CLEVELAND — Ronald “The Crab” Carabbia is to be released from prison today, nearly 25 years after he detonated a bomb that killed rival gangster Danny Greene in one of the city's most infamous slayings.

        Mr. Carabbia is getting out on parole despite objections from law enforcement officials who say he still has criminal ties and could return to lead the Youngstown mob.

        But inmates paroled after more than 20 years in prison don't find society the same as when they left it, Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul Gains said, adding Mr. Carabbia's situation is no different.

        “Mr. Carabbia is coming back to a completely changed Mahoning County,” Mr. Gains said. “It's less conducive to organized crime activities.”

        A sweeping federal corruption probe over the past few years led to the convictions of more than 70 public officials, including former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr.

        “If he gets out, he just better watch his P's and Q's,” Mr. Gains said of Mr. Carabbia. “He better behave if he comes down here.”

        Mr. Carabbia's attorney, Carole Rendon, did not return a phone call seeking comment but previously has said Mr. Carabbia is a frail man weighing less than 140 pounds.

        Mr. Carabbia was convicted by Cuyahoga County jury in May 1978 following a 79-day trial — longer than even the notorious 1954 murder trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard, the case considered an inspiration for The Fugitive.

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