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.”

Four-Hour Power Outage in Gloucester City

UPDATED

UPDATE: The power outage was not the reason why electricity was loss in the Riverview Heights section of the city, according to a spokesperson for Public Service Electric and Gas.

Kathy Hennessy Riley, PSE&G Corporate Communications, said the cause was weather-related. “I wanted to clarify that the traffic light pole that was struck at Broadway and Market Street was not the cause of the local power outage that affected the Riverview Heights section of the City on Monday night.

The outage, which affected approximately 2500 customers, was weather-related. Crews worked to safely identify and address the issue and restore service to affected customers as quickly as possible.”

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews) (June 22, 2026)--The traffic light at Broadway and Market Street is apparently the cause of the local power outage that affected the Riverview Heights section of the City. The local police did not report how the light was knocked over. Neither did they release any information on whether there were any injuries. Businesses and residents lost electricity around 2 PM. It was restored at 6 PM.

Traffic lights along Broadway from Kohler Street to Market Street were offline. Many of the businesses along that stretch of highway closed their doors due to not having air conditioning. Residents living in the Carpenter Square Apartments were also affected.

Public Service Electric and Gas first notified customers that the electricity would be restored by 7 PM. Service was restored at 6:10 PM.

Photo by CNBNews reporter Kathy Cleary Underwood

The traffic light at Broadway and Market Street was struck by either a car or a tractor-trailer. Work crews from Public Service Electric and Gas were at this location for several hours. Residents and businesses lost electricity around 2 PM today. Electric was restored around 6 PM. Local police released no information to the media about the incident.

Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 31, 2026)(CNBNews)–Electric scooters and electric bikes have flooded into Gloucester City and surrounding towns, and the results are becoming harder to ignore. What began as a convenient way to get around has quickly turned into a safety problem for anyone who uses our sidewalks, jogging paths, or neighborhood streets responsibly.

The danger isn’t theoretical. On my daily walks with Sweetie, I’ve had kids on these motorized bikes come up behind us without a sound. These machines make no noise, so you can’t hear them approaching until they’re already on top of you. More than once, a rider has blown past us at high speed, leaving no time to react. In one instance, a teenager on an e‑bike came straight at the dog and me, expecting us to move aside. I was forced to step off the path or be hit. That’s not “sharing the road”—that’s intimidation.

Recently, we also heard of an electric scooter allegedly striking a pedestrian at the Johnson Boulevard Jogging Track in Gloucester City. That didn’t surprise us. We’ve watched riders whip around that park as if safety rules apply only to someone else. Not long after, we saw a motorbike racing down the sidewalk toward the Market Street Wawa before cutting directly into oncoming traffic. These aren’t isolated incidents—they’re part of a growing pattern of reckless behavior that puts innocent people at risk.

Continue reading “Coming in July New E-bike Requirements, Includes Having Insurance, License” →

CNBNEWS Tips & Snippets: Looking Good, Creepy Snakes, New Signs

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 25, 2026)–The owner of the BluLight marijuana dispensary, North Broadway and Warren Street, had a mural drawn on the Warren Street side of the building. Included is a sketch of the Walt Whitman Bridge. A portion of the bridge, which spans the Delaware River, connecting New Jersey to Philadelphia, PA, and beyond, can be seen on the horizon at a distance. The number 1868, which is the year the City of Gloucester was incorporated, is also inscribed. The mural was created by Lord Henry, a talented artist whose work you can check out at drol.com.co or on Instagram at @lordhenry_05. According to the artist, the piece is inspired by South Jersey and the local community, including elements like the Walt Whitman Bridge to represent the connection between Gloucester City, Philadelphia, and the people who pass through the area every day. Our goal was to create something visually impactful that would help brighten up the neighborhood and add a creative landmark to the area.

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Flying a torn, tattered American Flag, you disrepect Soldiers Who Fought & Died for it

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Cleary’s Notebook News)–Anyone who is a regular viewer of Cleary’s Notebook News knows by now that one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing a torn, ragged American Flag flying on a flagpole, or any other type of pole. The flag on the left is located in front of 637 Division Street. The other flag is located at the Johnson Blvd. sports complex near the Gloucester City Water Works. Memorial Day is not just the time to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. It is also the time to remember those who fought and died for you and I. The flag should be displayed with respect and care. It is typically flown from sunrise to sunset, but can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated. The flag should never touch the ground and should be replaced if it becomes tattered.

Flying the American flag is a meaningful way to show respect for the nation and its values, while also commemorating the sacrifices made by those who have served. By now, everyone knows that we will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31. Hopefully, by then, the torn flag near the Water Works property and the tattered flag at the 637 Division Street will be replaced with new ones.

CNBNews Digital Files: January 2012 Cheers and Jeers

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

Cheer –Newly appointed Superintendent of School Paul Spaventa found out that not all video tapes of school board meetings were being given to the Local cable Channel 19 for public viewing. Someone either in the administration and/or on the school board was choosing what tapes the public got to view. As soon as it was brought to his attention the superintendent corrected the problem. Thanks Mr. Spaventa for righting a wrong.

JEER-To shoppers and staff members that smoke directly outside the entrance to a store or business. Smokers certainly have the right to engage in this activity, but more consideration needs to be given to where you smoke so that individuals do not have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter. CVS often has a smoky entrance due to some of their own employees

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Out of a Field of 70, Clearys Notebook #12

CNBNews Named One of New Jersey’s Top Blogs for the Second Straight Year

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 9, 2026)–Cleary’s Notebook News (CNBNews) received a welcome honor this week: Feedspot has once again ranked the site among the top blogs in New Jersey, marking the second consecutive year CNBNews has earned a spot on the statewide list.

Feedspot released its 2026 Best New Jersey Blogs rankings on May 1. The list evaluates blogs across several criteria, including content relevance, subject expertise, posting frequency, and overall freshness. Sites demonstrating the strongest credibility and influence within the New Jersey media landscape rise to the top. Feedspot updates the rankings regularly to reflect the most active and impactful blogs operating today.

This year, CNBNews tied for the No. 12 position. In 2025, the site ranked No. 11 out of 80 blogs, placing it firmly among the state’s most trusted independent news sources.

Founded in 2006 by William E. Cleary Sr., CNBNews has spent two decades delivering watchdog reporting, community news, and commentary across Gloucester City, South Jersey, and the Philadelphia region. Cleary, the longtime former editor and publisher of the Gloucester City News and the Camden County Record, continues to lead the site’s coverage.

Feedspot, a widely used content‑aggregation platform, helps readers follow blogs, podcasts, news sites, magazines, YouTube channels, and RSS feeds from one centralized dashboard. Its curated rankings highlight standout publishers who consistently inform, engage, and serve their audiences.

For CNBNews, the recognition is another reminder of what independent, local journalism can accomplish when it stays committed to accuracy, persistence, and public accountability.

Here are 70 Best New Jersey Blogs you should read and follow in 2026. Subscribe in one place on FeedSpot Reader.

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CNBNews Digital Archives: Only in America!

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNews)(July 12, 2012)–Whenever there is an election involving a seat in Congress or in the White House, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be a big year for federal grants to be given out. Even though the national debt is $16 trillion and climbing, the “Washington Elite” doesn’t care; after all, it is not their money they are spending.

For example, in May, a list of 25 towns across the United States receiving money to help pay the salaries of firemen or to rehire firemen was released. The funds were awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a program that provides $400 million in grants nationwide for rehiring laid-off firefighters and retaining those whose jobs are in jeopardy due to budget constraints.”

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Gloucester City Council to Purchase More Vehicles, Raise Employee Salaries, Introduce Budget

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (April 26, 2026)(CNBNews)–To better keep you informed, we have made a video of the mayor and council meeting’s agenda for your perusal. Normally, we would have copied and pasted the agenda onto our website, but because Gloucester City posts the documents as a PDF each month, that process is very time‑consuming. The raw video is below this article. To pause a page of the agenda, click on the page you want to read.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 PM, Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Police Administrative Building, 313 Monmouth Street, in the courtroom.

The 37‑page agenda contains several items that stand out. For example, the agenda includes a resolution that will introduce the 2026-27 city budget, but the amount of the budget is not included. Also missing from the resolution is the amount of the local property tax; does it increase? If so by how much. Instead, the resolution states that residents can stop at the municipal building if they want to know that information. There was a time when the entire budget would be published in the local paper. And, not too long ago, the city offered a Friendly budget that was easy to read.

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Cleary’s Notebook Presents

APRIL CHEERS AND JEERS

Gloucester City Firefighter Settles Lawsuit for $45K

Written by William E. Cleary Sr.

JEER — To the ongoing dysfunction inside the Gloucester City Fire Department

A recently settled lawsuit revealed allegations of harassment, retaliation, and hostility toward an injured firefighter, ending in a $45,000 payout by the city. The details paint a picture of leadership problems that taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for.

The source for the $45,000 payout by Gloucester City is a March 27, 2026, report by Transparency NJ, written by open‑government advocate John Paff. The article details the settlement of a lawsuit filed by firefighter Kyle Jeffries, (photo) who alleged disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the Gloucester City Fire Department. The city agreed to pay $45,000 to resolve the case — $23,804 to Jeffries for emotional distress and $21,196 for attorney fees.

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Key points from the documented settlement

The lawsuit stemmed from a June 2023 training injury and the firefighter’s subsequent treatment while on light duty. In his lawsuit, Kyle Jeffries, who began working for the department in 2014, alleged that he sustained a ruptured nerve in his spine leading to his left leg during a swift water training exercise in June 2023. He alleged that after reporting the injury and seeking medical treatment, he was placed on light-duty status but faced hostility from both supervisors and coworkers.

Allegations included hostility from supervisors, delayed workers’ comp paperwork, and retaliatory shift changes.

The settlement was finalized in August 2025, but publicly reported in March 2026.

The city did not admit wrongdoing, but paid the settlement to close the case. The mayor and council never said a word to the taxpayers who footed the bill for this case.