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Alleged New England mobster arrested in federal crackdown

Print | Comments () Posted by Martin Finucane January 20, 2011 02:57 PM

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By Martin Finucane and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff

A man who once led the New England Mafia is facing extortion and extortion conspiracy charges for allegedly receiving monthly protection payments for years from strip clubs and other adult entertainment businesses in Providence, federal prosecutors said.

AP File Photo

Manocchio at a 1999 hearing

Luigi "Louie" Manocchio, 83, was charged in an indictment unsealed today in US District Court in Rhode Island. He was arrested Wednesday in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The US attorney's office in Rhode Island said the indictment of Manocchio was part of a widespread campaign against the Mafia in the Northeast in which 91 members and associates of seven organized crime families were charged with racketeering and related federal crimes, including murder and extortion. Another 36 people also face charges for associated criminal activity.

"Today's arrests and charges mark an important step forward in disrupting La Cosa Nostra's illegal activities," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. "This largest single day operation against La Cosa Nostra sends the message that our fight against traditional organized crime is strong and our commitment is unwavering."

Manocchio was at various times a member, underboss, and boss of the New England organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, prosecutors alleged in the Rhode Island indictment.

The indictment said that the Mafia and its members and associates used intimidation and implied threats to induce owners and operators of adult bookstores and strip clubs in Providence to provide "protection" payments.

A mob tour of Boston

Thomas Iafrate, an alleged mob associate, was also charged in the case. He allegedly set aside, collected, and delivered the protection payments to Manocchio on behalf of the Satin Doll, Cadillac Lounge, and other adult entertainment businesses.

Federal prosecutors said they had charged members and associates of the New England, mob, all five New York-based crime families -- the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Luchese families -- and the New Jersey-based Decavalcante family. The indictments were unsealed in Providence, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Newark, N.J. Four of the defendants are charged with five murders.

The US attorney's office in Rhode Island said Manocchio and Iafrate extorted protection payments for nearly two decades from the owner of the Satin Doll and Cadillac Lounge and other businesses. Manocchio was expected to make an initial appearance in US District Court in Ft. Lauderdale today. Iafrate was arrested at his Johnston, R.I., home this morning and was to be arraigned today in US District Court in Providence, prosecutors said.

As head of the New England Mafia, Manocchio allegedly oversaw all of the family's illegal activities from Boston to Worcester, as well as in Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut.

Rhode Island US Attorney Peter F. Neronha said Manocchio was the boss as recently as a year to 18 months ago and his arrest was very significant because he had been targeted by law enforcement for some time.

Despite Manocchio's age, Neronha said he remained a threat. "Whether you are 83 or 63, if someone else is willing to do your bidding and engage in violent conduct, it doesn't matter how old you are,'' he said.

Each charge against Manocchio and Iafrate carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said the investigation is continuing.