An ex-mobster turned local councilman from a small New Jersey town who spent fourteen years in prison for at least six murders is expected to appear in court on Wednesday after his arrest last week on loansharking charges.
John Alite, who won an Englishtown Borough Council seat last year, spent Friday night at a hospital in Freehold – his attorney, Douglas Anton, said he was being treated for “certain medical issues” — before being transported to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack on Saturday. He is scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Imre Karaszegi, Jr. tomorrow afternoon.
Alite allegedly threatened to strike one debtor in the head with a baseball bat and told others he could “gut” people “like fish.” One alleged victim was pressured into paying attorney’s fees related to a property deed, while others were allegedly threatened over loan repayments and interest payments.
According to the criminal complaint, Alite kept a cache of weapons in his home that were connected to debt collection through threats of violence and intimidation. The New Jersey State Police reported finding six baseball bats – one near the front door and five in the kitchen – metal knuckles, an expandable baton, two slapjacks, and roughly two dozen switchblades and other knives. Prosecutors say these weapons are relevant because Alite allegedly used threats of physical violence to collect money. Law enforcement also found a bag containing Anavar, an anabolic steroid, with no prescription information attached.
The charges announced by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office last week include extortion, loansharking, and terroristic threats. Authorities accuse Alite of making high-interest loans carrying interest rates exceeding 50% annually and using threats and intimidation to force repayment.
He allegedly sought victims’ home addresses and expressed an intent to confront them personally.
Alite was a Gambino crime family hitman and enforcer who was John Gotti, Jr.’s best friend before he testified against them. He admitted to about three dozen shootings while working for the crime family.
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.
His alleged accomplice, Stephen Locrotondo, has already been released.