The FBI has said that Manocchio, 83, headed the New England branch of La Cosa Nostra from his home of Providence. The investigation also included the arrest of members of New York's so-called "five families" -- the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese organizations -- as well as the alleged DeCavalcante crime syndicate in New Jersey.  The federal indictment alleges Manocchio, also known as "The Professor" and "The Old Man," in 1993 began a nearly two-decade long stretch of extorting cash "protection" payments from strip clubs and other adult entertainment businesses in Providence.  He allegedly worked with Thomas Iafrate, a bookkeeper for the Satin Doll, Cadillac Lounge and other businesses. In addition to more regular payments, the indictment claimed the pair got $2,900 in cash on November 6, 2008, "induced by the use of force, violence and fear."  Manocchio was arrested January 19 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by law enforcement officials from several agencies, including the FBI, Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police  It was all part of what authorities described as one of the largest single-day operations against the mafia in FBI history, with law enforcement fanning out across Italy, New York, New Jersey, Florida and Rhode Island to arrest scores of suspects.  "Today's arrests and charges mark an important step forward in disrupting La Cosa Nostra's illegal activities," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said after the arrests, referring to the criminal organization by its Italian name.  Holder said organized crime is not resurgent and no longer nationwide, but it still subtracts millions of dollars from local businesses by way of a "mob tax," or tribute exacted through corrupt local officials. He described the phenomenon as "a major threat to the economic well-being of this country."  Ciresi, Manocchio's lawyer, urged the media and public to keep an open mind with regards to her client.  "I'm not going to comment on (Thursday's) proceedings, or any of the allegations made by the government, or any of the allegations that are in news reports," she said. "We'll see how this case unfolds."
A reputed former New England mob boss pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court, just over a month after he was among 127 people nabbed in a massive sting targeting organized crime.Luigi "Baby