Associated Press 1:49 p.m. EDT March 12, 2015
The FBI says it has arrested 10 members and associates of an organized crime family
NEWARK — Federal prosecutors have announced the arrest of 10 members and associates of the DeCavalcante organized crime family in New Jersey.
They're listed with nicknames like "Knuckles" and "Whitey" and they're accused of plotting to commit murder, distribute drugs and promote prostitution.
The suspects include reputed captain 71-year-old Charles Stango, of Henderson, Nevada, and 72-year-old Frank Nigro, of Toms River, a reputed consigliere, or adviser. The criminal complaint alleges the DeCavalcante family operates under the direction of New York's Gambino crime family. The DeCavalcantes have long been thought to be the real-life inspiration for HBO's "Sopranos."
Prosecutors allege Stango sought and obtained permission from Nigro to kill a family member in New Jersey. Authorities say Stango discussed his plans with an undercover agent, telling him that the man had insulted an acting boss of the family and was "out of control."
The intended victim "had to meet death or you gotta maim him or you just gotta put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life," Stango allegedly told the agent.
Prosecutors claim Stango and his son, Anthony, also planned to operate a high-end escort service in the Toms River area.
Some suspects are due in federal court Thursday afternoon in Newark. Stango is due to appear in a Las Vegas courtroom.