Anthony L. Dinunzio, Racketeering and Extortion, Rhode Island 2012

Grimy Times has learned that Anthony L. Dinunzio, the acting leader of the New England La Cosa Nostra (NELCN) crime family, has pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to extort protection payments from adult entertainment businesses in Rhode Island.

According to a signed plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court in Providence, Rhode Island, Dinunzio, 53, of East Boston, Mass., admitted to committing multiple acts of extortion and knowingly assisted in the charged criminal racketeering conspiracy through the oversight and receipt of monthly protection payments, paid in cash by the owners and operators of certain adult entertainment businesses in Rhode Island.

The plea agreement was announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer; Peter F. Neronha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island; Richard Deslauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Field Office; Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police; and Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Pare.

“Today, Anthony Dinunzio admitted to serving as a leader of the New England La Cosa Nostra, a criminal organization that, while under his control, extorted business owners throughout Rhode Island,” said Assistant Attorney General Breuer.

Dinunzio pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William E. Smith in the District of Rhode Island to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (RICO). At sentencing, scheduled for November 14, 2012, Dinunzio faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

To date, seven leaders, underbosses, members or associates of the NELCN have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the alleged racketeering and extortion conspiracy to extort protection payments from adult entertainment businesses and individuals in Rhode Island during the past two decades.

Admitted NELCN crime boss Luigi “Louie” Manocchio is serving a sentence of 66 months in prison. Edward “Eddy” Lato, an admitted capo, is serving a sentence of 108 months in prison. Alfred “Chippy” Scivola, an admitted NELCN member, is serving a sentence of 46 months in prison.

The NELCN demanded monthly cash payments of $2,000 to $6,000 from the owners and operators of several adult entertainment businesses in Rhode Island.

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