Anthony L. Dinunzio, RICO, Rhode Island 2012

New England Crime Boss Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison

A notorious crime boss in the New England La Cosa Nostra (NELCN) has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy to extort protection payments from adult entertainment businesses in Rhode Island.

Anthony L. Dinunzio, 53, of East Boston, Mass., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith in Providence, R.I. to serve 78 months in federal prison. In addition to his prison term, Dinunzio was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release.

Dinunzio pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2012, to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (RICO). According to court documents, Dinunzio was a member and leader of the NELCN from at least 2002. At the time of his guilty plea, Dinunzio admitted to committing multiple acts of extortion and knowingly assisted in a criminal racketeering conspiracy through the oversight and receipt of $2,000 to $6,000 in monthly protection payments, paid in cash by the owners and operators of several adult entertainment businesses in Rhode Island.

The extortion scheme, which lasted for over a decade, involved Dinunzio and his NELCN subordinates using threats of violence to extort protection payments from business owners throughout the state. The sentence sends a powerful message about the determination to hold mafia leaders and associates to account.

This is not the first time NELCN members have been brought to justice. Previously, seven leaders, underbosses, members and associates of the NELCN have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in the racketeering and extortion conspiracy to extort protection payments from adult entertainment businesses and individuals in Rhode Island during the past two decades.

Dinunzio’s sentence is a major victory for law enforcement in Rhode Island and marks a significant blow to the NELCN’s operations in the state. The case is a testament to the persistence and dedication of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to dismantle organized crime groups.

Defendant: Anthony L. Dinunzio, 53, of East Boston, Mass.

Criminal Charge: Conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (RICO)

City and State: Providence, R.I.

Exact Date: Sept. 13, 2012 (guilty plea)

Sentence: 78 months in federal prison

Supervised Release: Three years

Monthly Protection Payments: $2,000 to $6,000

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