Thomas Iafrate, Extortion and Racketeering, Rhode Island 2011
A longtime associate of the New England La Cosa Nostra has pleaded guilty to participating in an extortion and racketeering conspiracy that targeted several Rhode Island businesses.
Thomas Iafrate, 70, of Johnston, R.I., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence, R.I., to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer and U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.
Iafrate faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release when he is sentenced on October 21, 2011, by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith.
According to court records and information presented in court, Iafrate was an associate of the NELCN enterprise while working as a longtime bookkeeper for various Providence adult entertainment businesses, including the Satin Doll, Cadillac Lounge, and Northeast Sales.
Iafrate participated in the racketeering conspiracy by setting aside and delivering extortion payments to members of the NELCN, including co-defendant Luigi Manocchio, on behalf of the owners. All three businesses were owned by the same people.
The superseding indictment charges longtime NELCN boss Luigi Manocchio, 83, with racketeering conspiracy, extortion conspiracy, and extortion. Richard Bonafiglia, 57, and Theodore Cardillo, 67, are charged with racketeering conspiracy and extortion conspiracy.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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