Former Mafia hitman-turned-rat-turned-suburban New Jersey politician John Alite has been arrested on loansharking charges.
The 63-year-old former Gambino family enforcer and ex-confidant of John Gotti Jr. was charged on Friday with multiple counts of theft by extortion, corporate misconduct, usury, and terroristic threats, according to the New Jersey State Attorney General.
Wild Ring camera footage of the moments before the arrest showed a brigade of cops in SWAT gear marching down a sleepy Englishtown street just after 5 a.m. on the way to Alite’s home.
John Alite, former mafia hitman turned New Jersey councilman, was arrested on Friday by state police on loan sharking charges. LP MediaStephen Locrotondo, 67, of Bridgewater, NJ, was also arrested and charged with usury and conspiracy as part of the alleged scheme.
“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,” Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said Saturday.
A lawyer for Alite vowed his client would be cleared.
“John has lived a law-abiding life since leaving behind ‘that’ life almost two decades ago,” attorney Douglas Anton told The Post. “John is outspoken politically and fights tirelessly for what he believes in. 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.”
The former hitman, who confessed to six murders, purportedly turned over a new leaf and was last year appointed to a vacant seat on the Englishtown council.
“You know what? I can really do some good. I already had a bad past, and I’m here to redeem my whole life, and I would like to go out doing everything in a positive way,” Alite told The Post after his appointment.
Alite (left) pictured with John Gotti Jr. (center) and Gambino associate Joseph O’Kane (right) pictured some time in 1986 or 1987. HO/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire / Shutterstock
THe ex-Gambino family hitman was featured on The Post’s March 16, 2025 cover.
The arrest shocked fellow Englishtown borough council members.
“I absolutely have no idea what that’s about, so I can’t comment. I can tell you I’m surprised because he’s been an excellent citizen and councilman,” Councilwoman Janet Leonardis told NJ.com.
Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco told the outlet, “Every American is entitled to due process, including John. I will not rush to judgment before the facts are known, and he is entitled to a presumption of innocence while the judicial process unfolds.”
Alite had turned over a new leaf and was appointed to the Englishtown council in 2025, with fellow councilmembers shocked to hear of his arrest. LP MediaAlite was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2011 but was let out after only a year when he became a cooperating witness.
Gotti Jr. had harsh words for his ex-pal in 2016, telling The Post, “He is one of the most shameless human beings that God has created.”
Alite could not immediately be reached for comment.
Additional reporting by Kyle Schnitzer
