Story highlights Vincent Asaro breaks into a big smile after the verdict is read, pumps his fists

The prosecution's case relied on recordings provided by Asaro's cousin

Asaro, 80, is an alleged former Bonanno crime family captain

New York (CNN) A federal jury in New York acquitted alleged former mob boss Vincent Asaro, who was accused in the famed 1978 Lufthansa heist at JFK International Airport, of all charges on Thursday.

Jurors had deliberated since late Monday. They found Asaro, 80, not guilty of one count of racketeering conspiracy and two extortion-related counts.

After the verdict was announced in court, he broke out in a big smile, pumped his fists and gave one of his attorneys a huge hug.

Outside, a beaming Asaro told reporters he was dying to go home.

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