New Jersey Council Member Charged with Extortion

New Jersey council member arrested for extortion

John Alite, a 63-year-old councilman from Englishtown, NJ, faces serious charges including extortion and corporate misconduct, as announced by New Jersey’s Attorney General. Authorities allege Alite charged interest rates exceeding legal limits and threatened borrowers with violence to force repayment.

Alite’s criminal history

Alite’s past is deeply entwined with organized crime. Known for his role with the Gotti crime family, he has previously confessed to committing multiple murders as a mob enforcer. In a 2015 CBS News interview, he detailed his violent past, including claims of murder and assault.

Attorney General’s commitment

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport emphasized collaboration between New Jersey State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice in this investigation. She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to lawful business conduct, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Alite.

From mobster to councilman

Alite’s criminal past spans more than a decade of incarceration in the U.S. and Brazil. He subsequently denounced his affiliation with organized crime, launching a podcast to share his experiences. His appointment as a council member came after a personal tragedy—the death of his daughter from a fentanyl overdose. He expressed a desire to contribute positively to the community, stating that he no longer identified as a criminal.