Alleged No. 2 in Gambino Family Indicted
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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Eighteen people, including the alleged No. 2 man in the Gambino crime family, were indicted yesterday following an investigation into organized crime in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and suburban New York.
Anthony “The Genius” Megale, a Stamford man believed to be the highest-ranking Mafia member in Connecticut, was arraigned on a 46-count federal indictment charging him with racketeering, extortion, and illegal gambling.
Fifteen of the 18 people were arrested yesterday. Investigators were searching for the others, including Igazio Alogna, an alleged Mafia captain, and Vincent Fiore, an alleged Gambino soldier from Goshen, N.Y., both charged with attempted extortion.
Four of those indicted – Megale, Fiore, Alogna and Victor Riccitelli, who is charged with racketeering – are allegedly “made” members of the Gambino family.
“This is the most significant investigation of La Cosa Nostra in the state of Connecticut in 15 years,” said Special Agent Michael Wolf, the state’s top FBI agent.
All 15 men presented in court were ordered held while they await bail hearings within a week, during which time they were expected to hire or be assigned attorneys. None entered a plea.
Mr. Megale, a stocky man with glasses and salt-and-pepper hair, rolled his eyes and smirked slightly when prosecutors told him he was facing more than 20 years in prison on nearly every count.
“As underboss, Megale reports to the boss of the Gambino family, helps decide disciplinary issues involving the family, and assists in resolution of internal family disputes,” the indictment said. The indictment describes a traditional Mafia organization run out of Fairfield County, with members shaking down business owners.
Prosecutors say Mr. Megale demanded $2,000 a month from an area nightclub owner for “protection,” plus a little extra every year as a “Christmas bonus.” A vending machine owner was allegedly forced to pay Mr. Megale’s crew $200 a month.
The indictment also accuses Mr. Megale of lending money at exorbitant rates. A $2,500 debt allegedly accrued interest at the rate of $100 a week.
