Ex-immigration official linked with crime figure

February 11, 1980

The FBI is investigating allegations that the former No. 2 man of the US immigration service acted improperly to help a reputed Mob kingpin in New Orleans escape deportation, according to the Washington Post.

In other developments in the FBI "sting" investigation of political corruption which have become public, Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards and Texas House Speaker Bill Clayton acknowledged receiving federal subpoenas, and other prominent politicians in the Southwest denied reports of roles in corruption.

The Post reported in its Sunday editions that the FBI is investigating allegations that Mario T. Noto, the former No. 2 official in the Immigration and Naturalization Service, acted to help Carlos Marcello, the reputed New Orleans organized-crime boss, escape deportation to Guatemala.