unearthed in Providence, R.I., in 2016.

Prosecutors say Weadick was a close associate of the junior Salemme.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak Jr. anticipates the trial will take a month to complete.

Wyshak confirmed for Burroughs at a brief hearing yesterday that the feds will put convicted serial killer Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi on the stand.