12 Reputed Mobsters Charged in Extortion

The reputed acting boss of the Luchese organized crime family, and 11 others, including members and associates from the Luchese, Gambino and Genovese families, have been indicted on charges of extorting New York’s Garment Center businesses, federal prosecutors said. Defendants include Joseph “Little Joe” DeFede, alleged to be the head of the Luchese family. DeFede is charged with seven counts of racketeering, extortion conspiracy and extortion. If convicted of all counts, he will face a possible maximum sentence of 140 years in prison. DeFede and the others were named in two separate indictments unsealed in Manhattan federal court.