Head of the New England Mafia Arrested

Federal law enforcement arrested a man on Thursday who they say is the acting head of the New England Mafia, 72-year-old Anthony “Spucky” Spagnolo. Spagnolo, also known as “Crazy Eyes,” is accused of extorting tens of thousands of dollars in protection payments from a video poker machine company. According to the indictment, the mob collected payments from Constitution Vending Co. in exchange for driving out potential competitors for the past 20 years. The machines were illegally installed in bars and social clubs, and the proceeds were split with the owners. The man who collected payments on Spagnolo’s behalf was also arrested. Both face one count of conspiring to interfere with commerce through extortion.