John Alite, a council member in Englishtown, New Jersey, has been arrested on serious charges including extortion and making terroristic threats. Known as a Gambino crime family associate, Alite has a past marked by criminal activity. He reformed his image after being released from prison in 2012. However, recent developments have brought him back into the spotlight.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the arrest, detailing charges that also include corporate misconduct and usury. Usury refers to lending money at interest rates above legal limits. Alite, 63, and his associate Stephen Locrotondo, 67, allegedly issued loans with interest rates exceeding 50 percent annually. They then reportedly resorted to threats and violence to collect payments and property from victims.

Documents reveal Alite’s company, Straightened-Out Entertainment, played a role in promoting the illegal loan scheme. Alite profited at least $75,000 before his arrest. Prosecutors stated that Alite forcibly obtained a residential property from one of the victims. The accusations stem from testimonies provided by two victims, who described threats and violence involved in the scheme.

Neither Alite nor his lawyer immediately commented on the charges. Attorney General Davenport emphasized the importance of lawful business conduct and committed to holding violators accountable.