SWAT lands at John Alite's home, arrests former New Jersey mob hitman

Albanian-American John Alite, former associate of the Gambino mafia family and former close associate of John Gotti Jr., is arrested by numerous SWAT forces at his home.

According to the New York Post, 63-year-old Alite was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning at his Englishtown, New Jersey, home after a raid by state authorities. Security camera footage shows multiple officers in SWAT uniforms approaching his home around 5 a.m.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office announced that Alite is charged with several felonies, including extortion by threat (fines), violation of usury laws, corporate mismanagement and making terroristic threats.

Also arrested was 67-year-old Stephen Locrotondo of Bridgewater, New Jersey, who is charged with loan sharking and conspiracy.

“Our office is committed to ensuring that all businesses operate in an honest and lawful manner. The conduct alleged in this case is quite the opposite, and we will work to hold accountable anyone who defrauds or steals,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Alites’ attorney, Douglas Santon, denied the charges, saying his client has lived by the law for nearly two decades and will ultimately be acquitted.

"John has led a regular and legal life since leaving his past behind. He is politically active and often expresses his opinions publicly, which may have brought in powerful opponents," the lawyer said.

Alite is known as one of the most controversial figures in the Italian-American mafia. He has previously admitted involvement in six murders and cooperated with federal authorities, which allowed him to be released from prison early after being convicted in 2011.

After leaving the criminal world, Alite became involved in public life and in 2025 was appointed a member of the Englishtown City Council. In a previous interview, he stated that he wanted to atone for the mistakes of the past and serve the community.

His arrest has caused consternation among local officials. Members of the municipal council expressed surprise, describing Alite as an active citizen and dedicated functionary.

Meanwhile, Mayor Daniel Francisco stated that every American citizen enjoys the presumption of innocence and that the conclusion of the judicial process should be awaited before drawing conclusions.

Ironically, the man who once escaped long sentences by cooperating with authorities and who later became a local politician, today finds himself facing justice again, this time accused of an alleged loan sharking and extortion scheme.

Happening now...

21:07 SPORT

Live Belgium-Iran / The second challenge in the group begins, the teams seek the first victory

21:06 HAPPENING NOW

"They don't get tired of stealing from us, how can we get tired of 22 days?"/ Journalist Osman Stafa gives a strong speech before the Prime Minister's Office: We have ruined their sleep and shopping!

20:46 SHOWBIZ

While performing in Switzerland, Gjesti warns of a surprise for fans

20:37 POLITICS

Closed lists/ Protester ironically in front of the Prime Minister's Office: My heart told me to vote for Zegjinena, my mind told me to vote for the future with 83-year-old Berisha

20:34 HAPPENING NOW

Massive protest against the government, Albanian from Diaspora: The magic word "Rama in prison, Berisha in prison" united us

20:22 POLITICS

"You don't have a chance to dirty me"/ They put my name on a trash can, Ardit Bido reacts: I'm clean

20:04 HAPPENING NOW

"We too have the right to a better Albania"/ The little girl takes the microphone and excites the square in front of the Prime Minister's Office: We are the future!

20:03 SPORT

Spain reacts spectacularly, defeats Saudi Arabia with poker and takes the first three points in the World Cup

Nga Red Varaku 19:54 ideas

Spiropali's "New Deal" as a rescue plan for the SP, not for Rama

Nga Red Varaku

19:41 HAPPENING NOW

22nd protest in Tirana, march starts from Skanderbeg Square towards the Prime Minister's Office, massive participation of the Diaspora

19:30 HAPPENING NOW

Israeli flag incident/ "There are infiltrated groups that want to disrupt the protest", Kola: They cannot undo our revolt!

19:26 POLITICS

"You are not a diaspora"/ Minister Lamallari to protesters from Macedonia and Kosovo: You are welcome, but spare the immigrant refrain

19:07 POLITICS

Protester from Dibra: Rama and Berisha should give up politics, let the youth take over the country's leadership

19:04 HAPPENING NOW

"They have nothing to do with us, we protected the Jews" - Protester condemns the incident at the Israeli embassy: They want to tarnish the protest, but they can't!

Want to read more news