NJ Councilman, Past Mafia Member, Arrested for Crimes

TRENTON (CNBNews)(June 24, 2026) — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that two men were arrested for various crimes including terroristic threats, extortion, usury, and conspiracy.

John Alite, 63, of Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested on June 19, 2026, and charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion (second degree), corporate misconduct (second degree), usury (second degree), and terroristic threats. It is alleged that Alite made loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law and subsequently obtained the property and monies of victims by threatening to commit violent acts. He is also alleged to have misused his corporation, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to promote his criminal scheme. Alite is a councilman in Englishtown.

JOHN ALITE/FACEBOOK

Stephen Locrotondo, 67, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, was also arrested today and charged with usury and conspiracy, for allegedly agreeing to receive interest on loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law in coordination with Alite.

“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 Attorney General 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.”

“The charges in this case, which include theft by extortion, terroristic threats, usury, conspiracy, and corporate misconduct, represent serious allegations involving the use of intimidation, coercion, and unlawful financial practices for personal gain. These offenses strike at the fundamental principles of fairness, accountability, and public trust,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

“Today’s arrests reflect the diligent work of detectives committed to uncovering complex criminal activity and pursuing justice on behalf of those impacted. Individuals who seek to enrich themselves through intimidation, exploitation, or abuse of power should expect to be held accountable for their actions.”

Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben of the Division of Criminal Justice is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption North Unit.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Alite was previously known as a member of the Gambino crime family and John Gotti Jr.’s best friend, according to a report from NJ.com.

He was appointed to the Borough Council in the spring of 2025 after four members suddenly resigned, NJ.com reported.

In an email sent to Patch, Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco said that, based on the currently available information, the recent allegations against Alite are not related to the operations within the borough.

“Every American is entitled to due process, including John,” Francisco said. “I will not rush to judgment before the facts are known, and he is entitled to a presumption of innocence while the judicial process unfolds.”

“There are often opportunists ready to pounce on calamity; I implore those following along to remain human — there are always innocent bystanders on all sides, like family, impacted by the urge for commotion,” he continued.

“Based on currently available information, these allegations are not related to the operations within our borough, and indeed will be resolved outside of it.”

In the meantime, Francisco said the borough remains focused on “serving our residents, advancing downtown development, and delivering two great community events this summer.”

When asked if Alite currently retains his position on the Borough Council, Francisco said the decision to continue in his position mainly rests on Alite.

“John is an elected official chosen by the voters last year. The decision to continue in the position rests solely on him,” he said. “The borough and the council have no legal authority over his seat.”

New TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID Opt-In Experience

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced a new partnership with Google Wallet, introducing a more seamless way for eligible travelers to opt in to TSA PreCheck^® Touchless ID. Google Wallet is the first digital wallet to offer this innovative feature, making secure, efficient travel easier than ever.

With TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, members can quickly verify their identity using facial comparison technology in exclusive, dedicated lanes – eliminating the need to present physical documents and reducing wait times for a more convenient travel experience.

How it works with Google Wallet:

Check-in: Travelers check in with a participating airline and add their boarding pass to Google Wallet.
Opt-in prompt: Eligible travelers with an eligible digital ID will see a “Get started” button in Google Wallet and will be redirected to the TSA consent page.
Consent: Travelers authorize sharing their digital ID and boarding pass in Google Wallet with TSA.
Confirmation: TSA confirms enrollment and sends a success code to Google Wallet.
Indicator: Google Wallet updates the traveler’s boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator.

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Fireworks Festival in North Cape May, Road Closures

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LOWER TOWNSHIP (JUNE 25, 2026)(CNBNews)–The Lower Township Police Department will close Beach Drive and Shore Road to all street parking from Thursday, July 3rd, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the fireworks event at approximately 11:00 p.m. that evening. There will be “No Parking” signs posted along Beach and Shore Drive. Additionally, due to the large volume of pedestrians on the bayfront attending the event, this area will also be closed to all vehicular, E-bike, and bicycle traffic from Town Bank Road to Lincoln Boulevard in North Cape May from 3:00 p.m. on July 3rd until the conclusion of the event. David C. Douglass Park will be closed July 2nd at 10:00 P.M. and re-open on July 4th.

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DNREC Asks Public to Report Sightings of Wild Turkeys

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is again counting on Delawareans to help with the state’s annual productivity survey for wild turkeys. Volunteers assist the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife by collecting information on the continuing distribution and reproductive success of the state’s turkey population, which enables wildlife biologists to efficiently monitor and continue tracking the wild turkey’s ultra-successful reintroduction to the state in the late 20^th century.

The simple method, used by many states across the Northeast, asks survey volunteers, while going about their daily activities, to record and report sightings of turkeys during the survey period, which runs from July 1 through Aug. 31. Upon sighting turkeys, survey volunteers are to record the date, location and number of adult hens (females), gobblers (males) and poults (young of the year) that they have observed.

This year, for the first time, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will be using an online survey form that volunteers will find easier for recording wild turkey sightings. The survey form – found on the de.gov/turkeysurvey webpage – should be submitted by volunteers immediately after new turkey sightings.

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Gov. Sherrill Opens World Cup Games at SoccerFest26

The Board of Commissioners will join Governor Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Donald Norcross, local and state officials, and thousands of soccer fans at SoccerFest26 at the Camden Waterfront to kick off the Norway vs. France and Senegal vs. Iraq matches at 3 p.m.

“It is truly an honor to have Governor Sherrill join us at SoccerFest26. This event wouldn’t be possible without the Governor advocating for South Jersey to receive grant funding from Choose New Jersey,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “Our SoccerFest26 pregame party is the best way to get ready for the Friday afternoon games, and we encourage everyone to join us.”

Beginning at 1:30 p.m. ahead of the 3 p.m. matches there will be $10 vouchers for the food and merchandise vendors and spectators will have the opportunity to win a special World Cup package.

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NEW JERSEY BLOOD SERVICES ENCOURAGES BLOOD DONATIONS AHEAD OF JULY 4 HOLIDAY

New Jersey Blood Services is encouraging eligible donors to make plans to give blood ahead of the July 4^th holiday, a time when blood donations often decline while patient needs remain constant.

The summer months are traditionally accompanied by a drop in blood donations due to vacations, school breaks and changing schedules. This year, additional factors including increased travel, remote work arrangements, traffic congestion and road closures associated with major regional events have begun to impact blood collections and blood drive operations across parts of the New York and New Jersey area.

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Shooting Investigation

The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred this evening in the 39th District, leaving a teenager injured.

At approximately 7:12 PM, officers responded to the 2400 block of West Cambria Street following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, a 16-year-old male victim was located. He was quickly transported by a medic to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. His current condition has not yet been released.

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Soccerfest with Governor Mikie Sherrill

Join us this Friday, June 26 at the Camden Waterfront for SoccerFest26, a free three-day World Cup celebration at Wiggins Waterfront Park.

Kick off the day with Governor Mikie Sherrill, local and state officials, and community partners at a pregame party ahead of the 3:00 PM matches.

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NJMVC to Begin Appointments for E-bike Licensing and Registration

Starting June 26, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) will begin appointments for customers to obtain licenses and registrations to operate e-bikes, in accordance with a law (P.L.2025, c.285) enacted in January 2026.

“We’ve worked hard to update our processes and resources to begin issuing licenses and registrations for e-bike riders in New Jersey,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Rosalie Johnson. “We strongly encourage e-bike riders to utilize the guidance on the NJMVC’s website to familiarize themselves with new requirements for safe and legal e-bike operation, and to book appointments, as needed, to get their registration and license.”

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Collazos-Gill Statement on “Polluters Pay to Make NJ More Affordable Act” Clearing Committee

Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-Essex, Passaic) issued the following statement on today’s advancement of Bill A3735, better known as the “Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act” in the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

“Today’s passage of the Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act through the Assembly Appropriations Committee is an important step toward ensuring that the corporations responsible for environmental damage help cover the costs of climate resilience and recovery, not New Jersey taxpayers.

“I am proud to serve as the prime sponsor of this legislation and grateful to my colleagues for advancing this critical bill. As climate-related costs continue to rise, this legislation will help protect our communities while easing the financial burden on hardworking families across our state.”

Rowan’s Mike Dickson Named Region Coach of the Year

Rowan’s Mike Dickson has been named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC NCAA Division III Region IV Coach of the Year after guiding the Profs to their second consecutive trip to the NCAA College World Series. It marks the second time that Dickson has earned the region’s top honor, having also achieved the feat in 2021.

In his 12th season at his alma mater, Dickson guided the Profs to a 38-7 record, which ties the most victories in his tenure. Rowan captured the 2026 NJAC Championship, its third title under Dickson, and captured the NCAA Gorham (Maine) Regional title. The Profs then won their second consecutive NCAA Regional NCAA Super Regional Championship by sweeping Randolph-Macon at home, in the first time that Rowan hosted that round of post-season play.