Alleged New England Mob Boss Nabbed In Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - When he wasn't up in Rhode Island, reputed mob boss Louis "Baby Shacks" Manocchio, 83, spent time in South Florida.
On Wednesday, Manocchio, a convicted felon, was arrested in Ft. Lauderdale as part of a massive organized crime bust.
A total of 127 members and associates of seven organized crime families are charged with federal crimes in sixteen indictments.
"Today's arrests and charges mark an important step forward in disrupting La Cosa Nostra's illegal activities," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "This largest single day operation sends the message that our fight against traditional organized crime is strong, and our commitment is unwavering."
The charges relate to a wide range of alleged illegal activity including murder, loan-sharking, arson, narcotics trafficking, extortion, robbery, illegal gambling and labor racketeering.
Manocchio is accused of shaking down the owners of several adult entertainment businesses in Providence, Rhode Island, including the Cadillac Lounge and Satin Doll strip clubs.
He has a criminal record dating back to the 1940's. He spent 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to lesser charges in connection with the murders of two people.
Manocchio was promoted to boss of the Patriarca family in Rhode Island following the imprisonment of many of the organization's other leaders. He's been described as a shrewd, opportunistic old school leader who excels at keeping a low profile.
In the current Federal indictment, Manocchio faces extortion charges and if convicted is looking at up to 20 years in prison.
"The notion that the mob is more genteel now is a myth. Even more of a myth is that the mob is a shadow of its former self," said Janice Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in charge of the FBI's New York Division.
When he appeared in Federal Court in Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday, Louis Manocchio waived extradition and will therefore be taken back to Rhode Island to answer the charges against him.
