from www.boston.com – A man who law enforcement officials say was the boss of the New England Mafia is facing extortion and extortion conspiracy charges for allegedly receiving monthly protection payments for years from strip clubs and other adult entertainment businesses in Providence.

Luigi “Louie” Manocchio, 83, was charged in an indictment unsealed today in US District Court in Rhode Island. He was arrested Wednesday in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The US attorney’s office in Rhode Island said the indictment of Manocchio was part of a widespread campaign against the Mafia in the Northeast in which 91 members and associates of seven organized crime families were charged with racketeering and related federal crimes, including murder and extortion. Another 36 people also face charges for associated criminal activity.

“Today’s arrests and charges mark an important step forward in disrupting La Cosa Nostra’s illegal activities,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.

“This largest single day operation against La Cosa Nostra sends the message that our fight against traditional organized crime is strong and our commitment is unwavering.”

Manocchio was at various times a member, underboss, and boss of the New England organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, prosecutors alleged in the Rhode Island indictment.

The indictment said that the Mafia and its members and associates used intimidation and implied threats to induce owners and operators of adult bookstores and strip clubs in Providence to provide “protection” payments.

Thomas Iafrate, an alleged mob associate, was also charged in the case. He allegedly set aside, collected, and delivered the protection payments to Manocchio on behalf of the Satin Doll, Cadillac Lounge, and other adult entertainment businesses.

Federal prosecutors said they had charged members and associates of the New England, mob, all five New York-based crime families — the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Luchese families — and the New Jersey-based Decavalcante family. The indictments were unsealed in Providence, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Newark, N.J. Four of the defendants are charged with five murders.

The Rhode Island US attorney’s office said Manocchio and Iafrate extorted protection payments for nearly two decades from the owner of the Satin Doll and Cadillac Lounge and other businesses. Manocchio is expected to make an initial appearance in US District Court in Ft. Lauderdale today. Iafrate was arrested at his Johnston, R.I., home this morning and will be arraigned at 2 p.m. today in US District Court in Providence, prosecutors said.

Each charge against Manocchio and Iafrate carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said the investigation is continuing.