John Alite, a 63-year-old councilman in Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday on charges including multiple counts of extortion, corporate misconduct, and other allegations tied to loans with illegal interest rates and threats of violence. Alite prev
The moment the arrest paperwork landed, Englishtown had to confront a name it had only recently put on its own public-facing roster: John Alite.
On Friday, the New Jersey Attorney General announced that John Alite, 63, a councilman in Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of extortion, corporate misconduct, and other charges.
The case is built around what prosecutors say happened after Alite made loans—loans offered outside the maximum legal rate—then turned to coercion when debtors didn’t comply. Officials allege Alite threatened the debtors with violent acts if they didn’t hand over money and property. Prosecutors also allege he used his business, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to promote the scheme.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport framed the charges as the result of an investigation focused on conduct she described as unlawful and unfair. “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. ” Davenport said in the news release. “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.”.
Alite’s history is part of why the allegations land with such force. He has long had ties to organized crime, including as the top enforcer for the infamous Gotti crime family and as a longtime member of the Gambino family.
In 2015, Alite spoke to CBS News about his earlier decision to leave the mob. In that interview. he claimed he committed 15 murders. shot 30 to 40 people. and beat more than one hundred others with pipes and baseball bats. He also described an organized hit: “While we were in the conversation. I shot him two or three times in the head. then spit on him. It was nothing. like going to a baseball game. I went out (afterward) for a cheeseburger. double cheese. Coke and fries.”.
Those admissions, years after his prison time, have sat alongside a different public persona. Alite served more than 14 years in the United States and Brazil. After being released, he repudiated his mob ties. He then launched a popular podcast called “Catch Me On The Run. ” where he revealed details about his years with the mob and running from the feds. He also wrote or appeared in numerous books and several documentaries.
Englishtown’s council role came later, but not long ago. Alite was appointed to the council by Englishtown’s mayor, Daniel Francisco, in May 2025. At the time. he told the Guardian that he wanted to run to help the community after his daughter died from a fentanyl overdose. He said, “Plus, I’m not a criminal any more,” adding, “I’m on a mission to do things the right way.”.
The allegations now place that promise directly beside the charges: prosecutors say loans made outside legal limits were followed by threats aimed at forcing debtors to hand over money and property. backed by the use of a business—Straightened-Out Entertainment. Inc.—to promote the scheme. The council appointment. which Alite described as a turn toward doing “the right way. ” is now surrounded by a case built on coercion and profit.
For residents watching this unfold, the question is no longer only what Alite did before public life. It is what he allegedly did while holding a public role—and how quickly a local government has to respond when the conduct alleged is the kind communities usually spend years trying to keep out.
John Alite Englishtown New Jersey council member extortion charges Straightened-Out Entertainment Attorney General Jennifer Davenport organized crime ties Gambino family Gotti crime family