Englishtown councilman among 2 men charged in organized crime investigation
Authorities allege Alite made loans with interest rates exceeding legal limits and later obtained money and property from victims by threatening violence.
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An Englishtown councilman and a Bridgewater man were arrested Friday following an organized crime investigation into alleged extortion and illegal lending activities, New Jersey authorities said.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that Englishtown Councilman John Alite, 63, was charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion, corporate misconduct, usury and terroristic threats.
Authorities allege Alite made loans with interest rates exceeding legal limits and later obtained money and property from victims by threatening violence. Investigators also say he used his company, Straightened-Out Entertainment Inc., to further the scheme.
Stephen Locrotondo, 67, of Bridgewater, was charged with usury and conspiracy. Prosecutors say he agreed to receive interest on loans that exceeded the maximum rate permitted by law in coordination with Alite.
“These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice,” said Davenport. “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.”
The case was investigated by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption North Unit.
Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco said every American is entitled to due process, and that he would reserve judgment while the judicial process unfolds.
"There are often opportunists ready to pounce on calamity; I implore those following along to remain human - there are always innocent bystanders on all sides, like family, impacted by the urge for commotion," Francisco wrote in an email to News 12.
Francisco also said that, based on currently available information, the allegations made by the attorney general are not related to Borough operations.
"In the meantime, our Borough remains focused on serving our residents, advancing downtown development, and delivering two great community events this summer," he wrote.
