Reputed New York mobster, 80, cleared in 1978 'Goodfellas' heist

Reputed Bonanno crime family leader Vincent Asaro (C) speaks to the media as he departs Brooklyn Federal Court in New York November 12, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

When asked what he planned to do, he said, "Have a good meal and see my family."

The three-week trial featured numerous former organized crime figures whose testimony painted a picture of the violent life of a New York Mafioso.

Among those witnesses was Asaro's cousin, Gaspare Valenti, who wore a wire for years and who linked Asaro to the Lufthansa heist and the 1969 murder.

Valenti claimed to be one of the robbers, delivering from the witness stand a riveting account of the infamous crime.

Until Asaro's arrest, the only man ever charged for the robbery was a Lufthansa employee who functioned as the inside man.

But defense lawyers argued successfully that Valenti and the other cooperators were professional liars who perjured themselves in exchange for payments and promises of leniency.

"The government has become the pension plan" for former mobsters, Asaro's lawyer Elizabeth Macedonio told jurors in her closing argument. "How can you believe them?"