MASSACHUSETTS
Five alleged associates of the Genovese La Cosa Nostra crime family were charged Thursday with extortion, making physical threats and illegal debt collecting, according to officials.
Ralph Santaniello, 49, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Giovanni Calabrese, aka John Calabrese, 53, of Longmeadow; Gerald Daniele, 51, of Longmeadow; Francesco Depergola, 60, of Springfield, Massachusetts; and Richard Valentini, 51, of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, were each charged with one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortion.
In addition, Santaniello, Calabrese and Depergola were each charged with one count of extortion by threat of physical violence; and Daniele was charged with two counts of making extortionate extensions of credit and one count of collecting on an extension of credit by extortionate means.
According to the indictment, the defendants were associates of the Genovese crime family in New York and committed various criminal activities in Springfield, including loansharking, extortion from persons who were involved in legitimate and illegitimate businesses, including illegal gambling businesses; and the collection of unlawful debts.
In conducting their illegal activities, the defendants allegedly used violence and, exploiting their relationship with the Cosa Nostra, implied threats of murder and physical violence to instill fear in their victims.
The indictment alleges that in 2013, Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini attempted to extort money from a Springfield businessman.
Santaniello allegedly assaulted the victim and threatened to cut off his head and bury his body if he did not comply.
Over a period of four months, the victim paid $20,000 to Santaniello, Calabrese, Depergola and Valentini to protect himself and his business.
Additionally, according to the indictment, during a six-month period in 2015, Daniele allegedly extended two usurious loans to an individual, and then, with the assistance of Santaniello and Calabrese, threatened the individual if he did not make payments on the loan.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.