John Alite, a council member in Englishtown, New Jersey, who previously admitted to multiple murders as a mob enforcer for the Gambino crime family, was arrested Friday on extortion charges along with other criminal counts, according to New Jersey's Attorney General.
Background
Alite, 63, an Albanian-American from Queens, served as the top enforcer for the infamous Gotti crime family and spent more than 14 years imprisoned in both the United States and Brazil before being released. In a 2015 interview with CBS News, Alite claimed responsibility for committing 15 murders, shooting between 30 to 40 people, and beating more than one hundred others using pipes and baseball bats during his time with the mob.
After renouncing his criminal ties, Alite launched a podcast called 'Catch Me On The Run,' where he discussed his years working for organized crime families. He also wrote and appeared in numerous books and documentaries about his experiences. In May 2025, Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco appointed Alite to the borough council. Alite told the Guardian at the time that he wanted to serve the community after his daughter died from a fentanyl overdose.
"Plus, I'm not a criminal any more," Alite said upon his appointment. "I'm on a mission to do things the right way."
The Charges
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Friday that Alite has been charged with multiple counts of extortion, corporate misconduct and related offenses. Prosecutors allege that Alite made loans exceeding the maximum legal interest rate and then threatened debtors with violent acts if they refused to surrender money and property.
According to investigators, Alite used his business, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., as part of the alleged criminal scheme. The Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police collaborated on the investigation that led to the arrest.
"These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice," said Attorney General Davenport. "Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses conduct themselves fairly and lawfully."
Key Takeaways
- John Alite previously admitted to participating in 15 murders as a Gambino crime family enforcer
- Served more than 14 years in prison across the United States and Brazil for his mob activities
- Appointed to Englishtown council by Mayor Daniel Francisco in May 2025
- Now charged with multiple counts of extortion, corporate misconduct related to alleged loan-sharking operation
- Prosecutors allege threats of violence were used against debtors who could not repay high-interest loans
- Investigation conducted jointly by New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and State Police
What's Next
Alite is expected to face arraignment on the charges in New Jersey state court. The Attorney General's office has indicated it will pursue the case vigorously, with prosecutors stating they intend to hold accountable those who engage in unfair and unlawful business practices. Court dates have not yet been scheduled publicly.