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Mafia Street Boss Gets Nearly 20 Years In Prison

A Massachusetts man who prosecutors say was a street boss in New York's Colombo crime family has been sentenced to almost 20 years in prison on racketeering conspiracy and weapons charges.

Ralph DeLeo, of Somerville, pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced Wednesday to 19 years and seven months in prison. He will receive credit for three years he has already served.

Prosecutors said DeLeo was the street boss of the Colombo family and the head of the "DeLeo Crew," a criminal enterprise based in Somerville that engaged in extortion and loan-sharking, and sold cocaine and marijuana. The crew operated mainly in Massachusetts, Arkansas, Florida and New York.

DeLeo's attorney, Tim Watkins, said the 69-year-old DeLeo "stood up to take his punishment" for things he has now put behind him.

This program aired on November 21, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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