ALBANY, N.Y. — Patrick Civitello, 18, of Schenectady, New York, pleaded guilty on October 28 to witness retaliation, admitting he assaulted a 15-year-old boy in retaliation for the boy’s mother testifying in a federal drug trafficking trial. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office.
Civitello, the son of Jeffrey Civitello Sr. and younger brother of Jeffrey Civitello Jr., both convicted in April 2023 on federal drug charges, admitted in court to targeting the mother, identified as V-1, who testified against his family members. On May 19, 2024, Civitello encountered V-1 and her son (identified as V-2) at a restaurant in Glenville, New York. While on the phone with his incarcerated brother, Civitello expressed his intent to “rag” V-1, a term suggesting he planned to retaliate.
As V-1 and V-2 exited the restaurant and headed to their car, Civitello followed them into the parking lot, briefly removing his watch and bag before charging at the pair. He proceeded to punch V-2 in the head, continuing to strike and kick him even after the boy fell to the ground. V-2 sustained minor injuries, including abrasions and bruises to his head, neck, and hand.
Civitello was arrested on June 13, 2024, and has remained in custody since. He is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025, and faces a potential life sentence, along with up to five years of supervised release. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge based on the specific statutes violated, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other relevant factors.