Man strikes back at woman who gave testimony in court by attacking her 15-year-old, according to federal authorities.
A man admitted to assaulting a 15-year-old boy as revenge for his mother testifying against members of his family in a criminal matter, according to federal prosecutors.
On May 19, Patrick Civitello was dining at a restaurant in Glenville, New York, roughly 30 miles northwest of Albany, when he noticed a woman and her son enter, as stated in court documents.
During that moment, Patrick Civitello was speaking on the phone with his older brother, Jeffrey C. Civitello Jr., who was incarcerated, according to prosecutors.
A woman provided crucial testimony that led to the conviction of Jeffrey Civitello Jr. and his father, Jeffrey C. Civitello Sr., on federal drug trafficking charges in April 2023, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
According to court documents, she had a previous relationship with Jeffrey Civitello Sr.
After noticing the woman and her son, Patrick Civitello informed his brother, saying, “I need to deal with this situation, I’ll call you back,” as stated by prosecutors, who interpreted this as his intention to take action against her for her testimony in court.
According to prosecutors, Jeffrey Civitello Jr. advised his younger brother, “OK run down, but do it away from everyone if you could.”
An FBI special agent noted in an affidavit that he was aware Patrick Civitello was on the verge of committing a crime, as evidenced by a photo of Civitello on the phone at Max410, located at The Waters Edge.
After the woman and her 15-year-old exited the establishment, Patrick Civitello trailed them to the parking lot, as stated by prosecutors.
He removed his watch and cross-body bag, placing them on the ground, before sprinting towards the mother and her son, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors stated that Patrick Civitello started striking the teenager in the head.
Following the fall, Patrick Civitello continued to strike the teen with punches and kicks, resulting in cuts and bruises on his head, neck, and hand, according to prosecutors.
Brian W. Devane, the defense attorney, did not respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on October 29.
Patrick Civitello from Schenectady has remained in custody following his arrest on June 13, according to prosecutors.
On February 28, 2025, he is set to receive his sentence for witness retaliation, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
About two months after Patrick Civitello’s brother received an 11-year prison sentence on March 22 for drug trafficking and firearm possession, an attack occurred involving the woman’s son, according to prosecutors.
On October 29, there was no immediate response from the defense attorneys of Jeffrey Civitello Jr. to requests for comment from McClatchy News.
In October 2023, Jeffrey Civitello Sr., the father of the Civitello brothers, received a 10-year prison sentence for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy involving approximately 15 kilograms, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jeffrey Civitello Sr. faced allegations of collaborating with his older son and seasoned drug traffickers from New York City to move significant quantities of cocaine to Schenectady, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman regarding his sentencing.
A report from The Times Union revealed connections between the drug trafficking operation and the Mafia.
Prosecutors indicated that Patrick Civitello could be sentenced to life in prison.