New Jersey Englishtown Councilman John Alite has been arrested on charges of illegal usury and extortion. The State Attorney General's Office alleges that Alite used his public office to run a loan-sharking network.
Charges and arrests
John Alite, 63, was taken into custody on numerous charges including theft by extortion, corporate misconduct, usury, and terrorist threats. A second suspect, Stephen Locrotondo, was also arrested on charges of usury and conspiracy.
The prosecution alleges that Alite and Locrotondo provided loans at exorbitant interest rates and that Alite threatened violent acts to collect debts. Alite is also accused of using his company, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to support the criminal scheme.
Official statements
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport stated that these arrests are the result of meticulous investigative work and strong collaboration. Davenport said the alleged conduct is illegal and those responsible will be held accountable.
Alite's past and current status
John Alite was appointed in 2025 to fill a vacant seat on the Englishtown council, approximately 15 years after being sentenced to 10 years in prison on racketeering charges. He was previously known to have ties to the Gambino crime family and was a former confidant of John Gotti Jr.
Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco said Alite is entitled to due process and would not prejudge before the facts are known. Francisco stated the allegations are not related to the borough's operations and will be resolved externally.
It is not yet known whether Alite will remain in his seat during the investigation. Mayor Francisco noted that John is an elected official chosen by the voters and the decision to continue in the position is entirely his own.
