An Englishtown councilman and former Gambino crime family mob enforcer who spent fourteen years in prison for at least six murders was arrested today for crimes associated with loansharking.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport alleged that John Alite made loans that exceeded the maximum legal rate and later threatened to commit violent acts to obtain property and cash. He is charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion (second degree), corporate misconduct (second degree), usury (second degree), and terroristic threats. Davenport also accused Alite of misusing a business he owns, Straightened-Out Entertainment, as part of the scheme.
One of Alite’s attorneys, Douglas Anton, said the councilman was taken to Centra State Medical Center “because of certain medical issues.”
“He was sleeping comfortably and looked great as usual. The Detective Sgt. on duty said they believe he will get medically cleared this morning and brought to Monmouth County for processing so we can deal with the next issue of getting him released so we can gather the necessary evidence to debunk these charges,” said Anton, who went to visit Alite last night.
The 63-year-old Alite was a boyhood friend of mob boss John Gotti’s son; he was the best man at Gotti’s wedding. He testified against Gotti, Jr. in a 2008 racketeering trial and works as a motivational speaker urging young people to avoid a life of crime.
In addition to the murders, Alite was reportedly involved in 37 shootings and multiple beatdowns while working as a Gambino henchman.
Alite became a councilman in 2025 after Kyle Jewusiak resigned and later won the primary and general elections. He was unopposed in the primary and general elections.
“These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice,” Davenport said. “Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses conduct themselves fairly and lawfully. The conduct alleged in this case was anything but, and we will work to hold those who cheat and steal accountable.”
Anton is “absolutely confident that John will be exonerated in short order.”
“John has lived a law-abiding life since leaving behind ‘that’ life almost two decades ago. John is outspoken politically and fights tirelessly for what he believes in,” said Anton. “This sometimes draws the attention of differing viewpoints, which, in modern times, could lead to people in power taking positions that may not be genuine.”
An Alite associate, Stephen Locrontondo of Bridgewater, was also arrested.
The attorney general’s office listed Alite’s attorney as Thomas Calgagni, who worked for Gov. Chris Christie in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office while Christie was governor.
This story was updated on June 20 at 8:38 AM with comment from Anton.
