Former Gambino hitman John Alite, now a New Jersey councilman, was arrested by SWAT teams on loansharking and extortion charges.
When someone claims they have left a life of crime behind, we want to believe them. Trust is fragile, and the fall is hard when the past catches up.
What Happened
Early Friday morning, armed police in tactical gear marched down a quiet street in Englishtown, New Jersey. They raided the home of 63-year-old John Alite, a local town councilman.
Alite was once a hitman for the Gambino crime family. State officials now accuse him of running an illegal loan business, making threats, and stealing.
Police also arrested 67-year-old Stephen Locrotondo of Bridgewater. Officials say the two men worked together to cheat and scare people out of money.
What the money/evidence shows
- 2 arrests: John Alite, 63, and Stephen Locrotondo, 67, face state charges.
- 4 main charges: Theft by extortion, corporate misconduct, usury, and terroristic threats.
- 5:00 a.m. raid: Police in SWAT gear arrested Alite at his home in Englishtown.
- 6 past murders: Alite admitted to these crimes in 2008 before serving prison time.
- 1 year on council: Alite was appointed to his local government seat in March 2025.
The Bigger Question
Can a person truly leave the mob behind? Alite spent years telling the public he was reformed, even winning a seat on a local council.
This arrest makes us ask if our system is too quick to trust public figures who claim they have changed.
The Other Side
Alite's lawyer says his client has lived a clean life for nearly 20 years and that the charges are not genuine. He claims the arrest might be politically motivated because Alite is outspoken.
What Happens Now
The people of Englishtown are left without one of their leaders. The town council must now figure out how to run their local government.
This case shows how quickly local politics can be disrupted by a leader's secret life.
What We Still Don't Know
- How much money was involved in the loan scheme?
- Who were the victims of the extortion and threats?
- Will Alite lose his seat on the town council before the trial?
Transparency notes
Published: Jun 20, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
Spot an error or missing context? Email hi@kindjoe.com and we will review and correct if needed.
Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.