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.
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 unpopposed in 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.”
An Alite associate, Stephen Locrontondo of Bridgewater, was also arrested.
Alite’s attorney is Thomas Calgagni, who worked for Gov. Chris Christie in the U.S. Attorney’s office and in the New Jersey Attorney General’s office while Christie was governor.