Thursday, February 24, 2011
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The reputed former leader of the New England mob has pleaded not guilty to federal extortion and conspiracy charges.
Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio entered the plea today before a magistrate judge in U.S. District Court in Providence.
The 83-year-old Manocchio was arrested in Florida last month as part of a roundup of more than 120 suspected mobsters and associates.
Manocchio and another man are accused of extorting thousands of dollars from city strip clubs.
Prosecutors have asked the judge to order him held until trial, saying he is a flight risk and a danger to the community. The judge has called a recess to consider the request.