Related Federal Cases
- Yanes Challenges Rhode Island Detention in Federal Habeas Petition · Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Burglaries: Duo Sentenced in Asian-Targeted Ring · New Hampshire
- Rhode Island Woman, Son Sentenced for Organized Crime Extortion · Rhode Island
- Rhode Island La Cosa Nostra Leader Lands 9-Year Prison Term · Rhode Island
- RHODE ISLAND MAFIA BOSS TAKES FALL · Rhode Island
New England Organized Crime Associate Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison
A 58-year-old Providence man, Richard Bonafiglia, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy to extort protection money from several Rhode Island adult entertainment businesses.
Bonafiglia, an admitted associate of the New England La Cosa Nostra (NELCN), pleaded guilty on February 23, 2012, to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. He was charged along with eight other admitted or alleged leaders, members, or associates of the NELCN with participating in a racketeering and extortion conspiracy and other acts of extortion.
According to court documents, Bonafiglia admitted to participating in multiple acts of extortion by assisting other conspirators in their collection and receipt of monthly protection payments of up to $800,000 from the owners and operators of several adult entertainment businesses. This scheme allegedly began in 2005, when Bonafiglia was hired to work at the Cadillac Lounge, where he served as the eyes and ears of then-admitted NELCN boss Luigi Manocchio.
Bonafiglia’s sentence was announced by Peter F. Neronha, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island; Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; 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.
Seven of the nine defendants named in superseding indictments and charged with participating in the racketeering and extortion conspiracy, including admitted longtime former NELCN underboss and boss Luigi Manocchio and admitted capo regime Edward Lato, have pleaded guilty. Manocchio was sentenced on May 11, 2012, to 66 months in federal prison; Edward Lato is awaiting sentencing.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland for the District of Rhode Island and Trial Attorney Sam Nazzaro of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. The matter was investigated by the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, and the Providence Police Department.
Bonafiglia will also serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. The sentencing is a significant blow to the NELCN, and it marks another major victory in the ongoing effort to dismantle the organization’s grip on organized crime in New England.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
