Mob boss DiNunzio sentenced to 6+ years

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The acting head of the New England mob was sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for his involvement in a racketeering and extortion conspiracy.

Anthony L. DiNunzio, 53, of East Boston, pleaded guilty in federal court in September to shaking down Rhode Island strip clubs for protection money.

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DiNunzio is the eighth member or associate of the New England mob to be sentenced in the conspiracy. A sentence of 78 months was handed down in court Wednesday.

According to the indictment unsealed by the Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office following his arrest in April, DiNunzio is accused of receiving monthly protection payments from adult entertainment businesses in Providence including the Cadillac Lounge, The Satin Doll, Foxy Lady and Desire.

He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

“Prosecution of Mr. Dinunzio and his fellow LCN leaders, members and associates was a true team effort, in which attorneys from the Criminal Division and this Office, the Rhode Island State Police, the Providence Police and the FBI all played a critical part,” said U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha in a statement. “As a result of their painstaking, excellent work, Mr. DiNunzio and his fellow career criminals are going to federal prison for long periods of time. Rhode Island, and New England as a whole, is a better and safer place today as a result of their work.”

As part of the plea deal, DiNunzio admitted to being the boss of the New England mob. He assumed control two years ago, replacing Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio.

Manocchio pleaded guilty to similar charges in connection with a superseding indictment. He's currently serving a prison sentence in a federal prison in Virginia.

DiNunzio's brother, underboss Carmen "The Cheesman" DiNunzio, is currently serving a six-year sentence for bribing an undercover FBI Agent posing as a state official.