A jury today convicted supermarket mogul George Torres of federal racketeering charges.

During a three-week trial, prosecutors alleged that Torres was a ruthless entrepreneur who made millions in the grocery business by hiring illegal workers, failing to pay taxes, bribing a public official and arranging to have people killed when they crossed him.

Torres, wearing a dark suit, showed no emotion as the verdict was read. His family members wept outside the courtroom. Defense attorneys had disputed the allegations, saying Torres was a hard-working businessman who was targeted by an overzealous Los Angeles Police Department detective and lying informants who were enticed with promises of cash and early release from prison in exchange for their testimony.