Bridgewater Man Charged In Organized Crime Investigation

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A 67-year-old Bridgewater man was arrested in connection with an organized crime investigation, according to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Stephen Locrotondo of Bridgewater was arrested June 19 and charged with usury and conspiracy for allegedly agreeing to receive interest on loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law along with John Alite, 63, of Englishtown.

Alite was arrested June 19 and charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion, corporate misconduct, usury and terroristic threats.

Alite is alleged to have made loans above the legal maximum rate and then obtained victims' property and money by threatening violent acts, according to Davenport.

Alite is also alleged to have misused his corporation, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to promote the scheme, and that he is a councilman in Englishtown.

"These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice," said Davenport. "Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses conduct themselves fairly and lawfully. The conduct alleged in this case was anything but, and we will work to hold those who cheat and steal accountable."

"Our commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims does not end with an arrest," said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. "We remain steadfast in our mission to secure justice for every victim to ensure their voices are heard."

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