Reputed New England mob ex-leader arrested in Fla.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The reputed former leader of New England's Patriarca crime family has been arrested in Florida and at least one other alleged mob associate has been picked up in Rhode Island as part of an FBI crackdown on organized crime in the Northeast.

The U.S. attorney's office in Providence says Luigi Manocchio (mah-NOCK'-ee-oh) was arrested Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale. A newly unsealed indictment accuses Manocchio, the alleged former head of the Patriarca crime family, of collecting protection payments from strip club-owners.

Also arrested was Thomas Iafrate, who worked as a bookkeeper for Providence strip clubs. Prosecutors allege he set aside money for Manocchio.

Manocchio has long denied having mob ties.

Iafrate pleaded not guilty Thursday in federal court in Providence.