New England Mob Boss Pleads Guilty To Racketeering

The admitted leader of the New England mob has pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in federal court in Providence.

Anthony L. DiNunzio, of Boston, entered his plea Thursday.

The 53-year-old DiNunzio acknowledged being an organized crime leader and took responsibility for a conspiracy to extort protection money from Rhode Island strip clubs.

DiNunzio was arrested in April.

Police say DiNunzio assumed control of the New England mob about two years ago. One of his predecessors was his brother, Carmen "The Cheeseman" DiNunzio, who is serving a six-year sentence for bribing an undercover FBI agent posing as a state official.

Anthony DiNunzio's sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 14.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors say they will recommend a sentence of between just over five years and up to 6 1/2 years.