Former Boston-Based Teamsters Local Leader Convicted Of Extortion Charges

Federal prosecutors say a former member of a Boston-based Teamsters local has been convicted of shaking down businesses with other members of the union.

James Deamicis was convicted Tuesday of extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion.

Prosecutors say the 52-year-old Deamicis, of Quincy, and other members of Teamsters Local 82 extorted businesses including Pt. Lighting Systems, the Westin Copley Hotel, and House of Blues by threatening "to picket and disrupt business, sometimes just hours before an event, if the entity did not accede to his demand for unwanted, unnecessary and superfluous jobs."

He is free on bail pending sentencing in March.

Deamicis's lawyer said his client was cleared of most charges in a 30-count indictment and the "verdict misapplied established law that has existed for decades."

He plans to appeal.