New England Mob Head Gets 6.5 Years In Shakedowns

The acknowledged acting head of the New England mob has been sentenced to 6.5 years for shaking down Rhode Island strip clubs for protection money.

Anthony L. DiNunzio, 53, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy in September under a plea agreement in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Prosecutors recommended a sentence of around five to 6.5 years.

U.S. District Court Judge William Smith said the maximum was appropriate because DiNunzio was in charge.

DiNunzio is one of nine people to agree to plead guilty in a federal investigation into extortion by the mob. He admitted he began receiving monthly protection payments from three Providence strip clubs after he ascended to the role of acting boss in late 2009 and early 2010.